Back on Wednesday, October 27th, I was invited to see an Off-Broadway play with fellow Kucitizen Paul B. So sweet of him to think of inviting me. The play was called “Trying” and it starred actor Fritz Weaver at the Promenade Theater on upper Westside of Manhattan. Its one of those small theaters were there are no terrible seats. Very enjoyable play that takes place in the 1960s down in Georgetown [outside of DC] and I recommend it to all.
On Sunday, October 31st, I went to see a documentary with Ellen and Kenny [fellow Kucitizens] called “Unconstitutional”. The event, which was hosted by “Not In Our Name”, was attended by about 60 to 70 people at the Community Church of New York on East 35th Street at 1:30pm. Afterwards Congressman Jerrold Nadler spoke at length on many topics and answered questions. Some of the topics he talked about at length were … Patriot Act, FL Recount of 2000, K Street Project, Electoral College, Electronic Voting, etc. There was also mention of an article in “New Republic” by Jeff Rosen, which caused abit of a buzz. When the event wrapped up Ellen, Kenny and I had an early dinner at a local café and discussed NYC Friends of Kucinich agenda et al. Around 6pm I headed to my office in Times Square to utilize the computer and watched a SHARPE [starring Sean Bean] episode on DVD.
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... A country cannot simultaneously prepare and prevent war. Albert Einstein
On Tuesday, November 2nd, was the big day … Election Day! Would the lines for the polls be long and more importantly, would Americans vote wisely for Democrats and not Republicans? I arrived at my designated voter polling station at 8:10am and the place was crowded, though manageable at that point. Two volunteers were outside the entrance directing voters to correct tables and booths. I chatted amiably with the gal behind the table and we both happily remarked on the good turnout et al. Headed to machine #77 and waited on a short line for my turn to vote. I was about 4th in line and the chap already in the booth was having troubles with the lever. The damn fool jammed it, by accident of course, but still a jam. This cause the rest of us on line some concern, but happily one of the volunteers fixed the situation. Whew! Finally it was my turn and the chap before me, upon exiting the voting booth, mentioned an easy way of handling the lever. I thanked him and went into the booth to exercise my rights as an American and registered Democrat. Upon leaving the polling station [head for subway] I passed by a very long line of voters waiting patiently for their turn. Watching and listening to the news throughout the day, it was like that all over the US. Long lines of record number turnout of voters. One also heard about the problems many voters were having in swing states. What with those damn computerized machines [ie: Diebold] or being harassed by “paid” Republicans while they waited on line. This crap wouldn’t happen in a true democracy, but sadly we’re stuck in a society that is a cross between Imperialism and Fascism.
[This headline from UK newspaper "Daily Mirror" says it all. How can half of America be so DUMB in voting for that moron.]
On Wednesday, November 3rd, I listened to WBAI and Air America while getting ready for work. The news was pretty dismal regarding election results. As the morning progressed [after I got to work] I became more upset. As well as disgusted with those damn Americans who voted for a spoiled rich brat from Texas. Blind, stupid, ignorant fools who think they’ll be safer under this corrupt, unmoral Imperial/Fascist regime. Pissed off with Kerry for conceding so quickly, and not standing up for truth or justice. At least Al Gore put up a fight back in 2000 and I respect him for doing that much. But with Kerry, good lord, what a spineless whimp. Throughout the day I was hearing about the many troubles certain ethnic groups of Americans had all over the US regarding those damn computerized voting machines. As well as “other” abuses by lowlife Republicans. Diebold promised Bushie regime they’d help them win. Looks like they did in Ohio and Florida. There is still hope and “we the people” must keep the faith. All of us Democrats, Liberals and Progressives must unite and take it to the streets. Let this foul administration know that we will not sit by quietly, but raise our collective voices in protest to their horrendous crimes. Time to bring back truth, honesty, justice and democracy to this country of ours. As the day progressed and I chatted with several friends of mine online, I remembered I had a NYC Dept of Peace conference call in the evening. I felt HOPE well up in me. Also, many thanks to my friends and e-pals for their online conversations … your ALL gems.
As to the NYC Dept of Peace conference call … it turned out great and also a balm to the day’s woes. Those who attended the call were; Carol, Kevin, Joe, Ellen, Dawn and of course myself. Topics of discussion were mainly on election results, Carol read an inspiring email from an urban Shaman, and how do we [DOP] progress with a Bushit regime in White House and talk on upcoming events. Our next DOP board meeting is slated for November 11th. Also, several of the DOP members mentioned books by Neale Donald Walsch called “Conversation with God”.
On Thursday, November 4th, was the monthly Kucinich Meetup, which turned out to be quite good and productive. [Before folk arrived for the Meetup, Ellen and I met at Starbucks 30 minutes before hand to catch up on “Friends of Kucinich” issues.] Those who were able to make it to the meetup … Lynda, Luke, Emily, David, Ellen, myself and Albert. We originally started the meetup at Starbucks and then moved it to a pizza place just down the street. Starbuck location was a last minute choice and not really suitable for more than 4 people. Due to the “change” in location several Kucitizens missed the meetup. Next one will be different and at a more appropriate location. In the meantime … topics of lengthy discussion were: our thoughts/feelings on election results and 9/11, Kucinich congressional report, future Kucinich campaigns/helping out with endorsements & getting his name out in the media, announced next “general meeting” date [Nov 21st] and possibilities for locations [TBD]. Overall an energizing meetup.
As I type this I learned late last evening, from a phone call with Mom, that my father is in hospital again. He has a temperature, urinary tract infection and blockage around his heart. Dad was taken to a good hospital in southern Vermont and earlier today to another in Albany. Keep my father and family in your prayers for a quick recovery. Thank you ... god bless.
QUESTIONABLE TACTICS BY GOP
Anita F. Hill, Boston Globe
President Bush's margin of victory in Ohio may have spared the country the anguish of postelection lawsuits, but unaddressed claims of minority voter intimidation cast a shadow over this election just as rumors of Florida voter disenfranchisement did in 2000. Even if the results are undisputed, what is at issue is the integrity of the process. The most publicized accusations came out of Ohio on the eve of the election.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1106-28.htm
ACTION ALERT -- UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE -- Speak Out Against the Imminent Assault on Falluja!
Contact your local media outlets to denounce the planned attack. Call the White House to express your outrage: 202-456-1111 and get ready for street protests should the full-scale assault begin. Does the Bush administration plan to destroy Falluja in order to save it? News reports indicate that the Bush administration will soon launch a major military assault on Falluja. More than 10,000 U.S. soldiers are amassing on Fallujah's outskirts, and U.S. war planes are already bombing neighborhoods around the city. If the U.S. carries out this assault, it will dramatically increase violence and chaos in Iraq. It will not bring about the peace and security that Iraqis greatly desire. The military occupation has already fueled anger and resentment against the U.S. and swelled the ranks of terrorist groups. We need to bring the troops home now and adopt a new approach that will move us toward peace, sovereignty, and security. Military officials believe Falluja is the home of the nation-wide insurgency. Their goal in this assault is to induce other insurgent-held cities to capitulate before scheduled elections in January, and send a message to all Iraqis that opposition to the occupation has a high price.U.S. officials and U.S.-installed Prime Minister Allawi say their only goalis "to liberate the people and to bring the rule of law to Falluja." But when the U.S. military besieged Falluja last April, at least 600 Iraqis were killed, most of them civilians.
Given the scale of the threatened assault, far more Iraqi civilians could be killed this time around, as well as many U.S. and Iraqi soldiers. We will be sending you more information, resources, and calls to action should Falluja in fact suffer a major attack. But in the meantime, we urge you to begin raising a loud public outcry against the Bush administration's planned assault. TAKE ACTION! CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS Flood your local media outlets with messages of opposition to the impending assault on Falluja. Write letters to the editor and send in opinion pieces. Call in to your local talk radio stations. Ask reporters if they would like to interview an anti-war activist. TELL PRESIDENT BUSH YOU OPPOSE THE ASSAULT ON FALLUJA Call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1111. The switchboard operator will likely forward you to the White House comment line, but you can only leave a message there Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. If you can’t get through, leave your message with the operator. It’ll make it to the President. Leave a webmail message at:
https://sawho14.eop.gov/PERSdata/intro.htm
Be sure to select "write a differing comment", "National Security" and "Iraq" GET READY FOR STREET ACTION If the assault on Falluja or any other major military escalation takes place in Iraq, we will need to be as visible and vocal as possible with our antiwar message. Make sure your group or organization is aware of what's happening; start planning local protest activities and post them on our calendar:
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar_gxinput.php
KEEP ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS IN IRAQ Get up-to-date news from Iraq at:
http://www.occupationwatch.org/
Be sure to join Occupation Watchs email list. For more information on the Falluja build-up, see these articles:
http://www.occupationwatch.org/article.php?id=7608http://www.occupationwatch.org/article.php?id=7534
DON'T MOURN, ORGANIZE Are you disgusted by Bush's election? Get active! Visit:
http://www.unitedforpeace.org
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