Regarding the Democrat Debate Last Night
[Comments from David at "kucinich4president" Yahoo Group]
Yes I saw it, even was up when it was replayed later in the evening. The best part was Dennis got very strong applause and Dean was somewhat withdrawn. Sharpton as well as Dean spoke up in agreement with Dennis on several questions posed to them. Now today, there have been mentions of Dennis and mostly Kerry and Dean. Kerry was the "talking head" since he is in the lead now, and Dean is being bad mouthed as being very low on funds and having to force all his staff to take a two week "no pay zone".... He's trying to put the best spin on it that he can, but Dennis is like the turtle in the race with the hare! He will win with steady pickups of delegates and at the end, will be able to influence the outcome if not get the nomination anyway. I plan on voting for DJK no matter what, because the primary is NOT the place to compromise!
Friday, January 30, 2004
Stop being just a taxpayer...Start being a Citizen! Vote KUCINICH!!
Kucinich: More Troops Will Be Blocked From Leaving or Retiring
January 29, 2004
"The Army has already exceeded by roughly 10,000 its legal limit of 482,000 troops by refusing to let soldiers leave or retire. Now the Pentagon is asking to raise the limit by 30,000. Senator Kerry sounds a similar theme, advocating another 40,000 troops in Iraq. The only way this can be done without a draft is to deny more soldiers the right to come home when their terms of service are finished and when their families expect them home. This constitutes involuntary service. What's the difference between this and a draft? The administration is taking away the right of soldiers to leave the military after they have served. Only by doing this are they able to continue the illegal occupation of Iraq. We have an alternative. We can work with the UN to bring UN peacekeepers into Iraq and bring our troops home."
Kucinich: More Troops Will Be Blocked From Leaving or Retiring
January 29, 2004
"The Army has already exceeded by roughly 10,000 its legal limit of 482,000 troops by refusing to let soldiers leave or retire. Now the Pentagon is asking to raise the limit by 30,000. Senator Kerry sounds a similar theme, advocating another 40,000 troops in Iraq. The only way this can be done without a draft is to deny more soldiers the right to come home when their terms of service are finished and when their families expect them home. This constitutes involuntary service. What's the difference between this and a draft? The administration is taking away the right of soldiers to leave the military after they have served. Only by doing this are they able to continue the illegal occupation of Iraq. We have an alternative. We can work with the UN to bring UN peacekeepers into Iraq and bring our troops home."
'Chaos' Hits Dean's Camp
by Helen Kennedy
Daily News Washington Bureau
Wednesday, January 28th, 2004
WASHINGTON - Facing electoral disaster, Howard Dean shook up his campaign staff yesterday, shedding the man who turned him into an outsider phenom and replacing him with a veteran Washington operative. Campaign manager Joe Trippi, whose Internet wizardry built a grass-roots network of supporters and donors that changed the face of politics, quit after Dean put former Al Gore chief of staff and corporate lobbyist Roy Neel in charge. "I'm out of the campaign but I'm not out of the fight," Trippi said. "I hope people stick with him." Dean said he wanted to "centralize" management of the campaign and hoped Trippi would come back "after he's thought this through a little bit." Dean said, "If it hadn't been for Joe Trippi, we wouldn't be where we are." Trippi rejected an offer to stay and run the media and Internet operation. Other top aides also were rumored to be considering leaving. One campaign insider groused, "It was turmoil before. Now it's chaos." Dean spent the day huddled with advisers, arguing strategy for the next big contest: the seven states that vote on Tuesday.
Dean lags in polls in all seven. He had two conference calls, one with top moneymen and one with officials who endorsed him. Both gave him an earful about his losses in Iowa and New Hampshire and made it clear they would jump ship if he didn't win somewhere pronto. Things look bleak for Dean, who only a few weeks ago was soaring toward the nomination with money, magazine covers and mojo. "We are in enormous trouble," admitted one top staffer. "This may be over soon," said another. His back-to-back losses are expected to severely curtail his ability to raise money just as the race goes national, when having substantial money for ads is the only way to win. Dean campaign insiders say most of the $40 million he raised in small donations is gone, blown in Iowa and New Hampshire and on ads aired nationally last year. Staffers will not be paid for the next two weeks. "We need to husband our resources for the 10 states coming up," said Dean, who insisted he will fight for every state, while Trippi advised picking certain battlefields.
"We're worried about money but we're not broke." There are signs Dean's army of small contributors are growing wary. When the campaign asked for $1 million by last Tuesday, $600,000 came in. "We spent it as fast as it came in," said one source. "Trippi had too much faith in the donors. He thought they would always respond when we asked for more money. I think that maybe was a mistake." The shakeup also ensures that Dean's troubles dominate the news, allowing front-runner John Kerry more precious days of positive coverage. The Massachusetts senator, flying high on his big New Hampshire win, picked up money and endorsements, including Rep. Jim Clyburn, a key black congressman from South Carolina. It was a psychological blow to native son John Edwards, who admits South Carolina is a make-or-break state for him.
by Helen Kennedy
Daily News Washington Bureau
Wednesday, January 28th, 2004
WASHINGTON - Facing electoral disaster, Howard Dean shook up his campaign staff yesterday, shedding the man who turned him into an outsider phenom and replacing him with a veteran Washington operative. Campaign manager Joe Trippi, whose Internet wizardry built a grass-roots network of supporters and donors that changed the face of politics, quit after Dean put former Al Gore chief of staff and corporate lobbyist Roy Neel in charge. "I'm out of the campaign but I'm not out of the fight," Trippi said. "I hope people stick with him." Dean said he wanted to "centralize" management of the campaign and hoped Trippi would come back "after he's thought this through a little bit." Dean said, "If it hadn't been for Joe Trippi, we wouldn't be where we are." Trippi rejected an offer to stay and run the media and Internet operation. Other top aides also were rumored to be considering leaving. One campaign insider groused, "It was turmoil before. Now it's chaos." Dean spent the day huddled with advisers, arguing strategy for the next big contest: the seven states that vote on Tuesday.
Dean lags in polls in all seven. He had two conference calls, one with top moneymen and one with officials who endorsed him. Both gave him an earful about his losses in Iowa and New Hampshire and made it clear they would jump ship if he didn't win somewhere pronto. Things look bleak for Dean, who only a few weeks ago was soaring toward the nomination with money, magazine covers and mojo. "We are in enormous trouble," admitted one top staffer. "This may be over soon," said another. His back-to-back losses are expected to severely curtail his ability to raise money just as the race goes national, when having substantial money for ads is the only way to win. Dean campaign insiders say most of the $40 million he raised in small donations is gone, blown in Iowa and New Hampshire and on ads aired nationally last year. Staffers will not be paid for the next two weeks. "We need to husband our resources for the 10 states coming up," said Dean, who insisted he will fight for every state, while Trippi advised picking certain battlefields.
"We're worried about money but we're not broke." There are signs Dean's army of small contributors are growing wary. When the campaign asked for $1 million by last Tuesday, $600,000 came in. "We spent it as fast as it came in," said one source. "Trippi had too much faith in the donors. He thought they would always respond when we asked for more money. I think that maybe was a mistake." The shakeup also ensures that Dean's troubles dominate the news, allowing front-runner John Kerry more precious days of positive coverage. The Massachusetts senator, flying high on his big New Hampshire win, picked up money and endorsements, including Rep. Jim Clyburn, a key black congressman from South Carolina. It was a psychological blow to native son John Edwards, who admits South Carolina is a make-or-break state for him.
Thursday, January 29, 2004
I was going to wait until February 2nd when its really official, but I'll make the announcement now, since it is relatively so as of today. The gal I've been covering six months for has decided not to come back to E&Y and resign from the firm. [She was on maturnity leave.] Much discussion went on between my Administrative Manager and the Insurance Tax Group. The result is that they are all happy with me and keeping moi on as a permanent administrative assistant and not as a floater. Hurray! Yippee! WooHoo! I already got a congrats e-card from the admin who sits next to me, plus several folk on the same floor came by to wish my good cheer. [smiling] On top of all that ... today is my third anniversary with the firm. I think I might celebrate this evening with a glass or two of white wine. Yum!
*****************************
[Kucinich News from Mari at the national campaign headquarters in Ohio]
First....We have a new press Secretary...William Rivers Pitt from TruthOut.org He has to resign his position, so he can't officially do anything until then... I expect things will get better soon with respect to Press.
Second....DO SELL THE PLATFORM... PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO THAT AND UNDERSTAND HOW THEIR VOTE CAN HELP.
Here are some good talking points:
Are your Hopes and Dreams electable?
ONLY IF YOU VOTE FOR THEM.
YOUR Vote. YOUR Voice. BE Heard.
Want to CHANGE the World?
Send KUCINICH to Boston.
Send Delegates to BUILD the platform.
YOUR Vote. YOUR Voice. BE Heard.
What CHANGE?
How Much Change Are You Ready For?
YOUR Vote. YOUR Voice.
Send Kucinich Delegates to Boston.
BE Heard.
Love KUCINICH ...But...?
We ARE NOT Electing a President Yet!
WE ARE ELECTING A PLATFORM.
Your HOPES and DREAMS are Electable?
Send Dennis to Boston to Represent YOU.
Your Vote. Your Voice. Your Country.
*****************************
[Kucinich News from Mari at the national campaign headquarters in Ohio]
First....We have a new press Secretary...William Rivers Pitt from TruthOut.org He has to resign his position, so he can't officially do anything until then... I expect things will get better soon with respect to Press.
Second....DO SELL THE PLATFORM... PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO THAT AND UNDERSTAND HOW THEIR VOTE CAN HELP.
Here are some good talking points:
Are your Hopes and Dreams electable?
ONLY IF YOU VOTE FOR THEM.
YOUR Vote. YOUR Voice. BE Heard.
Want to CHANGE the World?
Send KUCINICH to Boston.
Send Delegates to BUILD the platform.
YOUR Vote. YOUR Voice. BE Heard.
What CHANGE?
How Much Change Are You Ready For?
YOUR Vote. YOUR Voice.
Send Kucinich Delegates to Boston.
BE Heard.
Love KUCINICH ...But...?
We ARE NOT Electing a President Yet!
WE ARE ELECTING A PLATFORM.
Your HOPES and DREAMS are Electable?
Send Dennis to Boston to Represent YOU.
Your Vote. Your Voice. Your Country.
DEFROSTING THE PRIMARIES
[Item Sent to me by Jessica ... another terrific NYC Kucinich volunteer]
It is shameful that the Editorial page of the New York Times is trying to pre-select who can be a candidate in the Primary process, by suggesting that Kucinich and Sharpton be eliminated from the debates. You are ignoring the petition filing facts in NYS. Dennis Kucinch running a complete volunteer campaign in NYS with no professional organizers and no personnel experienced in presidential campaigns, managed to be the fourth highest filer in number of signatures, beating out Kerry, Lieberman, Gebhardt, Mosley-Braun, and Sharpton.
Kucinich gets no coverage other than his "spots" in the debates which is making it difficult for him to been seen as a viable candidate. Yet his is the real Democratic platform and should be treated as such. He is the "Wellstone" Democrat in this race, calling for Universal Health Care (taking the insurance industry out of the picture and transferring the $209 billion now spent in insurance 'premiums" to pay for it...it's more than enough!), canceling NAFTA (he's for true fair trade... he's not anti-trade, but NAFTA has been worded such that it cannot be "modified"), and for trimming the "cold war waste" out of the Pentagon budget so we can improve public education and have the funds to ensure good pre-k through college for all students. He is also the only Democrat to have stood up in Congress against the lies told to Americans to justify the war on Iraq and the nefarious Patriot Act. His platform is what New Yorkers should be voting for. The National Convention will give us a chance to "select" the nominee, but if we don't vote for this platform now, we loose our opportunity to influence the Democratic Party, and worse we send the message that business as usual is OK... which it clearly isn't. NAFTA was ill conceived.
It costs us jobs and allows polluters to operate with impunity. Americans deserve Universal Heath Care. We more than pay for it now, yet 44 million have no coverage at all. I don't know anyone who thinks our current Health system "works". We need to rejoin the international community, promote the Rule of Law, join the International Criminal Court, sign the Land Mine Treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, and The Rights of Women and Children Resolution. We were wrong to go into Iraq. Bush "justified" it by lying to Congress and to the American people. Our soldiers' continued presence there fuels anti-American sentiment and further hardens the hearts of those who harbor anti-Western views. Kucinich is the only candidate who speaks out clearly in opposition to Bush on all of these issues. Without his platform no Democrat offers the American people a clear choice. NYS has a chance to drive that message home on March 2.
By voting for Kucinich we ensure that the "Wellstone" legacy carried on by Kucinich, lives in the Democratic Party's platform. The NY Times should serve Democracy and help deliver the American people clear choices on the issues. We are living at a critical time in human history, and the future of the world may well rest with the next general election. The future of Democracy and who we are as a people is what we are voicing in this Primary. Please don't trivialize this. A brokered National Convention will strengthen the Democratic platform so that it truly represents what Americans really need and want. That's the best we can hope for to beat Bush...not a "tabloid" treatment.
[Item Sent to me by Jessica ... another terrific NYC Kucinich volunteer]
It is shameful that the Editorial page of the New York Times is trying to pre-select who can be a candidate in the Primary process, by suggesting that Kucinich and Sharpton be eliminated from the debates. You are ignoring the petition filing facts in NYS. Dennis Kucinch running a complete volunteer campaign in NYS with no professional organizers and no personnel experienced in presidential campaigns, managed to be the fourth highest filer in number of signatures, beating out Kerry, Lieberman, Gebhardt, Mosley-Braun, and Sharpton.
Kucinich gets no coverage other than his "spots" in the debates which is making it difficult for him to been seen as a viable candidate. Yet his is the real Democratic platform and should be treated as such. He is the "Wellstone" Democrat in this race, calling for Universal Health Care (taking the insurance industry out of the picture and transferring the $209 billion now spent in insurance 'premiums" to pay for it...it's more than enough!), canceling NAFTA (he's for true fair trade... he's not anti-trade, but NAFTA has been worded such that it cannot be "modified"), and for trimming the "cold war waste" out of the Pentagon budget so we can improve public education and have the funds to ensure good pre-k through college for all students. He is also the only Democrat to have stood up in Congress against the lies told to Americans to justify the war on Iraq and the nefarious Patriot Act. His platform is what New Yorkers should be voting for. The National Convention will give us a chance to "select" the nominee, but if we don't vote for this platform now, we loose our opportunity to influence the Democratic Party, and worse we send the message that business as usual is OK... which it clearly isn't. NAFTA was ill conceived.
It costs us jobs and allows polluters to operate with impunity. Americans deserve Universal Heath Care. We more than pay for it now, yet 44 million have no coverage at all. I don't know anyone who thinks our current Health system "works". We need to rejoin the international community, promote the Rule of Law, join the International Criminal Court, sign the Land Mine Treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, and The Rights of Women and Children Resolution. We were wrong to go into Iraq. Bush "justified" it by lying to Congress and to the American people. Our soldiers' continued presence there fuels anti-American sentiment and further hardens the hearts of those who harbor anti-Western views. Kucinich is the only candidate who speaks out clearly in opposition to Bush on all of these issues. Without his platform no Democrat offers the American people a clear choice. NYS has a chance to drive that message home on March 2.
By voting for Kucinich we ensure that the "Wellstone" legacy carried on by Kucinich, lives in the Democratic Party's platform. The NY Times should serve Democracy and help deliver the American people clear choices on the issues. We are living at a critical time in human history, and the future of the world may well rest with the next general election. The future of Democracy and who we are as a people is what we are voicing in this Primary. Please don't trivialize this. A brokered National Convention will strengthen the Democratic platform so that it truly represents what Americans really need and want. That's the best we can hope for to beat Bush...not a "tabloid" treatment.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Another snowstorm has hit NYC & it looks lovely outside in Brooklyn.
[Note ... Received the below message yesterday evening from MoveOn.org website]
Over the last four days, something incredible has happened. CBS has received over 340,000 emails and phone calls asking it to stop its censorship. Clearly a huge number of us believe that CBS's refusal to run our Voter Fund ad, while allowing the Bush White House to run an advocacy ad of its own, is just plain wrong.
Columnists and editorial pages are writing about it. And on Monday, FCC commissioner Michael Copps issued a statement on it. These folks understand that this issue isn't just about our Voter Fund's ad -- an ad by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was censored as well. At heart, it's about free speech. Huge companies like CBS that control access to the publicly owned airwaves have to air opposing points of view.
CBS still refuses to run "Child's Pay." But together, we can increase the pressure on CBS. And through the power of the Internet, we can make sure that millions of people see the ad and learn about the controversy. As a first step, forward this email or the original message attached below to your friends. Ask them to check out the ad at:
http://www.moveon.org/cbs/ad/
They can also send an email to CBS and join the campaign at that address. If you haven't joined the campaign yet, you can sign the petition there as well. Next, consider taking a moment to call CBS and let them know why you believe their refusal to run ads like this one is wrong. If you call, please be calm and polite -- it's not the folks who answer the phones'
>fault that CBS made this decision. You can reach them at:
Viacom, Inc. (CBS' Corporate Owner)
(212) 258-6000
(We're spreading out the calls across a number of relevant CBS numbers, so hopefully you won't get a busy signal.) After you've called, help us track the number of calls that are pouring in by going to:
http://www.moveon.org/cbscalls.html?id=2285-2148547-vIJej1kzPkD72Om5MvltsQ
If you have a website or blog of your own, you can also help by placing a banner ad or button on the site. This'll help push the ad to a whole new level of prominence. Click on the link below to get images and the code to put on your site:
http://www.moveon.org/cbs/banners.html
Finally, you can contribute to the conversation in the nation's editorial pages by writing a letter to the editor. Here are a few tips on writing an effective letter:
* Brevity is the soul of wit.
* The key to publication is to pounce on something specific you've seen in the newspaper -- such as a story on Super Bowl advertising.
* Be sure to include your name and address, and especially your phone number when submitting your letter. Editors need to call you to verify authorship before they can print your letter. They don't print your phone number.
* Your newspaper's letters page should give you an email address or fax number to use, or you can try this website:
http://congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/
Here are a few talking points you can use in your letter:
* It's about free speech. The First Amendment doesn't mean a whole lot if we're denied access to the airwaves. CBS has a constitutional obligation to air opposing points of view.
* If the White House can run an ad, other groups should be allowed to also. CBS will be airing an ad sponsored by the White House on this year's Super Bowl. Previous ads in this series have implied that buying drugs funds terrorism -- a much more controversial claim than the one "Child's Pay" makes.
* CBS just got a huge favor from the White House. Senator John McCain said that the bill was custom tailored to CBS and Fox, which have been lobbying heavily to be able to grow larger. MoveOn and other groups have lobbied against this bill. Now the White House is allowed to run an ad, and groups like MoveOn Voter Fund are not.
* What's "controversial"? CBS claims that it has a policy against running "controversial" issue ads. But the only line in the whole ad is a fact:
President Bush has created a $1 trillion deficit. In fact, according to numbers released by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office yesterday, that number's low. As you know, this campaign is bigger than one ad. It's about free speech. We're putting the country's media on notice that we're not going to take censorship lying down.
P.S. Some of you have written in to tell us that local CBS affiliates are willing to run the ad. It's true, and it points out CBS' hypocrisy: If the "policy" under which it rejected this ad made sense for the national organization, one would think it would apply to the affiliates as well. Placing the ad nationally via affiliates would likely cost several times the $1.6 million to run it on the network. But even if in the end CBS still refuses to broadcast the ad nationwide, we'll make sure it gets on TV in a powerful way. Please stay tuned.
[Note ... Kerry may have won the primary in NH, with Dean following in second, but remember this ... our man Kucinich is in it to the end. All the way to the Democratic Convention and I always cheer on and support the underdog. Kucinich is the Man!]
Kucinich Gets Top Spot for New York Primary
by Marc Humbert
AP Political Writer
January 26, 2004
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--newyorkprimary0126jan26,0,2432022.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire
KUCINICH CAN BECOME PRESIDENT If We All Act Now
by Pamela Hall
Despite the widespread opinion that Dennis Kucinich is the candidate that people would like to see as president, we hear the consistent objection: "but he can't win." This seems to be the only negative point that is ever raised and furthermore, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. This mistaken assertion itself is a major barrier to Dennis' victory. Here are some points that need to be considered and an invitation to join The People's Media.
"THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED." The Kucinich campaign is no ordinary campaign; it is a movement campaign. The mainstream media are not going to be any friendlier to us than they are to the movements that animate our campaign: peace, labor, environmental, energy, education, family farm, consumer rights and every civil rights movement for equality and dignity. Kucinich supporters have to be brave enough to keep building, recruiting and organizing our grassroots campaign without validation from mainstream media. "Don't count on the mainstream media to lead a social revolution," a former New York Times reporter once said. "They won't even know about it for six months."...until we rise up in the Iowa caucuses come January 19th.
http://www.la.indymedia.org/news/2003/05/58823.php
"DEMOCRATS NOMINATE DARK HORSES, NOT FRONT-RUNNERS...Only twice in the last 44 years has the Democratic nominee for President emerged in the year before the election as the clear front-runner in the Gallup Poll." For example: Carter did not register in any of the four 1975 polls. Clinton was polling at only 6% as late as October of 1991. "If history turns out to be a reliable guide, Democratic voters in 2004 will not nominate the eventual front-runner, whoever he turns out to be, but will instead confound us by falling in love, once again, with an embattled underdog."
http://www.kucinich.us/electable.php
THE POLLS SHOW SUPPORT FOR KUCINICH'S POSITIONS
a. 80% of Americans think big companies have too much influence on Washington.
b. 71% think we should invest in clean energy sources, and improve our efficiency.
c. 68% think that the US has a moral responsibility toward poor nations to help them develop economically and improve their people's lives.
d. 66% disapprove of privatization of social security.
e. 62% prefer a universal health insurance program like Medicare, which covers everyone, to the current health insurance system.
f. 57% of Democrats said they would favor a candidate who opposed the congressional resolution that authorized the war against Irag, compared with 22% who said they would support candidates who backed the resolution. Kerry, Edwards, Lieberman and Gephardt voted for it; Kucinich voted against it."
g. Only 35% of American women think the outcome of the war in Iraq was worth the cost.
h. Only 29% of Americans would prefer the federal government cut taxes rather than spend the money on education, health care or Social Security.
THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE US FREE FROM BUSH
For a clear indictment of the Bush regime by credible members of the intelligence community, (CIA, US foreign service experts, etc.) Watch and pass on Uncovered: The whole truth about the Iraq war. It's capable of awakening some Republicans and arousing passive liberals to action. Available for $14.95 in video or DVD from Uncovered, PO Box 988, Culver City, CA 90232.
http://www.truthuncovered.com
DEMOCRATS WILL REALIZE WHOEVER WE NOMINATE WILL WIN, SO WE NEED A REAL DEMOCRAT
Far from being radical, Dennis' platform reclaims the historic Democratic Party commitment to economic and social justice: medicare for all, full Social Security benefits at age 65, withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO, repeal of the so called "Patriot Act", right to choose, privacy and civil rights, balance between workers and corporations, full employment, reduction in the national debt, guaranteed quality education, pre-K through college, a renewed commitment to peace and diplomacy, restored rural communities and family farms, and environmental renewal and clean energy. Our corporate-owned media calls this "radical", but it's what most Americans want.
TO BECOME A PART OF THE PEOPLE'S MEDIA AND BYPASS CORPORATE MEDIA CONTROL
1. Go to www.kucinich.us, click on video gallery. Watch Kucinich's speeches. Who do you want to share this with?
2. Ask people if they have heard about Dennis Kucinich's campaign for President. If not, briefly relate why you are committed to his campaign, focus on points most aligned with that person's views. Suggest that they watch Kucinich speech on his website, or share a video tape or video CD or audio CD.
3. If they think he can't win, briefly discuss the points covered here or offer to email or mail this article to them. Suggest that they watch him speak on his website to see his people and vision for America.
5. Call back, win their agreement and ask them to commit to enrolling 5 to 10 people to do this, or ask, "Who do you want to share this with?" If they don't want to call people, ask for referrals you can call.
6. Get started. Practice is the key to success. You may have to call 100 people to get 10 enrollers. Bear in mind that just one of these enrollers could enroll 100 or more people. Along the way you will also gather voters! Remind them to register as Democrats.
Kucinich Gets Top Spot for New York Primary
by Marc Humbert
AP Political Writer
January 26, 2004
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--newyorkprimary0126jan26,0,2432022.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire
KUCINICH CAN BECOME PRESIDENT If We All Act Now
by Pamela Hall
Despite the widespread opinion that Dennis Kucinich is the candidate that people would like to see as president, we hear the consistent objection: "but he can't win." This seems to be the only negative point that is ever raised and furthermore, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. This mistaken assertion itself is a major barrier to Dennis' victory. Here are some points that need to be considered and an invitation to join The People's Media.
"THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED." The Kucinich campaign is no ordinary campaign; it is a movement campaign. The mainstream media are not going to be any friendlier to us than they are to the movements that animate our campaign: peace, labor, environmental, energy, education, family farm, consumer rights and every civil rights movement for equality and dignity. Kucinich supporters have to be brave enough to keep building, recruiting and organizing our grassroots campaign without validation from mainstream media. "Don't count on the mainstream media to lead a social revolution," a former New York Times reporter once said. "They won't even know about it for six months."...until we rise up in the Iowa caucuses come January 19th.
http://www.la.indymedia.org/news/2003/05/58823.php
"DEMOCRATS NOMINATE DARK HORSES, NOT FRONT-RUNNERS...Only twice in the last 44 years has the Democratic nominee for President emerged in the year before the election as the clear front-runner in the Gallup Poll." For example: Carter did not register in any of the four 1975 polls. Clinton was polling at only 6% as late as October of 1991. "If history turns out to be a reliable guide, Democratic voters in 2004 will not nominate the eventual front-runner, whoever he turns out to be, but will instead confound us by falling in love, once again, with an embattled underdog."
http://www.kucinich.us/electable.php
THE POLLS SHOW SUPPORT FOR KUCINICH'S POSITIONS
a. 80% of Americans think big companies have too much influence on Washington.
b. 71% think we should invest in clean energy sources, and improve our efficiency.
c. 68% think that the US has a moral responsibility toward poor nations to help them develop economically and improve their people's lives.
d. 66% disapprove of privatization of social security.
e. 62% prefer a universal health insurance program like Medicare, which covers everyone, to the current health insurance system.
f. 57% of Democrats said they would favor a candidate who opposed the congressional resolution that authorized the war against Irag, compared with 22% who said they would support candidates who backed the resolution. Kerry, Edwards, Lieberman and Gephardt voted for it; Kucinich voted against it."
g. Only 35% of American women think the outcome of the war in Iraq was worth the cost.
h. Only 29% of Americans would prefer the federal government cut taxes rather than spend the money on education, health care or Social Security.
THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE US FREE FROM BUSH
For a clear indictment of the Bush regime by credible members of the intelligence community, (CIA, US foreign service experts, etc.) Watch and pass on Uncovered: The whole truth about the Iraq war. It's capable of awakening some Republicans and arousing passive liberals to action. Available for $14.95 in video or DVD from Uncovered, PO Box 988, Culver City, CA 90232.
http://www.truthuncovered.com
DEMOCRATS WILL REALIZE WHOEVER WE NOMINATE WILL WIN, SO WE NEED A REAL DEMOCRAT
Far from being radical, Dennis' platform reclaims the historic Democratic Party commitment to economic and social justice: medicare for all, full Social Security benefits at age 65, withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO, repeal of the so called "Patriot Act", right to choose, privacy and civil rights, balance between workers and corporations, full employment, reduction in the national debt, guaranteed quality education, pre-K through college, a renewed commitment to peace and diplomacy, restored rural communities and family farms, and environmental renewal and clean energy. Our corporate-owned media calls this "radical", but it's what most Americans want.
TO BECOME A PART OF THE PEOPLE'S MEDIA AND BYPASS CORPORATE MEDIA CONTROL
1. Go to www.kucinich.us, click on video gallery. Watch Kucinich's speeches. Who do you want to share this with?
2. Ask people if they have heard about Dennis Kucinich's campaign for President. If not, briefly relate why you are committed to his campaign, focus on points most aligned with that person's views. Suggest that they watch Kucinich speech on his website, or share a video tape or video CD or audio CD.
3. If they think he can't win, briefly discuss the points covered here or offer to email or mail this article to them. Suggest that they watch him speak on his website to see his people and vision for America.
5. Call back, win their agreement and ask them to commit to enrolling 5 to 10 people to do this, or ask, "Who do you want to share this with?" If they don't want to call people, ask for referrals you can call.
6. Get started. Practice is the key to success. You may have to call 100 people to get 10 enrollers. Bear in mind that just one of these enrollers could enroll 100 or more people. Along the way you will also gather voters! Remind them to register as Democrats.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Kucinich News Flash ... Later on this afternoon on WBAI [99.5 FM radio] there will be an interview with Dennis Kucinich in NH between 5pm and 6pm. The time slot on WBAI is usually hosted by Robert Knight.
***************************
Kucinich Says Slow & Steady Wins The Race
The Associated Press
by Holly Ramer
http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=31741
***************************
David Kay Testimony Impeaches Bush
AlterNet
by Robert Scheer
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17655
***************************
LOTR Dating Manual
AlterNet
by Liz Langley
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17664
***************************
Cuz take away our Playstations
And we are a third world nation
Under the thumb of some blue blood royal son
Who stole the Oval Office and that phony election
I mean
It don't take a weatherman
To look around and see the weather
Jeb said he'd deliver Florida, folks
And boy did he ever…
And we hold these truths to be self evident
#1: George W. Bush is not President
#2: America is not a true democracy
#3: the media is not fooling me
Cuz I am a poem heeding hyper-distillation
I've got no room for a lie so verbose
I'm looking out over my whole human family
And I'm raising my glass in a toast…
by Ani DiFranco, “Self-Evident”
***************************
Kucinich Says Slow & Steady Wins The Race
The Associated Press
by Holly Ramer
http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=31741
***************************
David Kay Testimony Impeaches Bush
AlterNet
by Robert Scheer
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17655
***************************
LOTR Dating Manual
AlterNet
by Liz Langley
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17664
***************************
Cuz take away our Playstations
And we are a third world nation
Under the thumb of some blue blood royal son
Who stole the Oval Office and that phony election
I mean
It don't take a weatherman
To look around and see the weather
Jeb said he'd deliver Florida, folks
And boy did he ever…
And we hold these truths to be self evident
#1: George W. Bush is not President
#2: America is not a true democracy
#3: the media is not fooling me
Cuz I am a poem heeding hyper-distillation
I've got no room for a lie so verbose
I'm looking out over my whole human family
And I'm raising my glass in a toast…
by Ani DiFranco, “Self-Evident”
Monday, January 26, 2004
Got home the evening of January 22nd, after a good workout session with my Personal Trainer, to find the apartment just a wee bit cool. I thought nothing of it since many times the heat in my apartment building goes off around 7pm. And I got home around 7:45pm, so it didn't phase me. It being a cold, windy night out [after dinner & telly time] I went to bed with flannel nightie and socks on for extra comfort. [Well yeah, it would be great to have a steady beau in bed for comfort, warmth & some awesome lovemaking. But we won't get into that now.] Next morning, between 5:30am and 6am, I'm coming out of my snooze and realize my nose is cold. Damn ... something isn't right. My apartment is over the boiler down in basement and I can hear it "try" to kick into gear. Nothing! Usually the heat kicks in around 5am and this morning it wasn't happening. Cold apartment ... thankfully we still had hot water and I turned on my gas stove/oven to warm things up abit. Amen! After a delightful hot shower and drying my hair I could tell the heat still wasn't on. So I called my landlady, who lives two buildings down from me, and told her of the situation. Dressed for warmth [corporate casual - of course] while I start putting on my makeup before heading out to work ... my landlady comes knocking on the door. She tells me the boiler has been repaired and we should have heat in an hour. This is good news ... tho I'll be at work by then. Upon arriving at home that evening [after a busy work day], I can feel the warmth upon entering my humble abode. No troubles with the heat or hot water throughout the whole weekend. Amen!
On Sunday, January 25th, I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see a few exhibits. Sadly I missed the El Greco exhibit, which closed back on January 11th. My friend Larry was telling me all about it just before Xmas. Well ... this time ... I caught the last day of a brilliant exhibit on a collection of 19th Century paintings/drawings from the late Grenville L. Winthrop. The gentlemen in question died over 60 years ago and left his entire collection to Harvard University. This was the first time the "collection" has been shown outside of the university in those 60 years. And it truly was a brilliant display of fine drawings and paintings by many of my favorite 19th Century artists. Some of the artists on display were Gericault, Ingres, Whistler, David, Sargent, Chasseriau, Moreau, Homer, Burne-Jones, Rossetti, Delacroix and Toulouse-Lautrec. I also visited the French Impressionism section of the museum, as that is one of my fav era's in art. By the time I was ready to leave the museum it was getting quite crowded and waited 10 minutes on line before retrieving my coat. I haven't been to the Guggenheim in a while and that'll be my next excursion.
************************
Do check out this brilliant, important and highly informative article by Tad Daley on Kucinich. If most or all Democrats, Independents and Greens changed their minds, then Kucinich would WIN and beat Bush big time. We must not live in fear or doubt, but defeat the evil administration that has wrongfully taken over our government. Plus get rid of corrupt media, gluttonous corporations and greedy rich. We need to take our country back ... NOW!
Top Ten Responses To - "I Love Kucinich But He Can't Win"
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0126-06.htm
************************
Our rights as Americans to "free speech" is always curtailed when a Republican is in the White House. According to the First Amendment ... all of America is "free speech". Well, its not so under the evil and totally insane Bush Empire. Check out this article:
'First Amendment Zones' Restrict Free Speech
An Editorial from KNOXVILLE NEWS-SENTINEL
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0125-02.htm
On Sunday, January 25th, I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see a few exhibits. Sadly I missed the El Greco exhibit, which closed back on January 11th. My friend Larry was telling me all about it just before Xmas. Well ... this time ... I caught the last day of a brilliant exhibit on a collection of 19th Century paintings/drawings from the late Grenville L. Winthrop. The gentlemen in question died over 60 years ago and left his entire collection to Harvard University. This was the first time the "collection" has been shown outside of the university in those 60 years. And it truly was a brilliant display of fine drawings and paintings by many of my favorite 19th Century artists. Some of the artists on display were Gericault, Ingres, Whistler, David, Sargent, Chasseriau, Moreau, Homer, Burne-Jones, Rossetti, Delacroix and Toulouse-Lautrec. I also visited the French Impressionism section of the museum, as that is one of my fav era's in art. By the time I was ready to leave the museum it was getting quite crowded and waited 10 minutes on line before retrieving my coat. I haven't been to the Guggenheim in a while and that'll be my next excursion.
************************
Do check out this brilliant, important and highly informative article by Tad Daley on Kucinich. If most or all Democrats, Independents and Greens changed their minds, then Kucinich would WIN and beat Bush big time. We must not live in fear or doubt, but defeat the evil administration that has wrongfully taken over our government. Plus get rid of corrupt media, gluttonous corporations and greedy rich. We need to take our country back ... NOW!
Top Ten Responses To - "I Love Kucinich But He Can't Win"
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0126-06.htm
************************
Our rights as Americans to "free speech" is always curtailed when a Republican is in the White House. According to the First Amendment ... all of America is "free speech". Well, its not so under the evil and totally insane Bush Empire. Check out this article:
'First Amendment Zones' Restrict Free Speech
An Editorial from KNOXVILLE NEWS-SENTINEL
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0125-02.htm
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Presidental Candidates on the Issues
San Francisco Chronicle
January 24, 2004
by Calvin Woodward
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/01/24/politics1441EST0566.DTL
San Francisco Chronicle
January 24, 2004
by Calvin Woodward
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/01/24/politics1441EST0566.DTL
Saturday, January 24, 2004
NEWS FLASH FROM NYC "KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT" VOLUNTEERS & THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CAUCUS
Many of us NYC volunteers received a wonderful email yesterday from Jessica [thank you so much in letting me share it with others - so inspiring] telling us about adventures during New Hampshire caucus. Read on and I think you'll be inspired too:
Well, as many of you know, I traveled up to New Hampshire with a car load...actually not quite true. We had six people and some were uncomfortable at the idea of two in the bucket seat in the front, so Rob and Harry decided to hitchhike, and Danielle, BC, Paul and I rode in relative comfort and safety. Fortunately, I had all the stuff necessary at home to equip "the boys" with a sign. Harry ever the artist made it. He took one of the good sized "KUCINICH" window signs, stapled it to poster board and wrote NEW HAMPSHIRE in big letters on one side and MANCHESTER on the other. We drove them to an aupiscious spot on I-95 (the group agreed to tolerate 6 for a little while). I was a little concerned for them. They had no cell phone and know way of connecting with the local organizers who were madly trying to find 'beds" for us all! But Rob and Harry were like...well... "the universe will provide..." and were sure they'd beat us up there!
We in the car made it up while it was still day light and went straight to the rally, and found the Kucinich supporters, who had come from all over, including a wonderful local couple who agreed to take all three of my passengers for the night and to drive them to and fro! We got Paul his press pass to get into the 'spin room". Needless to say this was a great learning experience as far as organizing goes.... the Kucinich campaign has a large number of "travelling supporters... including a bus load from California and the local coordinators here had a very difficult time with the logistics. This wasn't helped by the fact that the state coordinator had apparently had a bad fall and was in the hospital recovering from surgery to repair her badly broken elbow! Lots of ice here! Since I wasn't staying for the Debate, once it was clear that we woudn't be getting in but watching from TV's in a student lounge, at one point knowing my "car mates" were going to be warm and safe for the night, I decided to set out to be with my cousins. The girls needed to get their bags out of my car, so we left Paul at the lounge and went off to the car, which was a fair distance. Because It was so far we decided to try to drive as close to the 'hall" as possible so they wouldn't have to walk so far in the snow. AND wouldn't you know it! Just as I was dropping BC and Danielle off with their bags, out of a car, right in front of us, pop Harry and Rob! BC was actually saying that she hoped they were OK and there they were! They must have had a wonderful "adventure" and they were driven right up to the entrance of the debate! They were pumped and wanted to get straight to leafletting. I was really happy to see them and to know that the NY group had all connected again!
I left them all together. I'm looking forward to hearing about their adventure! One can only imagine that it must have been magical! The school where the debate was happening was just "overrun" with hundreds of placard waving folks... the largest contingent seemed to be "Deaners", but there were tons of Clarkites, and some for Kerry. "Kucitizens" were a small but very loud group, featuring these special japanese drums which the folks from California had and we chanted and danced... it was cold so the dancing was good. A few of us tried to sing, but we needed more people singing to "carry" over the "Deaners" and not enough knew the words. The place was packed and wild... if Rob and Harry hadn't appeared just when they did, I doubt we'd have connected. Today we'll meet up at the Manchester office and be put to work... I hope they have "yard signs" for us to put up there are all sorts of places where you can just stick a post in the ground with a sign on it and I have a shovel! More news as it comes in..................
*****************************
So George Bush delivered his version of the State of the Union. Well as you might imagine, there's another way to look at things. Without the benefit of spin-masters, focus groups, or donors whispering in my ear, we've come up with a simpler and more straightforward way to look at what's going on with our nation's government based on where they actually spend our money. Let's just say Oreo cookies are a key ingredient.
Check it out at:
http://action.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=275
It's also a great introduction to the values of TrueMajority for your friends, so be sure to pass this email around.
Ben Cohen
President, TrueMajority.org
Co-Founder, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream*
Many of us NYC volunteers received a wonderful email yesterday from Jessica [thank you so much in letting me share it with others - so inspiring] telling us about adventures during New Hampshire caucus. Read on and I think you'll be inspired too:
Well, as many of you know, I traveled up to New Hampshire with a car load...actually not quite true. We had six people and some were uncomfortable at the idea of two in the bucket seat in the front, so Rob and Harry decided to hitchhike, and Danielle, BC, Paul and I rode in relative comfort and safety. Fortunately, I had all the stuff necessary at home to equip "the boys" with a sign. Harry ever the artist made it. He took one of the good sized "KUCINICH" window signs, stapled it to poster board and wrote NEW HAMPSHIRE in big letters on one side and MANCHESTER on the other. We drove them to an aupiscious spot on I-95 (the group agreed to tolerate 6 for a little while). I was a little concerned for them. They had no cell phone and know way of connecting with the local organizers who were madly trying to find 'beds" for us all! But Rob and Harry were like...well... "the universe will provide..." and were sure they'd beat us up there!
We in the car made it up while it was still day light and went straight to the rally, and found the Kucinich supporters, who had come from all over, including a wonderful local couple who agreed to take all three of my passengers for the night and to drive them to and fro! We got Paul his press pass to get into the 'spin room". Needless to say this was a great learning experience as far as organizing goes.... the Kucinich campaign has a large number of "travelling supporters... including a bus load from California and the local coordinators here had a very difficult time with the logistics. This wasn't helped by the fact that the state coordinator had apparently had a bad fall and was in the hospital recovering from surgery to repair her badly broken elbow! Lots of ice here! Since I wasn't staying for the Debate, once it was clear that we woudn't be getting in but watching from TV's in a student lounge, at one point knowing my "car mates" were going to be warm and safe for the night, I decided to set out to be with my cousins. The girls needed to get their bags out of my car, so we left Paul at the lounge and went off to the car, which was a fair distance. Because It was so far we decided to try to drive as close to the 'hall" as possible so they wouldn't have to walk so far in the snow. AND wouldn't you know it! Just as I was dropping BC and Danielle off with their bags, out of a car, right in front of us, pop Harry and Rob! BC was actually saying that she hoped they were OK and there they were! They must have had a wonderful "adventure" and they were driven right up to the entrance of the debate! They were pumped and wanted to get straight to leafletting. I was really happy to see them and to know that the NY group had all connected again!
I left them all together. I'm looking forward to hearing about their adventure! One can only imagine that it must have been magical! The school where the debate was happening was just "overrun" with hundreds of placard waving folks... the largest contingent seemed to be "Deaners", but there were tons of Clarkites, and some for Kerry. "Kucitizens" were a small but very loud group, featuring these special japanese drums which the folks from California had and we chanted and danced... it was cold so the dancing was good. A few of us tried to sing, but we needed more people singing to "carry" over the "Deaners" and not enough knew the words. The place was packed and wild... if Rob and Harry hadn't appeared just when they did, I doubt we'd have connected. Today we'll meet up at the Manchester office and be put to work... I hope they have "yard signs" for us to put up there are all sorts of places where you can just stick a post in the ground with a sign on it and I have a shovel! More news as it comes in..................
*****************************
So George Bush delivered his version of the State of the Union. Well as you might imagine, there's another way to look at things. Without the benefit of spin-masters, focus groups, or donors whispering in my ear, we've come up with a simpler and more straightforward way to look at what's going on with our nation's government based on where they actually spend our money. Let's just say Oreo cookies are a key ingredient.
Check it out at:
http://action.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=275
It's also a great introduction to the values of TrueMajority for your friends, so be sure to pass this email around.
Ben Cohen
President, TrueMajority.org
Co-Founder, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream*
Friday, January 23, 2004
Important News from MoveOn.org website:
During this year's Super Bowl, you'll see ads sponsored by beer companies, tobacco companies, and the Bush White House.(1) But you won't see the winning ad in MoveOn.org Voter Fund's Bush in 30 Seconds ad contest. CBS refuses to air it.(2) Meanwhile, the White House and Congressional Republicans are on the verge of signing into law a deal which Senator John McCain (R-AZ) says is custom-tailored for CBS and Fox,(3) allowing the two networks to grow much bigger. CBS lobbied hard for this rule change; MoveOn.org members across the country lobbied against it; and now our ad has been rejected while the White House ad will be played. It looks an awful lot like CBS is playing politics with the right to free speech.
Of course, this is bigger than just the MoveOn.org Voter Fund. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) submitted an ad that was also rejected.(4) But this isn't even a progressive-vs.-conservative issue. The airwaves are publicly owned, so we have a fundamental right to hear viewpoints from across the ideological spectrum. That's why we need to let CBS know that this practice of arbitrarily turning down ads that may be "controversial" -- especially if they're controversial simply because they take on the President -- just isn't right. To watch the ad that CBS won't air and sign our petition to CBS, go to:
http://www.moveon.org/cbs/ad/
If you want to skip the ad and just sign the petition, go to:
http://www.moveon.org/cbs/?id=2279-2148547-if35nAcMLkPMnlvyjrgUMg
We'll deliver the petition by email directly to CBS headquarters. You also may want to let your local CBS affiliate know you're unhappy about this decision. We've attached a list of the CBS affiliates in your state at the bottom of this email. Remember, a polite, friendly call will be most effective -- just explain to them why you believe CBS' decision hurts our democracy. CBS will claim that the ad is too controversial to air. But the message of the ad is a simple statement of fact, supported by the President's own figures. Compared with 2002's White House ad which claimed that drug users are supporting terrorism,(5) it hardly even registers.
CBS will also claim that this decision isn't an indication of political bias. But given the facts, that's hard to believe. CBS overwhelmingly favored Republicans in its political giving, and the company spent millions courting the White House to stop FCC reform.(6) According to a well-respected study, CBS News was second only to Fox in failing to correct common misconceptions about the Iraq war which benefited the Bush Administration -- for example, the idea that Saddam Hussein was involved with 9/11.(7) This is not a partisan issue. It's critical that our media institutions be fair and open to all speakers. CBS is setting a dangerous precedent, and unless we speak up, the pattern may continue. Please call on CBS to air ads which address issues of public importance today.
P.S. Our friends at Free Press have put together a page which explains simply how CBS and the FCC rule change are integrally linked. Check it out at:
http://www.mediareform.net/media/
P.P.S Here are the CBS affiliates in your state:
WCBS-TV, New York: (212) 975-4321
WRGB-TV, Niskayuna: (518) 346-6666
WTVH-TV, Syracuse: (315) 425-5555
WWNY-TV, Watertown: (315) 788-3800
WBNG-TV, Johnson City: (607) 729-8812
WIVB-TV, Buffalo: (716) 874-4410
WROC-TV, Rochester: (585) 288-8400
*******************************
ACT FOR CHANGE ACTIVISM UPDATE ... Block Bush Backroom Favors
A special message and two actions to take from Working Assets' President, Michael Kieschnick:
President Bush's State of the Union address Tuesday evening was an unusual combination of taunting and pandering.
How audacious it was to say we invaded Iraq in order to enforce UN resolutions. And how did Bush get from last year's State of the Union with its recitation of thousands of tons of various chemical weapons to this year's pallid but still overstated reference to "program activities" relating to weapons of mass destruction? And which special interest demanded that bizarre reference to steroids in professional sports? (By the way, we don't like them either, but is that really a national priority right now?)
Perhaps the only uplifting moment was the applause that came in response to the pending sunset of certain parts of the PATRIOT Act. Working Assets, in the months to come, will be fighting against much that was highlighted in the speech, but there are two pieces of unfinished business that deserve your immediate attention:
Fix the Omnibus Spending Bill
Urge your senators to keep fighting to defend the public interest by blocking the omnibus spending bill until the five worst provisions are amended. Click here to take action!
http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eXGR0FFlNw0JsG0jZ40AL
Finish the Job on Weapons of Mass Destruction Investigation
Urge your senators to call on the Senate Intelligence Committee to hold open hearings and ask straightforward questions of White House officials under oath as to whether they had bad information or they themselves misled the American people on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Click here to take action!
http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eXGR0FFlNw0JsG0jZ50AM
During this year's Super Bowl, you'll see ads sponsored by beer companies, tobacco companies, and the Bush White House.(1) But you won't see the winning ad in MoveOn.org Voter Fund's Bush in 30 Seconds ad contest. CBS refuses to air it.(2) Meanwhile, the White House and Congressional Republicans are on the verge of signing into law a deal which Senator John McCain (R-AZ) says is custom-tailored for CBS and Fox,(3) allowing the two networks to grow much bigger. CBS lobbied hard for this rule change; MoveOn.org members across the country lobbied against it; and now our ad has been rejected while the White House ad will be played. It looks an awful lot like CBS is playing politics with the right to free speech.
Of course, this is bigger than just the MoveOn.org Voter Fund. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) submitted an ad that was also rejected.(4) But this isn't even a progressive-vs.-conservative issue. The airwaves are publicly owned, so we have a fundamental right to hear viewpoints from across the ideological spectrum. That's why we need to let CBS know that this practice of arbitrarily turning down ads that may be "controversial" -- especially if they're controversial simply because they take on the President -- just isn't right. To watch the ad that CBS won't air and sign our petition to CBS, go to:
http://www.moveon.org/cbs/ad/
If you want to skip the ad and just sign the petition, go to:
http://www.moveon.org/cbs/?id=2279-2148547-if35nAcMLkPMnlvyjrgUMg
We'll deliver the petition by email directly to CBS headquarters. You also may want to let your local CBS affiliate know you're unhappy about this decision. We've attached a list of the CBS affiliates in your state at the bottom of this email. Remember, a polite, friendly call will be most effective -- just explain to them why you believe CBS' decision hurts our democracy. CBS will claim that the ad is too controversial to air. But the message of the ad is a simple statement of fact, supported by the President's own figures. Compared with 2002's White House ad which claimed that drug users are supporting terrorism,(5) it hardly even registers.
CBS will also claim that this decision isn't an indication of political bias. But given the facts, that's hard to believe. CBS overwhelmingly favored Republicans in its political giving, and the company spent millions courting the White House to stop FCC reform.(6) According to a well-respected study, CBS News was second only to Fox in failing to correct common misconceptions about the Iraq war which benefited the Bush Administration -- for example, the idea that Saddam Hussein was involved with 9/11.(7) This is not a partisan issue. It's critical that our media institutions be fair and open to all speakers. CBS is setting a dangerous precedent, and unless we speak up, the pattern may continue. Please call on CBS to air ads which address issues of public importance today.
P.S. Our friends at Free Press have put together a page which explains simply how CBS and the FCC rule change are integrally linked. Check it out at:
http://www.mediareform.net/media/
P.P.S Here are the CBS affiliates in your state:
WCBS-TV, New York: (212) 975-4321
WRGB-TV, Niskayuna: (518) 346-6666
WTVH-TV, Syracuse: (315) 425-5555
WWNY-TV, Watertown: (315) 788-3800
WBNG-TV, Johnson City: (607) 729-8812
WIVB-TV, Buffalo: (716) 874-4410
WROC-TV, Rochester: (585) 288-8400
*******************************
ACT FOR CHANGE ACTIVISM UPDATE ... Block Bush Backroom Favors
A special message and two actions to take from Working Assets' President, Michael Kieschnick:
President Bush's State of the Union address Tuesday evening was an unusual combination of taunting and pandering.
How audacious it was to say we invaded Iraq in order to enforce UN resolutions. And how did Bush get from last year's State of the Union with its recitation of thousands of tons of various chemical weapons to this year's pallid but still overstated reference to "program activities" relating to weapons of mass destruction? And which special interest demanded that bizarre reference to steroids in professional sports? (By the way, we don't like them either, but is that really a national priority right now?)
Perhaps the only uplifting moment was the applause that came in response to the pending sunset of certain parts of the PATRIOT Act. Working Assets, in the months to come, will be fighting against much that was highlighted in the speech, but there are two pieces of unfinished business that deserve your immediate attention:
Fix the Omnibus Spending Bill
Urge your senators to keep fighting to defend the public interest by blocking the omnibus spending bill until the five worst provisions are amended. Click here to take action!
http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eXGR0FFlNw0JsG0jZ40AL
Finish the Job on Weapons of Mass Destruction Investigation
Urge your senators to call on the Senate Intelligence Committee to hold open hearings and ask straightforward questions of White House officials under oath as to whether they had bad information or they themselves misled the American people on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Click here to take action!
http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eXGR0FFlNw0JsG0jZ50AM
Kucinich Website News Flash - Just came across this incredibly informative site on the Net regarding Dennis Kucinich. Check it out, if you wish:
http://members.cox.net/omaha4kucinich/#chooselight
***************************
I love reading BBC New on the Internet. They give the viewer full worldwide news on all topics and not the crap one gets on Fox News or CNN. Having said that ... I enjoyed their commentary on the "Dean Scream".
'Dean Scream' Becomes Online Hit
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3422809.stm
***************************
DENNIS GREETED BY HUGE CROWDS IN MAINE
Excerpts from a report by Lu Bauer, Maine Kucinich Campaign Co-Coordinator:
Yesterday's tour in Maine was fabulous. We were all on an incredible high with the huge turnouts Dennis brought out every step of the way! At the University of Maine in Orono, Dennis brought 350 students to their feet repeatedly...The Unitarian Church in Belfast was bursting its seams, and people just kept on coming. Standing room only pushed back into overflow rooms in the church. The excitement was contagious. Local organizers had been speaking with the crowd of an estimated 250 curious and supporters about how they can have a voice in deciding the nominee...A traveling rap team showed up unexpectedly from California to entertain and literally sing the praises of the candidate.. engaging the audience in rap songs like "We Want Dennis Kucinich", as they awaited the arrival of the delegation. The Mayor of Belfast welcomed Congressman Kucinich to the city... and the church organ played John Lennon's "Imagine" as Kucinich and the riders from the bus came jubilantly down the aisle. This scene was repeated thrice more that day! In Rockland...In Bath...again, the crowd was huge, topping 450 with standing room only...In South Portland...People are newly excited about caucusing for Dennis on February 8.
http://members.cox.net/omaha4kucinich/#chooselight
***************************
I love reading BBC New on the Internet. They give the viewer full worldwide news on all topics and not the crap one gets on Fox News or CNN. Having said that ... I enjoyed their commentary on the "Dean Scream".
'Dean Scream' Becomes Online Hit
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3422809.stm
***************************
DENNIS GREETED BY HUGE CROWDS IN MAINE
Excerpts from a report by Lu Bauer, Maine Kucinich Campaign Co-Coordinator:
Yesterday's tour in Maine was fabulous. We were all on an incredible high with the huge turnouts Dennis brought out every step of the way! At the University of Maine in Orono, Dennis brought 350 students to their feet repeatedly...The Unitarian Church in Belfast was bursting its seams, and people just kept on coming. Standing room only pushed back into overflow rooms in the church. The excitement was contagious. Local organizers had been speaking with the crowd of an estimated 250 curious and supporters about how they can have a voice in deciding the nominee...A traveling rap team showed up unexpectedly from California to entertain and literally sing the praises of the candidate.. engaging the audience in rap songs like "We Want Dennis Kucinich", as they awaited the arrival of the delegation. The Mayor of Belfast welcomed Congressman Kucinich to the city... and the church organ played John Lennon's "Imagine" as Kucinich and the riders from the bus came jubilantly down the aisle. This scene was repeated thrice more that day! In Rockland...In Bath...again, the crowd was huge, topping 450 with standing room only...In South Portland...People are newly excited about caucusing for Dennis on February 8.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Message from Patti Solis Doyle [executive director] with "Friends of Hillary Clinton" on Bushie's "State of the Union" address
Senator Clinton was in the chamber watching the President's State of the Union address last night - and she was disappointed in what she heard. "At a time when so many American families are concerned about the rising costs of health care, a jobless economic recovery and local schools that badly need more resources," Hillary said, "President Bush delivered a speech that was long on partisanship and short on any positive new ideas."
In fact, the only new approach that was mentioned by the president last night was the use of technology to improve health care -- a policy Senator Clinton unveiled in a major health care speech a week ago!
President Bush defended the Republican-passed Medicare bill, even though its prescription drug "benefit" is an election year sham and the bill actually prohibits Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices for Seniors; and he claimed that "jobs are on the rise," although the only reason unemployment has gone down recently is because hundreds of thousands of Americans are simply giving up hope of ever finding employment. Under the Bush administration theyÃve gone from productivity to despair. Hillary knows that the American economy produced only 1,000 new jobs last month - far too few to provide real opportunity for millions of Americans seeking work - and those jobs come with lower average wages than jobs created in the 1990's. She is working for a new Medicare bill that will mean lower drug prices and affordable health care. And she's fighting to increase support for our schools.
"The President said in his speech that America is called to great responsibilities," Hillary said. "I agree. And we can only meet them by working together. It is too bad that when he had the opportunity to speak to all of us, President Bush chose to deliver a partisan speech that shunned a positive vision and unifying themes that are so important to keep our country together - and moving in the right direction." As the Democratic nominating process continues, these are the issues that Democratic candidates are talking about -- and they will make the difference for our nominee in the fall. Hillary is looking forward to working with our Democratic nominee, and with all of you, in this important election year.
For more information about Senator Clinton's ideas on health care, education, the economy and other issues facing American today, visit:
http://activate.friendsofhillary.com/t?ctl=5186DB:247741E
*******************************
Quotes from January 20th article [Democrats Pack Hectic Caucuses] by V.Miller & M.McWilliams in the "Iowa City Press-Citizen" on recent events.
But Monday night wasn't only about winning.
"We're viable now!" said Lauren Haldeman, North Liberty precinct 2 captain for Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, after screaming and high-fiving her fellow Kucinich supporters. Though running a distant fifth in pre-caucus polls, Kucinich passed the viability threshold by one voter - securing a precinct delegate. Support for Missouri Congressman Dick Gephardt, polling fourth in a front-runner four-way tie, eroded quickly.
"I was very nervous about it; I haven't been able to sleep," said Haldeman, who quickly pulled out her accordion and led a group song about their candidate of choice. "Vote for Kucinich, we all love this guy a ton," she sang. "Vote for Kucinich, he knows how to get things done."
Jillian Johnsen, of Iowa City, cradled her 10-month old daughter Halley in her arms while standing outside the Kerry classroom. Halley wore a large Kerry sticker on her chest. "I think he's electable," Johnsen said. "I don't think Dean is. I've had the chance to meet both candidates, and his (Kerry's) platform is more approachable, especially with foreign policy."
*******************************
Pix by Duchess at Pearl Jam's Madison Square Garden gig on July 8, 2003
[Non-political musings ... In the postal delivery here at work I received some terrific belated Xmas gifts from PJ pals Michelle and Josee. Merci beaucoup mon chere amies! I absolutely love the assorted CDs, PJ t-shirt and calendar! Then this morning I got a phone call from Melissa, my PJ pal out in Arkansas. Whether via phone or email, its great staying in touch with such groovy friends and pals. Also caught up on the phone with my dear friend Katherine up in CT. We had a good, long chat and touched on many topics. Some too delicate or personal to repeat here in Blogger land. Last night phoned my sister-in-law and learned my brother is ill with stomach virus. Spent most of the conversation talking about Avon, politics and health.]
Duchess holding a Pearl Jam poster at Madison Square Garden show on July 9, 2003
*******************************
In light of today being the Chinese New Year [honoring the sheep] ... I thought it would be fun to check out what is my chinese astrological sign. I'm the Doggie and here's what it said about doggies and possibly me:
In the West, the Dog is man's best friend, but in Chinese Astrology this Sign is a little more unpredictable than that. Dogs are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. However, this Sign has trouble trusting others. It's generally quite trustworthy itself -- except for the occasional "little white lies" the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend (despite any white lies) and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog's mantra seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.
Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don't go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, expostulating on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog's narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign's load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.
The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love. The most compatible match for a Dog is the Tiger or the Horse.
Senator Clinton was in the chamber watching the President's State of the Union address last night - and she was disappointed in what she heard. "At a time when so many American families are concerned about the rising costs of health care, a jobless economic recovery and local schools that badly need more resources," Hillary said, "President Bush delivered a speech that was long on partisanship and short on any positive new ideas."
In fact, the only new approach that was mentioned by the president last night was the use of technology to improve health care -- a policy Senator Clinton unveiled in a major health care speech a week ago!
President Bush defended the Republican-passed Medicare bill, even though its prescription drug "benefit" is an election year sham and the bill actually prohibits Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices for Seniors; and he claimed that "jobs are on the rise," although the only reason unemployment has gone down recently is because hundreds of thousands of Americans are simply giving up hope of ever finding employment. Under the Bush administration theyÃve gone from productivity to despair. Hillary knows that the American economy produced only 1,000 new jobs last month - far too few to provide real opportunity for millions of Americans seeking work - and those jobs come with lower average wages than jobs created in the 1990's. She is working for a new Medicare bill that will mean lower drug prices and affordable health care. And she's fighting to increase support for our schools.
"The President said in his speech that America is called to great responsibilities," Hillary said. "I agree. And we can only meet them by working together. It is too bad that when he had the opportunity to speak to all of us, President Bush chose to deliver a partisan speech that shunned a positive vision and unifying themes that are so important to keep our country together - and moving in the right direction." As the Democratic nominating process continues, these are the issues that Democratic candidates are talking about -- and they will make the difference for our nominee in the fall. Hillary is looking forward to working with our Democratic nominee, and with all of you, in this important election year.
For more information about Senator Clinton's ideas on health care, education, the economy and other issues facing American today, visit:
http://activate.friendsofhillary.com/t?ctl=5186DB:247741E
*******************************
Quotes from January 20th article [Democrats Pack Hectic Caucuses] by V.Miller & M.McWilliams in the "Iowa City Press-Citizen" on recent events.
But Monday night wasn't only about winning.
"We're viable now!" said Lauren Haldeman, North Liberty precinct 2 captain for Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, after screaming and high-fiving her fellow Kucinich supporters. Though running a distant fifth in pre-caucus polls, Kucinich passed the viability threshold by one voter - securing a precinct delegate. Support for Missouri Congressman Dick Gephardt, polling fourth in a front-runner four-way tie, eroded quickly.
"I was very nervous about it; I haven't been able to sleep," said Haldeman, who quickly pulled out her accordion and led a group song about their candidate of choice. "Vote for Kucinich, we all love this guy a ton," she sang. "Vote for Kucinich, he knows how to get things done."
Jillian Johnsen, of Iowa City, cradled her 10-month old daughter Halley in her arms while standing outside the Kerry classroom. Halley wore a large Kerry sticker on her chest. "I think he's electable," Johnsen said. "I don't think Dean is. I've had the chance to meet both candidates, and his (Kerry's) platform is more approachable, especially with foreign policy."
*******************************
Pix by Duchess at Pearl Jam's Madison Square Garden gig on July 8, 2003
[Non-political musings ... In the postal delivery here at work I received some terrific belated Xmas gifts from PJ pals Michelle and Josee. Merci beaucoup mon chere amies! I absolutely love the assorted CDs, PJ t-shirt and calendar! Then this morning I got a phone call from Melissa, my PJ pal out in Arkansas. Whether via phone or email, its great staying in touch with such groovy friends and pals. Also caught up on the phone with my dear friend Katherine up in CT. We had a good, long chat and touched on many topics. Some too delicate or personal to repeat here in Blogger land. Last night phoned my sister-in-law and learned my brother is ill with stomach virus. Spent most of the conversation talking about Avon, politics and health.]
Duchess holding a Pearl Jam poster at Madison Square Garden show on July 9, 2003
*******************************
In light of today being the Chinese New Year [honoring the sheep] ... I thought it would be fun to check out what is my chinese astrological sign. I'm the Doggie and here's what it said about doggies and possibly me:
In the West, the Dog is man's best friend, but in Chinese Astrology this Sign is a little more unpredictable than that. Dogs are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. However, this Sign has trouble trusting others. It's generally quite trustworthy itself -- except for the occasional "little white lies" the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend (despite any white lies) and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog's mantra seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.
Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don't go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, expostulating on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog's narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign's load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.
The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love. The most compatible match for a Dog is the Tiger or the Horse.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
What Bush Left Unsaid in State of the Union Address
As reported on Annenberg Political Fact Check website
http://www.factcheck.org/article.aspx?docID=129
As reported on Annenberg Political Fact Check website
http://www.factcheck.org/article.aspx?docID=129
KUCINICH NEWS FLASH ... From one of the NYC supporters and his recent reflections on Kucinich/Edwards. Vastly different and enlightened views than the trash one reads in corporate media. Check it out.........
Hey Guys,
I really got to fully appreciate how shitty it was driving tonight on my long way home. Thanks for coming out. Maybe it's a reflection on how little of a life I've had since I got hurt, or maybe it's because you guys are such a great bunch, but I'm getting so I look more and more forward to hanging with the Kucinich gang.
Beers and Hugs after we got clobbered tonight with just 1.3% in Iowa? Nope, nope. Beers and hugs just because, Iowa went fine.
When I got home and checked my email, and got to talking with Candice, my opposite number in Buffalo, we pieced together what went down tonight. We knew in advance that there was some kind of Kucinich/Edwards alliance happening. And I told you tonight that there were rumors that Dennis and Edwards had gotten to be friends out on the trail, hanging out together in the green room before debates and such.
We threw Iowa. Plain and simple. Wherever we had less than 15% in a precinct, we backed Edwards, and it cost Dean and Gephardt an arm and a leg each. Judging from the results, it worked. When you pick up tomorrow's paper, you'll see me quoted as saying "we conceded a pawn early in the chess match." The more I think about it, the more right it sounds.
The national campaign told us that this strategy 'goes beyond Iowa', but without specifics or details. So there's some guesswork coming. I could be wrong. But I don't think so. 'We' (Edwards/Kucinich) finished ahead of Dean by 14 points. We'll probably never know exactly how much of that margin was provided by Kucinich supporters, but we HAD to be more help to Edwards than Braun was to Dean. And Gephardt got shut out, failing to clear the 15% threshold.
The delegate scoreboard:
Kerry - 6 (still needs 2153 to win nomination)
Edwards - 3 (still needs 2156)
Dean - 2 (still needs 2157)
Gephardt, KUCINICH, Sharpton, Lieberman and Clark-nothing yet
Still up for election - 3509
"Super Delegates" still at large - 796
Next up is New Hampshire, a primary state, so Edwards won't have the opportunity to pay us back there, the delegates are voted on directly. BUT !!! on February 3rd, there are five primaries (only one of which -Arizona -we expect a good showing in) and two caucuses, North Dakota and New Mexico. BOTH of which we are strong in. And now, with Edwards owing us a favor (if he doesn't get to 15% himself), and his supporters joining ours as payback, we could win both outright. I think we are guaranteed 15% in both, at least. February 7th, are caucuses in Washington and Michigan, both EXTREMELY strong states for us. With a little help from our new best friend Sen. Edwards (again, IF he doesn't get to 15% himself), we could win both of THEM. Same with Maine on 2/8. Bottom line, we traded a pawn now (Iowa), for a realistic shot at five chess pieces later (caucus states as big or bigger than Iowa). The only way it backfires is if we gave Edwards such a boost in Iowa, he gets 15% in all or most of those five states himself, then the deal is off and we're on our own. The primary states are 'every man for himself' regardless.
Betting Dr. Howie is thinking about how much it sucks to be 'the only candidate who opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning', and how rough it is to be 'the only progressive candidate in the field', and how stinking rotten hose 'Washington Democrats' are. It's not just 'buckshot' the good Doctor is 'picking out of (his) rear' now. It's also Dennis foot. Dennis didn't get mad, he got even.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Although Gephardt has the endorsements of 21 unions, which two candidates actually have the BEST voting records in Congress on labor issues according to the AFL-CIO.
A. Dennis (98%) and Edwards (94%). Guess who is now best positioned to pick up those endorsements (and campaign contributions) if Gephardt crashes and burns now that his 'bet the farm on Iowa' strategy has backfired? Kerry won, but paid for it in money and resources he pulled into Iowa from other states at the last minute. Kerry, Dean and Gephardt each got rather muddy in the fracas. And now, here comes General Clark joining the circus in New Hampshire. I checked Edwards' website for his positions on the issues. Edwards is now proposing a Dennis-like plan for getting out of Iraq (NATO/UN troops in, we give up the war profiteering and the UN helps Iraq gain sovereignty; albeit with no timetable like Dennis), and is wanting his vote back on the Patriot Act (sorry Senator, too late). They are in lockstep on being anti-corporate influence, NAFTA sucks, Pentagon is a money pit, pro-labor, pro-choice, BIG on education, civil rights, and progressive tax laws. Edwards isn't as bold on healthcare. Dennis is going to have to help him out on the environment quite a bit. They fit together fairly nicely for the most part.
SO, it's a tag-team is what it is. I'm guessing this deal will hold all the way to the convention in July. If the combination of Kucinich/Edwards gets to 2159 delegates, there's your Democratic ticket. A Progressive from the rustbelt, and a relatively liberal Southerner, who learns fast, both running extremely positive, sunshiny campaigns. Whoever has the most delegates of the two is the next President of the United States. And makes Bush look like a chimp in the debates (imagine Dennis or Edwards - a trial lawyer by trade - debating Bush... nice isn't it?). The junior partner gets to embarrass Cheney in the VP debates (imagine either Edwards or Dennis debating Scrooge McDuck... nice isn't it?). Genius move by whoever thought it up, and I'm betting it was Dennis himself. That's why we love the man.
Brian [Kucinich supporter]
Hey Guys,
I really got to fully appreciate how shitty it was driving tonight on my long way home. Thanks for coming out. Maybe it's a reflection on how little of a life I've had since I got hurt, or maybe it's because you guys are such a great bunch, but I'm getting so I look more and more forward to hanging with the Kucinich gang.
Beers and Hugs after we got clobbered tonight with just 1.3% in Iowa? Nope, nope. Beers and hugs just because, Iowa went fine.
When I got home and checked my email, and got to talking with Candice, my opposite number in Buffalo, we pieced together what went down tonight. We knew in advance that there was some kind of Kucinich/Edwards alliance happening. And I told you tonight that there were rumors that Dennis and Edwards had gotten to be friends out on the trail, hanging out together in the green room before debates and such.
We threw Iowa. Plain and simple. Wherever we had less than 15% in a precinct, we backed Edwards, and it cost Dean and Gephardt an arm and a leg each. Judging from the results, it worked. When you pick up tomorrow's paper, you'll see me quoted as saying "we conceded a pawn early in the chess match." The more I think about it, the more right it sounds.
The national campaign told us that this strategy 'goes beyond Iowa', but without specifics or details. So there's some guesswork coming. I could be wrong. But I don't think so. 'We' (Edwards/Kucinich) finished ahead of Dean by 14 points. We'll probably never know exactly how much of that margin was provided by Kucinich supporters, but we HAD to be more help to Edwards than Braun was to Dean. And Gephardt got shut out, failing to clear the 15% threshold.
The delegate scoreboard:
Kerry - 6 (still needs 2153 to win nomination)
Edwards - 3 (still needs 2156)
Dean - 2 (still needs 2157)
Gephardt, KUCINICH, Sharpton, Lieberman and Clark-nothing yet
Still up for election - 3509
"Super Delegates" still at large - 796
Next up is New Hampshire, a primary state, so Edwards won't have the opportunity to pay us back there, the delegates are voted on directly. BUT !!! on February 3rd, there are five primaries (only one of which -Arizona -we expect a good showing in) and two caucuses, North Dakota and New Mexico. BOTH of which we are strong in. And now, with Edwards owing us a favor (if he doesn't get to 15% himself), and his supporters joining ours as payback, we could win both outright. I think we are guaranteed 15% in both, at least. February 7th, are caucuses in Washington and Michigan, both EXTREMELY strong states for us. With a little help from our new best friend Sen. Edwards (again, IF he doesn't get to 15% himself), we could win both of THEM. Same with Maine on 2/8. Bottom line, we traded a pawn now (Iowa), for a realistic shot at five chess pieces later (caucus states as big or bigger than Iowa). The only way it backfires is if we gave Edwards such a boost in Iowa, he gets 15% in all or most of those five states himself, then the deal is off and we're on our own. The primary states are 'every man for himself' regardless.
Betting Dr. Howie is thinking about how much it sucks to be 'the only candidate who opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning', and how rough it is to be 'the only progressive candidate in the field', and how stinking rotten hose 'Washington Democrats' are. It's not just 'buckshot' the good Doctor is 'picking out of (his) rear' now. It's also Dennis foot. Dennis didn't get mad, he got even.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Although Gephardt has the endorsements of 21 unions, which two candidates actually have the BEST voting records in Congress on labor issues according to the AFL-CIO.
A. Dennis (98%) and Edwards (94%). Guess who is now best positioned to pick up those endorsements (and campaign contributions) if Gephardt crashes and burns now that his 'bet the farm on Iowa' strategy has backfired? Kerry won, but paid for it in money and resources he pulled into Iowa from other states at the last minute. Kerry, Dean and Gephardt each got rather muddy in the fracas. And now, here comes General Clark joining the circus in New Hampshire. I checked Edwards' website for his positions on the issues. Edwards is now proposing a Dennis-like plan for getting out of Iraq (NATO/UN troops in, we give up the war profiteering and the UN helps Iraq gain sovereignty; albeit with no timetable like Dennis), and is wanting his vote back on the Patriot Act (sorry Senator, too late). They are in lockstep on being anti-corporate influence, NAFTA sucks, Pentagon is a money pit, pro-labor, pro-choice, BIG on education, civil rights, and progressive tax laws. Edwards isn't as bold on healthcare. Dennis is going to have to help him out on the environment quite a bit. They fit together fairly nicely for the most part.
SO, it's a tag-team is what it is. I'm guessing this deal will hold all the way to the convention in July. If the combination of Kucinich/Edwards gets to 2159 delegates, there's your Democratic ticket. A Progressive from the rustbelt, and a relatively liberal Southerner, who learns fast, both running extremely positive, sunshiny campaigns. Whoever has the most delegates of the two is the next President of the United States. And makes Bush look like a chimp in the debates (imagine Dennis or Edwards - a trial lawyer by trade - debating Bush... nice isn't it?). The junior partner gets to embarrass Cheney in the VP debates (imagine either Edwards or Dennis debating Scrooge McDuck... nice isn't it?). Genius move by whoever thought it up, and I'm betting it was Dennis himself. That's why we love the man.
Brian [Kucinich supporter]
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Letter from a Caucus Goer
January 20, 2004
Dear Representative Kucinich and Staff
I wanted to let you know about last night's events in our precinct, which I found to be truly remarkable and heartening. I am an administrator and teach history at a private Quaker high school near West Branch, Iowa. We are a small school, but we brought one third of our students to our local caucus last night in addition to about half of our staff.
Out of the seventeen students who attended the caucus last night, nine registered to vote, all for the first time. Of those nine new voters, eight of them caucused for you. Because of these students, the Kucinich group was able to win three delegates, and without these students we would not have been a viable group. Instead we would have fallen at 38 caucusers supporting you, which is below the required 15% of of 44 people to gain viability. Because of these students (and the multiple staff who caucused for you), we were able to send three delegates out of the state's total of 39, and without them we would not have been able to have a viable group in our precinct. I'm very proud of my students, and wanted to share my enthusiasm about their commitment with you. Thank you so much for all that you continue to do, and good luck in New Hampshire!
Sincerely,
Heather Godley
Academic Coordinator and History Teacher
Scattergood Friends School
*****************************
More news from Common Dreams website on the Iowa Caucus. This in from a Kucinich supporter ... Jeff Cohen.
Iowa, The Democrats & the Media
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0120-13.htm
January 20, 2004
Dear Representative Kucinich and Staff
I wanted to let you know about last night's events in our precinct, which I found to be truly remarkable and heartening. I am an administrator and teach history at a private Quaker high school near West Branch, Iowa. We are a small school, but we brought one third of our students to our local caucus last night in addition to about half of our staff.
Out of the seventeen students who attended the caucus last night, nine registered to vote, all for the first time. Of those nine new voters, eight of them caucused for you. Because of these students, the Kucinich group was able to win three delegates, and without these students we would not have been a viable group. Instead we would have fallen at 38 caucusers supporting you, which is below the required 15% of of 44 people to gain viability. Because of these students (and the multiple staff who caucused for you), we were able to send three delegates out of the state's total of 39, and without them we would not have been able to have a viable group in our precinct. I'm very proud of my students, and wanted to share my enthusiasm about their commitment with you. Thank you so much for all that you continue to do, and good luck in New Hampshire!
Sincerely,
Heather Godley
Academic Coordinator and History Teacher
Scattergood Friends School
*****************************
More news from Common Dreams website on the Iowa Caucus. This in from a Kucinich supporter ... Jeff Cohen.
Iowa, The Democrats & the Media
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0120-13.htm
NEWS FLASH ... this just in from the Democratic Party of America
THE MOST POWERFUL STORIES IN AMERICA: YOURS
This evening President Bush delivers his State of the Union address -- the last one he'll ever give. But his speech won't tell us the real state of the union. For three years, the Bush administration has offered nothing but false promises and outright deception at every turn, and we can expect more of the same as Bush runs for reelection.
THE REAL STATE OF THE UNION
The real state of the union is told in the stories of students and teachers. The stories come from veterans and active military, doctors and nurses, IT professionals and factory workers. They are told by small businesses owners and employees of the nation's biggest companies. They come from cities, suburbs, and rural areas, from the old and the young, and from every state in the nation. Last week, we asked you to tell us the real state of the union, and you sent in more than 10,000 responses. The pictures you painted were powerful: tragic, funny, inspirational, and heartbreaking. Those who sent us their stories have seen the costs of healthcare skyrocket and their incomes plummet. They've lost jobs and can't find new ones. They've seen tuition go up every year and the devastating effects of the No Child Left Behind Act in schools. They've seen their property and local taxes rise way above the pennies they received under Bush's tax plan -- while the wealthiest sliver of Americans reaped the real rewards. These stories are moving because any of them could be your story. Choose your state -- or any state -- at the link below to read a sample of the stories we received from ordinary Americans and learn what real state our union is in.
http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002O704cgO0001D
NOTE: These stories have not been edited (except to remove names) or verified. We are posting them just as they were sent to us.
THE MOST POWERFUL STORIES IN AMERICA: YOURS
This evening President Bush delivers his State of the Union address -- the last one he'll ever give. But his speech won't tell us the real state of the union. For three years, the Bush administration has offered nothing but false promises and outright deception at every turn, and we can expect more of the same as Bush runs for reelection.
THE REAL STATE OF THE UNION
The real state of the union is told in the stories of students and teachers. The stories come from veterans and active military, doctors and nurses, IT professionals and factory workers. They are told by small businesses owners and employees of the nation's biggest companies. They come from cities, suburbs, and rural areas, from the old and the young, and from every state in the nation. Last week, we asked you to tell us the real state of the union, and you sent in more than 10,000 responses. The pictures you painted were powerful: tragic, funny, inspirational, and heartbreaking. Those who sent us their stories have seen the costs of healthcare skyrocket and their incomes plummet. They've lost jobs and can't find new ones. They've seen tuition go up every year and the devastating effects of the No Child Left Behind Act in schools. They've seen their property and local taxes rise way above the pennies they received under Bush's tax plan -- while the wealthiest sliver of Americans reaped the real rewards. These stories are moving because any of them could be your story. Choose your state -- or any state -- at the link below to read a sample of the stories we received from ordinary Americans and learn what real state our union is in.
http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002O704cgO0001D
NOTE: These stories have not been edited (except to remove names) or verified. We are posting them just as they were sent to us.
Dennis Kucinich addresses his Iowa delegates and supporters after the Iowa Caucus
Kirkwood Hotel Ballroom
Des Moines, Iowa
"Some would think it's unwise to suggest that when you have 1% of the delegates that somehow you can take that as a springboard to the nomination, but I will say that kind of daring and fearlessness is what this country is actually looking for at this time, because if we have learned anything over the past few weeks, it is that the political condition in this state and for that matter in this country is very volatile, that somebody's up one day and down the next. So this campaign is always going to be committed to consistent principles which I believe at some point the American people will wholeheartedly embrace and I'm going to begin with this: and that is the principle that we must work for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Iraq which means bringing in UN peacekeepers and bringing our troops home. Let me tell you that while this becomes urgent that some of the election results already are being interspersed as being a rejection of the message about getting out of Iraq.
I will make a prediction that the American people, as this campaign season continues to advance, will begin to focus very sharply on this question of Iraq and the connection between the positions of the various candidates and what those postions will mean with respect to that prospective nominee and whether or not we're going to continue to be in Iraq. This campaign, and we are at the beginning of this campaign, will offer the American people a sharp contrast with all the other candidates. Now there's one candidate, Al Sharpton, who has also agreed that we should get out of Iraq, I want to make that clear. And we ought to be grateful for him taking that position. And we should credit when someone takes that position. But in this race here in Iowa we began the debate, I stood alone in putting that message out to people.
But this is just the beginning and we need to recognize that. And being at the beginning of a debate is an important moment, because we start to lay the basis for a continuing discussion nationally about the wisdom or lack of wisdom about this country's position on continuing the war against Iraq and continuing the occupation. I want to review this tonight, because this is really going to be the basis for so much of our campaign down the road. All of the other democrats in this Iowa debate just kind of swept this position aside, and said we're going to have to stay the course, we're going to be there for a long time, and there's nothing we can do about it. We've got to clean up the President's mess.
Our campaign is the vehicle by which our soldiers are going to have their security protected. We have to. We have to recognize that we're at a dangerous moment with respect to Iraq. Where the Iraqi people, 100,000 Iraqis, marched through the streets of Baghdad in a nonviolent protest demanding that this American government stop this effort to basically rig the elections in Iraq. That our government must take a whole new direction. We must take a Boston where we go to the UN and say look, we're giving up the ambitions to oil.
We're giving up the ambitions to contract
We're giving up the ambitions for privatization
We're giving up the ambitions to contract
We're giving up the ambitions to control the government of Iraq
That we want a new approach and working with the new world community
We want to bring in UN peaceekeepers
We want to bring our troops home
We want to help rebuild Iraq
We want to provide help to people who lost their lives, the innocent people
We want to help provide for UN peacekeepers
Because that's the right thing to do
We're going to keep this campaign going
We're not going to let this go
We're going to keep this campaign going
We're going to go on to New Hampshire
We're going to go on to South Carolina
We're going to go to New Mexico and Arizona
We're on our way to the west, the north, the south,
We're carrying this campaign all the way to the convention
And we will win at the convention
And we will win
because we stand for social and economic justice
unifying the world
bringing peace and stability to Iraq
and the only way we're going to do that is to
Bring in UN peacekeepers and bring our troops home.
Our President said "Bring 'em on" and I say "Bring 'em home". Bring our troops home. And so you know the polls talked about us having 3% support. Every delegate here raise your hand, I want to explain what these delegates represent. This means in these precincts that we got 15% of the vote. All around this state we had people who were able to demonstrate that by rallying together we were able to get 15% of the vote, that's how we get delegates. That's how we have delegates in this room right now, and there are many more outside the city of Des Moines that are celebrating tonight that they're going to be delegates. But we have to recognize something. This election we started off one of 9 candidates considered to be in 9th place, because we came to Iowa, because we campaigned in Iowa, over the period of the last 11 months, we moved up from 9th to 5th. So what we need you to do now is to join with us in continuing to organize as we go state to state.
So we need your help in continuing to raise money at our website at kucinich.us, we need your help in continuing to assist us in organizing in other states. The ones that are near Iowa, for those of you who are able to drive, you can help us. We need your help in continuing to build this grassroots effort. We recognize that we've taken the first step today. But the first step is the most important when you are taking a journey of a thousand miles. But this step that we took today is a step that demonstrates the courage of this campaign, the commitment of this campaign, the heart of this campaign, the spirit of this campaign, and the spirit of all the people who are in this room and all of the people who all over America are counting on this campaign to really bring the light of peace to this nation and the world.
Now Chet Quinn talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, and he gave a speech at Riverside Church in New York, and I believe it was in 1967, where he talked about the war in Vietnam, as destroying the hopes of peoples of two nations. Of Vietnam and of the United States. This war is already costing the American people, the treasure of so many of our young people, 500 casualties, as well as great financial losses. Now I am letting you know that I am going to be there for you every step of the way. And that we will either bring these other Democratic candidates into an identical position or we are going to sweep them aside as we go to the nomination.
Now tomorrow, at 3:00 this morning, I'll be on my way to New Hampshire to show you that I'm not going to miss a beat, waste any time or get any sleep. And what I will be talking about as I arrive in New Hampshire is an issue that is greatly affecting the people in New England, and that is trade. And how people there are losing so many industries because of these trade agreements that have basically enabled giant corporations to just move jobs out of this country in quest of lower wages. Every working person in this country realizes that corporations are trying to drive down wages. So what we need to do is to raise this issue. I talked about here it in this state and I"m going to talk about it in New Hampshire as well. How urgent it is that the United States totally change the direction it is going on trade. And that it is urgent that we repeal NAFTA and the WTO and go back to bilateral trade conditioned on workers rights, human rights, and environmental quality principles. And I will continue our campaign for universal single payer not for profit health care.
So once again let's talk about you, let's talk about what you've done to help us win delegates. I cannot thank you enough. I'm ever so grateful for the demonstration that you have made of your commitment. Remember that it was 15% that enabled you to be able to stand here as a delegate or to recognize the work to gain a delegate in your precinct. That's an enormous statement of the work that was done in a campaign that most people said there wouldn't be any chance we could get numbers like that. You accomplished something. Now think of what that means, as we keep that spirit going, as we communicate that courage and that love. I am so grateful for your support, I am so grateful for the contributions that you've made, and I will carry this goodwill and these wishes and this energy with me to New Hampshire to begin our campaign to take the message to New Hampshire and to get some more delegates! Thank you very much!"
Kirkwood Hotel Ballroom
Des Moines, Iowa
"Some would think it's unwise to suggest that when you have 1% of the delegates that somehow you can take that as a springboard to the nomination, but I will say that kind of daring and fearlessness is what this country is actually looking for at this time, because if we have learned anything over the past few weeks, it is that the political condition in this state and for that matter in this country is very volatile, that somebody's up one day and down the next. So this campaign is always going to be committed to consistent principles which I believe at some point the American people will wholeheartedly embrace and I'm going to begin with this: and that is the principle that we must work for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Iraq which means bringing in UN peacekeepers and bringing our troops home. Let me tell you that while this becomes urgent that some of the election results already are being interspersed as being a rejection of the message about getting out of Iraq.
I will make a prediction that the American people, as this campaign season continues to advance, will begin to focus very sharply on this question of Iraq and the connection between the positions of the various candidates and what those postions will mean with respect to that prospective nominee and whether or not we're going to continue to be in Iraq. This campaign, and we are at the beginning of this campaign, will offer the American people a sharp contrast with all the other candidates. Now there's one candidate, Al Sharpton, who has also agreed that we should get out of Iraq, I want to make that clear. And we ought to be grateful for him taking that position. And we should credit when someone takes that position. But in this race here in Iowa we began the debate, I stood alone in putting that message out to people.
But this is just the beginning and we need to recognize that. And being at the beginning of a debate is an important moment, because we start to lay the basis for a continuing discussion nationally about the wisdom or lack of wisdom about this country's position on continuing the war against Iraq and continuing the occupation. I want to review this tonight, because this is really going to be the basis for so much of our campaign down the road. All of the other democrats in this Iowa debate just kind of swept this position aside, and said we're going to have to stay the course, we're going to be there for a long time, and there's nothing we can do about it. We've got to clean up the President's mess.
Our campaign is the vehicle by which our soldiers are going to have their security protected. We have to. We have to recognize that we're at a dangerous moment with respect to Iraq. Where the Iraqi people, 100,000 Iraqis, marched through the streets of Baghdad in a nonviolent protest demanding that this American government stop this effort to basically rig the elections in Iraq. That our government must take a whole new direction. We must take a Boston where we go to the UN and say look, we're giving up the ambitions to oil.
We're giving up the ambitions to contract
We're giving up the ambitions for privatization
We're giving up the ambitions to contract
We're giving up the ambitions to control the government of Iraq
That we want a new approach and working with the new world community
We want to bring in UN peaceekeepers
We want to bring our troops home
We want to help rebuild Iraq
We want to provide help to people who lost their lives, the innocent people
We want to help provide for UN peacekeepers
Because that's the right thing to do
We're going to keep this campaign going
We're not going to let this go
We're going to keep this campaign going
We're going to go on to New Hampshire
We're going to go on to South Carolina
We're going to go to New Mexico and Arizona
We're on our way to the west, the north, the south,
We're carrying this campaign all the way to the convention
And we will win at the convention
And we will win
because we stand for social and economic justice
unifying the world
bringing peace and stability to Iraq
and the only way we're going to do that is to
Bring in UN peacekeepers and bring our troops home.
Our President said "Bring 'em on" and I say "Bring 'em home". Bring our troops home. And so you know the polls talked about us having 3% support. Every delegate here raise your hand, I want to explain what these delegates represent. This means in these precincts that we got 15% of the vote. All around this state we had people who were able to demonstrate that by rallying together we were able to get 15% of the vote, that's how we get delegates. That's how we have delegates in this room right now, and there are many more outside the city of Des Moines that are celebrating tonight that they're going to be delegates. But we have to recognize something. This election we started off one of 9 candidates considered to be in 9th place, because we came to Iowa, because we campaigned in Iowa, over the period of the last 11 months, we moved up from 9th to 5th. So what we need you to do now is to join with us in continuing to organize as we go state to state.
So we need your help in continuing to raise money at our website at kucinich.us, we need your help in continuing to assist us in organizing in other states. The ones that are near Iowa, for those of you who are able to drive, you can help us. We need your help in continuing to build this grassroots effort. We recognize that we've taken the first step today. But the first step is the most important when you are taking a journey of a thousand miles. But this step that we took today is a step that demonstrates the courage of this campaign, the commitment of this campaign, the heart of this campaign, the spirit of this campaign, and the spirit of all the people who are in this room and all of the people who all over America are counting on this campaign to really bring the light of peace to this nation and the world.
Now Chet Quinn talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, and he gave a speech at Riverside Church in New York, and I believe it was in 1967, where he talked about the war in Vietnam, as destroying the hopes of peoples of two nations. Of Vietnam and of the United States. This war is already costing the American people, the treasure of so many of our young people, 500 casualties, as well as great financial losses. Now I am letting you know that I am going to be there for you every step of the way. And that we will either bring these other Democratic candidates into an identical position or we are going to sweep them aside as we go to the nomination.
Now tomorrow, at 3:00 this morning, I'll be on my way to New Hampshire to show you that I'm not going to miss a beat, waste any time or get any sleep. And what I will be talking about as I arrive in New Hampshire is an issue that is greatly affecting the people in New England, and that is trade. And how people there are losing so many industries because of these trade agreements that have basically enabled giant corporations to just move jobs out of this country in quest of lower wages. Every working person in this country realizes that corporations are trying to drive down wages. So what we need to do is to raise this issue. I talked about here it in this state and I"m going to talk about it in New Hampshire as well. How urgent it is that the United States totally change the direction it is going on trade. And that it is urgent that we repeal NAFTA and the WTO and go back to bilateral trade conditioned on workers rights, human rights, and environmental quality principles. And I will continue our campaign for universal single payer not for profit health care.
So once again let's talk about you, let's talk about what you've done to help us win delegates. I cannot thank you enough. I'm ever so grateful for the demonstration that you have made of your commitment. Remember that it was 15% that enabled you to be able to stand here as a delegate or to recognize the work to gain a delegate in your precinct. That's an enormous statement of the work that was done in a campaign that most people said there wouldn't be any chance we could get numbers like that. You accomplished something. Now think of what that means, as we keep that spirit going, as we communicate that courage and that love. I am so grateful for your support, I am so grateful for the contributions that you've made, and I will carry this goodwill and these wishes and this energy with me to New Hampshire to begin our campaign to take the message to New Hampshire and to get some more delegates! Thank you very much!"
Monday, January 19, 2004
Today is "Martin Luther King Jr Day" and in honor, as well as recognition of this great man, I'm sharing some of his quotes with you all.
******************************
Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him. Martin Luther King Jr.
I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law. Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter From Birmingham Jail ", 4.16.63
Whatever career you may choose for yourself -- doctor, lawyer, teacher -- let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. Become a dedicated fighter for civil rights. Make it a central part of your life. It will make you a better doctor, a better lawyer, a better teacher. It will enrich your spirit as nothing else possibly can. It will give you that rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man . Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for human rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in. Martin Luther King Jr., 4.18.59
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom. Martin Luther King Jr., "The Trumpet of Conscience", 1967
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter From Birmingham Jail ", 4.16.63
If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in the struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos. Martin Luther King Jr., "Justice Without Violence", 4.3.57
The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" Martin Luther King Jr., "I've Been to the Mountain Top ", 4.3.68
******************************
He Came Not to Praise King But...........
by Timothy McDonald of the LOS ANGELES TIMES
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0119-09.htm
******************************
Excellent article on presidential debates by Ralph Nader via Common Dreams website.
'Gated' Debates Challenged by Citizens Debate Commission
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0119-03.htm
******************************
Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him. Martin Luther King Jr.
I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law. Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter From Birmingham Jail ", 4.16.63
Whatever career you may choose for yourself -- doctor, lawyer, teacher -- let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. Become a dedicated fighter for civil rights. Make it a central part of your life. It will make you a better doctor, a better lawyer, a better teacher. It will enrich your spirit as nothing else possibly can. It will give you that rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man . Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for human rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in. Martin Luther King Jr., 4.18.59
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom. Martin Luther King Jr., "The Trumpet of Conscience", 1967
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter From Birmingham Jail ", 4.16.63
If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in the struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos. Martin Luther King Jr., "Justice Without Violence", 4.3.57
The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" Martin Luther King Jr., "I've Been to the Mountain Top ", 4.3.68
******************************
He Came Not to Praise King But...........
by Timothy McDonald of the LOS ANGELES TIMES
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0119-09.htm
******************************
Excellent article on presidential debates by Ralph Nader via Common Dreams website.
'Gated' Debates Challenged by Citizens Debate Commission
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0119-03.htm
Sunday, January 18, 2004
[NOTE: The news below may be a day or two old, but its still important to share with you all.]
IOWA IS UP IN THE AIR
The prognosticating political pundits are hedging their bets on Iowa -- some even going so far as to admit that they have no idea what results will come out of the caucuses. And rightly so. It all depends on turnout and on the passion of those who turn out. Every person you persuade to take the time to caucus for Dennis can make a significant difference in Iowa, and therefore in the 49 states that come after Iowa. If you want this country to have a real alternative to George W. Bush, now is the time to act. Every phone call you make to Iowa this weekend is worth hours and hours of work down the road. Make phone calls to Iowans!
http://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Contact/ContactUs.asp?ievent=43750
Dennis Kucinich wows the crowd in Davenport, Iowa, the evening of January 17th.
DENNIS RECEIVED NAVAJO ENDORSEMENT
On January 17th Dennis Kucinich will received the endorsement of the Dine Bidziil Navajo Strength Coalition, a broad coalition of 24 grassroots organizations. Dennis addressed 1,000 members of the annual Dine Bidziil convention on Saturday morning and be ceremonially honored. Also speaking was Winona LaDuke. The convention was held at the Farmington Civic Center in Farmington, NM.
BALTIMORE SUN COLUMN ON DENNIS
http://www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.witcover16jan16,0,2260751.column?coll=bal-oped-headlines
Who is Dennis Kucinich?
HELP the environment
plant a BUSH back in Texas
Support Kucinich in 2004
http://www.kucinich.us
CORRECTING MICHAEL MOORE
Michael Moore has sent out a misleading Email that has many people asking if Dennis voted for the war on Iraq. He did not. He led the effort that organized 126 Democrats in the House of Representatives to go against their own party leader and vote against the war. And Dennis voted against the war. What Moore has in mind is a later, symbolic vote taken during the war on support for the President and the troops. Dennis supported the troops but not the President, so he voted "Present." That this was the closest thing Moore could find to a reason not to support Dennis says a lot.
"The U.S. Supreme Court & The Imperial Presidency: How President Bush Is Testing The Limits Of His Presidential Powers"
This is one fasinating, detailed, brilliant article by John W. Dean from FINDLAW. If you wish to read the article, check out the link below. America hasn't been a Democracy for a long time and even less so under the regime of Bushie and his cronies. We need to unite and preserve our rights as Americans from this insanity and vote Bush Regime OUT in November.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0116-11.htm
IOWA IS UP IN THE AIR
The prognosticating political pundits are hedging their bets on Iowa -- some even going so far as to admit that they have no idea what results will come out of the caucuses. And rightly so. It all depends on turnout and on the passion of those who turn out. Every person you persuade to take the time to caucus for Dennis can make a significant difference in Iowa, and therefore in the 49 states that come after Iowa. If you want this country to have a real alternative to George W. Bush, now is the time to act. Every phone call you make to Iowa this weekend is worth hours and hours of work down the road. Make phone calls to Iowans!
http://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Contact/ContactUs.asp?ievent=43750
Dennis Kucinich wows the crowd in Davenport, Iowa, the evening of January 17th.
DENNIS RECEIVED NAVAJO ENDORSEMENT
On January 17th Dennis Kucinich will received the endorsement of the Dine Bidziil Navajo Strength Coalition, a broad coalition of 24 grassroots organizations. Dennis addressed 1,000 members of the annual Dine Bidziil convention on Saturday morning and be ceremonially honored. Also speaking was Winona LaDuke. The convention was held at the Farmington Civic Center in Farmington, NM.
BALTIMORE SUN COLUMN ON DENNIS
http://www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.witcover16jan16,0,2260751.column?coll=bal-oped-headlines
Who is Dennis Kucinich?
HELP the environment
plant a BUSH back in Texas
Support Kucinich in 2004
http://www.kucinich.us
CORRECTING MICHAEL MOORE
Michael Moore has sent out a misleading Email that has many people asking if Dennis voted for the war on Iraq. He did not. He led the effort that organized 126 Democrats in the House of Representatives to go against their own party leader and vote against the war. And Dennis voted against the war. What Moore has in mind is a later, symbolic vote taken during the war on support for the President and the troops. Dennis supported the troops but not the President, so he voted "Present." That this was the closest thing Moore could find to a reason not to support Dennis says a lot.
"The U.S. Supreme Court & The Imperial Presidency: How President Bush Is Testing The Limits Of His Presidential Powers"
This is one fasinating, detailed, brilliant article by John W. Dean from FINDLAW. If you wish to read the article, check out the link below. America hasn't been a Democracy for a long time and even less so under the regime of Bushie and his cronies. We need to unite and preserve our rights as Americans from this insanity and vote Bush Regime OUT in November.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0116-11.htm
The past work week started out slow ... Wednesday thru Friday was busy and productive. Also heard from my Administrative Manager ... Ginger said the secretary I've been covering since early August is due back January 26th. Lindsey took quite an extended maturnity leave. I didn't mind, since I was working for a terrific department and will miss them. During these past six months I've also been briefly assigned to other E&Y projects. Three days at one desk area or half a day at another. Never a dull moment ... who knows where I'll be assigned from January 26th onwards. Stay tuned............
Those who know me well know that I'm usually reading 2 to 3 books at a time. There's always a stack next to my bed, as well as the latest periodicals I subscribe too. A few days ago I finally finished DAUGHTERS OF BRITANNIA by Katie Hickman. Interesting book on the lives/adventures of wives and daughters in British diplomatic circles over last 300 years. I'm currently halfway thru a brilliant book by Barbara Tuchman on the early days of WW1. THE GUNS OF AUGUST was released in 1962 and garnered a Pulitzer Prize for Ms Tuchman. [America didn't become part of this devastating war until three years later.] So many lives lost in the Great War, not only soldiers, but innocent civilians too. [Something we're all familiar with today in regards to Afghanistan & Iraq.] Military brass didn't seem to give a damn about the infantry and sent them off to be slaughtered by the truckload. The cavalry was utilized for the last time during WW1 and aviation came into play. I find that whole era fascinating.
Back on Thursday, January 14th, many of us NYC Kucinich for President volunteers attended an important meeting down on East 23rd Street. Totally inspiring and productive meeting with 70+ in attendance. Bob Ginsberg opened the meeting with remarks on Kucinich gaining ground in campaign and more news regarding NYC petition drive. Next up was Mike Locker discussing campaign strategy for us volunteers over next 6 to 7 weeks. What our objectives, methods and resources entail. [Important news mentioned ... is that voter registration must be complete by February 6th. If your not sure of your "voting status" in NYC ... call the following number ... 212-VOTE-NYC. Dennis Kucinich will be at St John the Divine church on upper westside ... February 22nd to speak and answer questions. If anyone wishes to help put up Kucinich posters around the tri-state area, please contact the NYC office at 212-791-1660.] Jessica spoke about her "technique of 'approach' speech and Mary answered our questions about Registration Drive. At the end of the meeting we volunteers broke into groups and/or boroughs to discuss strategies/ideas. I'm part of the "media coverage" group ... with Paul and Larry as our points of contact. I've already been emailing letters to WBAI, THE NATION & NY TIMES about Kucinich. So far, no replies, but I've been told this is common. Overall it was a fantastic meeting, talked with other volunteers and picked up pamphlets on Kucinich for distribution. JUST REMEMBER THAT KUCINICH IS ELECTABLE AND THE DEMOCRATS WILL OUST BUSHIE'S REGIME FROM DC IN NOVEMBER.
After a whole month or close to it of my personal trainer out of the country visiting family and friends for the holidays ... I had an intense one-hour workout session this past Thursday evening. [Still sore muscles today.] During the time Jamie was away I did my cardio at the gym twice a week, plus do TAE-BO & situps at home. At the Thursday evening session, Jamie told me all about his adventures at home in Liverpool. Very amusing. Also got to chat with one of the really cute personal trainers at the gym. Meow! I've been chatting with lots of different men on Yahoo IM, but so far no dates since I broke up with Rob in October. I'm in no rush either.
Those who know me well know that I'm usually reading 2 to 3 books at a time. There's always a stack next to my bed, as well as the latest periodicals I subscribe too. A few days ago I finally finished DAUGHTERS OF BRITANNIA by Katie Hickman. Interesting book on the lives/adventures of wives and daughters in British diplomatic circles over last 300 years. I'm currently halfway thru a brilliant book by Barbara Tuchman on the early days of WW1. THE GUNS OF AUGUST was released in 1962 and garnered a Pulitzer Prize for Ms Tuchman. [America didn't become part of this devastating war until three years later.] So many lives lost in the Great War, not only soldiers, but innocent civilians too. [Something we're all familiar with today in regards to Afghanistan & Iraq.] Military brass didn't seem to give a damn about the infantry and sent them off to be slaughtered by the truckload. The cavalry was utilized for the last time during WW1 and aviation came into play. I find that whole era fascinating.
Back on Thursday, January 14th, many of us NYC Kucinich for President volunteers attended an important meeting down on East 23rd Street. Totally inspiring and productive meeting with 70+ in attendance. Bob Ginsberg opened the meeting with remarks on Kucinich gaining ground in campaign and more news regarding NYC petition drive. Next up was Mike Locker discussing campaign strategy for us volunteers over next 6 to 7 weeks. What our objectives, methods and resources entail. [Important news mentioned ... is that voter registration must be complete by February 6th. If your not sure of your "voting status" in NYC ... call the following number ... 212-VOTE-NYC. Dennis Kucinich will be at St John the Divine church on upper westside ... February 22nd to speak and answer questions. If anyone wishes to help put up Kucinich posters around the tri-state area, please contact the NYC office at 212-791-1660.] Jessica spoke about her "technique of 'approach' speech and Mary answered our questions about Registration Drive. At the end of the meeting we volunteers broke into groups and/or boroughs to discuss strategies/ideas. I'm part of the "media coverage" group ... with Paul and Larry as our points of contact. I've already been emailing letters to WBAI, THE NATION & NY TIMES about Kucinich. So far, no replies, but I've been told this is common. Overall it was a fantastic meeting, talked with other volunteers and picked up pamphlets on Kucinich for distribution. JUST REMEMBER THAT KUCINICH IS ELECTABLE AND THE DEMOCRATS WILL OUST BUSHIE'S REGIME FROM DC IN NOVEMBER.
After a whole month or close to it of my personal trainer out of the country visiting family and friends for the holidays ... I had an intense one-hour workout session this past Thursday evening. [Still sore muscles today.] During the time Jamie was away I did my cardio at the gym twice a week, plus do TAE-BO & situps at home. At the Thursday evening session, Jamie told me all about his adventures at home in Liverpool. Very amusing. Also got to chat with one of the really cute personal trainers at the gym. Meow! I've been chatting with lots of different men on Yahoo IM, but so far no dates since I broke up with Rob in October. I'm in no rush either.
Friday, January 16, 2004
The message below was sent to all of us on the Ferret Company emailing list and was written up by the wonderful Jeanne Carley. Received on Thursday, January 15th.
***************************
First of all, thanks so much for writing those poignant and polite letters. I know you were angry about Mr. Stiller's comments. Believe me, as someone who has worked so hard for so many years on the ferret issue (as many of you have as well) so was I!
But your letters worked! This morning Mr. Stiller appeared on the Today show this morning with Matt Lauer. I missed it but a faithful recount appeared on the FML from Heather and was forwarded to me:
They talked a bit about the character Stiller plays, then Matt turned to the subject of the ferret, mentioning, "You went on Leno a couple of nights ago and said some things that got you in hot water with ferret lovers."
"Yeah," said Ben Stiller nervously, and proceeded to read some of what he said have been "thousands" of emails from ferret lovers..He chose to read the best of which said, "To work with ferrets, you need to be smarter than aloud a few, them. Apparently Mr. Stiller is not." He insisted that his remarks on Leno were meant to be humerous to promote his movie, and that he is a dog lover and likes animals, and does not hate ferrets. He then issued a formal apology to all ferret people everywhere, apologizing for his remarks, stating that he does not intend to support ferrets being illegal in California. (He also acknowledged that the ferret has tested higher in "Along Came Polly" screenings than any of its human co-stars!)
Then they brought out a little sable guy and introduced him to Ben Stiller, Stiller took the ferret and held it and gave it a kiss on the top of its head. Then Matt Lauer asked, "Does it feel good to get that off your chest?" Holding the ferret close to him, Stiller replied kindly, "It's good to have a ferret ON your chest." It was a good moment.
I applaud you ALL for writing. Another viewer said Mr. Stiller specifically credited the e-mail campaign for his apology. But I also applaud and have a new respect for Mr. Stiller. It took courage and integrity to publicly acknowledge that he erred in his comments about ferrets, and I was pleased to see that he realized that he hurt good people who love these domesticated pets. It's a shame that the California Department of Fish and Game has never had enough good character to do the same, but when was the last time you heard of a bureaucracy acknowledging an error or apologizing for any harm they've caused?
***************************
First of all, thanks so much for writing those poignant and polite letters. I know you were angry about Mr. Stiller's comments. Believe me, as someone who has worked so hard for so many years on the ferret issue (as many of you have as well) so was I!
But your letters worked! This morning Mr. Stiller appeared on the Today show this morning with Matt Lauer. I missed it but a faithful recount appeared on the FML from Heather and was forwarded to me:
They talked a bit about the character Stiller plays, then Matt turned to the subject of the ferret, mentioning, "You went on Leno a couple of nights ago and said some things that got you in hot water with ferret lovers."
"Yeah," said Ben Stiller nervously, and proceeded to read some of what he said have been "thousands" of emails from ferret lovers..He chose to read the best of which said, "To work with ferrets, you need to be smarter than aloud a few, them. Apparently Mr. Stiller is not." He insisted that his remarks on Leno were meant to be humerous to promote his movie, and that he is a dog lover and likes animals, and does not hate ferrets. He then issued a formal apology to all ferret people everywhere, apologizing for his remarks, stating that he does not intend to support ferrets being illegal in California. (He also acknowledged that the ferret has tested higher in "Along Came Polly" screenings than any of its human co-stars!)
Then they brought out a little sable guy and introduced him to Ben Stiller, Stiller took the ferret and held it and gave it a kiss on the top of its head. Then Matt Lauer asked, "Does it feel good to get that off your chest?" Holding the ferret close to him, Stiller replied kindly, "It's good to have a ferret ON your chest." It was a good moment.
I applaud you ALL for writing. Another viewer said Mr. Stiller specifically credited the e-mail campaign for his apology. But I also applaud and have a new respect for Mr. Stiller. It took courage and integrity to publicly acknowledge that he erred in his comments about ferrets, and I was pleased to see that he realized that he hurt good people who love these domesticated pets. It's a shame that the California Department of Fish and Game has never had enough good character to do the same, but when was the last time you heard of a bureaucracy acknowledging an error or apologizing for any harm they've caused?
Came across this fantastic article or testimonial [Two Waves of Change; Dean AND Kucinich] from Stephen Dinan at OpEdNews.com and he views the whole stance with such depth. Please read this article ... whether your allegiance is with Dean or Kucinich ... its brilliant. Peace & Solidarity!
http://www.opednews.com/dinan0104_kucinich.htm
**************************
SUPPORT THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE ACT
The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is federal legislation to protect the principles of privacy and choice as embodied by Roe v. Wade, and it could move in Congress next week. We need your help to support FOCA. Take action here:
http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/foca_petition/b7e33u4fjjdji6
http://www.opednews.com/dinan0104_kucinich.htm
**************************
SUPPORT THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE ACT
The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is federal legislation to protect the principles of privacy and choice as embodied by Roe v. Wade, and it could move in Congress next week. We need your help to support FOCA. Take action here:
http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/foca_petition/b7e33u4fjjdji6
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Kucinich Responds to Bush Administration's Latest Profiling of All Airline Passengers
"The Bush Administration is diverting resources to measures that appear to make us safer but actually make our lives more difficult and violate our privacy," said Kucinich. "The new system will require all airline passengers to provide their full names, home addressees, phone numbers, and dates of birth when they book flights. The government will feed that information into databases and produce profiles on all passengers. The databases will include government records, information from commercial systems such as Lexis-Nexis and Acxiom, and mailing lists and other commercial information. And the databases will be secret, and therefore no one will have any idea why they would be given a specific security level.
"The Administration is turning every airline ticket counter into a Big Brother Booth. Our freedoms and our liberties are on the line. This Administration is moving with breathtaking speed to demolish the Bill of Rights and privacy protections. In a democratic society we have a right to live free and they're taking that right away.
"What conceivable right does the government have to develop these database profiles? What else will the government do with the information? The FBI is already collecting information on people who attend peace demonstrations. What purposes will all of this data be put to? Once someone is deemed a threat to air travel, will they also be denied a driver's license? Will they be denied admittance to large public events?
"These are serious questions. Big Brother is here. This is absolutely unacceptable in a democracy. We have to live free, or it's not America anymore. I will work quickly to repeal the 'PATRIOT Act,' to repeal the intelligence authorization bill that slipped in sections of Patriot Act II, and to rescind all practices that mine data for the purpose of profiling.
"We are being driven to fear each other, and it is not helpful. There is no evidence that this new scheme, or duct tape and plastic, or the general color-coded terror threat warnings actually make us safer. Rather than pouring hundreds of billions into an illegal war that is destabilizing the Middle East and additional resources into assigning people color codes, we should be working to rejoin the world community and make the world safer through diplomacy and cooperation."
"The Bush Administration is diverting resources to measures that appear to make us safer but actually make our lives more difficult and violate our privacy," said Kucinich. "The new system will require all airline passengers to provide their full names, home addressees, phone numbers, and dates of birth when they book flights. The government will feed that information into databases and produce profiles on all passengers. The databases will include government records, information from commercial systems such as Lexis-Nexis and Acxiom, and mailing lists and other commercial information. And the databases will be secret, and therefore no one will have any idea why they would be given a specific security level.
"The Administration is turning every airline ticket counter into a Big Brother Booth. Our freedoms and our liberties are on the line. This Administration is moving with breathtaking speed to demolish the Bill of Rights and privacy protections. In a democratic society we have a right to live free and they're taking that right away.
"What conceivable right does the government have to develop these database profiles? What else will the government do with the information? The FBI is already collecting information on people who attend peace demonstrations. What purposes will all of this data be put to? Once someone is deemed a threat to air travel, will they also be denied a driver's license? Will they be denied admittance to large public events?
"These are serious questions. Big Brother is here. This is absolutely unacceptable in a democracy. We have to live free, or it's not America anymore. I will work quickly to repeal the 'PATRIOT Act,' to repeal the intelligence authorization bill that slipped in sections of Patriot Act II, and to rescind all practices that mine data for the purpose of profiling.
"We are being driven to fear each other, and it is not helpful. There is no evidence that this new scheme, or duct tape and plastic, or the general color-coded terror threat warnings actually make us safer. Rather than pouring hundreds of billions into an illegal war that is destabilizing the Middle East and additional resources into assigning people color codes, we should be working to rejoin the world community and make the world safer through diplomacy and cooperation."
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
[NOTE: Some recent quotes of Dennis Kucinich humor ... love this man!]
CNN: You, a relatively unknown Congressman, started (campaigning) around the same time (as Dean) and are not doing well at all.
Kucinich: Well you know, it's kind of an interesting question that you ask Wolf. It's like asking me why, if you haven't covered my campaign, aren't people watching me on CNN?
--------------------------------
Fox: You say that it's a mess. Have you been to Iraq?
Kucinich: Oh look, I've been there with the help of Fox!
Bravo Dennis Bravo!
**************************
[NOTE: More quotes reported on Kucinich from Sundays televised democratic debate from Iowa.]
"The evening's 'top applause line' went to Dennis Kucinich. When asked about Bush's plan to return to the moon, he replied: 'I've been wondering why the president would, while we're still in Iraq, talk about going to the moon and going to Mars. Maybe he's looking for the weapons of mass destruction still.'" (Washington Post, 1/12).
Kucinich, on the new Bush immigration policy: "You know, the Statue of Liberty, the poem at the base, didn't say, 'Give me your tired, your poor, and we'll fingerprint them, we will take their picture and then we will deport them after we're finished getting their work.'" (Des Moines Register, 1/12).
**************************
Important Facts on the Wellstone crash ... as reported on Kucinich4President Yahoo Group
1. It happened just before an important election, which, coincidentally, a republican won.
2. The pilots were highly experienced.
3. Weather was officially determined not to be a factor.
4. The fuselage was blown out. The wings, which hold the fuel in this kind of airplane, were intact.
5. The FBI arrived on the scene at a time which indicates they must have left about the same time that Wellstone & family took off from the airport.
6. About twice as many Democrats as republicans die in air crashes.
I think it well behooves us all to remember what we are really up against, and therefore remember HOW IMPORTANT THIS FIGHT IS. Why has the corporate media all but blocked Kucinich out? Because they know he stands for real change. Refuse to be bought out by cheap promises of some candidates. Peace & Solidarity!
CNN: You, a relatively unknown Congressman, started (campaigning) around the same time (as Dean) and are not doing well at all.
Kucinich: Well you know, it's kind of an interesting question that you ask Wolf. It's like asking me why, if you haven't covered my campaign, aren't people watching me on CNN?
--------------------------------
Fox: You say that it's a mess. Have you been to Iraq?
Kucinich: Oh look, I've been there with the help of Fox!
Bravo Dennis Bravo!
**************************
[NOTE: More quotes reported on Kucinich from Sundays televised democratic debate from Iowa.]
"The evening's 'top applause line' went to Dennis Kucinich. When asked about Bush's plan to return to the moon, he replied: 'I've been wondering why the president would, while we're still in Iraq, talk about going to the moon and going to Mars. Maybe he's looking for the weapons of mass destruction still.'" (Washington Post, 1/12).
Kucinich, on the new Bush immigration policy: "You know, the Statue of Liberty, the poem at the base, didn't say, 'Give me your tired, your poor, and we'll fingerprint them, we will take their picture and then we will deport them after we're finished getting their work.'" (Des Moines Register, 1/12).
**************************
Important Facts on the Wellstone crash ... as reported on Kucinich4President Yahoo Group
1. It happened just before an important election, which, coincidentally, a republican won.
2. The pilots were highly experienced.
3. Weather was officially determined not to be a factor.
4. The fuselage was blown out. The wings, which hold the fuel in this kind of airplane, were intact.
5. The FBI arrived on the scene at a time which indicates they must have left about the same time that Wellstone & family took off from the airport.
6. About twice as many Democrats as republicans die in air crashes.
I think it well behooves us all to remember what we are really up against, and therefore remember HOW IMPORTANT THIS FIGHT IS. Why has the corporate media all but blocked Kucinich out? Because they know he stands for real change. Refuse to be bought out by cheap promises of some candidates. Peace & Solidarity!
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
DENNIS DOMINATED DEBATE ON SUNDAY EVENING
Dennis Kucinich won the most applause in last night's debate, for his statements on the war in Iraq, on federal budget priorities, on jobs, trade, and immigration. He questioned Howard Dean on how he would balance the federal budget, continue the war in Iraq for years, maintain the current Pentagon budget, and do so without cutting veterans' benefits, housing, health care, and education. Dean's response focused on why he would not cut the Pentagon budget.
Kucinich plans a 15 percent cut in Pentagon funding, a swift end to the US military occupation of Iraq, a progressive taxation system that shifts the burden from working families toward the wealthy and corporations, and a shifting of resources from war to our domestic needs.
Kucinich also questioned Dean after Dean held up a newspaper with a headline about Iowans killed in Iraq. American troops are dying in Iraq on a daily basis. Kucinich would end the occupation quickly. Dean has said repeatedly that he would continue it.
******************
Its a small world, even in NYC. Last evening, after work on way to gym, I ran into an ex co-worker of mine. Just outside of Bloomingdales I ran into Tony from my JER Hudson days. We talked for about 5 minutes or so. He said our buddy Frank went back to Law School and is no longer [naturally] at JER Hudson. Plus he's lost track of Karen and wanted to get in touch with Peter. I told him that Peter still works at Bear Stearns. Tony mostly dealt with Joe and Sam, hardly ever dealt with that arrogant prick John Z. Forgot to ask him if he ever stays in touch with Jeff. Tony and his wife are expecting their first child, a baby boy, within three months. It was great running into someone who I enjoyed working with at that old job. Brought back some memories of JER, some good and some bad. Oh well. . . . . .
Had a terrific phone conversation last evening with my good friend Tom, who lives out near Los Angeles. It was his birthday, so I called to wish him good cheer. Tom and his life partner Ron had just come back from a delightful weekend spent in San Francisco. It was lovely hearing all about his adventures. Tom also inquired about my Christmas photo card. He knew I have a passion for ferrets and thought the two darlings in the shot were mine. Sadly, they are not, but belonged to an ex-boyfriend. Someday I hope to adopt my own ferrets ... after I move out of NYC.
Dennis Kucinich won the most applause in last night's debate, for his statements on the war in Iraq, on federal budget priorities, on jobs, trade, and immigration. He questioned Howard Dean on how he would balance the federal budget, continue the war in Iraq for years, maintain the current Pentagon budget, and do so without cutting veterans' benefits, housing, health care, and education. Dean's response focused on why he would not cut the Pentagon budget.
Kucinich plans a 15 percent cut in Pentagon funding, a swift end to the US military occupation of Iraq, a progressive taxation system that shifts the burden from working families toward the wealthy and corporations, and a shifting of resources from war to our domestic needs.
Kucinich also questioned Dean after Dean held up a newspaper with a headline about Iowans killed in Iraq. American troops are dying in Iraq on a daily basis. Kucinich would end the occupation quickly. Dean has said repeatedly that he would continue it.
******************
Its a small world, even in NYC. Last evening, after work on way to gym, I ran into an ex co-worker of mine. Just outside of Bloomingdales I ran into Tony from my JER Hudson days. We talked for about 5 minutes or so. He said our buddy Frank went back to Law School and is no longer [naturally] at JER Hudson. Plus he's lost track of Karen and wanted to get in touch with Peter. I told him that Peter still works at Bear Stearns. Tony mostly dealt with Joe and Sam, hardly ever dealt with that arrogant prick John Z. Forgot to ask him if he ever stays in touch with Jeff. Tony and his wife are expecting their first child, a baby boy, within three months. It was great running into someone who I enjoyed working with at that old job. Brought back some memories of JER, some good and some bad. Oh well. . . . . .
Had a terrific phone conversation last evening with my good friend Tom, who lives out near Los Angeles. It was his birthday, so I called to wish him good cheer. Tom and his life partner Ron had just come back from a delightful weekend spent in San Francisco. It was lovely hearing all about his adventures. Tom also inquired about my Christmas photo card. He knew I have a passion for ferrets and thought the two darlings in the shot were mine. Sadly, they are not, but belonged to an ex-boyfriend. Someday I hope to adopt my own ferrets ... after I move out of NYC.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Kucinich on O'Neill Revelations ... Statement Announced on January 11th
Dennis' campaign for the presidency developed out of the response to a speech he gave in February 2002 opposing the Bush Administration's build-up to a war on Iraq.
Dennis today released this statement in response to former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill's charges that President Bush entered office in January 2001 intent on invading Iraq and was in search of a way to go about it:
"These revelations are not just about the past. The Bush Administration is still with us. They manufactured justifications for the war, and they are now manufacturing justifications for continuing this occupation. The war is NOT over, and the invention of justifications for it is not over. Even Democratic presidential candidates are joining in. But the idea that we can stabilize Iraq and develop a legitimate democracy prior to turning control over to the United Nations is as impossible to believe as were the claims about an imminent threat from vast stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction."
**************************
Some responses from folk when they hear I'm a volunteer on the Kucinich campaign. "I love Kucinich, but he can't win." What to tell folk like that ... you and I tell them that "He CAN win if you vote for him!" Also mention that "The primary is NOT the time to be worrying about electability. This is the vote that will tell the party and the world which candidate YOU want. This is the moment that you MUST vote your values, not someone elses. Plus, worry about the electability [anyone buy Bushie] stuff later. I've told a few folk that it "never was about hanging chads or Ralph Nader". It pretty much had to do with Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris in Florida who ILLEGALLY purged thousands of voters from the voting rolls just a few weeks before election. So these voters would not get notice or be able to appeal. Journalist Greg Palast talks about it at length ... his website is:
http://www.gregpalast.com
**************************
Fascinating post from the Kucinich National Volunteer Discussion Forum, which was posted last week. Check it out, if you wish:
America, Can You Hear Me Now?
Midway on our peace walk from New York City to San Francisco my fourteen year old son and I have noticed a rather interesting phenomenon. The newspapers and television networks would have us believe that the country’s democrats support Howard Dean – and by a long shot. The newspapers and television networks would also have us believe that Howard Dean has things locked up in Iowa.
Hmm. This is simply not what we see from the ground, and not what we hear either.
From what we see here in Des Moines, 80% of the currently placed front yard political posters support Dennis Kucinich. I drove the neighborhoods yesterday. Thought I would be inundated with Dean posters. I saw exactly one. Kucinich posters were all over town. In neighborhoods wealthy and poor, in poster sizes large and small. Even the political billboards were 100% Kucinich.
Yesterday evening and this afternoon I randomly telephoned people who usually caucus every four years here in Des Moines. Guess what? Of the 20 people I reached and talked to, nine solidly supported Dennis Kucinich. A few were solid Dean supporters. Most of the others were leaning for either Kerry or Edwards, but not solidly.
Dennis’s supporters came in all shapes and sizes. Students and professionals. Young and old. Blue collar, white collar, and retired.
So what is it with the polls? Here’s what I think. Dennis’s grass roots campaign is working. And if I were a Kucinich supporter out there in television land, feeling rather lonely and neglected, fasten your seat belt. This campaign is taking off like a rocket.
Dennis has name recognition here in Iowa and his level of acceptance here in Des Moines in nothing less than stunning. What a cool thing to watch happen. What a cool thing to be a part of. And here’s something else most of us have already come to understand. The polls will probably never indicate this. And the networks will never report it.
Think about it. If you were running for mayor of Des Moines and you vocally opposed the hiring, firing, union, and editorial policies of The Des Moines Register, exactly how much coverage from said newspaper could you expect? So I have one simple question for the people of this country who would like to assert the possession of brains unwashed by insidious network propaganda: Can you hear me now? If so, here’s the urgent message from a father and his teenage son walking across America for peace -- let it be known: Dennis Kucinich is on the rise.
Tom Schmitz
Des Moines, Iowa
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Dennis' campaign for the presidency developed out of the response to a speech he gave in February 2002 opposing the Bush Administration's build-up to a war on Iraq.
Dennis today released this statement in response to former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill's charges that President Bush entered office in January 2001 intent on invading Iraq and was in search of a way to go about it:
"These revelations are not just about the past. The Bush Administration is still with us. They manufactured justifications for the war, and they are now manufacturing justifications for continuing this occupation. The war is NOT over, and the invention of justifications for it is not over. Even Democratic presidential candidates are joining in. But the idea that we can stabilize Iraq and develop a legitimate democracy prior to turning control over to the United Nations is as impossible to believe as were the claims about an imminent threat from vast stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction."
**************************
Some responses from folk when they hear I'm a volunteer on the Kucinich campaign. "I love Kucinich, but he can't win." What to tell folk like that ... you and I tell them that "He CAN win if you vote for him!" Also mention that "The primary is NOT the time to be worrying about electability. This is the vote that will tell the party and the world which candidate YOU want. This is the moment that you MUST vote your values, not someone elses. Plus, worry about the electability [anyone buy Bushie] stuff later. I've told a few folk that it "never was about hanging chads or Ralph Nader". It pretty much had to do with Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris in Florida who ILLEGALLY purged thousands of voters from the voting rolls just a few weeks before election. So these voters would not get notice or be able to appeal. Journalist Greg Palast talks about it at length ... his website is:
http://www.gregpalast.com
**************************
Fascinating post from the Kucinich National Volunteer Discussion Forum, which was posted last week. Check it out, if you wish:
America, Can You Hear Me Now?
Midway on our peace walk from New York City to San Francisco my fourteen year old son and I have noticed a rather interesting phenomenon. The newspapers and television networks would have us believe that the country’s democrats support Howard Dean – and by a long shot. The newspapers and television networks would also have us believe that Howard Dean has things locked up in Iowa.
Hmm. This is simply not what we see from the ground, and not what we hear either.
From what we see here in Des Moines, 80% of the currently placed front yard political posters support Dennis Kucinich. I drove the neighborhoods yesterday. Thought I would be inundated with Dean posters. I saw exactly one. Kucinich posters were all over town. In neighborhoods wealthy and poor, in poster sizes large and small. Even the political billboards were 100% Kucinich.
Yesterday evening and this afternoon I randomly telephoned people who usually caucus every four years here in Des Moines. Guess what? Of the 20 people I reached and talked to, nine solidly supported Dennis Kucinich. A few were solid Dean supporters. Most of the others were leaning for either Kerry or Edwards, but not solidly.
Dennis’s supporters came in all shapes and sizes. Students and professionals. Young and old. Blue collar, white collar, and retired.
So what is it with the polls? Here’s what I think. Dennis’s grass roots campaign is working. And if I were a Kucinich supporter out there in television land, feeling rather lonely and neglected, fasten your seat belt. This campaign is taking off like a rocket.
Dennis has name recognition here in Iowa and his level of acceptance here in Des Moines in nothing less than stunning. What a cool thing to watch happen. What a cool thing to be a part of. And here’s something else most of us have already come to understand. The polls will probably never indicate this. And the networks will never report it.
Think about it. If you were running for mayor of Des Moines and you vocally opposed the hiring, firing, union, and editorial policies of The Des Moines Register, exactly how much coverage from said newspaper could you expect? So I have one simple question for the people of this country who would like to assert the possession of brains unwashed by insidious network propaganda: Can you hear me now? If so, here’s the urgent message from a father and his teenage son walking across America for peace -- let it be known: Dennis Kucinich is on the rise.
Tom Schmitz
Des Moines, Iowa
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Saturday, January 10, 2004
This just in from the BALTIMORE SUN newspaper. . . . .
Falling Jobless Figure Deceptive
14-month Low Reflects Hundreds of Thousands Giving Up Search for Work
By Bill Atkinson
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0110-02.htm
A brief quote from the article reads. . . . . .
"The nation's unemployment rate dropped sharply to a 14-month low in December, but underlying that positive number was grim economic news -- only a handful of new jobs were created and hundreds of thousands of discouraged people dropped out of the work force."
Bushie and his empire buddies are telling us the economy is getting better, well its not, their just telling more lies. [This illegal administration wouldn't know how to tell the truth if you forced them.] Maybe some of Bushies rich bastard buddies on Wall Street are doing better, but the average person in American is NOT. Please read the article. Thx!
Falling Jobless Figure Deceptive
14-month Low Reflects Hundreds of Thousands Giving Up Search for Work
By Bill Atkinson
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0110-02.htm
A brief quote from the article reads. . . . . .
"The nation's unemployment rate dropped sharply to a 14-month low in December, but underlying that positive number was grim economic news -- only a handful of new jobs were created and hundreds of thousands of discouraged people dropped out of the work force."
Bushie and his empire buddies are telling us the economy is getting better, well its not, their just telling more lies. [This illegal administration wouldn't know how to tell the truth if you forced them.] Maybe some of Bushies rich bastard buddies on Wall Street are doing better, but the average person in American is NOT. Please read the article. Thx!
Friday, January 09, 2004
MEDIA WATCH
Your efforts to keep an eye on the media are paying off for Kucinich. Please keep an eye as often as you can on the Media Watch page at:
http://www.kucinich.us/mediawatch.php
Here's one quick one that everyone should send a quick note or make a quick call on:
"A Hot Winter for Iowa Democrats," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan 6, 2004, by Craig Gilbert
http://www.jsonline.com/news/gen/jan04/198022.asp
This article says "The Iowa caucuses Jan. 19 are the first key battleground for the Democratic nomination, with four candidates actively competing. The article does not mention Congressman Kucinich, who has an extensive campaign in Iowa. You can send short, polite letters to the editor to:
jsedit@journalsentinel.com
Contact Government Legislation Reporter (also Political Editor) Craig Gilbert at:
cgilbert@journalsentinel.com
202.662.7290, 292.662.7296 (fax)
National News Senior Editor Carl Schwartz at:
cschwartz@journalsentinel.com
414.224.2877, 414.224.2699 (fax)
*************************
After an intense cardio workout at the gym and chatting with a few regulars, I headed downtown to the 11th Street Bar for the Kucinich Meetup. Got there a few minutes late, due to subway troubles, but thankfully the meetup hadn't started yet. Good turnout this time with about 30 to 40 people. Rob J is no longer Volunteer Coordinator and I'll miss him at the meetups. A terrific guy with loads of enthusiasm and energy. He's moved on to bigger and better things in the Kucinich campaign. Right-on! In his place Jessica, Mary and Ed have taken over with their excellent share of enthusiasm. Meeting started up with new volunteers talking about why their for Kucinich. One of these volunteers was a Dean supporter until he heard Kucinich speak "on the issues" and immediately changed camps. BRAVO! It was announced that OVER 16,000 signatures were signed onto the NYC & NY State petitions and filed on January 2nd. We gave a rousing cheer to the many volunteers who accomplished this in all kinds of weather. This is excellent news, as it places Kucinich on the Primary ballot on March 2nd. [Remember that date ... its important to vote at the primary on March 2nd in your state.]
Which brought us to next phase of meetup ... the damn "media blackout" of Dennis Kucinich. Dennis is HIGHER in the ratings and/or polls than Edwards, Gephardt, Kerry, Lieberman and Sharpton. And still the damn conservative, corporate, greedy Republican run media hardly ever mentions him. Why? Cause what Kucinich represents and totally stands by is what Americans want. [Well, except for the greedy, selfish, filthy rich bastards. Those sick pricks are voting Republican. Barf!] The US government, military, pentagon, media and corporations are scared of Dennis. So they want to see a Democrat candidate more favorable to their side ... like a H.Dean, W.Clarke or J.Lieberman. Thats why you see their names in the news and not Kucinich. Its time to stop media blackout ... NOW! [Media has become more Imperialist and Fascist than Democratic over last 20 years or so. Damn disgusting!] During the meetup we setup [run by Paul] a committee or group to deal with "media blackout" and I'm part of it. Hell yeah! In the past few weeks I've already been sending emails to WBAI, The Nation and NY Times on behalf of Kucinich.
Also during the meetup Jessica had us volunteers singalong to a campaign song she wrote, borrowing from Woody Guthrie tune [The Farmer is the Man], it was called "Kucinich is the Man". By the time we got done discussing a few other minor topics, it was after 9pm and time to split. Great, inspiring evening ... plus chatting with several cool folk [ie: Arly, Mary, Bob & Paul]. Remember to keep on rocking in the free world or what's left of it. Peace on Earth!
If interested in more news/issues on Kucinich, please check out the NYC Friends of Kucinich website, listed under "Political Websites". They've posted some of the commentary from the Kucinich event I help organize back on November 21st at Hunter College. Which, I might add, was a soldout event. Also, if you wish to contact NYC Friends of Kucinich the email address is ... nycfordennis@yahoo.com.
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Pearl Jam News Flash ... Came across another terrific article and interview with PJs Mike McCready regarding the film BIG FISH. PJ contributed a song [Man of the Hour] to the movie and soundtrack. Hell yeah!
http://www.whiotv.com/entertainment/2751996/detail.html
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You are Psalms.
Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Your efforts to keep an eye on the media are paying off for Kucinich. Please keep an eye as often as you can on the Media Watch page at:
http://www.kucinich.us/mediawatch.php
Here's one quick one that everyone should send a quick note or make a quick call on:
"A Hot Winter for Iowa Democrats," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan 6, 2004, by Craig Gilbert
http://www.jsonline.com/news/gen/jan04/198022.asp
This article says "The Iowa caucuses Jan. 19 are the first key battleground for the Democratic nomination, with four candidates actively competing. The article does not mention Congressman Kucinich, who has an extensive campaign in Iowa. You can send short, polite letters to the editor to:
jsedit@journalsentinel.com
Contact Government Legislation Reporter (also Political Editor) Craig Gilbert at:
cgilbert@journalsentinel.com
202.662.7290, 292.662.7296 (fax)
National News Senior Editor Carl Schwartz at:
cschwartz@journalsentinel.com
414.224.2877, 414.224.2699 (fax)
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After an intense cardio workout at the gym and chatting with a few regulars, I headed downtown to the 11th Street Bar for the Kucinich Meetup. Got there a few minutes late, due to subway troubles, but thankfully the meetup hadn't started yet. Good turnout this time with about 30 to 40 people. Rob J is no longer Volunteer Coordinator and I'll miss him at the meetups. A terrific guy with loads of enthusiasm and energy. He's moved on to bigger and better things in the Kucinich campaign. Right-on! In his place Jessica, Mary and Ed have taken over with their excellent share of enthusiasm. Meeting started up with new volunteers talking about why their for Kucinich. One of these volunteers was a Dean supporter until he heard Kucinich speak "on the issues" and immediately changed camps. BRAVO! It was announced that OVER 16,000 signatures were signed onto the NYC & NY State petitions and filed on January 2nd. We gave a rousing cheer to the many volunteers who accomplished this in all kinds of weather. This is excellent news, as it places Kucinich on the Primary ballot on March 2nd. [Remember that date ... its important to vote at the primary on March 2nd in your state.]
Which brought us to next phase of meetup ... the damn "media blackout" of Dennis Kucinich. Dennis is HIGHER in the ratings and/or polls than Edwards, Gephardt, Kerry, Lieberman and Sharpton. And still the damn conservative, corporate, greedy Republican run media hardly ever mentions him. Why? Cause what Kucinich represents and totally stands by is what Americans want. [Well, except for the greedy, selfish, filthy rich bastards. Those sick pricks are voting Republican. Barf!] The US government, military, pentagon, media and corporations are scared of Dennis. So they want to see a Democrat candidate more favorable to their side ... like a H.Dean, W.Clarke or J.Lieberman. Thats why you see their names in the news and not Kucinich. Its time to stop media blackout ... NOW! [Media has become more Imperialist and Fascist than Democratic over last 20 years or so. Damn disgusting!] During the meetup we setup [run by Paul] a committee or group to deal with "media blackout" and I'm part of it. Hell yeah! In the past few weeks I've already been sending emails to WBAI, The Nation and NY Times on behalf of Kucinich.
Also during the meetup Jessica had us volunteers singalong to a campaign song she wrote, borrowing from Woody Guthrie tune [The Farmer is the Man], it was called "Kucinich is the Man". By the time we got done discussing a few other minor topics, it was after 9pm and time to split. Great, inspiring evening ... plus chatting with several cool folk [ie: Arly, Mary, Bob & Paul]. Remember to keep on rocking in the free world or what's left of it. Peace on Earth!
If interested in more news/issues on Kucinich, please check out the NYC Friends of Kucinich website, listed under "Political Websites". They've posted some of the commentary from the Kucinich event I help organize back on November 21st at Hunter College. Which, I might add, was a soldout event. Also, if you wish to contact NYC Friends of Kucinich the email address is ... nycfordennis@yahoo.com.
*************************
Pearl Jam News Flash ... Came across another terrific article and interview with PJs Mike McCready regarding the film BIG FISH. PJ contributed a song [Man of the Hour] to the movie and soundtrack. Hell yeah!
http://www.whiotv.com/entertainment/2751996/detail.html
*************************
You are Psalms.
Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla