The Latest "Photos From Opening Weekend" Of FAHRENHEIT 911 On Michael Moore's Website - Check Out The Link
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/breakingnews/index.php?id=39

CAME ACROSS THE NEWS BLIP & COMMENTS BELOW FROM "THE LIQUID LIST" BLOG
[Duchess Note - Reason I find this "news blip" of interest, is that yesterday during a phone call with my Mom, she told me that my cousin Christopher has been called up. Geez, not the kind of news one wants to hear. (sigh!) He served in the first Gulf War and is part of this "Individual Ready Reserve Pool" and gets sent to California on July 5th. Will be seeing him and other family members at my Aunt's BBQ on July 3rd. My cousin is also married with three children and the oldest turns 10 on July 2nd. This is happening to so many other families across the US. Goddamn Bush & his band of insane neocons!!]

No, it's not what you think. Charlie Rangel doesn't have that much pull. But the U.S. Army actually has instituted a mini-draft of former military personnel.

"The Army is preparing to notify about 5,600 retired and discharged soldiers who are not members of the National Guard or Reserve that they will be involuntarily recalled to active duty for possible service in Iraq or Afghanistan, Army officials said Tuesday. Unlike members of the National Guard and Reserve, the individual reservists do not perform regularly scheduled training. Any former enlisted soldier who did not serve at least eight years on active duty is in the Individual Ready Reserve pool, as are all officers who have not resigned their commission. The Army has been reviewing its list of 118,000 eligible individual reservists for several weeks in search of qualified people in certain high-priority skill areas like civil affairs."

Boy, if that isn't an end around! I'm sure those folks will be thrilled to learn they must head out to a combat zone.

LATEST NEWS ON FERRETS -- View And/Or Order The NEW 2005 Ferret Calendar

When you're ready, take a peek at the new images on Ferret Company website: http://www.ferretcompany.com/content/main01index.html



Click on the 2005 calendar icon, then just put your mouse on each month, you don't need to click, and each months image will come up. Order one for yourself, friends and family. Enjoy!

The Ferret Company
P.O. Box 7161
Redwood City, CA 94063-7161
Tel/Fax (650) 851-5775
http://www.ferretcompany.com

Kucinich Has State Support
DENVER POST
by Susan Greene
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~29805~2233614,00.html

Kucinich Pushing Peace Plank
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
by Stephen Dinan
http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040627-123450-8676r.htm

PERSONAL NEWS – Part XXVI

Where does the time go these days? Hum?!? Damn, before you know it November and Election Day will be here. Time to oust the corrupt and totally destructive Bush regime. Lets elect a whole bunch of Democrats back into White House, Congress, and Senate & House of Representatives. Remember to take your country back and away from corrupt Corporations & Media. Well then … time to catch up on my news.

The week of June 14th was busy at work with many projects relating to an upcoming conference in early July. Plus advertising on the Net for the “Jereski for Congress” campaign. Many thanks to those wonderful Bloggers who’ve posted the banner and Jereski website link. Greatly appreciate it. On Saturday, June 19th, I participated and also did volunteer work for the “Healthcare Day of Action” march/rally. It started in Brooklyn Heights [Cadman Plaza] and ended in lower Manhattan near City Hall in Foley Square. Great weather day for this important event and make politicians more aware of the plight of millions of uninsured Americans, many of which are children. Got to Cadman Plaza at 8am Saturday morning to help with setup and distribution of flags, banners & t-shirts. Worked with Annabelle, Thomas & Lauren from “Jobs with Justice”. Some of the other volunteers were Ashley, Jerry, Alex, Joan, Mark, Manuel, etc and we all worked well as a team. Thousands of union workers showed up and the march started around 10:45am going over the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking over the bridge with flags and banners flickering lightly in the breeze … many people in cars and taxi’s honked in accord with us. This brought loud cheering from us marchers. At the rally in Foley Square thousands gather to hear many speakers, and the biggest cheers was when they shouted “Bush Regime Out In November”.

At about 1pm I took my leave of the rally to find lunch and a bathroom. Before that I passed out lots of “Jereski for Congress” flyers and even chatted with some of the “Billionaires for Bush” group. One of who is a Kucinich supporter. I ended up at Starbucks on Broadway and took my time noshing on refreshment, plus reading the latest FERRET magazine. Occasionally some folk would come into Starbucks with either a Samsung or Coke-Cola flag. Wasn’t sure what that was about but found out shortly after leaving Starbucks. I walked down Broadway to find a subway for uptown service and instead saw hundreds of people lining the street behind City Hall. Found out they were waiting for the Olympic Torch to be brought thru by TV personality and newsperson Paula Zahn. The difference between the Rally & Olympic Torch crowds was very noticeable, plus different mentality too. Had a difficult time trying to hand out Jereski flyers to the latter crowd and just gave up to watch the Olympic Torch procession. Which finally showed up at 2:15pm. A Jamie Gong passed the torch to Paula Zahn a 100 feet or so from where I stood and then she slowly ran by waving at the crowds. On one side of the street a small marching band performed and on my side were a bunch of dudes wailing on bagpipes. As Paula Zahn ran by me I held up the Jereski Flyers, since the “media” were all around her. Headed towards uptown subway to Jereski’s place to pick up more ballot petitions and then over to E&Y office to do work on computer. By the time I got home at 6pm I was beat and abit drained from too much sun exposure. Good thing I had sunscreen on this time around. Whew!

On Sunday, June 20th, I took care of many chores/errands around my neighborhood and also repotted all my darling houseplants, many of which are varieties of lavender. The week of June 21st was another busy one at work in finalizing projects for this upcoming conference.

On Tuesday, June 22nd, was the “NYC Friends of Kucinich” general meeting and it turned out to be quite interesting, as well as pretty intense. Had heard the day before that certain Maloney “agents”, who are also “fake” Kucinich supporters, would be infiltrating the meeting to trash Rob Jereski campaign. Bastards! More on that in abit, but first news on the general meeting and agenda. The following Kucitizens showed up … Harry, George [Maloney agent], Ken, Ellen, Mary, Marc, Nadette, Thomas, Bill, Hugh [Maloney agent], Omar and myself. We started off the meeting discussing the latest news on “Candlelight Vigil” and its progress. Kim is no longer part of the subcommittee and now Beth, Ellen and Nadette’ll front it. Nadette tied in the Vigil with her “Bike for Peace” rally and connecting it to the Boston Convention. Flyers were handed out. Next up is the subcommittee I’m affiliated with, which has to do with “Candidate Forum”. Much discussion back and forth on this topic. Bill heard from Taa at The Nation Institute. She was meeting with her people next day to discuss the possibility of sponsoring the forum. We pretty much have an affordable venue lined up and Nader is seriously considering on certain dates. No definite news yet from Dean and Sharpton camps. Other agenda news touched on Nader’s choice for running mate, which is Camejo from CA. The Green Party will announce their candidate by June 27th. The NY primary is slated for Sept 14th and our next Kucinich general meeting is for July 13th.

Throughout discussion on Kucinich topics, George [Maloney agent] kept on trying to rudely interject on Maloney/Jereski campaigns. George hadn’t been to a Kucinich meeting in ages, nor had Hugh, and they’re both among the same shallow caliber as Bob Ginsberg. That was quite apparent in Hugh after a February 2004 fundraiser. I call them fake Kucitizens, because quite honestly I feel they never ever truly believed in Dennis. They are the type of people who “flip flop” and jump on any political bandwagon. Those three basically abandoned ship after the NY Presidential primary back in early March. During the “heated” discussions I did try to speak my 2 cents worth, but was abit riled up and also PMSing. When I’m in a calmer state of mind I do speak more eloquently. I was so very thankful that both Harry and Thomas were there that evening. Harry was so eloquent and to the point in his responses to George, as were Thomas on behalf of Jereski. BRAVO!! What was obvious to all at the meeting was that these two “fakes” were there to attack Jereski’s political aspirations, promote Maloney and NOT interested in anything relating to Kucinich. They were foul and disgusting! Grant you one is entitled to speak on issues, but these people didn’t show up at a meeting to convey an opinion or contribute … but to be belligerent and aggressive. Bastards!

The following evening [June 23rd] was the annual Corporate Challenge. A 3.5-mile run/walk race held in Central Park, with proceeds going to upkeep of the park. It’s been a few years since I’ve done this particular event and hoped the weather would be suitable for it. It was and I pulled off a 55-minute time doing power walking. That’s not too bad, but would like to get it back to 45 minutes for next year. There were about 100 E&Y staff participating in the event and the quickest time for our group was 23 minutes. Awesome! Many different companies and corporations joined in this year [ie: 16,500+ participants]. Got two free t-shirts that day … a pretty light blue one from E&Y and a dark blue one from Corporate Challenge, plus there was the free red/black tee given out at Healthcare rally. WooHoo! Freebees!

On Friday evening, June 25th, I was to help out the Jereski campaign with petitioning at City Cinema on East 86th Street. Got there at 5:30pm, before it started pouring rain at 6pm, to meet up with Daniel/Matthew/Janice. None of them showed up while I waited until 7pm, so I handed out campaign flyers to registered Democrats. [Interesting replies from some of them & many folk from different neighborhoods. Hell, I even recognized folk from my own ‘hood.] Later on via email I learned from Rob that these people did show up, but not while I was at cinema. Friday was also the opening of the Michael Moore film “Fahrenheit 911”. The box-office at this particular cinema was sold out and folk were buying tix for next two days. WOW!

While all these “events” are going on I learned that my Personal Trainer broke his arm at a kick-boxing tournament last weekend. So we had to cancel our training session again. The week before he’d chipped a tooth and could only get a dental visit same time as our session. Soooooo ….. He’s off in the UK getting his arm taken care of. Why go back to the UK, well, he doesn’t have healthcare coverage here and it’s cheaper for him to visit there and get treatment. If he had treatment here it’d cost him over $7,000. We need universal healthcare coverage here in the States, just like what they have in the UK and Europe. But NOOOOO, not here, damn insurance companies and pharmaceuticals would bitch they’re losing money. Bullshit! They don’t give a damn about American peoples health … just filling up their greedy, fat wallets.

And finally … that’s if you all haven’t fallen asleep yet … wake up cause there’s just a tiny bit more. The last bit of personal news before I load and update the ole Blog. Yesterday I met up with Rob Jereski in Manhattan around 2:30pm to help him get signatures for ballot petitions. We started with his neighborhood in Tudor City and then walked down to a cinema on 2nd Avenue. Yep, we were catching folk as they were entering and exiting to see the Michael Moore film “Fahrenheit 911”. Lots of folk out there whom HATE Bush. There was also a street fair going on nearby and everyone seemed to be out and about enjoying the nice weather. Rob and I did very well on obtaining signatures, plus chatting with folk on current issues and the movie itself. At about 6:30pm we called it a day. That evening I watched a new DVD I purchased recently called RONIN, which is set in France and stars Robert Deniro and Jean Reno. Good film … definitely recommend it.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY ALERT -- Take Action: Bush Ad Puts Hitler Alongside John Kerry

It isn't often that we'd ask you to go to George W. Bush's campaign website. But every single American should go to georgewbush.com immediately and watch the disgusting ad the Bush/Cheney campaign has featured on the front page. Titled "The Faces of John Kerry's Democratic Party," the ad features Adolf Hitler alongside Democrats, including John Kerry. President Bush's campaign has relied on negative attacks against Kerry, but this is a new low. We've always said the Bush campaign would do anything to win, but even we are shocked that they've sunk this low. It's bizarre. It's outrageous. And we're not going to stand for it. If President Bush has any decency at all, he'll remove this hateful ad from his website immediately. Please sign the petition ... Take action today and sign our petition to Bush demanding that he repudiate this disgusting ad putting Hitler alongside Democrats and remove it from his website.

http://www.democrats.org/action/200406260001.html?psc=actionalert

Jack Irons Drafts Pearl Jam Pals For Solo Debut

http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000550563

Former Pearl Jam/Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons gets a lift from a host of his ex-bandmates on his solo debut, "Attention Dimension," due in August. Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder takes the mic on a cover of Pink Floyd's "Shine On, You Crazy Diamond," featuring Primus' Les Claypool on bass. Chili Peppers bassist Flea guests on "Suluhiana" and "Water Song," the latter boasting Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard on guitar. Irons left Pearl Jam for health reasons in early 1998, following the release of the album "Yield" and an Australian tour. "I had to dedicate myself to living a life that would promote healing and a right way of life for me and my family," he says. "The music on these recordings [is] what was creatively inspired along the way. I could not tour at that point but I still needed to create."

"Making this music was a way for me to work through all the changes and growing I had to do to become healthy again," he continues. "This music also helped me reconnect with some old friends and former bandmates, who I am very happy and thankful to say have performed as guest artists." Irons is abetted throughout "Attention Dimension" by his Eleven colleague Alain Johannes, who plays an array of instruments on seven tracks. Eleven's Natasha Shneider offers vocals on "Hearing It Doubled," while Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament augments the groove on "Dunes." The cut "Breaking Sea" includes a sample of Spectrasonics' "Heart of Africa." Irons joined Pearl Jam for two songs during an all-star concert last October in Santa Barbara, Calif. It was just the second time he had played with the group since he left. Here is the track list for "Attention Dimension":

"Jackie Groove" featuring Alain Johannes
"Suluhiana" featuring Flea, Johannes
"Ocean's Light"
"Hearing It Doubled" featuring Johannes, Natasha Shneider
"Shine On, You Crazy Diamond" featuring Eddie Vedder, Les Claypool, Johanne, Shneider
"Underwater Circus Music"
"Dunes" featuring Jeff Ament, Johannes
"Come Running" featuring Johannes
"Water Song" featuring Flea, Stone Gossard
"Breaking Sea" featuring Johannes
"Aquaman's Electric Band" featuring Johannes"

Message From Kucinich - Platform Persistence Produces Results

One month from today we are going to be in Boston for the Democratic National Convention. I am so excited because from all over the country people are getting ready to converge on Boston for a week of rallies and workshops and a discussion about the direction of this country and what we can do to put America back on the right path. Now for your part. We need your help--helping us to organize for a minority report on the platform. We're going to be making an effort to have the Democrats stand for taking a new direction in Iraq, a new direction in health care with universal single payer not-for-profit health care http://www.kucinich.us/issues/#key01 and to take a stand for including the Department of Peace http://www.kucinich.us/issues/departmentpeace.php in the platform.

When you see what happened in Texas http://www.kucinich.us/messages/062204-dennis.php last week where the Texas State Democratic Party put in the Party platform the Department of Peace, you see the potential we have for this powerful issue that will change the direction of this country. This campaign has kept its promise. I promised you right from the beginning that I would carry the campaign all the way through to the convention. We have a month to go right now, so help me keep my promise, and help us advance a minority plank in the platform that will enable us to let America know that we can take steps toward peace, we can take steps toward having health care for all. Thank you so much. I'm in Washington [DC] right now (I'm going back to Capitol Hill), but I just want to let you know that with a month to go we're still going strong. Keep us strong right to the conclusion at the convention. Thank you! Thank you so much for everything. My enthusiasm always remains very high because of your participation.

HOT OFF THE PRESS AND LIVE FROM NYC!

By Way Of Deception
THE NATION
by Stuart Klawans
http://alternet.org/movies/19027/

High Court Sides With Cheney On Energy Papers
ASSOCIATED PRESS
by Gina Holland
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0624-02.htm

The Elephant In The Room
ALTERNET
by Laurie Spivak
http://alternet.org/stories/19029/

Released Britons To Leave Iran
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3837943.stm

Democracy Itself Is In Grave Danger
COMMON DREAMS
by Al Gore [American Constitution Society in Georgetown University Law Center]
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0624-15.htm

You, Sir, Are NO Kennedy, Reagan Or Clinton
INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE
by Nuala O'Faolain
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0624-08.htm

Free The Debates From Party Tyranny
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
Editorial
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0624-05.htm

TWO NEW IMPORTANT MESSAGES FROM "ACT FOR CHANGE" ACTIVISM

Tell Cheney: Prove It or Resign
Vice President Dick Cheney is at it again. From the earliest moments after the tragedy of 9/11, Mr. Cheney has sought to convince the American public that Saddam Hussein's Iraq was linked to Al Qaida. So far, all the evidence demonstrates otherwise, yet Mr. Cheney keeps pushing his tall tale. And now he indicates that he has evidence not previously revealed to the 9/11 Commission. If he does, he should reveal it immediately and let the experts and the public judge it. Frankly, in other times, withholding such evidence would be grounds for impeachment. If he does not have such evidence, he should stop making it up and resign. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eZoO0FFlNw0LYT0n4f0A4

Never Again: Act Now to Stop Genocide in Sudan -- Contributed by Africa Action
Ten years ago, the international community stood by as the Rwandan Genocide claimed 800,000 lives. Today, as world leaders remember that unprecedented human catastrophe with empty expressions of "Never Again," the people of Sudan face a similar fate. Act now by calling on Colin Powell to recognize immediately the genocide occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan and move aggressively to bring it to an end -- an action that could save more than 1,000,000 lives. Click here for more information and to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eZoO0FFlNw0LYT0n4g0A5

HOT OFF THE PRESS ... Anti-Bush Candidate Hits Front Page!

Anti-war candidate running against the Bush agenda made a splash on the front page of an influential local newspaper [ie: Queens Chronicle]. Activist & Democrat Robert Jereski's exciting campaign has been attracting young and older voters fed up with the Bush agenda. Click on the following link to read more & spread the news: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1865&dept_id=152944&newsid=11993310&PAG=461&rfi=9

Challenge the Bush Agenda! Brought to you by friends & supporters of Robert Jereski, Democrat for Congress. Endorse Rob online with MoveOn PAC ... click on following link: http://www.moveon.org/pac/news/nominate.html Get involved today to TURN THINGS AROUND! Thank you ... Peace & Solidarity!

Working Families e-Activist Network - The Cavalry Has Arrived
The cavalry has arrived. Reports from key battleground states across the country confirm that thousands of people like you are showing up and volunteering for the June door-to-door mobilization. In Minneapolis, more than 400 people showed up to go door to door last week--many more than organizers had planned for. More than 500 people in Cleveland gave up part of their Saturday. Volunteer centers in St. Louis were swamped with more than 600 volunteers on just one day! Excitement is building, yet there is a risk: The first wave of volunteers is the most enthusiastic, but what happens if they can't show up every time? That is why we need your help recruiting volunteers in the 16 battleground states. Please click below to get started. http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/HpakW641d7Vu/

This is just the start. In most elections, this level of activity doesn't start until October. We're cranking it up right now. All it takes is a couple of hours on a Saturday. Please help us recruit volunteers in key states. The June walk mobilization is going on in more than 108 different communities in the 16 states where the election will be closest. Just three hours of your time will make a huge difference. So what happens when somebody volunteers? Well, they're contacted by a local volunteer coordinator with information about how they can help. They're asked to show up on a Saturday morning or after work during the week--there are lots of different shifts--and make phone calls or go door to door talking to union voters about the issues and the candidates. You'll meet some great people and feel better knowing you did your part. Nobody wants to wake up the day after the election and say, "Gee, I could've helped a little more." Do your part America and sign up today.

RECENT TEXAS DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION - One Of Feature Speakers Was Kucinich - Message From Sherry Monarko

Hello my fellow Kucinich supporters! This is Sherry Monarko [TX State Kucinich Delegate] from Austin Texas, just back from the Texas Democratic Convention and WOW! It was great putting faces to those of you I only knew as online handles before and have y'all read the news headlines yet? We did it! We did it!

Those of you who were with me at the convention heard all sorts of folks - and not just the Kucinich supporters either - saying the same thing. "When is someone going to mention the war?" "Why won't anyone mention the Patriot Act?" "When is anyone going to call for an End to NAFTA and stop the outsourcing of our jobs?" We did it! When Dennis took that stage, we did it by resoundingly being the voice these estranged people were waiting for. We gave them a reason to hope. I talked to several women later who said they were CRYING they were so happy someone finally had, without any fear, brought up the issues that mattered most to them and made them front and
center of the convention.

The passion, energy, and commitment to truth of Dennis Kucinich and folks like you and it was an infection that spread through the room so fast, we were able to translate those words into action. We did it. We successfully passed, in it's entirety, the resolution for the Dept of Peace, previously butchered by the resolutions committee, by gathering over 2,000 signatures for it on the floor so we could present it to the Chair. The Texas Convention gave PROOF that Dennis's message is what Americans are crying to hear if the Democrats are to win in November. That's why he's still in the race. And it's why we're not done yet. And one more thing. If anyone still thinks Texas is a Republican state, so why even try, they're gonna have another thing coming in November. I don't want to go on and on, so please check out [the forum on] Dennis's website... where I'll personally probably be posting all day: http://us.denniskucinich.us/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=75 And thank you, each and every one of you, for your amazing support.

Fresh News From DAILY KOS -- More Bush lies courtesy of the Center for American Progress

THEN ... "I signed into law some of the toughest patient-protection laws in the nation [and] I support a patient bill of rights for all patients, similar to those already enacted in Texas."

- George W. Bush, USA Today op-ed entitled "I Will Build On My Record," 8/17/00 (FYI - Bush didn't sign the law - he let it pass without his signature after the legislature forced him to acceptit.)

NOW ... "Before the Supreme Court, the Bush administration opposed the Texas law, instead joining two managed-care companies, Aetna Health Inc. and Cigna HealthCare of Texas Inc." Those two companies alone have given President Bush and the Republican Party more than $1.7 million since 2000.

** NY Times, 6/21/04; Center for Responsive Politics

There's no place where Bush has been more dishonest than with this issue. He opposes the Texas Patients' Bill of Rights, but it is passed by a veto-proof majority in the Texas legislature, so Bush lets it pass into law without a signature. Yet in a debate with Gore, Bush blatantly lies claiming he signed it. (The media was too busy calling Gore a liar to write about Bush's REAL lies.) Then, after Bush gets into office, he orders his Justice Department to fight the Texas law. Yesterday, Bush won. The Supreme Court has invalidated all state Patients' Bill of Right laws saying federal law supercedes it.

Gas Prices Got Your Attention - An Important Message From TrueMajority & Ben Cohen

Energy Bills Are Down to the Wire. There's a More Secure, Cheaper, Environmentally Sensitive Way. While working alongside Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, MoveOn, Working Assets, and others, TrueMajority members have succeeded in preventing passage of the Bush Administration's energy bill. Rather than see sky-high gas prices and yet another American war in the Middle East as the perfect occasion to enact sustainable energy policies, those who support the oil and coal industries in the White House and in Congress are using current events to launch another push for the same old stuff: relax environmental laws, drill the wilderness, and burn more fuel.

Of course, it doesn't have to be this way. Our country currently lags behind the rest of the world in energy conservation and renewable supplies; just look at the effects on America's health, the environment, and national security. There are three things TrueMajority members can do:

1) Tell Congress to reject any new energy legislation that doesn't get serious about renewable supplies and energy conservation. (They'll try to sneak these bills through over the coming months, so now is a good time to send a clear message.)

2) Write a letter to the editor to educate your neighbors and to further pressure your members of Congress.

3) Help our friends at the Apollo Alliance promote their detailed plan for sustainable and secure energy, and to run the TV ad that lays bare the Bush energy policies.

TELL CONGRESS. Tell your senators and representative to vote against any bill that does more to help keep us hooked on fossil fuels than it does to help us break the habit. Just hit 'Reply' and 'Send' in your e-mail program. If this message was forwarded to you or you would like to edit the message, just click this link: http://action.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=663

IndyBoston Interview With Dennis Kucinich
BOSTON INDEPENDENT
by Pete Stidman
http://boston.indymedia.org/feature/display/22280/index.php

KUCINICH 2008 CAMPAIGN

If you are interested, please sign-up to assist with the Kucinich 2008 campaign at the following link: http://www.civicactions.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Kucinich2008

Please forward this e-mail to anyone you think may be interested. I know 2008 seems like a long time away but I think there are a LOT of things that people could be doing right now as far as analyzing the 2004 campaign and keeping track of information to make sure that the 2008 campaign is a HUGE success. In the next few days, a new website, www.draftkucinich2008.com should be up and running.

[Duchess Note: This dudette has already signed on. Will you become part of the movement?]

Important Message From ACTION CENTER -- Protest On June 30th -- No to fake sovereignty/No permits, no peace! WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED!

Defend your right to protest at the Republican National Convention (RNC) NO PERMITS, NO PEACE!

Wednesday, June 30th, 5 p.m.
In front of Madison Square Garden
Eighth Ave. & 32nd Street in Manhattan

On June 30, there will be demonstrations in many cities and countries on the day of the so-called "turnover of sovereignty" in Iraq. The only real turnover of power on June 30 will be from outgoing U.S. dictator L. Paul Bremer to incoming U.S. dictator John Negroponte, the new U.S. "ambassador" to Iraq. In reality, more than 175,000 U.S. and U.S.-led troops will continue to occupy Iraq. U.S. troop levels will be maintained at 138,000 until at least the end of 2005, and my be increased according to Bush and the generals. The occupying forces will continue to kill and die for the sake of a war based entirely on lies. The only solution to the crisis in Iraq is to BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW! Money for jobs and human needs -- not war & occupation.

Republican billionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg has welcomed George Bush and his wealthy friends to exploit New York City for their right-wing, racist agenda during the RNC in August. At the same time, Bloomberg and the police are trying to deny the people of the New York the right to voice their opinions during the RNC.

* We demand the right to protest at the site of the Republican National Convention
* We will not be denied the right to protest
* We will not be penned in like cattle
* We will not tolerate police violence and repression
* The streets of New York belong to the people!

Called by NY ANSWER
39 W. 14 St., Room 206, New York, NY 10011 * (212) 633-6646

Get involved! Help fight war and racism in Iraq, NYC and everywhere!

Volunteer Meetings
Tuesday nights at 7 p.m.
39 W. 14 St., Room 206
Manhattan
For info call (212) 633-6646
http://www.iacenter.org
iacenter@iacenter.org

Blog Search Engine

HOT OFF THE PRESS -- LASTEST NEWS ON JERESKI FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN -- GET INVOLVED -- TELL YOUR FRIENDS IN THE NYC AREA -- SEND A COPY OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TO THEM OR BETTER YET FORWARD LINK OF BLOG -- PEACE & SOLIDARITY!

Please forward to your contacts nationwide. The Jereski for Congress campaign has received support and donations from people in Wyoming, California and Washington D.C. Plus the many coming in from New York. This campaign has national implications! And now a message from Robert Jereski:

Dear friends:

Our campaign is growing thanks to people like you! We are going to make Bush Democrats pay for their support for George's war! Robert Jereski is standing up to the Bush Agenda. Join our exciting campaign. Here's how you can help:

Endorse ... Nominate Robert Jereski for the MoveOn.org endorsement by clicking here: http://www.moveonpac.org/nominate.html?id=2954-145901-dVxaOB67Cxdo28.sYwudtQ Thanks for two minutes of your time for Robert Jereski, 14th Congressional District.

Campaign office: 2 Tudor City Place, New York, NY 10017
Campaign telephone: 212.973.1782
Here's some of the information they'll ask for: www.jereskiforcongress.com

=================================

You can endorse us and be featured on the campaign website. Send your personal endorsing statement, short biographical statement, and a picture to us at: jereskiforcongress3@yahoo.com.

Petition ... Our team of petitioners have collected nearly a thousand signatures already, but we need more help. We are facing high priced electoral lawyers of a millionaire, conservative incumbent. These corporate mercenaries will do everything they can to prevent the voters from having a choice by trying to keep us off the ballot on technicalities. We'll need more signatures to get on the ballot. THIS IS A REAL AND DIRECT WAY YOU CAN ACTIVELY CHALLENGE THE BUSH AGENDA LOCALLY. If you're a registered Democrat you can gather signatures individually, with friends, or you might be able to share time with Robert on the campaign trail and help him gather signatures at the same time. Call us at 1.212.973.1782 to let us know when you have 2 or 3 hours. It's easy, fun and very important.

We must get Robert Jereski on the primary ballot, so that voters will have a choice for fair trade, peace and the protection of our civil liberties.

Raise Or Donate Funds ... We're running against a millionaire, conservative incumbent. But we're running an innovative and exciting grassroots campaign. A modest donation goes a long way with us! We've already created a buzz in the district and have already had an impact on the incumbent. We challenged her position on health care in a public forum and two and a half weeks later, she signed onto the Universal Health Care bill in Congress! We can do a lot more, on Pentagon Spending, the War in Iraq, the creation of decent jobs and more. We need your support to change her positions on these important issues!

Donate online here: http://www.jereskiforcongress.com/Donate.php

Or send a check to:

"Friends of Robert Jereski"
2 Tudor City Place, 9AS
New York, NY 10017

Tell your friends about this important race. Ask them to volunteer and/or donate too! No corporate checks accepted. Not more than $2,000 allowed.

Update ... Over two dozen people carrying petitions for us in the District! Reports back show that people are eager to have their views represented. The latest featured endorsement: Edmund McWilliams, a thirty year veteran of the foreign service at the State Department's Human Rights, Democracy and Labor Department and a Vietnam Veteran. Here's what he had to say about our efforts:

"I believe Robert Jereski is one of a new band of progressive young leaders who not only reject the failed policies of the past but are pursuing promising new approaches, particularly with regard to the disastrous course charted by the Bush Administration in Iraq and elsewhere abroad. As a foreign policy specialist, with 30 years of Government service, I believe that Jereski offers new thinking regarding complex foreign policy problems which is creative and responsible."

See more about Robert Jereski's background at: http://www.jereskiforcongress.com and see for yourself why so many civic leaders throughout the district are endorsing the campaign.

Robert Jereski testifies for our First Amendment Rights on June 16th:

"I am testifying today to emphasis my commitment to the right to assemble peacefully and to petition our government for grievances as ensured by our Constitution and the legacy of civil rights and other activists who have fought to maintain our democracy. . . ."

Read his entire testimony before the Government Operations Committee of the City Council defending our first amendment right to protest during the Republican National Convention to be posted soon on the Jereski website.

Why This Race Is Very Important

The incumbent enabled the Bush Agenda, supporting his war in Iraq. She did this despite the fact that calls to her office by her constituents were one thousand to one against authorizing Bush to go to war! And despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of people marched against the war in her district. She also supported Bush's erosion of our civil liberties, his corporate trade agenda, and his fiscally reckless Pentagon spending, including the Star Wars missile shield and new nuclear weapons! We need to send a message loud and clear to this "Democrat" that she can not take our vote for granted when she ignores our wishes on the most pressing issues of the day! Consider also that the headquarters of the major corporate media outfits in the country are in our district. The executives of these companies are residents of the district. Our district includes the wealthiest zip code in the country. We can have a major effect on the future of the district, of our country, and of our Democratic Party by winning this election!

Thanks for all your good efforts to help get the Democratic Party back on track and help Clean the House!

In peace and solidarity,

Robert Jereski
Candidate
U.S. Congress
www.jereskiforcongress.com
212.973.1782

Be There On Saturday, June 19th, To Cross The Brooklyn Bridge For HEALTH CARE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
Today, 8 out of 10 people who don't have health care are members of working families. They are in our communities; they are our neighbors, family and friends. Did you know that more than 3 million New Yorkers – 300,000 of whom are children – have no health care?!? It is time to demand a solution to the growing health care crisis in America and "bridge the gap" between those who have health care and the 44+ million American's who don't. Between those who can afford good health care and those of us who can't. BE PART OF THE ACTION! On June 19th, all across America, communities will be holding "bridgewalks" to show their support for health care for all. Join thousands of New Yorkers [or those in your own communities] - working families, local leaders, health care workers, small business owners, seniors, students and others – as we walk and march across the Brooklyn Bridge to “bridge the gap” in health care. The day kicks off at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn at 11:00 am, followed by the Brooklyn Bridge Walk and rally. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Brooklyn Bridge, we are taking to the streets to send the message that every man, woman and child in America must have quality, affordable health care we can all count on. Check out the following site: http://www.imahealthcarevoter.org

KUCINICH RECEIVES THANK YOU FROM LA CROWD
Mimi Kennedy hosted a reception for Dennis Kucinich at the critically-acclaimed Tamarin restaurant in Los Angeles Sunday night to thank him for continuing to influence the Democratic Party on key issues. James Cromwell (HBO’s Six Feet Under), Lila Garrett (KPFK – All in the Family), and Shelley Morrison (Will & Grace) were among a private crowd of 75 who greeted Kucinich. Tamarin owner Uma Singh turned down numerous reservations requests in favor of the Kucinich event. "President Bush will be a formidable opponent," Kucinich warned fellow Democrats at the gathering. "We need to go to the Democratic Convention in Boston next month and adopt a winning platform if we are to take the White House," he urged. Many of the attendees will be off to the convention next month.


http://www.notobush.com/

Message From NARAL Pro-Choice - Its Time To Party & Volunteer
You've been invited to a party in the park! All of the New York City organizations who collaborated on the March for Women's Lives will be together again on June 26th in Union Square Park, 11am to 3PM, to host a summer informational event. NARAL Pro-Choice New York is in need of volunteers to staff the info table during two shifts: 11-1pm and 1-3pm. Please contact Christina Tenuta, ctenuta@prochoiceny.org or 212-343-0114 ext 25, to sign-up for this event. And thank you for your help!


http://www.jereskiforcongress.com



Should President Bush Be Impeached?
DEMOCRACY NOW
by Amy Goodman
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/06/16/151222

911 Commission Findings Support What Kucinich Has Been Saying All Along

In September and early October 2002, when members of the U.S. House and Senate were debating a resolution granting the President the authority to go to war against Iraq, Congressman Dennis Kucinich repeatedly and vigorously argued that there was no credible evidence linking Iraq with al-Qaida or with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Today, the staff of the 911 Commission, which has been independently investigating matters related to those attacks, issued the following statement: "We have no credible evidence that Iraq and al-Qaida cooperated on attacks against the United States." The staff report states that there had been some contacts between Iraqi officials and al-Qaida before and after Osama bin Laden established his base in Afghanistan in 1996.

"Bin Laden is said to have requested space to establish training camps, as well as assistance in procuring weapons, but Iraq apparently never responded," the report said. "There have been reports that contacts between Iraq and al-Qaida also occurred" after bin Laden moved his operations to Afghanistan in 1996, "but they do not appear to have resulted in a collaborative relationship," it said. Kucinich led the fight in the U.S. House to oppose the war resolution and eventually persuaded 133 other Congressmen to vote with him against the resolution. His opposition to the war and his call for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq have been a cornerstone of his Democratic Presidential campaign.

Clinton Says He Never Considered Quitting
YAHOO NEWS - AP
[Duchess Note ... Bravo! I say we should put either Carter or Clinton back in the White House and kick out the insane, corrupt crap thats illegally there now. Would we be going through the current crap today if either of those men were in charge ... HELL NO! Bring back a solid Democrat government and White House. Clean out the crap that doesn't give a damn about 75% Americans, the environment or the world. We want democracy now ... down with Imperialism!] Read the whole article on Clinton here: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040617/ap_on_en_tv/60_minutes_clinton&cid=496&ncid=716

Message From Eli Pariser At MoveOn.Org Regarding "Fahrenheit 9/11"

Last night, I got a chance to see a sneak preview of Michael Moore's new film Fahrenheit 9/11. It is an incredibly powerful movie that lays bare the cynicism and greed behind Bush's war policy. And the astonishing and revealing footage in it has the power to change the course of the 2004 election. Given how devastating the movie is to President Bush's carefully crafted facade, it's hardly surprising that right-wing groups who call Moore a "domestic enemy" are using censorship and intimidation tactics to try to get it pulled from theaters. That's why we've got to do everything we can to make the opening a huge success. Today, we're asking MoveOn members to pledge to see the film on the opening night - Friday, June 25th. (If you can't make it on Friday, pledging to go on Saturday or Sunday is fine, too). It'll be fun, of course - you'll be watching the movie with lots of other MoveOn members. It'll also send an unmistakable message to the media and theater owners that the public is behind this movie. To see the Fahrenheit 9/11 trailer and pledge to see the movie on the opening weekend, go to: http://www.moveonpac.org/f911/?id=2949-2148547-PXSmiHAwO2D85IRKO3jqbg

Then please pass this message on to your friends, family, and co-workers. Fahrenheit 9/11 isn't just the most powerful and complete indictment of the Bush administration that I've ever seen - it's one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's a knockout blow: a poignant, darkly funny film that deftly interweaves footage of the President, his allies, and the Americans his policies betrayed. As Fox News' reviewer put it, the movie "is a tribute to patriotism, to the American sense of duty - and at the same time an indictment of stupidity and avarice." Full story here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,122680,00.html

Despite years of television coverage on Iraq and the war on terror, most of the movie consists of footage you'd never see on TV. There are heart-breaking interviews with troops in Iraq, chilling scenes of the civilian consequences of that war, and footage of Bush so candid and revealing that it's hard to imagine how Moore got his hands on it. In one unforgettable scene from the morning of September 11th, Bush blithely reads a children's book to a classroom of kids for seven long minutes after his chief of staff quietly informs him that the second plane has hit the World Trade Center and "we're under attack." The film is filled with this stuff, and it's hard to imagine seeing it and not being moved, shocked, and outraged. Fahrenheit 9/11 opens with footage of Bush administration officials putting on their TV makeup. Paul Wolfowitz sticks his comb in his mouth, slathers it with spit, brushes it through his hair, and grins a toothy grin. Colin Powell eyes the camera nervously as a makeup artist dusts his face. And, moments before President Bush goes on TV to somberly announce the beginning of the Iraq war, we see him goofing around, making funny faces at the folks behind the camera. These candid portraits encapsulate the genius of Moore's documentary. Compared to his other films, there's little pranking or moralizing. Moore basically stays out of the picture: he doesn't have to indict the Bush administration, because with powerful and indisputable video, Bush and the rest indict themselves.

As Moore unravels Bush's story, he joins it with the stories of the real Americans who have shouldered the burden of the post-9/11 war policy. In Flint, Michigan, we hear from a group of inner-city kids whose only option for education and a better life is to enlist in the Army - and then, in a scene that's both humorous and deeply creepy, join two Marine recruiters as they case a local mall for possible enlistees. We watch a California peace group that was infiltrated by the local police department under the Patriot Act. And, in the final heartbreaking scenes, we witness the pain of a mother who lost her son in Iraq. In the hands of other directors, the content could easily feel exploitative. But Moore is grounded by a patriotism that rings through
every frame of the film. Compassion and love of country give the film its striking authenticity: it's clear that what stings most about the President's behavior, for the subjects of the film, is Bush's betrayal of our country's soul. Fahrenheit 9/11 is a film with the power to change hearts and minds. It's brilliant, funny, moving, and authentic. And together, we can make it a huge success. Watch the trailer and pledge to see the film opening night at: http://www.moveonpac.org/f911/?id=2949-2148547-PXSmiHAwO2D85IRKO3jqbg

[Please say prayers for my dear London friend Caroline, who suffered a stroke yesterday and is in hospital. I learned the news yesterday when I got home and received a brief voicemail from Caroline's Mum. Very upsetting news! She only turned 50 two weeks ago! Dear lord, help my friend get well soon, very soon. Amen!]


[Back on June 5th Nicholas Cage & Sean Bean were down in front of Trinity Church (near Wall Street) finishing work on the film "National Treasure". This movie is due out later this year and is a drama/thriller. These gents are two of my fav actors ... two very sexy men. The photo below was taken at recent Cannes Film Festival. Sean Bean, Eric Bana & Orlando Bloom are starring in the film TROY.]


The Fight Of Our Lives
ALTERNET
by Bill Moyers
http://alternet.org/stories/18954/

PEARL JAM To Release - Live At Benaroya Hall October 22, 2004 - First-Ever Full Length Acoustic Performance Album To Be Released At Retail July 27th

Pre-Orders Available at www.pearljam.com Beginning June 21 With Band Poster for $13. Twelve years ago, Pearl Jam performed a rare acoustic show for MTV as part of the "Unplugged" series. Although the performance was never officially released, it continues to be one of the band's most bootlegged shows. On July 27th, 2004, Pearl Jam fans can satiate their acoustic appetites with the band's first ever full-length, mostly acoustic live show on a double disc CD entitled Live at Benaroya Hall October 22, 2003.

"Live at Benaroya Hall October 22, 2003 will feature the band's 2+ hour, sold-out performance on October 22, 2003 at the intimate 2,500-seat venue which marked the first live performance of Pearl Jams Golden Globe nominated song MAN OF THE HOUR, as well as acoustic covers of Bob Dylans MASTERS OF WAR, the Ramones’ I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES and Johnny Cashs 25 MINUTES TO GO. The full set list from the evening follows:

DISC 1

OF THE GIRL
LOWLIGHT
THUMBING MY WAY
THIN AIR
FATAL
NOTHING AS IT SEEMS
MAN OF THE HOUR
IMMORTALITY
OFF HE GOES
AROUND THE BEND
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
SLEIGHT OF HAND
ALL OR NONE
LUKIN

DISC 2

PARTING WAYS
DOWN
CAN'T KEEP
DEAD MAN
MASTERS OF WAR
BLACK
CRAZY MARY
25 MINUTES TO GO
DAUGHTER
YELLOW LEDBETTER

Pre-orders for the CD will be available at www.pearljam.com beginning June 21 for $13. Only CDs ordered through the Pearl Jam Ten Club will include a special poster featuring a photo of the band taken at the Benaroya show by renowned photographer Charles Peterson. A special limited edition vinyl box set will also be available through the band's website only and will also include the poster. The Benaroya Hall show was a benefit for YouthCare, a non profit organization providing a range of comprehensive services for Seattle's homeless and at-risk youth for the past 30 years. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the CD will also benefit YouthCare. For more information on YouthCare, please visit: youthcare.org.

"This was one of those special shows, but because it was not part of the 2003 tour bootleg series and fans were asking for it, and because of the unique nature of the performance itself- it being the band's first full length acoustic show- it felt like a show we should give fans the chance to own", said band manager Kelly Curtis.

Reviews from the Benaroya show were glowing:

"The concert brought especially stirring performances from Vedder and guitarist McCready, who received several ovations." Gene Stout, Seattle Post Intelligencer.

"With or without juice, Pearl Jam puts on an electrifying show." The encore provided some of the finest moments of the evening, from a bone-tingling version of Victoria Williams CRAZY MARY, to the plaintive and plainly beautifully BLACK. For the latter, Vedder turned the mike toward the audience, and with some 2,500 people singing along, it was dramatic and moving." Tina Potterf, The Seattle Times

"Things didn't quite go as advertised: McCready and Ament plugged in for a few select numbers, and [Boom] Gaspar's organ was juiced throughout. That's not to mention the full-blown, electric delivery on the night's feel good finale, YELLOW LEDBETTER. [Vedder's] solo delivery of DEAD MAN was one of the nights highlights, promptly topped, upon the band's return, with a chilling delivery of Dylan's war protest song [MASTERS OF WAR]." Ernest Jasmine, Morning News Tribune

Kucinich Progressive Values Being Widely Embraced Recognizing Campaign Achievements

The Dennis Kucinich presidential campaign has changed the American political landscape. Even though the Democratic Party appears headed to selecting its presumptive nominee, Dennis Kucinich, with the help of dedicated and determined supporters, has kept the debate on the issues alive long after others bowed out. And if you look closely at platform resolutions adopted at state conventions currently underway across the country, the progressive values of the Kucinich campaign are loudly and clearly being embraced and advanced by Democrats around the nation. The resolutions are essentially endorsements by the state Democratic parties of specific ideas and policies. With the primary season coming to an end, let's take a moment to acknowledge the hard work of our grassroots in getting these resolutions passed. Thank you to...

Massachusetts Democrats:
-clean and publicly funded elections
-universal pre-kindergarten care
-and universal single-payer healthcare!

Colorado Democrats:
-stronger regulation and labeling of organic and genetically modified organisms
-LGBT civil marriage rights
-universal pre-kindergarten care
-the use of medical cannabis as prescribed by a doctor
-U.N. in, U.S. out of Iraq
-universal single-payer healthcare
-a cabinet-level Department of Peace
-the elimination of the use of depleted uranium in the U.S. arsenal and the repeal of sections of the Patriot Act

Minnesota Democrats:
-U.N. in, U.S. out
-repeal of the Patriot Act
-LGBT civil marriage rights
-universal single-payer healthcare and opposition to a military draft!

Washington Democrats:
-canceling NAFTA and the WTO
-repealing sections of the Patriot Act
-universal single-payer healthcare
-U.N. in, U.S. out
-stronger regulation and labeling of organic and genetically modified organisms
-the use of medical cannabis as prescribed by a doctor
-affirming a minimum living-wage
-LGBT civil marriage rights
-a Department of Peace and publicly financed political campaigns

Maine Democrats:
-instant runoff voting
-affirming a minimum living wage
-universal single-payer healthcare
-repeal of the Patriot Act
-universal pre-kindergarten care
-U.N. in, U.S. out and canceling NAFTA and the WTO!

Oregon info:
-canceling NAFTA and the WTO
-repealing segments of the Patriot Act
-universal single-payer healthcare
-U.N. in, U.S. out
-stronger regulation and labeling of organic and genetically modified organisms
-LGBT civil marriage rights
-the creation of a Department of Peace
-publicly financing political campaigns
-the elimination of the use of depleted uranium in the U.S. arsenal and opposition to a military draft

We've had a strong and positive impact on the policies of the Democratic Party at the local and state levels, and now it is time to take it to the national level. With the June 8th end to the primary season behind us, the focus and energy of the Kucinich Campaign is turning towards Boston and the Democratic Convention. We are currently the only organized group lobbying the DNC on platform issues. So, thanks to everyone for all of their hard work and passionate energy over the past year. We have made so much progress, but that is only the beginning. Our long-shot campaign has evolved into a powerful movement! Please join us during this exciting phase of our work together.

Update From The Frank Barbaro Campaign Here In NYC

Bush's Rubber Stamp, Vito Fossella, is sweating bullets, and it's not because of the weather! Frank Barbaro's campaign for the 13th Congressional District seat had another great week, canvassing events throughout the district as part of our petition drive, as well as our general efforts to raise awareness of the Barbaro campaign. This week, we're going to be continuing in both those efforts, and we like your help in doing so. We need to spread the message that Frank Barbaro is ready and willing to fight for the issues Staten Islanders and Brooklynites care about: quality, affordable health care; an increase in the minimum wage; preserving Social Security and Medicare; giving our police, firefighters, and other first responders the support they need and deserve; and many other issues that Vito Fossella has ignored during his terms in Congress.

We have a constant need for people to attend events throughout the week, handing out literature and getting people to sign petitions. If you're interested in helping us out, our office is at 36 Richmond Terrace, Suite 215 (right across from Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the SI Yankees, and just a few blocks from the ferry.) Our office is open from 9:30AM to 8PM every day. The petition drive is especially important at this point in the campaign; we really need volunteers willing to come in, pick up petitions and walksheets, and canvas areas to ensure that we're on the ballot in November. We're having a special major mobilization event this Saturday, June 19th, so we really need people to come to either our Brooklyn or Staten Island offices, any time after 10AM. We also need volunteers to help out around the office, so if you want to help out, but would prefer to stay somewhere with a semblance of air conditioning, we can accommodate you. We had a great response to our last e-mail call for volunteers, and our thanks go out to those of you who came in to help out over the weekend. But unseating Vito is going to be a long, hard fight, and we're going to need your help if we want to put somebody in Congress who cares about the average person, rather than the huge corporations. We look forward to seeing you at the office. Our Brooklyn office is now open! It's located at the Starts and Stripes Democratic Club at 8411 15th Avenue.

A Message From MOVEON.ORG Regarding Cheney's Corruption & Halliburton

Yesterday morning the L.A. Times released a new Halliburton bombshell: it's now clear that over the protests of an Army official, Vice President Cheney's office helped ensure that Cheney's old company Halliburton would receive a $7 billion no-bid contract for rebuilding Iraq. Faced with a choice between serving our troops and helping out his corporate buddies, Cheney chose the latter. The timing for our new ad exposing how Halliburton and Bush administration officials took taxpayers for a ride couldn’t be better. And starting tomorrow, Congress will be holding hearings on whether Halliburton used its close ties to administration officials to get sweetheart deals, shortchanging both our troops and U.S. taxpayers. Since Thursday afternoon, we've already raised about $420,000 to air the ad. But in order to get the ad in front of swing-state voters
>for a week starting tomorrow, we’ll need to raise about $1.1 million. Together, if we all pitch in what we can, we can make it happen. Take a look at the finished ad and help get it on the air at:

https://www.moveonpac.org/donate/halliburton.html?id=2940-2148547-VD_8RklqKbs__Vcwir1Jaw

The list of governmental investigations against Halliburton just keeps on growing. Just last Friday, Halliburton disclosed yet another one -- the SEC is investigating one of its subsidiaries for foreign corruption. Halliburton's unethical behavior is in the news this week, and with your help we can get it in front of key voters in battleground states as well.

Reagan's Destructive Revolution
SEATTLE TIMES
by Walter Williams
Yet, it is best labeled the "Stealth Revolution" because pundits and the public, after nearly a quarter century, still appear to be unaware of its existence, much less the damage already done. The deleterious changes have stayed under the radar. Be that as it may, a revolution is in full swing. President Reagan's two terms put it on course; Reaganism sustained it for the next 12 years; George W. Bush, Reagan's disciple, re-energized it with a vengeance. Following the tenets of Reaganism, Bush has led the most undemocratic American government in the post-World War II era. It well may be the least democratic government since 1789. Read the whole article: http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0611-08.htm

How Green Was The Gipper?
GRIST MAGAZINE
by Amanda Griscom
With all due respect to President Reagan, who was a very nice man, the Republican mythmaking machine is puffing so hard I'm amazed they aren't having a funeral train stop in the 17 swing states," said Phil Clapp, president of National Environmental Trust. "They are rewriting history to make a political icon out of a flawed president." For more on this story: http://alternet.org/envirohealth/18924/

The Wal-Mart Effect
IN THESE TIMES
by David Moberg
http://alternet.org/stories/18926/

Miami's Pallbearers: A Dying Breed
BBC NEWS
by Daniel Lak
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3791697.stm

Is US Like Germany Of The 1930s?
CHICAGO SUN TIMES
by Andrew Greeley
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0611-10.htm

Blue Collar Defines Life Of Kucinich
THE ENQUIRER
by John Eckberg
For more than two decades, Kucinich's message has been constant, ever since he was mayor of Cleveland and was blamed for letting his city slide into bankruptcy. That isn't exactly what happened, however. Blame for the default belongs with Cleveland-area bankers, who refused to roll over city notes because Kucinich had, in turn, refused to sell a public electric distribution system to an investor-owned utility company. That's the same company that years later would bring us the blackout of the summer of 2003 and a near meltdown the year before that at the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant. In the ensuing years, residents of Cleveland saved some $250 million because Kucinich held his ground against the power brokers who wanted to profit from a public system. For more on this story: http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/06/13/biz_biz1eckberg.html

Personal News - Part XXV

A happy, sunny, warm Sunday to you all! Weather wise we here in NYC had wonderful Springtime temps and loads of sunshine this weekend. Yesterday was truly glorious and I even got abit of a sunburn on neck and arms. But I'm getting ahead of myself and not relating the whole week of newsie tidbits.

As I related earlier this week on my blog ... Rob Jereski made his "announcement" in running for Congress in the 14th district on Monday, June 7th, down in Union Square. That event went well, of which I made abit of a report [w/photos] here on the Duchess Blog. The following evening of June 8th, I joined Rob Jereski in his neighborhood at Tudor City [eastside of midtown Manhattan] to help him get signatures on a petition. [People running for congress, in a particular district, need 1250 signatures to get on ballot.] The two of us were out and about for 1 1/2 hours meeting folk on his street. It was an interesting experience, as not all are registered Democrats. Some are Republicans [they were not civil & the Democrats were], others were open-minded Independents and since Tudor City is near the UN, many were non US citizens and not eligible to vote. We got about 30+ signatures from a variety of individuals and that's not bad for a first day of canvassing/petitioning. The deadline is July 14th or there abouts. Many folk were coming home and then out again to walk their dogs. One was the most sweet tempered little dog a white, fluffy Pompoo ... which I was told by the owner is a mix of Pomeranian & Poodle. They are so adorable!

Work has been very productive this past week and getting things organized for another all day conference in early July. This coming week may be abit quiet ... as most of upper management in Insurance Tax dept will be at a 4 day conference down in Baltimore. This will afford me some "time" to work on and research for Rob's campaign and Kucinich committee items. On the home front ... work was done this week on indoor and outdoor gas pipes. Not by me ... no way ... by my landlady and outside contractors. I've also been trying to catch up on my reading of THE NATION subscription. Plus reading on the internet true reporting on the late President Reagan and not that spin crap broadcasted on stations like CNN or Fox News. [That man should of been impeached for the Iran-Contra scandal. It cost the lives of thousands of individuals and brought on troubles that we're still dealing with today. Clintons scandal with Monica didn't kill anyone. Worthy of impeachment? HELL NO! It was just an embarrassment, nothing else, but what Reagan Administration did over 8 years is horrible.] They did put on a decent funeral at that DC cathedral last Friday, with many world dignitaries in attendance. Hard to believe its been since the early 1970s when we last had a big presidential funeral.

Yesterday was a glorious weather day and also very productive for yours truly. Started off joining Rob and other Jereski supporters [ie: John & Bud] out at Roosevelt Island [situated between Manhattan and Queens in East River]. It was their annual Roosevelt Island Day celebrations and the island is part of the 14th Congressional District. So we were out there for at least 2 1/2 hours getting signatures on petitions. Plus it was my first time in visiting the island and I found it to be quite charming. One gets the feeling that it is its own separate and unique community or village, which is predominately Democrat. Hurray! We did very well in obtaining signatures and many of the locals really dislike Carolyn Maloney. She is the conservative, right wing Democrat incumbent of the 14th district. She really comes across as Republican lite these days, especially with voting for the Iraq occupation. Maloney was there at "event" with her three 20-something preppie minions [total dorks] trying to obtain signatures. Maloney even checked out what we were doing and tried to hand out her flyers. [The damn cow even snubbed Rob!] She approached me and attempted to give me a flyer, but I gave her a hard look and said "I want nothing to do with you". Enough on that ... we wrapped things up around 2:30pm and I headed back into Manhattan.


[Rob Jereski Out At Roosevelt Island Festival Day On June 12th]

Got some late lunch, briefly stopped by the office and then headed up to Lincoln Center for the annual Art & Craft Show. Lots of booths with different artisans selling their lovely items. I enjoy chatting with some about their unique bits of work. So many pretty things and me with little or no funds in my pocket. I did purchase a cute pin with my name on it and before heading home enjoyed a delicious ice cream cone. Last night I watched "Patriot Games" on DVD [ie: Harrison Ford & Sean Bean].

On Saturday, June 19th, Help Bridge the Gap in Healthcare

MoveOn.Org hopes you can join tens of thousands of people in a powerful action in support of health care for all Americans. The event, called "Bridging the Gap", is organized by our friends at SEIU, the Service Employees International Union. Details are below. We hope you can make it -- please sign up today to take part. Here are the details, from SEIU:

On Saturday, June 19th, tens of thousands of people -- those who have health insurance and those who don't, those who fear losing coverage and those who have too little -- will join together across the country to "bridge the gap" in health care. Bridging the Gap events generate local visibility and media coverage about the urgent need for health care reform. They range from local rallies or marches through town to "honk-and-wave" visibility events to walks across local bridges. To join in, go to: http://www.bridgingthegapforhealthcare.org?rID=14

If there isn't detailed information about where to go for your event on the website, just RSVP and the event organizers will email you shortly with directions. One goal of Bridging the Gap is to put a human face on the health care crisis by sharing personal stories. Online and at the events, Bridging the Gap participants will be talking about how lack of access to comprehensive health care insurance has effected them. You can share your own story by clicking on the link above. The story of Janelle Scott is a heart-wrenching illustration of the need for health care reform:

Lisa's daughter Janelle was 18 years old when she began experiencing chest pains and blackouts. She went to the doctor several times over a period of months, paying out of her own pocket because she didn't have any health coverage despite working two jobs. A week before she died, Janelle asked the practitioner to please do a chest x-ray because she was in so much pain. They turned her down because they said an x-ray would be too expensive without insurance. One week later, Janelle died. "If Janelle had had health insurance, her doctor would have run every test possible until they found out what was wrong with her. What happened to my daughter should not happen to anyone, especially in a country like the United States."

This situation is a crisis; 44 million Americans are uninsured and millions more are underinsured. In the time it will take you to read this e-mail, 5 more people will lose their health care coverage. In the next week, nearly 50,000 mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and grandparents will lose access to afford quality health care. On June 19th we will demand action by our elected officials.

Ray Charles, American Legend, Dies At 73
NPR NEWS
http://www.npr.org/display_pages/features/feature_1947628.html

Ray Charles Was 'The Genius'
DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE
by Jack Garner
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/0611754IFND_news.shtml

The Scene - This Week In Local Music - Neko Case
RICHMOND MUSIC
by Kate Bredimus
http://www.richmond.com/music/music_out.cfm?ID=3063372&vertical=music

12-year New York City Incumbent Faces Primary, Iraq War, Civil Liberties and Free Trade Expose Bush Democrats to Challenge

Robert Jereski Press Release - June 9, 2004 (New York, NY)

Businessman and activist Robert Jereski announced his candidacy in the Democratic Primary for the 14th Congressional District on Monday, June 7th. Surrounded by supporters, he chose to make his address in front of the statue of Mohandas Gandhi in Union Square Park in his District to illustrate how Gandhi's philosophy resonates with his constituents today, at a time when our nation is prosecuting two foreign wars while letting basic human needs of Americans go unmet.



Jereski's exciting campaign reflects a growing need to represent the District's keen interest in electing a representative who will vigorously challenge the radical agenda of the Bush Administration. As the crowd of supporters swelled with rush hour commuters curious to learn more about Jereski, a veteran in the crowd shook Jereski's hand and thanked him for having the courage to run.


[Robert Jereski with some of his supporters at Announcement on Monday, June 7th. I'm standing behind Robert with my auburn hair and sunglasses and flashing a peace sign. Right-on!]

"I am running because the incumbent has not been listening to the voters of this District, and has stood with George Bush on too many issues that are critically important to all of us. While we were organizing and marching against the Iraq war, Maloney sided with the White House. She also voted for the unconstitutional Patriot Act. I will work to make sure that our civil liberties are protected. The most important thing a representative can do is listen to his or her constituents. With your support, I will work tirelessly to make sure that Washington responds to our concerns," Jereski said.

The 14th Congressional District encompasses much of the East Side of Manhattan, Clinton and Astoria, Queens. It also includes all of Roosevelt Island and much of Long Island City, Sunnyside and parts of Woodside. For more information please contact Susan Mainzer on 213-840-0077 or press@jereskiforcongress.com. The official Robert Jereski for Congress website is at … http://www.jereskiforcongress.com

An Important Message From MoveOn.Org - Tell Bush To Prevent A Climate Crisis

When the new disaster movie, "The Day After Tomorrow", opened a week and half ago, over 8,000 MoveOn members were outside theaters in 622 cities, talking to moviegoers about the real danger of a climate crisis. The Senate will soon consider a bill sponsored by Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman that would commit the United States to taking concrete actions to reduce global warming. You can help by signing our petition supporting the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act, at: http://www.moveon.org/climatecrisis/index.html

The Senate is expected to vote on this bill within the next two weeks, and your Senators need to hear that you care. Our petition carries a powerful message to President Bush and members of Congress -- that we can't wait any longer to take action. We asked MoveOn members who passed out information about global warming outside the movie theaters to tell us about their experience. Here's what a few of you said were your favorite parts:

* "A mom walking out with her teenage daughter and just lighting up when I handed her the flyer, turning to her daughter and saying, 'See, we can do something about this.'"

* "When a 20-something said 'I didn't think anyone your age would care anymore' (I'm 60)."

* "When we all began to arrive and there were so many of us from MoveOn and we could connect from the heart about our concern for our world and the comfort that came from the sense of belonging to a kind of community!"

* "When a theatre security guard went in and explained to theatre management that we were not only promoting the movie, we were trying to save the world!"

Four years ago, candidate Bush promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As president, he's broken that promise, consistently siding with his campaign contributors from the energy and automobile industries to block new policies that would help prevent a climate crisis. Scientists are now telling us that the earth is heating up faster than at any time in its history. Now is the time for our leaders to act, before it's too late. Please sign the petition today, and please ask your friends to sign as well, at: http://www.moveon.org/climatecrisis/index.html

Important Message From MoveOn.Org Regarding Halliburton

There are lots of reasons that things are going south in Iraq. President Bush alienated the international community, lied to the world about the threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, failed to plan for reconstruction . . . and the list goes on. But there's another less talked-about reason that things are turning out so badly: President Bush and Vice President Cheney simply can't resist a chance to help their corporate friends make a buck, even when it undermines the troops. Today, we're launching a new ad to call the Bush Administration on its ties to the scandal-plagued company Halliburton. In just a year in Iraq, Halliburton employees have accepted $6 million in illegal kickbacks, the company overcharged taxpayers millions for gas, and charged hundreds of millions of dollars for meals for our troops that were never delivered. It's a perfect example of how Bush and Cheney's taste for corporate cronyism has weakened our country and cost taxpayers billions.

We know from polling that for many people the Halliburton debacle illustrates a core weakness in the Bush program, and helps convince independent voters to vote against Bush. That's why it's so important that we get this ad, which hammers that point home, in front of as many people as possible. If we can raise $1.1 million, we can run the ad deep for a week in a number of the key "battleground" states. Please contribute what you can to help us get it on the air today at: http://www.moveonpac.org/donate/halliburton.html?id=2927-2148547-zNRyaQIfvJQRbn0Q9yRaag

On that page, you can also read a full script of the ad and take a look at the story boards. Revelations regarding Halliburton's unethical and at times illegal behavior continue to pop up at a regular pace. But perhaps more worrisome are indications that the Bush administration isn't just turning a blind eye to Halliburton's corrupt business practices -- it's actively helping the company along. For example, Time Magazine exposed last week that newly disclosed internal Pentagon emails suggest that the office of Vice President Dick Cheney was instrumental in sealing an $18 BILLION no-bid contract for the Vice President's former company. Nor does Halliburton's track record end at fraud. In a Pentagon audit, Halliburton was warned that its food service facilities which serve our troops in Iraq were dangerously unsanitary, with "blood all over the floor" of its kitchens, "dirty pans," and "rotting meats ... and vegetables." As Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) put it, Halliburton is ultimately "a company that arrogantly is overcharging when they can get away with it and not providing the quality of service that they agreed to do."

Vice President Dick Cheney still holds hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of stock options in the company. So it's hardly surprising that the Administration's response has been anemic, even when faced with clear evidence that the company is bilking taxpayers. That's why we need to get this ad on the air. Can you contribute to make that happen? Go to: http://www.moveonpac.org/donate/halliburton.html?id=2927-2148547-zNRyaQIfvJQRbn0Q9yRaag

The Last Of This Years Primaries & Caucas Was Held Yesterday In New Jersey & Montana. Two States That Many Candidates Always Bypass - But Not Dennis Kucinich.
The outcome of yesterday's primary is as follows ... New Jersey which had a huge Democratic Party get out the vote for "Unity" program (which helps Kerry)...gave Kucinich around 5% of the vote. Montana is another one of those often overlooked western states which has the potential for Progressive candidates and it appears as though Kucinch will get around 12% of the vote there. [Cheers and congratulations to ALL Kucitizens on doing such wonderful volunteer work for DJKs campaign. Next up ... Democratic Convention in Boston next month. Let's rock this party and instill some new blood.]

I'm Protecting Kerry's Left Flank, Says Kucinich
THE HILL
by James Kirchick
http://www.thehill.com/news/060904/kucinich.aspx

Bush's Kiss Of Death
ALTERNET
by Molly Ivins
Just before Memorial Day, Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi said, "Our active military respond better to Republicans" because of "the tremendous support that President Bush has provided for our military and our veterans." The same day, the White House announced plans for massive cuts in veterans' health care for 2006. Last January, Bush praised veterans during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The same day, 164,000 veterans were told the White House was "immediately cutting off their access to the VA health care system." To read the whole article: http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18890

Reagan Played Decisive Role In Saddam Hussein's Survival In Iran-Iraq War
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0609-01.htm

Brief Update On Jereski For Congress June 7th Announcement In Union Square
Rob Jereski made his "announcement" yesterday, shortly after 5:30pm, that he is running for Congress in the 14th Congressional District. He spoke in front of the Gandhi statue down in Union Square, as well as at the "Speakers Corner". All went well and the campaign signed on about 25 new volunteers. We reached many more via leftleting and will be continuing our grassroots efforts to create a buzz. A full report to follow, along with photos at "announcement". Stay tuned...........

Comedian David Cross Soundbite - Soldiers Must Pray For Bush
His humor is a wee bit harsh, but it'll move you to laugh and/or cry at the same time. Comedian David Cross new release "ITS NOT FUNNY" on Subpop records, heres a portion about US soldiers having to pray for Bushit. I thought it hilarious! Click on link and listen: http://radio.indymedia.org/uploads/david_cross2004_-soldirers_pray_for_bush.mp3

Galadriel If I were a character in The Lord of the Rings, I would be Galadriel, Elf, Queen of Lothlorien, wife of Celeborn and grandmother of Arwen. In the movie, I am played by Cate Blanchett. Who would you be? Zovakware Lord of the Rings Test with Perseus Web Survey Software

The lyrics to "INTO THE WEST" from LOTRs "Return of the King" and sung by Annie Lennox. Lovely song and it really touches the heart.

Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
The night is falling
You have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping

What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All Souls pass

Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say
We have come now to the end
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping

Chorus

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West

The Last Noble Defender Of The American Republic
DEMOCRACY NOW!
by J.Gonzalez & A.Goodman
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18888

Planet Reagan
TRUTHOUT
by William Rivers Pitt
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/060704A.shtml

For Also-Ran Kucinich, The Campaign Goes On In Last Primaries
BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES
by Associated Press
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/104-06042004-311575.html

Rating Reagan: A Bogus Legacy
CONSORTIUM NEWS
by Robert Parry
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2004/060704.html

No-Frills Kucinich Show Hits NJ
THE STAR LEDGER
by Mike Frassinelli
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1086497727226680.xml

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE & IMPORTANT MEDIA ALERT! -- Robert Jereski Announces Run In New York City's 14th US Congressional District Primary

WHO: Activist Robert Jereski
WHAT: Announces run in New York's 14th US Congressional District Primary
WHEM: Monday June 7th, 5:30 pm
WHERE: Gandhi statue in the southwest part of Union Square Park, Manhattan
CONTACT: Susan Mainzer, 213-840-0077, press@jereskiforcongress.com
WEBSITE: http://www.jereskiforcongress.com

New York City - Activist Robert Jereski will give a press conference on Monday afternoon to officially announce his candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Congress from New York's 14th Congressional District. Jereski will be going up against conservative Democratic incumbent Carolyn Maloney. This district encompasses much of the East Side of Manhattan and Astoria, Queens. It also includes all of Roosevelt Island and much of Long Island City, Sunnyside and parts of Woodside. The press conference will take place at the Gandhi statue in the Southwest part of Union Square at 5:30 p.m. Jereski will give a brief presentation and will then answer questions from the press and public.

The significance of the date and location of the announcement is that 111 years ago on June 7th, Gandhi engaged in his first act of civil disobedience. In an event that would have dramatic repercussions still being felt today worldwide, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a young Indian lawyer working in South Africa, refused to comply with racial segregation rules on a South African train and was forcibly ejected. Gandhi once said: "Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment."

Jereski notes, "Today our great country has determined to invest our considerable yet limited resources on a form of power based on fear. Young men and women are killing and being killed, the entire Middle East region threatens to descend into long-term instability, and the incumbent continues to stand behind this failure in calling for us to 'stay the course'". The 36 year old activist turned politician says "NO! We must turn our disastrous Middle East policy around, focus our attention on increasing employment in the U.S., and educating our children to become builders of a shared future, not soldiers of a long-term occupation."

"I am a Democrat who stands firmly in challenging the Bush Agenda. I am going to help clean the House by winning our District's seat from a 12 year incumbent who supported Bush's War and other aspects of his right-wing program. If elected, I will first and foremost listen to my constituents. I am dedicated to helping bring jobs and a healthy economic future to the communities of our District and working hard for peace in the Middle East and in Iraq."

PLEASE PASS ON THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO OTHERS THAT YOU MAY KNOW IN THE NYC AREA. THANK YOU ... PEACE & SOLIDARITY!

For more information please contact Susan Mainzer at 213-840-0077 or press@jereskiforcongress.com


http://www.notobush.com/



IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MOVEON.ORG ON BUSHIT'S INCOMPETENCE

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi recently offered something all too rare in Washington these days -- straight talk about President Bush's Iraq policy and his questionable leadership. Immediately President Bush's attack dogs went into action, seeking to intimidate her and other like-minded Representatives into silence. But straight talk should never be silenced or shamed. We've got to let our Representatives know we support Congresswoman Pelosi, and we must encourage them to follow her lead.

There are two important things that you can do to help. Please take a few minutes today to write a letter to the editor of your local paper applauding Nancy Pelosi and encouraging your Representative, Nydia M. Velazquez, to offer honest criticism of the Bush administration whenever it is merited. We've added some tips and some talking points below. Once you've written, please let us know at:

http://www.moveon.org/pelosiltes.html?id=2913-2148547-Jvqs2dWRJyNGYy1UhRb5fw

If you live in NYC, please also call Rep. Velazquez's office. Tell the staffers you support Congresswoman Pelosi and that you'd like to see the same kind of leadership from your Representative.

Representative Nydia M. Velazquez
DC Phone: 202-225-2361
Local Phone: 718-599-3658

President Bush and his surrogates in Congress have been trying to bully the American people into silence over his failed policies in Iraq and elsewhere. They're saying it's somewhow unpatriotic and even dangerous to criticize the President during wartime. [Duchess Note - You good people are being very much the patriotic American by questioning the system, as well as participating in rallies/protests. It is the Bush Empire who has been incredibly UN-PATRIOTIC over the last 2 to 4 years.] After President Bush came to Capitol Hill for a pep rally before Republican members of Congress (where he refused to acknowledge any questions about Iraq), Congresswoman Pelosi said that his handling of the war in Iraq shows "an incompetence in terms of knowledge, judgment and experience, in making the decisions that would have been necessary to truly accomplish the mission without the deaths to our troops and the cost to our taxpayers."

House Majority leader Tom DeLay responded that "her words are putting American lives at risk," and that she has "a responsibility to the troops and to this nation to show unity in this time of war." [Duchess Note - That bastard DeLay is one of those insane, right wing politicians putting us Americans at risk. Especially with this illegal and totally unjust war/occupation. Politicians like HIM would rather dominate and destroy our beloved country & the world. Don't let them bully us into thinking otherwise.] In 1918, Theodore Roosevelt said, "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." Tom DeLay has it backwards. We've seen that unquestioning acceptance by too many in Congress and in the media can lead the country down a dangerous pathway. Let's support leaders like Nancy Pelosi who are willing to tell it like it is.



RONALD REAGAN IS DEAD
by Trapper John [Brought To Duchess Readers From "Daily KOS" Blog]

Ronald Reagan died today at the age of 93. He earned the enmity of many of us on the left through his dismantling of the New Deal and enabling of a culture of greed -- but we should not forget that he was once one of us, an FDR Democrat. His journey to the far right mirrored a similar, if less dramatic, shift that occured in the general American psyche. And while Reagan cannot be excused for his utter failure as president, we must never see him solely as a symbol of a shameful era -- because his rise was attributable in part to an inertia and lack of vision that gripped our predecessors on the left. It was in part our inability to satisfy the hunger of Americans for positive leadership that caused Reagan and other former liberals to embrace a radical ideology that was before only espoused by crackpots and the prophets of selfishness.

So while we rightly condemned Reagan for his extremism and hostility to the egalitarian ideals of his youth, perhaps we should take this occasion not only to remember Reagan's failings, but also to reflect upon the failings of the left that allowed the ascension of the extreme right. We've learned a lot about how to talk with the American people over the past few years, and we've reclaimed the fighting spirit that has characterized the best of the left through American history -- let's never again allow ourselves to become so self-satisfied that we allow another Reagan to capture the hearts of everyday Americans. And let us remember that in spite of his many faults, he was a human being, and his family is entitled to an appropriate level of decorum in their time of loss.

UPDATE: And let's ensure that the same Republican machine that cried about supposedly untoward politicization of the Paul Wellstone memorial service doesn't use Reagan's passing as an excuse to play politics. I mean, we know that they'd never do that, but . . . .