Valley Of Fallen Idiots
JOURNAL OF DOUBT
by M.C. Scheck
http://www.geocities.com/rangerhiq/journal02282004.html

An Excerpt From The OPINION JOURNAL article called "The New Dixiecrats"
February 25th
by James Taranto
http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=11004737

The Kucinich Surge
Written off by the pundits and the establishment after weak showings in Iowa, New Hampshire and elsewhere, Dennis Kucinich finished a surprisingly strong second in Hawaii's Democratic caucuses yesterday. He managed 26% of the vote, just 24% short of John Kerry's total. This gives Kucinich's insurgent candidacy momentum going into the 10 "Super Tuesday" primaries a week from now--including the contest in his native Ohio. There's one obstacle in the path of the Kucinich juggernaut: John Edwards, who finished a surprisingly strong second in Wisconsin's Democratic primary last week, giving him momen--oh sorry, we don't mean to sound like a broken record. If Edwards doesn't do well next week, he's likely to end his candidacy, leaving a two-man race between Kucinich and Kerry. That's when things will get interesting.

Personal News - Part II

Well, here I am with more late personal news, and again due to being pre-occupied with work and other prior commitments. Lets see if I can catch up abit before I fall behind. Are you with me? Good! Lets rock and roll!

Usually I head up to the Yonkers Ferret Shelter once a month to do volunteer work. This usually happens first Saturday in the month and this time I wasn't able to venture up until Feb 21st. This was due to Joanne being busy and then in hospital for emergency surgery on her bladder. Surgery was successful and she came home on 16th and I called about 2 days later. While she was in hospital I mailed her a card, plus a 2004 Ferret Calendar. While on the phone I inquired if she needed any help with taking care of her pets or the ferrets in shelter. Her daughter Liz needed the break & was attending a funeral on Saturday. So we agreed upon Saturday around 11am and I phoned Aliza about the news. We talked about a number of things and decided she'd pick me up at the Woodlawn #4 subway stop.



At the appointed time Aliza was waiting for me in her car, along with her young daughter Briana and their 8 month old miniature poodle pup Mitzi. Takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes to drive to Joannes place from Woodlawn. Joanne had left the door unlocked so we could come right in and there she was waiting in the livingroom on sofa. Cats and dogs all over the place. After talking with her for abit ... Aliza, Briana and I took Joannes three dogs for a potty walk. Weather wasn't too bad outside and the dogs did their business. Back at the house/shelter Aliza and Briana stayed for abit, but soon left as they had other commitments. It was great seeing them again. Joanne gave me the rundown of what to do in the shelter and I commenced with my duties. The group already out were Oliver, Emily, Sweetpea, Big Willy and one other furkid. [Have known these few darlings since I first came to shelter two years ago.] Can't believe the fur color/marking changes in Oliver and how well Sweetpea recovered from her Adrenal surgery, tho was sad to hear that "Park Ferret" had to be put down. As was the case with all the ferrets that day ... I took care to brush their fur, clean ears and give them some treats. Throughout the next few hours I'd rotate the groups of furkids for playtime, clean ears, brush fur, clean cages, fill water bottles, put fresh kibble in dishes, fresh papers in their poopy trays, wash the floors, socialize with furkids, etc. Also got to cuddle and play with dear Fuzzbutt, who'd sniff and lick my ear as he rested on my shoulder. At one point Joanne and I took a tea break and talked about what she'd gone threw with surgery, plus the latest political Democrat race in primaries. At one point Liz came back from funeral and had her two youngest daughters with her. Her oldest was at a girl scout outing. When all was complete and back to order, Liz drove me to the Woodlawn subway stop and we had a good chat along the way.

Before heading home, once in midtown Manhattan, I briefly stopped by the office to utilize the computer and internet. Plus chatted on Yahoo IM with Steve and Martyn, who both sound like really cool groovy men. The evening before they both left terrific messages on my answering machine. Unfortunately they didn't leave a return number, so I couldn't phone them back and since then we continue to chat via IM.

Stay tuned ... Part III will be coming your way soon.

"We can have health care for all, jobs for all, education for all, so long as we are willing to give up war for all and tax cuts for the wealthy." - Dennis Kucinich - UCLA - 27Feb04 -

Alan Greenspan Has To Go
THE PROGRESSIVE
by Matthew Rothschild
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0227-09.htm

Kerry & Edwards Refuse To Join Kucinich In Protecting US Jobs
Press Release on February 26, 2004
http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_022604.php

Aloha Dennis
THE NATION
by John Nichols
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0226-12.htm

KUCINICH: "LACK OF EFFECTIVE EVACUATION PLAN AT INDIAN POINT POWER PLANT UNACCEPTABLE"
Press Release on February 24, 2004

Democratic Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis J. Kucinich today issued this statement regarding the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Buchanan, New York:

"The Concerned Families of Westchester have worked tirelessly to close the Indian Point Power Plant, and I support their efforts wholeheartedly. The fact that this nuclear power station is within 35 miles of mid-town Manhattan with no evacuation plan beyond 10 miles leaves eight million people at risk. This is completely and utterly unacceptable. "Nuclear power-generating stations are inherently dangerous. We've seen what can happen when they breach: witness the horror of the Chernobyl disaster in Russia and our own near-disaster at Three Mile Island. Then add to that the likelihood that these plants stand at the top of the list of targets of any terrorist organization seeking us harm plus the possibility that spent fuel from these plants can be used to make 'dirty bombs.' These plants are nightmares waiting to happen. We just replace them with safe, renewable energy facilities all across the country.

"We need an energy policy that is based on responsible, critical thinking, one that looks out for the health and well-being of our children and our grandchildren. Our present-day reliance on nuclear power and on inherently dirty and environmentally harmful fossil fuels doesn't do this. But a shift to safe, clean and environmentally-benign renewable energy sources does. "At least three million new jobs can be created by my plan to invest in safe renewable technologies such as solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, geo-thermal and in designing energy efficient buildings, vehicles, and manufacturing processing equipment and systems. These new technologies are already proven and offer us real hope to stem the speed of global climate change and preserve our ecosystems, besides offering us viable alternatives to the consumption of Middle-Eastern oil. "This is the kind of responsible, forward thinking, honest leadership we must demand from our government, and the kind of responsible leadership I am committed to providing."

To schedule interview with Kucinich or spokesperson ... jonathans@kucinich.us.

SUPER TUESDAY COUNTDOWN
Thank you to each of you for your Kucinich votes and for your financial support. This campaign needs your support more than ever as we head toward Super Tuesday, which is March 2. On Super Tuesday, voters will go to the polls in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and in Dennis' home state of Ohio. Buying time for radio and television ads is critical to getting Dennis' message out. Your contributions now will have a direct impact on what we are able to do. We've raised nearly $800,000 since the first of the year and more than half of that was from contributions of less than $100. To contribute now, please call our office toll-free at 866-413-3664, contribute online:
https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=aiIKIWNPH&b=8289

KUCINICH DEMANDS GREENSPAN RESIGNATION
Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich today renewed his demand that Alan Greenspan resign after the Federal Reserve Chairman testified before the House Budget Committee advocating cutting Social Security benefits to deal with the deficit. Kucinich believes ordinary Americans and future generations should not have to carry the burden of tax cuts for the rich. Read New York Times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/25/business/25CND-FED.html?hp

Dennis talks about Social Security:
http://www.kucinich.us/issues/socialsecurity.php

HOT OFF THE PRESS - KUCINICH TO BE INTERVIEWED ON THE BRIAN LEHER SHOW!
Thursday, February 26th
11:00am EST
93.9FM or 82.0AM radio stations
http://www.wnyc.org Check out their website!
Many thanks to "NYC Friends of Kucinich" volunteer Bud Plautz for his wonderful persistent work on this project.

Came Across Two Brilliant Articles On Kucinich, Politics & America Today
Odd Man In - Dennis Kucinich Is Nobodys Fool
NEW YORK PRESS
by Matt Taibbi
http://www.nypress.com/17/8/news&columns/cage.cfm

Wake Up America: Dennis Kucinich Has Hit The Big Time
LESS PRESS
by Robert Alcock
http://www.lesspress.com/voters-volunteers.htm

Democrats Kucinich & Sharpton In Race For Long Haul
by John Whitesides, Political Correspondent
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040225/pl_nm/campaign_longshots_dc_1

Forget Nader, Hug Kucinich
AlterNet
by Adam Werbach
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17924

Important Notice On Democrat Presidential Debates
Sunday, February 29
New York City, New York
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
CBS News/WCBS-TV/New York Times Debate
CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street
Moderated by CBS News anchor Dan Rather
Broadcast on WCBS-TV in New York and participating CBS-TV network affiliates, as well as WCBS-AM 880 in New York and all CBS radio stations and affiliates. The debate also will be webcast live onCBSNews.com. PASS THIS ON TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY, LET THEM MAKE UP THEIR MINDS.


Dennis with members of the Planetary Bandits and Los Lonely Boys in Hawaii.
Kucinich 2nd with 30% in Hawaii
February 25, 2004
The results from yesterday's primary are in, and Dennis placed 2nd in the Hawaii primary with 30% of the vote. This gives him 8 of Hawaii's 20 unpledged delegates, who will go to the national convention in Boston in July.

Marriage Amendment Divisive
February 24, 2004
Dennis Kucinich, in response to President Bush's announcement today on the proposed Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman, made the following statement:
"I oppose the amendment. Equal protection of the law, including the right to marry, must be made available to all Americans regardless of race, color, creed or sexual orientation. The amendment as supported by the president is a continuation of his divisive policies which are not worthy of a free nation or a freedom-loving people."

Personal News Update - Part I
Its been a good, productive, funky kind of busy over the past week. [I am not complaining at all, but thoroughly enjoying it.] Not only with work, but also volunteer stuff outside of the office too. Lots of good vibes and the romance scene seems to be coming out of a semi deep freeze. AMEN! Last Wednesday, February 18th, was the "NYC Friends of Kucinich General Meeting" on East 23rd Street and we had a good turnout of 50+. Had to take a taxi from the office to get there on time and meeting commenced 10 minutes or so later. Whew! Saw several people I already know ... such as Paul [thanks for the hug], Stephanie [always a warm smile], Mary, Robert, Lawrence, Ed, Thom [such a cutie] and Nick. Paul introduced me to BC and we talked about media, press release, contacting folk and a few other topics. The meeting itself was really great. Stephanie started off with introduction and overview. Mike spoke about what we should be doing in the days leading up to March 2nd. One of which is approaching Dean supporters ... since he sort of pulled out of the race after Wisconsin primary. Also mentioned was that DJK came out on top over the other candidates when a worldwide poll was conducted. [He also brought up the fact that Arab Americans have endorsed Kucinich.] Both news items are awesome. Jessica gave a rousing speech [before heading up to a White Plains meeting] on DJKs electability. Very inspiring speech! Next up was Laurie and Mary to talk about calling targeted voters in the NYC area. [After the main meeting was completed many were handed calling sheets with names, locations, etc.] Rio told us about an upcoming [Feb 27th @ 6pm] Raw Food Fundraiser being held down in west village area. Information can be located on the following website:
http://www.rawfoodinfo.com

The different boroughs or districts will be having a Kucinich Delegates Marches the weekend of February 28th/29th. Of which I'll be participating in and very much looking forward too. Stephanie briefly discussed leafleting, Ed talked about postering and I signed up to help out with Fundraiser event at St John the Divine on Feb 22nd. [More on that last bit in another post.] Afterwards I talked with Lawrence and Paul on getting the word out to the media. Chatted with Thom about the "No To Bush" website. Then sat down with Brooklyn volunteers to go over calling targeted voters. The list handed to me is for Carroll Gardens section and I've made some calls already. Some good, some not so and other times an answering machine. Need to remind people that DJK is still in the race and to vote on March 2nd. Will have more updates on volunteer work in next day or so. Stay tuned...............remember to keep rocking in the free world or whats left of it.

Hot Off The Internet News ... These Latest Stories

Quake Flattens Moroccan Villages
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3515803.stm

To Greet GOP, Protests Of Varying Volume
NEW YORK TIMES
by Michael Slackman
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0223-02.htm

A Wall As A Weapon
NEW YORK TIMES
by Noam Chomsky
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0223-02.htm

Group Has High Hopes For Election Long Shot
TIMES HERALD-RECORD
by Brendan Scott
http://www.recordline.com/archive/2004/02/23/bskucini.htm

'Five Lies' Lives On
ALTERNET
by C.Scheer, R.Scheer & L.Chaudhry
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17912

Governor Dean's Statement On Ralph Nader's Decision
TRUTHOUT
February 23rd Press Release
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/022404E.shtml

Sir Ian's Lasting Rings Success
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3514369.stm

GASPING FOR JUSTICE
Stop waste management from bringing more garbage to the South Bronx community on diesel trucks that cause Asthma in children. They want to bring 4,000 tons per day to the Bronx waterfront, where there is already four polluting power plants. Clean air, parks and green jobs are whats really needed. Give the rivers and waterfront back to the people. Check out this website and send an email message [located at bottom of the website] to Governor Pataki today and definitely before March 5th. Please tell a friend ... pass it on ... thank you!
http://www.gaspingforjustice.20fr.com

[Quick note from the Duchess ... yep, its been awhile since my last update on my own "news" and I promise to have something for you soon. Its just that I've been a busy gal with work projects and volunteer duties. Stay tune.......]

Kucinich Tells Airport Audience He's In Demo Race To Win
DESERET MORNING NEWS
by Jody Genessy
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,590045156,00.html

Demos Zero In On Nuke Testing
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
by Thomas Burr
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Feb/02232004/utah/utah.asp

JOHN OR JOHN
by David Christopher Naylor Swanson
david@davidswanson.org
http://www.davidswanson.org
[Former Press Secretary to the DJK campaign]
February 19, 2004

Is there a substantive difference between John Kerry and John Edwards? You wouldn't know it from the issue-free media coverage. CBS touches on issues in 21.4 percent of its campaign coverage, 33.4 percent for ABC, and 32 percent for NBC, according to a study by MediaChannel.org, which must have been extremely generous in defining a story as dealing with issues. Still, you might know that Edwards is younger and better looking, and you might get the impression that the media has decided that seeing Edwards pull ahead will be a more exciting horse race than watching Kerry coast along. And that - what the media wants - is usually all that matters. Still, just for the heck of it, I thought I'd try to find out what it might mean for our jobs, schools, health care, farms, etc., for one of these guys to be in the White House, and whether one of them might be in any way preferable to the other.

I shouldn't call the media issue-free. After all, they have told us that Edwards is against NAFTA. But what does that mean? Kucinich repeatedly challenged all of the other candidates to commit to repealing NAFTA. Rev. Al Sharpton was the only one who ever made that commitment. So, Edwards is against NAFTA and against repealing it, whatever that means. The media has also told us that Edwards is more "moderate" than Kerry. What does that mean? They both voted for the war. They both supported President Bush's claims regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. They both want to continue the occupation of Iraq. They both voted for the "PATRIOT Act." They both want to maintain the current health care system of HMOs and for-profit insurance. They both refuse to defend same-sex marriage. Neither one is proposing free preschool and college. Neither one is offering a WPA-type jobs program. Neither one will make any cuts at the Pentagon. Neither one, in other words, is Dennis Kucinich. But the media has decided to call Kerry the liberal one and Edwards the moderate, which would seem to mean - if nothing else -- that the media plans to have Edwards win.

The media has insisted for the past year on giving these candidates lots of attention, including Edwards when he was nowhere in the polls. For much of 2003, both Kucinich and Edwards were stuck in the low-to-mid single digits in both national and Iowa-only polls. Journalists might have written Edwards off as a long-shot and stopped covering his campaign. Instead, pundit Joe Klein [who is an ass] called Kucinich a "vanity" candidate while labeling Edwards and Joe Lieberman "serious candidates who have yet to catch fire." The pattern of media coverage showed that many journalists held similar attitudes. Edwards received respectful coverage, not to mention newspaper endorsements, in the months leading up to the Iowa caucuses. The main way in which issues have squeezed into the media coverage is through the Associated Press, which has asked each campaign for short answers to questions and published the responses.

A review of the AP answers by the two Johns shows the following. Both Johns take similar strong positions that contrast with Bush on school vouchers, on immigrants' rights, on veterans' rights, on health savings accounts, on balancing the budget, and on gun laws. Both Johns favor an identical pathetically small adjustment to the minimum wage. Both Johns give vague non-answers that still sound better than Bush on the Kyoto climate change treaty, on trade agreements, and on sanctions against Cuba. On the question of civil unions for same-sex couples (the question did not ask about marriage) Kerry said he strongly supported that right, while Edwards said he supported such rights but was careful to indicate he wanted it left up to states. On the question of volunteer service, Kerry offered a more substantive and specific answer, while Edwards - among other things - suggested more neighborhood watches as a "homeland security effort."

A second media source of a little bit longer statements on the issues is the PBS News Hour website at:
http://www.votebyissue.org/primary/
On this site, you can read the candidates' answers to issues questions, or you can take a quiz in which you pick your favorite answers without knowing until afterward which candidates they came from. The quiz part of the site only includes candidates who are still in the race, plus Howard Dean who will presumably be removed soon. Here's a quick comparison of Kerry and Edwards based on PBS:

Both Johns agree on Social Security, opposing privatization, means testing, or raising the retirement age (though both also fail to propose restoring it to 65). They agree on partial repeal of some of the abuses of the "PATRIOT Act," leaving others in place. Both Johns speak of poverty and homelessness with the insight and empathy typical of a Republican. Both claim the 1996 demolition of welfare has been a success. Edwards puts some of the blame for poverty on fathers, some of it on teens who get pregnant (he thinks a national media campaign will help with that problem), and he says - I kid you not - " we also must address the root causes of homelessness such as substance abuse and mental illnesses." Nowhere does he mention the cost of housing. Both Johns say they will provide child care, health care, education, and job training. Edwards throws in - as he seems to do on most issues - tax credits. Kerry at least connects homelessness to the problem of finding affordable housing. Both Johns would enforce current trade agreements and proceed with the Free Trade Area of the Americas but include labor and environmental protections in it. Both would, rather alarmingly, give tax breaks to corporations to keep jobs in America. " I will give a 10 percent tax cut to corporations that produce goods here and keep jobs at home," says Edwards. (That will probably drain the public treasury but not be very influential.) Both Johns will close the offshore PO Box loophole. Edwards says he will stop at the border any goods produced in highly abusive conditions, but does not explain how he will square this with NAFTA and the WTO. Kerry says he will review all of our trade agreements for 120 days, as if the loss of millions of jobs had not yet registered with him. Kerry does plan retraining programs to help displaced workers find new jobs.

Edwards will address the health care crisis with - you guessed it - tax credits, plus increased federal funding. Kerry will do the same. On gun control and gay rights they say the same things on PBS as they said in the AP. On energy and the environment, they both provide similar strong platforms that contrast with Bush. Kerry's is the most specific in its promises (albeit over 10 or 16 years): "I'll make the U.S. independent of Middle East oil in ten years-and create 500,000 jobs by investing in renewable energy sources, such as ethanol, solar, and wind. And we'll use renewable fuels to produce 20% of our electricity by 2020." On employment, the only thing new here from Edwards is: "My REACH Fund and Economic Revitalization Zones will bring venture capital and management expertise to create businesses in rural and urban areas that are losing jobs today." Kerry adds to what he's said elsewhere, that he will create a "State Tax Relief and Education Fund that will help states with $50 billion over two years to stop the education cuts, tuition increases and tax raising that are inhibiting our economic growth, causing layoffs and hurting families," and a "College Opportunity Tax Credit that will make four years of college affordable for all Americans."

On the economy, the only thing new here is Edwards' promise that "tax credits will help families buy their first home and save and invest." On education, both Johns say they would fully fund No Child Left Behind. Kerry, really getting into the tax-credits-fix-anything groove laid down by Edwards says, "I'll ensure that young people have a place to go after school with increased funding and a new After-School tax credit to help millions of parents." Meanwhile Edwards says he'll give college scholarships to students willing to teach where they're needed most, and "expand after school centers and early childhood education [and] offer excellent, voluntary preschool to 1 million children. He will also "ask colleges and universities to 'adopt' struggling schools." He'll also "offer students one year of tuition at a public college in exchange for working 10 hours a week." So much for PBS.

In hopes of once and for all figuring out which of these senators would make a better president, I read the issues information on their campaign websites. This provides a little more detail on mainly the same points covered by the AP and PBS. You can read about Kerry's tax credits for college scheme and try to calculate whether or not you'll be able to afford higher education. He also offers four years free if you then give two years to national service.

Edwards' website is surprisingly informative, given his speaking habits, but does not provide many new themes not touched on in AP and PBS. You can read a little more about his "Rural Economic Advancement Challenge, or REACH fund, to bring venture capital and management expertise to entrepreneurs and small businesses in small towns and areas that are losing jobs today." He also wants to designate towns and areas hard hit by foreign trade as Economic Revitalization Zones that are eligible for tax credits and other aid to encourage business investment, which sounds like a recipe for ocrporate welfare as a correction to the problems created by our trade agreements' corporate welfare.

And, "to help working Americans invest in American business, Edwards will cut capital gains taxes for 95% of Americans." This guy may be the son of a mill worker, but he may want to consider families' need to pay their bills before they start investing. Edwards will also create matching savings accounts, matching "$1 in private savings with as much as a $1 refundable tax credit for savings." (Again, where will people find money to save, and how will this not threaten Social
Security?)

Edwards does say he will raise taxes on unearned income for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans and "retain the tax on very large estates." Edwards also says he will cut government employees by 10 percent, but exclude "defense and homeland security" from any cuts. Finally, Edwards would "close government agencies that have outlived their usefulness, such as the Office of Thrift Supervision," but he does not explain why the OTS is no longer useful or whether its work would be done by the federal or state governments, something of concern to those fighting predatory lending. In the end, I cannot offer a powerful argument for why Kerry or Edwards is preferable to the other, although I lean toward Kerry. Both are clearly preferable to Bush. But clearly both of them could benefit from being pushed in the direction of the democratic wing of the Democratic party. So, my recommendation is to vote for Kucinich in the remaining primaries and caucuses in order to push whichever of these two wins in a positive direction.

Bush Wins Triple Trifecta As Worst President Ever
TRUTHOUT & FREE PRESS
by Harvey Wasserman
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/021904I.shtml

A message from DJK on recent events
Thank You, Mr. President! The Kucinich Campaign appreciates that despite being counted out by political pundits and many in the media, the Bush team is taking Kucinich seriously. Today the Washington Post reported on ads Bush is planning to run against Democratic candidates John Kerry and John Edwards should they get the nomination. According to The Post, Republican strategists have also "prepared a couple of ad scripts targeting long shot Dennis J. Kucinich."

Read more:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56111-2004Feb19.html

Kucinich can challenge Bush on every issue. It's up to us to help challenge Bush on money. Contribute online or by phone toll-free at 866-413-3664 or https://www.kucinich.us/contribute.php

SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN ENDORSES KUCINICH
Kucinich picked up an important endorsement on February 18th from the San Francisco Bay Guardian. The Bay Area's influential and widely read alternative weekly, which put a photo of Congressman Kucinich on its front page, had this to say:

"Kucinich is a genuine progressive. . . We're glad he's out there, and he deserves encouragement and support. The Kucinich campaign -- which shows no signs of giving up -- can be an organizing force for the left and help keep the activist spirit alive in the party as we head to a convention where the focus has to be on defeating Bush. "

THE NATION MAGAZINE: "PROGRESSIVES SHOULD VOTE KUCINICH"
"Dennis Kucinich is the one candidate for President whose vision, eloquence and commitments on the issues can lead us to rise to and surmount the worldwide crises precipitated by the Bush Administration. " Read more of this excellent article from The Nation:
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml%3Fi=20040301&s= dugger

Interesting comment/observation from Diane at Yahoo Group "kucinich4president" on Republicans

Exactly, they are like the school bully. I noticed one thing about them. They use the volume of their voices when they are contradicted. It's like "If I just start booming my voice, this other person will back down". They do this when they have no real facts to back up what they are trying to dispute. They don't say anything new --- just the same thing in a LOUD voice. It's bullying, and nothing more. They end up walking away. If you can make it through that yelling phase -- seeing it for what it is -- you can understand where it's coming from. Booming voices, slogans, etc. It's all just a big sign that they have nothing else to back up their case.

Mt Kilimanjaro Climb For Children 2004
A climb to the top of this famous mountain to help raise funds for children in Malawi and around the world. Jeff Ament of the rock group PEARL JAM is one of the climbers. To read up on this expedition or send donations, go to:
http://www.savethechildren.org/kili/index.asp

A Festival Benefit for Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio, Candidate for the Democratic Presidential Nomination

** Silent Art Auction **
** Political Cabaret **

Including: Performances by outstanding musicians, comedians and entertainers, including Kathryn Blume, Kate Jacobs, Ray Korona , Baba Khunle's African Drummers, Joel Landy, Phoebe Legere, Citizen Reno, Reverand Billy and the Stop Shopping Gospel Choir, Jeff Schiller Saxophone Quartet, Stephan Smith, Mike Stout, Nora York

Featuring: A silent auction of drawings, paintings, sculpture, multiples, and signed posters by over 70 artists, such as John Ahern, Roberta Allen, William Anthony, Katherine Arnoldi, Dotty Attie, Sam Beck, Barton Lidice Benes, Paul Billick, Meg Boe Birns, Karl Bissinger, Randy Bloom, Peter Bradley, Steve Brodner, Rose Capello, Chris Cardinale, Paul Carpenter, Dan Christiansen, Seymour Chwast, Sue Coe, Rena Cohen, Robbie Conal, Paul Corio, Thom Corn, Richard Cory, Janet Culbertson, Walter DeMaria, Eric Drooker, Dorothy Gillispie, Milton Glazer, Peter Gourfain, Daniel Kelly, Komar & Malamid, Robert "Kobi" Kobayashi, Hyam Koppelman, Dorothy Koppelman, Richard Kostelanetz, Stephen Kroninger, Peter Kuper, Harriet Leonard, Dewi Lim, Bradley McCallum & Jacqueline Tarry, Paul Marcus, Louise McCagg, Alexandra McCagg, Paul Mogensen, Forrest Myers, David Novros, Denise Osker, Celia Owens, David Pullman, John Ranard, Tom Ross, David Sandlin, Claudia Sbrissa, Robert Schechter, Nicole Shulman, Karl Simpson, Don Solander, Art Speigelman, Seth Tobacman, Erika Weihs, Kathleen White, Elise Wright, Vera B. Williams, Peter Young, Susan Yung

Location: Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Synod Hall, 110th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Time: 4:00 to 8:00
Available: Food, Soft Drinks, Wine & Beer
Cost: Suggested donation $20.00 (cash, money order or personal check) which will be applied to purchase of art over $200. Children admitted for free.

Please note: All art must be purchased by personal check or money order and an FEC contribution form must be filled out for all art purchases. No cash or credit cards will be accepted for any art purchases.

RSVP would be greatly appreciated. For additional information, please contact:

Judy Richheimer/Co-Chair
Katherine Arnoldi/Co-Chair

NYC Friends of Kucinich
225 Broadway, 31st Floor NY, NY 10007
Phone: 212-791-1660
Email: nycfordennis@yahoo.com


DJK and actor Danny Glover held a press conference in Cleveland's Public Square yesterday. DJK has several stops in Ohio this morning, then heads to Minnesota.

AP Newsbreak - Bill Moyers To Leave PBS
by Frazier Moore
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040219/D80QEV380.html

From LGBTQ in National to Deaniacs

A message from Jessica ... Volunteer Coordinator with NYC Friends Of Kucinich. Thank you!

We in the Dennis Kucinich Campaign saw Deans announcement to withdraw and were inspired to hear that he is organizing to change the Democratic Party. The Dennis Kucinich Campaign has been organizing along these lines all along...and we continue to do so. A vote for Dennis Kucinich Campaign is a vote to change the Democratic Party. We want Dean supporters to see that the vision of the Dennis Kucinich Campaign is the true progressive vision and the real alternative that will influence our party platform at the convention.

Early on, Congressman Kucinich organized 126 fellow Congress-people to vote against the war. The Dean Campaign has done a good job of harnessing and organizing the energy of the anti-war movement. If you were attracted to Gov. Dean, because you saw his campaign as a movement for change, we urge you to take a look at our campaign. Dennis Kucinich remains in the race for the very reasons Dean asserts he is organizing. Kucinich is the progressive candidate for president who will move the Democratic Party toward progressive ideals. Dennis Kucinich was asked to run for President by progressives around the country to expand the language and content of political debate within the Democratic Party. Kucinich volunteers and supporters stay passionate and our campaign grows at a slow but steady pace, we are the movement. That is why Dennis Kucinich is staying in this race, the movement is not over. Dean supporters can join this campaign and take their vision of a more progressive Democratic Party to Boston. If the goal is change, we have not taken our eye off the ball. We embrace Dean's challenge to continue working for change in the Democratic Party:

The Dennis Kucinich campaign represents the truly progressive voice in the movement that the Dean campaign has mobilized. The multiplicity of our views defines this progressive vision and we need not abandon that diversity, but embrace it and work together. Together we can take it to the streets and the Convention this summer, if this is your goal, vote Dennis Kucinich. A vote for Dennis Kucinich is a vote to change the Democratic Party:

The Dennis Kucinich Campaign is a vehicle for change within the 2004 Primaries. We will get delegates to the Democratic National Convention - Candidates who Turn Out 15% of the votes in a given congressional district get delegates.

- Delegates committed to a given candidate go to the National Convention
- Delegates determine the platform, and select the democratic presidential nominee

This collaborative progressive movement is larger than the individual candidates, is about vision, it is about voice. Continue to use your voice as a part of the campaign that is a part of that movement, and let's show the party what we, the grassroots, want our party to stand for!

Was skimming thru the Yahoo Group "kucinich4president" and came across two excellent, honest comments on media, politics and Kucinich. I feel you too [wonderful blog readers] will agree with some or all of their comments.

Our Local Paper Today, A Sad Day

It is a sad day when the people no longer get to decide who the nominee will be let alone the President (stolen election). I went to the front page of our local paper and it looks like they are trying to tell me the choice is between Kerry and Bush, and the sign says Kerry, so the subconscious message should be in my mind to vote for Kerry. Excuse me, I used to think I could think for myself. Nowadays, the media does it's thinking for us. My town was never like this. Really, this is the first time that it started to look like Fox News. I think this Kerry thing, like my friend said, is really like the Ford pardoning Nixon thing. This is so dirty. The media has become the greatest ill on our society. It reaffirms why I don't subscribe to cable. # Lynn

CNN is doing it and also NPR. They are trying their best to shut us up because Dennis is the only formidable opponent and serious challenge to the failed, destructive and wasteful policies of the Bush administration. The other candidates are at best window-dressing, yet because they do not actually pose a clear challenge to the status-quo of business/politics as usual, they are being promoted by the powerful interests via their mouthpiece the mass media. Some of their rhetoric is straight out of Orwell's ANIMAL FARM and 1984 in terms of the double think and Newspeak blather that confuses rather than confronts and sheds light on the actual issues facing Americans.

Dennis is the serious candidate who is confronting and is not beholden to the powerful interests that run America and threaten world peace and security and for this reason is hushed up inasmuch as possible. I think we must take this as a sign of strength on the part of Dennis and those of us who envision a truly just and peaceful and secure world. The situation in Iraq is growing worse, and our security as Americans is growing more tenuous under the policies that only Dennis is confronting in his campaign. We know we are correct in our unwavering support for Dennis Kucinich even if the media is doing its best to silence this campaign for his Presidency, a position he well deserves and must win if America is to survive.

This is not the first time that the media has promoted fluff in lieu of real debate to the people and tried to take their critical decisions away from them. It is far more useful to the powerful interests that people are not permitted to think for themselves, not allowed to feel. To think and to feel lead to social change because these attributes are necessary for our very sense of humanity. The media blackout of Dennis' campaign, while expected, need not be tolerated or accepted. The media fluffheads might think they are laughing all the way to the bank, but in the end Dennis will take this country by storm, once the people are allowed to wake up. # Mary

[A message from Dennis Kucinich regarding H.Dean dated 2/18/04]

I want to congratulate Gov. Dean on his campaign, his energy, his integrity, and his courage. I am proud that Gov. Dean stands with me on so many issues: the urgency of bringing our troops home from Iraq the critical need to provide health care to all our citizens jobs, education, and hope for a better future. Together, we stand beneath that progressive banner, and, whatever role he chooses to play in the continuing dialogue, I intend to keep those dreams alive in my campaign. To his supporters, I would say this: "If you love Howard Dean, you'll love Dennis Kucinich, too." If you are in touch with Dean supporters, please share this message with them. We embrace and echo Gov. Dean's challenge to continue working for change in the Democratic Party and to take back the government of this nation so that it works for the benefit of its citizens, not its self-serving special interests and entrenched political power structure.

His grassroots supporters, like ours, represent a remarkable diversity of ages, races, and creeds - all united in the belief that government must change, and CAN change, if we commit ourselves, heart and soul, to that effort. We must not abandon that vision, but rather, take it to the streets, to the meeting places, to the ballot boxes, and then on to the convention this summer where our vision can become the rebirth and renewal of the Democratic Party. I look forward to talking with Gov. Dean about the future of our Party. To find out more about DJKs campaign, go to:
http://www.kucinich.us/index.php

Examining Service Records Is a Disservice
MODERN TRIBUNE
By Mrs. Lee Leffler and Dr. David R. Leffler

NEW YORK (2/17) - News Flash: Microfiche proves George W. Bush was paid for part of his military service stateside during the Viet Nam era. While the debate continues about who was the braver warrior, these important questions are ignored: What is the difference between Democratic presidential frontrunner Senator John Kerry and President Bush on the future of Iraq? Do these men have a viable exit plan? How are they going to prevent future war and terrorism? The lives of 130,000 troops in Iraq are already on the line. Focusing on military service from 30-plus years ago violates the right of the public to have a real, open and honest discussion about our future policy on Iraq. Whether or not George Bush was AWOL from the National Guard is a sideshow. Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) said in a recent press conference in New York City, "If the metaphor of our nation becomes which candidate had more authentic military service when we have 130,000 troops in Iraq, shame on the rest of us if we don't challenge it."

Kucinich also said, "Maybe Senator Kerry doesn't have enough of a difference between himself and Bush on Iraq... If the difference is their service in the Viet Nam era, that's fine, but I think it's a disservice to make the central point of the 2004 for election. It's almost a vanity."

Kerry wants to increase the size of the military, in part so we can continue to occupy Iraq for years. George Bush might top that his administration may have no other choice other than to reinstate the draft to cover the increased "operations tempo." Kerry voted for the war when it was popular, and has since criticized Bush mercilessly over the war. Yet their policies on Iraq's future are similar. By November, voters will demand intelligent plans for America's future, not a choice between a Republican war and a Democrat war. Our next president needs to hone the party platform to: quickly end the Iraqi occupation, reduce defense spending, end aggressive policies, and help the UN do a better job of creating world peace.

History shows that war and terrorism cannot be stopped using military means alone. Dennis Kucinich has a plan to get the UN in Iraq, and the US out. He represents an enlightened approach to defending our country. Kucinich is the only candidate who advocates a cabinet-level Department of Peace. Preventative medicine is widely accepted as an enlightened way to save money and suffering. In the same way, the Department of Peace could keep America secure by turning our current enemies into friends and preventing the birth of future enemies. Senator Kerry and President Bush would be wise to stop talking about the Viet Nam era and start planning for a peaceful future by implementing Dennis Kucinich's new ideas.

Some interesting comments from yesterdays entry on RUDE PUNDIT Blogger.

Spinning as Fast as They Can
The fascinating thing about George Bush's visit to NASCAR's Daytona 500 was not the pathetic sight of the President trying to be tough by proxy one more time. Nope, it was the metaphor of the spin out and crash and Bush's proximity to it that was most telling. Because, see, we're all sitting here now, in this America of ours, and we're watching that spin and crash happen in the Bush Adminstration. And like the driver in the seat of the twisting piece of wreckage that used to be a stock car, his anus clenched, hoping he doesn't go up in flames, hoping he doesn't piss himself into shame, Bush is reeling from all of the spin and slam.

It happens so fast these days, the statements, the lies revealed, the hyprocrisy shown. Take, for instance, the first Bush/Cheney ad attacking John Kerry as "unprincipled" for taking special interest money in his career while, now, railing against special interests. The ad even implies that Kerry supported policies for those who donated money. Of course, as the Washington Post and others showed within days of the ad's web debut, George Bush and Dick Cheney saying someone is beholden to the threat of corporate cash is a little like a diseased crack whore saying that some women who marry for money can be called "prostitutes." Bush has taken more than four times what Kerry has taken in lobbyist money. Oh, and the Bush administration has directly rewarded "Pioneer" donor lobbyists with ambassadorships and other jobs.

Take, for instance, Terry Holt, Bush's campaign press secretary, who, in a New York Times article on the lack of attacks ads on John Kerry from other Democrats, commented, "[Kerry] comes out of the primary without having answered the most basic questions regarding his readiness to be president, his clarity of philosophy. Those could be a problem down the line," adding that the Bush campaign would label Kerry "a liberal Massachusetts senator with a very lightweight record of accomplishment." Wow. Kinda mean, huh? But here's Holt on CNN this morning, saying that while Kerry runs ads making "personal attacks" on Bush (which sounds like Kerry has an ad saying "Bush is a big pussy and he cries when he comes," which, fun as it might be, Kerry does not), "I think people in this country want a hopeful message. They want to look forward. They don't want to go back to a time when everybody was shooting bullets at each other and it was a very negative campaign." So, like, they'd have to go back in time, to, say, last Thursday, when the attack ad came out?

Take, for instance, the debacle over the chair of the Bush's Council of Economic Advisors saying that "outsourcing" jobs, that is, sending them overseas and away from the greedy hands of unemployed Americans, is good for the economy. Ahh, it's always nice to see a glimpse into the unmitigated greed-filled soul of the White House in all its Mammon worshipping sliminess. Then came the backpedaling, because, you know, this is an election year, with the adviser offering an apology and Bush distancing himself again from another comment of his own people.

Oh, how this list could continue, with the triumphalist release of National Guard records that show that when Bush bothered to show up, he loved him some fighter jets, givin' him that coke-like rush of adrenaline that only high quality blow would be able to provide for him later in life. Of course, those records are still incomplete, and only the memories of those who claim they saw Bush in Alabama are valued. Spin, baby, spin and try to avoid the wall and the other cars. Try to get control of the spin, 'cause once you smack the wall and the tires come off and the smoke starts pouring, you're out of the race.

Progressives Should Vote Kucinich
THE NATION
by Ronnie Dugger
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20040301&s=dugger

February 17th was and is a significant date for Congressman Dennis Kucinich and his supporters for three historic reasons.

1. On February 17, 2002, Dennis gave his famous "A Prayer for America" speech that galvanized people across America causing them to flood his email with pleas to run for President:
http://www.kucinich.us/speeches/speech1.htm

2. On February 17, 2003, Dennis gave hope to Americans everywhere when he announced that he would respond to those pleas and that he would indeed launch his historic bid for the White House:
http://www.kucinich.us/speeches/speech11.htm

3. And on February 17, 2004, the Kucinich campaign announces the Light Up America contest that will propel this campaign forward and will help send Dennis to the White House.

Here's how Light Up America works:

Go to the Light Up America web site at:
http://kucinich.us/lua/kucinichcontest.php
Follow the posted instructions and, if you can, make a $20 donation to the Kucinich campaign. Then send one of the sample letters you'll find on the web site to all your friends to introduce them to Dennis. If your friends also contribute money to the campaign it helps your state meet its goal and it adds to your personal team goal. If your state is one of the first five states to achieve its goal, then the leader of the top donor team in that State wins one of the great prizes. First prize is an autographed Doobie Brothers guitar, along with a listing of the other prizes.

The guitar was donated to the Dennis Kucinich for President Campaign by Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers. It is autographed by Pat and the other Doobie Brothers, Willie Nelson, Michael McDonald, Tim Reynolds, James Cromwell, Bonnie Raitt, Mimi Kennedy, Michelle Shocked, Tish Hinojosa, and Dennis Kucinich. It's a fun and easy way to introduce your friends to the Kucinich campaign, and with enough effort, this fantastic guitar or one of the other great prizes could be yours.

Contribute online or by phone toll-free at ... 866-413-3664 OR visit https://www.kucinich.us/contribute.php

Congress Is Playing Games with Your Right to Choose!

Anti-choice leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are days away from voting on the "Unborn Victims of Violence Act," which is intended to weaken the legal basis of Roe v. Wade, bringing the anti-choice movement one step closer to ending a woman's right to choose. The anti-choice crowd is exploiting real human tragedies for their own political gain. The pro-choice community has long worked to end violence against women, and supports legislation that does so without compromising the right to choose. However, instead of passing consensus legislation to prevent and punish such crimes to the full extent of the law, this bill's sponsors are using this sensitive issue to advance their own far-right agenda.

Please take action today! Send your representative an email asking him or her to oppose this deceptive and dangerous bill - just click here:
http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/uvva_house_0204/b7e33u2ljb55x7

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this:
http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/uvva_house_0204/forward/b7e33u2ljb55x7

The Final Days - Will Anyone But Kerry Remain In The Race After Wisconsin?
SLATE
by Chris Suellentrop
http://slate.msn.com/id/2095529/

Killing The Music
WASHINGTON POST
by Don Henley
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0217-01.htm

Notable, Quotable Presidents
AlterNet
by Kevin Nelson
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17846

CIA Intelligence Reports Seven Months BEFORE 9/11 Said Iraq Posed NO Threat To US, Containment Was Working
by Jason Leopold
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0217-12.htm

Why Single Women Must Vote
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
by Ruth Rosen
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0216-06.htm

A message from the terrific folk at MoveOn.org

MoveOn is now over two million people strong in the United States. That's a huge number: the organization we've built together is bigger than the Christian Coalition at its peak. To put it another way, one in every 146 Americans is now a MoveOn member. And we're still growing fast. And what we're doing together is even more exciting. For decades, parts of our political system have been sold to the highest bidder, with corporate donors winning out over the public interest. But on Friday, we finished our $10 million Voter Fund grassroots fundraising campaign without a dime from corporations or special interests. In the end, over 170,000 people opened their checkbooks and contributed an average of about $60 to put ads on the air that challenge Bush and his corporate backers. The impact of this campaign shouldn't be underestimated: it clearly demonstrates that real people still matter in American politics. And the folks in Washington know it.

Political giving is almost always a quid-pro-quo business: corporate lobbyists trade money for policy, the wealthy trade money for access to politicians. MoveOn members aren't asking for anything but their democracy back, and that kind of generosity is pretty rare. When we hear about the families who saved up to make a $25 donation, or think of the thousands of folks who mailed in $5 checks, we know this is something amazing and new that we're a part of. And money's only part of the equation: our phone calls and emails helped win a real victory last week. After CBS rejected our Voter Fund's Super Bowl ad, we learned that the White House was being allowed to air an advocacy ad about Medicare. We told you about it, and in just a few days over 50,000 MoveOn members called and emailed to complain. On Friday, CBS pulled the ad, stating that it had violated their policy. It's a big win, and a powerful blow to the Bush Administration's campaign to cover up its Medicare sellout.

This tidal wave of engagement and activism isn't exclusive to MoveOn, of course. Every leader of every organization we run into sees the same thing. Across the country, from labor unions like the SEIU to Greenpeace to the ACLU, people are standing up and getting active. President Bush told us he was a uniter, and he was right: he's uniting people across America to fight back for our country. As this movement gains momentum and visibility, many of these organizations will inevitably become targets for Republican attacks. We've already seen some of the smear tactics the right will use. When their situation becomes even more dire, we know they'll strike hard at MoveOn and the groups we stand with –- a campaign of intimidation fueled by President Bush's $150 million war chest.

But this new democratic groundswell draws its strength from the hopes of millions of people, standing up and taking action for a better country and a better world. We simply refuse to let lobbyists, attack politics and fear-mongering destroy our democracy. And against the courage and conviction of real people, even Karl Rove and $150 million can't do much. Thank you for your hope, your generosity, and your willingness to speak out. Together, we're taking our country back.

Duchess Journal Update ... Have added three new links under the heading of EUROPEAN NEWS. These were graciously sent to me by a friend of mine [Pearl Jam pal] in Finland. The websites are great, detailed, informative and full of resources. Definitely worth checking out. Peace & Solidarity!

Interesting comments from Bob and Kerimcan at the Yahoo Group "kucinich4president"

>>The point to remember is that roots of terrorism do not lie in Bin Laden's body. Many experts agree that capturing Bin Laden will not solve the systemic/structural inequalities and injustices that trigger and fuel cycles and networks of terrorism. - Kerimcan

>>Very true, but the American people don't know of or care about the roots of terrorism. This is the era of the "reality TV show", which is in fact not real at all, but a totally contrived synthetic competition. Americans think "good guy" vs. "bad guy". Terrorism doesn't fit that, but Bush might get reelected on that. And when the "capture" of bin Laden doesn't stop terrorism (just as the "capture" of Hussein didn't stop the resistance), well, that just means Bush will have to keep the war going, and Ashcroft will have to keep secretly detaining people! - Bob

[Three really good articles on DJK and his 2004 presidential campaign. Check them out! Because of the "blackout" in the media towards DJK, many Americans are not informed on his views. This is sad and very wrong. We need to be a well-informed public on all issues to keep this country a true democracy. Without it we're just a f--ked up Empire heading towards ruin.]

Kucinich Appeals To Military Families
THE POST-CRESCENT (Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers)
by Nathan Phelps
http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/news/archive/local_14719240.shtml

Kucinich Keys On Jobs, Iraq, Healthcare
WISCONSIN RAPIDS DAILY TRIBUNE (Central Wisconsin Sunday)
by Trudy Stewart
http://www.wisinfo.com/dailytribune/wrdtlocal/279822304580588.shtml

Crowd Wowed By Frankness From Also-Ran
JSONLINE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
by Raquel Rutledge
http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/feb04/207907.asp

Last evening I went out to the local park in my Brooklyn neighborhood [around 6pm] to briefly commune with a group of other like-minded folk on the one-year anniversary of that incredibly important Peace Rally. It was cold & windy ... just like last year. There was a warmth of spirit in coming together for the "Candlelight Vigil". Very uplifting & important to keeping the movement going. Not only in trying to end this horrific, illegal war and occupation in Iraq & Afghanistan ... but to also help the Democrats win in November and oust the evil Bush empire. Down with Imperialism!

Much has happened over the past 12 months since that sunny, cold, incredibly enlightening February day. I've been meeting some terrific, funky, inspiring, fun people through different interests [ie: music, politics, ferrets, etc] in my life. Grant you there are some folk who are no longer in my orbit and I'm glad of it. Negativity is such a bummer. Was feeling down for awhile, but I'm movin onward! Over the past year it honestly feels like a new chapter is opening up to me. At times it can be abit daunting ... tho overall it feels exciting. Back in July through October work was very shaky with days of anxiety here and there. Since then it has worked out for the better, which is a huge relief. Plus I've met someone via Yahoo IM recently whom I like and enjoy our conversations on IM. True ... he lives in northern England ... but hey ... one never knows how things will turn out. Also there is a chap in southern CA whom I like alot.

The rest of the weekend was quite productive with errands, appointments and shopping. [Plus helping out with Kucinich Presidential Campaign & mailing letters with info to folk in Ohio. Their primary is March 2nd, same as New York state.] Over several Sundays I've been watching and enjoying "The Forsyte Saga" on PBS Masterpiece Theatre. Today among my many errands, I stopped by Barnes & Noble on 5th Avenue and purchased the "The Forsyte Saga" in paperback form. Love british writers!

More Big Blackouts Likely, Experts Agree
ASSOCIATED PRESS
by Brad Foss
http://www.freep.com/money/business/bnews13_20040213.htm

Kucinich Brings Campaign To Wisconsin & Challenges Kerry
ASSOCIATED PRESS
by Jenny Price
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/7950154.htm

From the folks at MoveOn.org

Today we're launching our "Bush in 30 Seconds" video, which includes all of the contest finalists and thirty other great ads. We've also included the "Bush in 30 Seconds Live" awards show featuring Al Franken, Janeane Garofalo, Moby, Rufus Wainwright, Michael Moore, Julia Stiles, John Sayles, Chuck D, and others. If you donate $30 or more to the Voter Fund today, we'll send you a copy in DVD or VHS format, and every cent of your donation will help get the ads on TV. You can get your copy now at:
https://www.moveonvoterfund.org/donate/dvd2.html?id=2335-2148547-Y.ePxjm4MRNSJUwqjtbZQw

As you know, we've had some trouble getting "Child's Pay," the winning "Bush in 30 Seconds" ad, on the air. Now, thanks to your efforts, it's airing in states across the country. And "Polygraph," one of the runners-up, will follow, delivering a succinct and devastating message about the gap between what President Bush told us and the truth. We hope to continue airing ads from the contest over the next few months, highlighting the democratic way they came to us while also revealing the real effects of President Bush's policies. But we don't have to rely solely on advertising to get these ads out there. The "Bush in 30 Seconds" video allows us to show the ads directly to the public. We've received hundreds of requests for copies of the ads, from the U.S. Senate to a TV station in Australia. Film festivals are asking to show them in between movies. Folks want to hold house parties and watch them. The video makes that easy.

President Bush is raising hundreds of millions of dollars in order to saturate the air waves with negative and misleading ads. We'll never raise as much –- there simply aren't as many folks who can afford to write us $2,000 checks. But there are two things that we have that he does not: creativity, and the truth. And the "Bush in 30 Seconds" video contains a lot of both. Help support our Voter Fund effort to get out the truth in swing states by picking up a copy today.

Compare Kucinich & Kerry

John Kerry and Dennis Kucinich hold similar positions on many matters but on seven critical issues they differ significantly.

The differences:

Kerry voted for the invasion of Iraq. Now, like Bush, he says he was misled by the intelligence. Kucinich recognized false intelligence for what it was and led the Congressional fight against the war.

Kerry wants to "win the peace by finishing the job in Iraq." Kucinich wants to end the the occupation and loss of life and turn over the reconstruction of Iraq to the United Nations.

Kerry says he'll "fight his heart out to bring back the jobs . . lost under George W. Bush" but he voted for NAFTA, which is the way many jobs were lost, and he has supported other "free trade" initiatives. Kucinich wants to repeal NAFTA and quit the WTO; instead he would seek bilateral fair trade treaties which protect jobs and the environment.

Kerry wants to provide incentives to employers and the insurance industry so that health care similar to that available to members of Congress would be available to 96% of all Americans. Kucinich wants "Medicare for all" -- 100% -- single-pay universal coverage that takes the profit out of health care.

Kerry says the keys to foreign policy are "self-interest and undoubted military might." Kucinich rejects the imperial aspirations of the Project for the New American Century, would seek international cooperation instead of U.S. dominance, would cut the Pentagon budget by 15%, and would create a Dept. of Peace.

Kerry rejected a key element of campaign reform, public financing, so he could spend without restraint to seek the nomination. Kucinich supports clean money public financing and instant runoff voting.

Kerry voted for the Patriot Act. Kucinich voted against it and would repeal it.

The similarities:

Kerry and Kucinich concur on abortion rights, affirmative action and gun control. Both oppose the death penalty. Both would repeal Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy. Both oppose privatizing Social Security. Both would seek clean, alternative sources of energy. Kerry proposes a $3.2 billion community service plan for high school students that would qualify for them for four-year public college tuition. Kucinich proposes extending free public education from pre-K through college. Kerry supports civil unions for homosexuals; Kucinich supports same-sex marriages.


[Dennis spoke to a crowd of nearly 1,200 at Oberlin College in Ohio on Wednesday]

DJK In The Buckeye State
On February 10th, Dennis visited the Ohio towns of Bowling Green, Toledo and Oberlin to speak with Ohioans about why he is the candidate who will best represent their needs. He started the day with a TV show taping in Bowling Green, then went to meet with several groups at Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 50 in Toledo. From there, he visited the East Toledo Family Center, then went door-to-door visit nearby homes. The day ended with a presentation to a capacity crowd at Oberlin College's Finney Chapel. Yesterday & today Dennis is in CA [ie: Jay Leno last night]; Saturday he goes to Wisconsin. The Wisconsin primary is Februar 17th, the Ohio and CA primaries are March 2nd.

An assortment of cool, groovy & sometimes upsetting news ... check it out:

T-Birds & Pearl Jam's McCready Partner
OUR SPORTS CENTRAL WEBSITE
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?l_id=113&t_id=1274&id=3000211

Stewardess ID'd Hijackers Early, Transcripts Show
NEW YORK OBSERVER
by Gail Sheehy
http://www.observer.com/pages/frontpage1.asp

Voters Must Keep Focus on Platforms, Not Numbers
DAILY BRUIN CONTRIBUTOR
by Jane Shevtsov
http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?ID=27360

Kucinich Keepin It Real In Politics
SF BAY VIEW
By Aleada Minton
http://www.sfbayview.com/021104/kucinich021104.shtml

Kucinich Stands for Peace
STATESMAN JOURNAL
by Melanie Zermer
http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=75269

But Where's The News? Most Political Pundits Preaching To Choir, Not Delivering Facts
DENVER POST
by Joanne Ostrow
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~122~1950027,00.html

Edwards To Miss National Health Policy Forum
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
by Steve Schultze
http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/feb04/206869.asp


[Photo of little Hunter @ Greater Chicago Ferret Association]

March 2004 "Chicago Family Pet Show"
Once again we will have our GCFA (Greater Chicago Ferret Association) booth at the show. Be sure to stop by and check out our Shelter information and unique ferret items.
http://www.gcfa.com/eventsinfo.htm

The inspiring story below is from Ms.P.Hall ... a dedicated "Kucinich for President" volunteer in California

I started canvassing this week, and had a great time. In 1-1/2 hours besides getting voters for Kucinich, I got three people to agree to have Kucinich yard signs, who either hadn't ever heard of him before I knocked on their door, or knew very little. The time is ripe. After introducing myself and asking if they'd like to hear why I think Kucinich would make the best president, I asked if they've ever heard of Kucinich, and then tell them that the reason they don't know much about him is that the media don't want us to know about him. "95% of our media are owned by 5 corporations, and Kucinich will break up that monopoly when he becomes president, and require free air time for political campaigns, and bring more diversity and freedom to our media. You probably don't even know that Kucinich placed third in the states of Washington and Maine, do you? He was above Edwards and Clark, and the media talks about them, but doesn't even mention Kucinich. We don't even have a democracy now, because a democracy requires an informed citizenry to vote responsibly. Without a free media, we don't have a democracy!" I really get a great response with this. Some people are ready to vote for him without hearing about any other issue! -- Even the Republican wife of a Democrat I spoke to, who listens to Limbaugh. And the subject of whether he can win or not rarely even comes up. I also talk about the Patriot Act. I ask "Do you know about the Patriot Act?" Most say no. Then I explain how it was enacted after 9/11 and Kucinich is the only presidential candidate who voted against it. It destroyed about half of our Bill of Rights. And the media hasn't informed you about that either."

I felt so elated and empowered that I canvassed much longer than I'd planned and want to do it twice a day, mornings and evenings and longer on weekends! Soon I'll see Kucinich yard signs all over my area! People from the state of Washington are coming down here to help us canvass. It's so inspiring. It touches my heart and moves me to tears. I'm offering my living room couch for one of them to sleep on. I also plan to have a house party once a week. We can bring California on board for Kucinich. I hope you will be inspired to canvass for Kucinich. Get involved with your local Kucinich support group to get a precinct list, and literature and bumper stickers and instructions. You can get connected via:

Kucinich for President Northern California Field Office
3362 Adeline Street
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 420-0772

What was life like for American women before Roe v. Wade?

Find out from the doctors who performed abortions before the procedure was legal. You are invited to attend a free viewing of the video, "The Voices of Choice: Physicians Who Provided Abortions Before Roe v. Wade," followed by a discussion with a physician on the challenges of providing abortion care today. Join us:

* February 25th
* from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
* at the NARAL Pro-Choice New York office in Manhattan (45 Howard Street). We are located on Broadway, one block North of Canal Street. This evening is made possible with the support of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH). To attend this event, you must RSVP by emailing ... info@prochoiceny.org

"I think it is important for us to hear these stories. It is important for us to teach these young people what it was like before Roe v. Wade, so that we will never again go back to those days ... We have to let young women and men know the tragedy of illegal abortion." - Dr. Mildred Hanson

Additional Information:

"The Voices of Choice: Physicians Who Provided Abortions Before Roe v. Wade" documents the experiences of physicians involved in abortion care and the pro-choice movement prior to the landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973. "The Voices of Choice" preserves the legacy of older physicians who witnessed the effects of illegal abortion. Their testimony reminds us of the tragic impacts of illegal abortion so that we may better understand the present and, more importantly, prepare for the future.

"When people ask me if I was ever worried about the abortions I had done; I say no. The ones that haunt me are the ones that I didn't do." - Dr. Jane Hodgson

HOW MUCH CHANGE ARE YOU READY FOR?
Do you want a candidate who stands up to President Bush? Do you want a president who will stop the war in Iraq, restore jobs to this country, and provide every American with universal health care coverage? Dennis Kucinich takes on the challenges we face today so we can have a better tomorrow.

VOTE FOR CHANGE...VOTE FOR DENNIS KUCINICH
A primary is not the time to compromise

Check out the Democratic Presidential candidate voting poll at WBAI website. [99.5 FM] Here are the results as of today at 12:55pm:
http://www.wbai.org
Who do you most favor among the current Democratic Presidential candidates?
Dennis Kucinich
166 44.6%
Howard Dean
48 12.9%
John Kerry
47 12.6%
Al Sharpton
44 11.8%
None of the above: They're all too compromised
31 8.3%
Wesley Clark
18 4.8%
John Edwards
9 2.4%
None of the above: I'm a Republican
9 2.4%

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WAR AS AN EXCUSE FOR EVERYTHING
Robert Scheer, AlterNet
As the transcript of the Tim Russert interview shows, it is not entirely clear that our 'war president' knows for sure what is what anymore.
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17808

CANADIAN LIFELINE
Erin Madigan, Stateline.org
Some bold states are bucking the FDA ban on Canadian drugs, offering their citizens an easy way to get more affordable prescription meds.
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17806

THE ODD COUPLE
Margaret Sullivan, Washington Monthly
A new book posits Laura Bush as a strong, independent, thoughtful woman with plenty of her own ideas which she cannot, or does not, articulate.
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17802

UNPLUGGED: THE RETURN OF THE ENERGY BILL
Amanda Griscom, Grist Magazine
Election year worry over the ballooning federal deficit (and more than a few sweetheart giveaways) have thus far stalled the energy bill on its second go round.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/

Tell CNN You Want Fair Coverage For Kucinich

Dennis Kucinich has finished both the Washington and Maine caucuses ahead of candidates John Edwards, Wesley Clark and Al Sharpton. This represents the strongest back-to-back showing of his campaign to date. One would think that such a clear surge would require coverage from the national media. One would be wrong.

On the evening of February 8th, as Dennis Kucinich was running strong in Maine, and a day after defeating Edwards, Clark and Sharpton in Washington, CNN put out a report on the Maine caucuses. In this report, CNN stated that, "Dean, struggling to revive his once-promising campaign, was the only candidate who campaigned in the state Sunday, making stops in six cities."; The facts fully dispute CNN's version of events. Dennis Kucinich spoke at the Bangor Civic Center caucus site which was filled with television cameras, as well as caucus sites in Lewiston, Auburn, Portland and Westbrook. Clearly, Howard Dean was not the only candidate in Maine on February 8th.

The behavior of CNN is not unique. The international media watchdog group Media Tenor, after performing an exhaustive review, determined that the nightly half-hour national news broadcasts from ABC, CBS and NBC devoted exactly 0.94% of their coverage to the Kucinich campaign. Dennis Kucinich has begun a strong surge in the race for the Democratic nomination. He is in this race to the end. The time has come for the national media to get wise to this, and at a minimum, to begin reporting basic facts with accuracy and integrity.

Encourage CNN to give Dennis fair coverage. Write CNN at:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/ or call 404-827-0234

Write CNN at:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/
The most effective letters are original, brief, polite, and stick to the facts.
********************
[This news just in regarding Joanne who runs the Yonkers Ferret Shelter. I've been happily volunteering my time at this shelter for 2 years. Have become quite fond of not only the dear adorable ferrets, but also of Joanne, her family and numerous pets. Learned that Joanne went into hospital recently for extensive surgery and will undergo chemo afterwards. Her daughter Liz and MetroFerret volunteer Maggie are helping out with the shelter while Joanne recovers. Joanne never said a peep to me, cause she knew how upset I would be upon hearing the news. If you care about animals and those that devote their lives to taking care of them ... please say a prayer or two for Joanne's quick recovery. Thank you ... God Bless ... Peace!]

Washington State Has Spoken

The people of Washington have spoken, and they have delivered a great day to the Dennis Kucinich for President campaign. Congressman Kucinich has placed third in the Washington caucuses, ahead of John Edwards, Wesley Clark and Al Sharpton. It is clear from the results that this campaign has a strong base of support on the west coast, and that strength is showing itself. We expect to do very well in the Oregon and California contests, as well. The results in Washington are a positive sign of the support that is waiting to show itself as this primary season continues. Between the results out of Washington, and the spectacular results of the 20/20/20 fundraiser, it is clear that the American people support the Dennis Kucinich campaign. Our next contest is in Maine. Dennis Kucinich is in this race to the end. We will see you in Boston.

***********************
After a terrific workout session Thursday evening with my Personal Trainer ... I headed downtown to the Kucinich Meetup on East 11th Street. A pretty good gathering showed up, I'd say about 40 people. Some of the folk were volunteers I've seen & worked with in the past. Plus we got some new volunteers who are very enthusiastic. After everyone introduced themselves, as well as talk about why their into this campaign, we got down to business. [During my intro I also mentioned the "March for Womens Rights" rally, passed around flyers, as well as mention the Feb 15th Candlelight Vigil and the March 20th protest against further occupation of Iraq. To find out info on the last two events, go to the United For Peace & Justice website.] Much to be done between now and the NY primary on March 2nd. [There is also a large meeting coming up on 18th.] Such as phone calling, sending out letters, dealing with media or lack thereof, being visible and handing out flyers during Rush Hour in all five boroughs of NYC. During Paul's talk about the NYC Friends of Kucinich "media group" he mentioned me and my letter writing. Wasn't expecting that and found myself a wee bit embarrassed and flatter. [I was also mentioned in the NYC Friends of Kucinich Newsletter Issue #2.5] There were also reminders of upcoming February events involving DJK ... those being:

February 12th
VISUAL VOICES
Cable Channels 34 & 67
11:30am & 7:30pm
[Interview w/DJK]

February 22nd @ 4pm
St John the Divine on upper Westside of Manhattan
[DJK will be there to speak & an art auction]

After the meetup I spoke at length with Nick, Larry, Paul, Tom and Robert on several topics. Plus a few others who's names I sadly cannot recall. [sorry] Since the meetup DJK placed third in the Washington State primary. That is wonderful news! Curtesy of Robert, who provided the form, I sent in a form [with all the particulars] to Amy at headquarters in Ohio and see if DJK would speak at the "March for Womens Rights" rally in April. If he can and its announced before the NY primaries I feel this will be a huge boost to his campaign.

On saturday I met up with my good friend Larry who takes care of my taxes. He utilizes that TurboTax on ones computer and makes the whole process go quickly. In summary ... I'm getting money back from NY state [amen!] and owe the damn federal government some bucko's. Afterwards we went out for lunch at this charming little cafe near West 24th Street and I had a tasty veggie burger. We also checked out the Jim Kempner Fine Art gallery on 10th Avenue. Some of the pieces I liked, but the prices were way too steep for Larry or I. Still, its cool to check out what current stream of artists are up to these days. On Q104FM radio station they were playing tons of BEATLE songs all weekend to mark the 40th anniversary of their first visit to the US. Finally got to hear their live performances on Ed Sullivan shows. It was great ... I love the Beatles ... my first ever album [vinyl] I got when I was 11 years old and it was "Abbey Road". :-)

***********************
From Ben Cohen, president of TruthMajority.org
Truth Is the Oxygen of Democracy

Tell Congress to Censure Bush for Misleading Us about the Iraq War. President Bush talks a lot about how America should defend democracy. But his own actions at home have been inconsistent with the basic requirement of a functional democracy-that elected leaders be direct and honest with citizens. It is now clear that the Bush administration repeatedly misled us and lied to us in the president's buildup to attacking Iraq.

In the name of truly defending our country, TrueMajority is joining with MoveOn.org, Working Assets and other groups, and is calling on Congress to defend our democracy and censure President Bush. Our organizations will be holding a joint news conference in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, February 10, to announce the campaign for censure. If you take action now, we'll count you among the hundreds of thousands of Americans asking for censure. If you want your Members of Congress to censure President Bush for misleading the country about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and you're a TrueMajority member, just click "reply" and "send" in your email program to send your free message. If this was forwarded to you or you'd like to customize the message to your Senators and Representative, click here:
http://action.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=299

For more information about the President's record of misleading and lying about the Iraq war and other issues, visit:
www.misleader.org
sponsored by MoveOn.org OR
www.house.gov/appropriations_democrats/caughtonfilm.htm
***********************
[Latest articles on current events..................]

Symbolic Leaders - The Democratic Campaign - Drama, Melodrama or Tragedy
by Lance Tapley of the PORTLANT PHOENIX
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0206-10.htm

The 10 Worst Corporations of 2003
By Russel Mokhiber & Robert Weissman @ AlterNet
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17783

Gore Says Bush Betrayed the US by Using 9/11 as a Reason for War in Iraq
by Katharine Q. Seeleye of the NY Times
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0209-01.htm

Two Candidates Are Better Than One
by Peter Coyote @ AlterNet
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17772

Report: President Bush Has Lowest IQ of all Presidents of past 50 Years

If late night TV comedy is an indicator, then there has never been as widespread a perception that a president is not intellectually qualified for the position he holds as there is with President GW Bush. In a report published Monday, the Lovenstein Institute of Scranton, Pennsylvania detailed its findings of a four month study of the intelligence quotient of President George W. Bush. Since 1973, the Lovenstein Institute has published it's research to the education community on each new president, which includes the famous "IQ" report among others.

According to statements in the report, there have been twelve presidents over the past 50 years, from F. D. Roosevelt to G. W. Bush who were all rated based on scholarly achievements, writings that they alone produced without aid of staff, their ability to speak with clarity, and several other psychological factors which were then scored in the Swanson/Crain system of intelligence ranking. The study determined the following IQs of each president as accurate to within five percentage points:

147 Franklin D. Roosevelt (D)
132 Harry Truman (D)
122 Dwight D. Eisenhower (R)
174 John F. Kennedy (D)
126 Lyndon B. Johnson (D)
155 Richard M. Nixon (R)
121 Gerald Ford (R)
175 James E. Carter (D)
105 Ronald Reagan (R)
098 George HW Bush (R)
182 William J. Clinton (D)
091 George W. Bush (R)

The six Republican presidents of the past 50 years had an average IQ of 115.5, with President Nixon having the highest IQ, at 155. President G. W. Bush was rated the lowest of all the Republicans with an IQ of 91. The six Democrat presidents had IQs with an average of 156, with President Clinton having the highest IQ, at 182. President Lyndon B.
Johnson was rated the lowest of all the Democrats with an IQ of 126. No president other than Carter (D) has released his actual IQ, 176.

Among comments made concerning the specific testing of President GW Bush, his low ratings were due to his apparent difficulty to command the English language in public statements, his limited use of vocabulary (6,500 words for Bush versus an average of 11,000 words for other presidents), his lack of scholarly achievements other than a basic MBA, and an absence of any body of work which could be studied on an intellectual basis. The complete report documents the methods and procedures used to arrive at these ratings, including depth of sentence structure and voice stress confidence analysis.

"All the Presidents prior to George W. Bush had a least one book under their belt, and most had written several white papers during their education or early careers. Not so with President Bush," Dr. Lovenstein said. "He has no published works or writings, so in many ways that made it more difficult to arrive at an assessment. We had to rely more heavily on transcripts of his unscripted public speaking." The Lovenstein Institute of Scranton Pennsylvania think tank includes high caliber historians, psychiatrists, sociologists, scientists in human behavior, and psychologists. Among their ranks are Dr. Werner R. Lovenstein, world-renowned sociologist, and Professor Patricia F. Dilliams, a world-respected psychiatrist.

This study was commissioned on February 13, 2001 and released on July 9, 2001 to subscribing member universities and organizations within the education community.

[Hum ... we all know the man is a dumb ass and this just confirms it.]

*************************
Bush Deficit Disaster Puts Your Family at Risk

This week, we learned that President Bush plans to leave millions of children and families behind in his budget for the fiscal year 2005. The LA Times reported that of the 65 federal programs President Bush is eliminating in his budget, more than half of them are education programs:

"The projects Bush would eliminate include a $246-million effort to improve early childhood education in low-income neighborhoods and a $174-million program to foster learning in large high schools. Also targeted are programs that help gifted and talented students, promote arts in education and attempt to stop students from dropping out." And that's just the tip of the iceberg. He's also making massive cuts to the Community-Oriented Police Services program, taking money out of local communities that pays for the first responders who protect us.

And the same day that a letter laced with a toxin was found in Senate offices, Bush told Congress he wanted to eliminate an $8.2 million program that would help protect our nation's communities from these kinds of attacks. President Bush is abandoning our children and abandoning the security of our nation.

A DEFICIT DISASTER

President Bush's devastating cuts that hurt our children and make us less secure do nothing to alleviate the enormous deficits he's created that leave America with crippling new debts that will last for generations. Bush took the record surpluses created by President Clinton and turned them into record deficits. Click the link below to read our DNC Special Report: A Deficit Disaster to learn more about how the historic new deficits affect you and your family, including specific facts about your state. Learn how:
http://www.democrats.org/specialreports/2005budget/index.html?state_abbr=NY

Debate in Virginia tonight on C-SPAN.
Edwards, Clark, Kerry included. Kucinich, Dean, Sharpton NOT invited. Dammit ... the constant crap pulled by greedy, gluttonous media and corportions has got to stop. NOW! Its not up to media or advertisers in choosing the Presidential nominee. Its up to us ... the American people ... their taking away OUR rights and we need to stop them. Make phones calls or send emails/letters to your local or national media stations. Let them know what they are doing is WRONG and undemocratic.

Some great articles on Kucinich ... he's the man!

Kucinich: US Should Abandon NAFTA & WTO
by James Prichard of the Associated Press
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/7894778.htm

Kucinich Keeps Fighting
by John J. VanderMeer at the Enquirer
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/news/stories/20040207/localnews/369903.html

"Annoy the media...Vote KUCINICH!!"

"If WE, as a nation, do not go around the world taking as we please, killing as we please and disrespecting others as we please, then we shall never have need to fear any attack." Dennis Kucinich, 2004 Presidential Candidate

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CBS: Censoring Broadcast System
by Anthony B. Robinson - Seattle Post-Intelligencer Columnist

Giving Bono and MoveOn the boot suggests an uptightness and a fearfulness that might be funny if it weren't so pathetic and dangerous. It does, however, help me to comprehend the incredible volume of ads for Viagra, Levitra and other "male function enhancement products" during the Super Bowl. If you're this uptight, chances are good that you're going to need help. Chances are also good that this week at CBS someone is wishing they had taken up Bono on his offer to do the halftime show.

For the full, uncensored article, go to:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/159524_tony06.html

KUCINICH ANNOUNCES NEW CAMPAIGN SECRETARY
For Immediate Release: February 4, 2004

In a graceful changing of the guard that exemplifies the spirit of his campaign, Congressman and Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis J. Kucinich today officially announced that renowned journalist William Rivers Pitt has accepted the role of Campaign Press Secretary, taking on the responsibilities formerly held by David Swanson. William Rivers Pitt is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of two books: ’War on Iraq: What Team Bush Doesn't Want You to Know', and 'The Greatest Sedition is Silence'. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and resides in Boston.

Before coming on board as Press Secretary for the Dennis Kucinich for President Campaign, Pitt served as the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for the online news magazine truthout.org. Pitt spent several years as a high school teacher of English Literature, Journalism, Writing, Grammar and History, and was also a dean.

Regarding Swanson, who resigned his position with the campaign, National Campaign Chair Dot Maver has this to say: ’David Swanson has helped build this campaign from a place of little money and recognition to one that is viable and visible. We are grateful for his hard work and for the many, many hours he has put in to help move this historic campaign forward'.

For information about the National campaign:
http://www.kucinich.us

For Congressman Kucinich's Schedule:
http://www.kucinich.us/schedule.htm

To schedule interview with Kucinich or spokesperson:
interviews@kucinich.us

National contacts:

Press Secretary William Rivers Pitt
617.308.6441 (cell)
William.pitt@kucinich.us

Deputy Press Secretary Nate Wilkes
216.323.6573 (cell)
nate@kucinich.us