HEAR YEA! HEAR YEA! WEEKEND NEWS IS HERE

THE VOTE MUST GO ON
Zelie Pollon, AlterNet
Explosions, suicide bombers and more than 40 dead, and yet Iraqis turned out in larger-than-expected numbers to vote Sunday.
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/21122/

THE IDEA THAT BROUGHT SLAVERY TO ITS KNEES
Adam Hochschild, AlterNet
In 1787, British abolitionists saw a link among all humankind.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/21121/

THE JOURNEY TO WILD DIVINE
Patricia King, Common Ground
Welcome to the Brave New World of neurofeedback, where computer games and desktop technology are intersecting with ancient mind-body techniques.
http://www.alternet.org/story/21114/

IRAQ'S ELECTORAL CUL-DE-SAC
Dilip Hiro, Tomdispatch.com
Starting with Saddam's arrest in 2003, each of Washington's rosy scenarios -- in which a diminution of violence is predicted and a path to success declared -- has turned to dust.
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/21109/

TAKE ME OUT OF THE BALL GAME
Holly Beck, WireTap
As long as sports teams continue to use names like Savages and Redskins, a growing number of Americans will find it hard to root for the home team.
http://www.alternet.org/wiretap/21115/

CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES
Dannie Martin, Pacific News Service
A private company is robbing convicts blind each time they make a phone call.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/21116/
More Rights & Liberties: http://www.alternet.org/rights/

[DUCHESS NOTE ... Not one, but two new updates at "Friends of Friday Forum" are now online. Check it out at ... http://friendsoffridayforum.blogspot.com ... Hope to have a new update of "personal news" online within the week. Stay tuned.]

"WHAT I HEARD ABOUT IRAQ"
[Duchess Note ... A must read for all. Don't miss it. [click on below link] Written by Eliot Weinberger, whose '9/12' is published by Prickly Paradigm. Many thanks to Jude at Iddybud Blog and Matthew Gross for shedding light. Rawk on Progressives!
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v27/n03/wein01_html

MESSAGE FROM THE FOLK AT TRUEMAJORITY ... Alberto Gonzales Supported Torture and Won't Answer Senators' Questions ... Tell Your Senator That America Can Find a Better Attorney General
Alberto Gonzales duly renounced torture during his Senate confirmation hearings. But, excuse me, this does not erase his frightening record of supporting torture! As the top White House attorney, he opined that our country should not be bound by laws or agreements such as the Geneva Conventions that prohibit torture. This opened the door to the Abu Ghraib disaster. As if this weren't enough, Gonzales refused under intense questioning to explain his role in the development of the Bush administration's policies on interrogation and torture. That is why recently, even under immense pressure from the president and Senate leadership, eight members of the Senate Judiciary Committee voted against recommending Gonzales to the full Senate, just two votes shy of an outright rejection. Our country can surely find an attorney general whose record is not fundamentally at odds with our values of decency and compassion-and who's willing to answer basic questions about his record. If you'd like to send a message to your senators urging them to oppose the Gonzales nomination. Click here: http://truemajority.kintera.org/gonzales-no

Click here for more information on the Gonzales nomination:
http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/

LATEST NEWS FROM COMMON DREAMS WEBSITE

WORLD SKEPTICAL OF DELUSIONAL BUSH REIGN
Molly Ivins, Boulder Daily Camera
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0127-33.htm

BOXER'S SPINE GETS HER CUT OFF AT THE KNEES
Margaret Carlson, Los Angeles Times
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0127-32.htm

THIS POLLYANNA ARMY ... Bush Will Not Admit That His Troops Are Too Exhausted To Sustain His Vengeful Global Missions
Sidney Blumenthal, UK Guardian
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0127-30.htm

PETER FRAMPTON WILL A TRACK WITH ROCK GROUP PEARL JAM ON THEIR NEW ALBUM
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=musicNews&storyID=7444416
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rocker Peter Frampton is planning to record a track with Pearl Jam for his upcoming album of instrumentals, he said on Wednesday. In an interview with former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones on his Los Angeles-based radio show, Jonesy's Jukebox, Frampton said he planned to fly up to Seattle the following day to reunite with the band. They previously met up when Pearl Jam was in Ohio last October, to play a date on the Vote for Change tour. Frampton now lives near his wife's hometown of Cincinnati, and described himself as the only Democrat in the area. Frampton, who said he was a huge Pearl Jam fan, is perhaps best known for his 1975 double-live album "Frampton Comes Alive!," which he said has sold about 17 million copies to date. Jonesy's Jukebox emanates from KDLD-FM (Indie 103.1)

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us. Justice William O. Douglas



ABIT OF NEWS FOR THE INQUIRING MIND

WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR?
Lakshmi Chaudhry, AlterNet
In a provocative interview, Naomi Klein talks about Bush, the Iraq war and the need for progressives to "answer the language of faith with the language of morality."
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/21099/

REINING IN CHENEY
Ray McGovern Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0126-20.htm

THE BOXER REBELLION
John Nichols, The Nation
Barbara Boxer's impassioned critique of Condoleezza Rice marks the senator as a hero of the left.
http://www.alternet.org/story/21098/

BOXER REBELLION SPREADS
John Nichols, The Nation
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0126-32.htm

BLACK EVANGELICALS: BUSH'S NEW TRUMP CARD
Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Pacific News Service
George Bush and Karl Rove hope to bypass black civil rights leadership to make deals with black evangelicals and assure future electoral victory in battleground states.
http://www.alternet.org/story/21096/

OH YES, IT CAN HAPPEN HERE
Robert Kuttner, The Boston Globe
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0126-33.htm

BAD BOYS, BAD BOYS, WHATCHA GONNA DO?
Bill McKibben, Grist Magazine
Dispatches from a climate-change conference: The battle of values has been won, at least for the moment, and not by us.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/21101/

FROM THE GROUND UP
Howard Dean, AlterNet
The true mark of a modern campaign will be to listen to Americans and let them shape campaigns instead of simply allowing them to respond.
http://www.alternet.org/story/21097/

RICE CONFIRMED
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy
Edward Kennedy explains why he voted against Condoleezza Rice's confirmation as Secretary of State on Wednesday.
http://www.alternet.org/story/21094/

GREAT PHOTOS FROM "NEWS FROM BABYLON" WEBSITE OF THE RECENT PROTESTS AT DICTATORSHIP INAUGURATION

[Duchess Note ... All that security is a display of Imperialism, Fascism, etc. Definitely NOT Democracy nor Freedom! The protestors at the dictatorship parade et al are the true patriots. Compassionate individuals with real values, intelligence, morals and wanting to see America brought out of the quagmire that is the Bush Regime.]
http://www.newsfrombabylon.com/index.php?q=image/tid/132

MIDDLE OF THE WORK WEEK ... YAWN! ... NEWS? ... OH YEAH ... HERE ARE SOME TIDBITS

CHOICE SHTICK
Matthew Yglesias, The American Prospect
Destroying Social Security does nothing to advance individual freedom.
http://www.alternet.org/story/21085/

CARTOON MADNESS
Bruce Kluger, AlterNet
Christian conservatives classically over-reached when they launched their amphibious assault on SpongeBob SquarePants -- and harpooned themselves squarely in the foot.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/21084/

'FROM THE DAY OF OUR FOUNDING'
Molly Ivins, AlterNet
A substantial nit to pick with President Bush's second Inaugural Address and some questions about his theme.
http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/21082/

EVERYBODY'S DOING IT
Rebecca Vesely, Women's eNews
News Flash: Medical study shows teenagers chose unsafe sex over talking to their parents.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/21086/

UNCONNECTED DOTS
Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
The global reach of Bush's inauguration speech was lost on a media with a fragmented view the world; for a holistic analysis you'll have to click off that TV, use your local paper to wrap the fish, and head for the internet.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/21080/

MESSAGE FROM BILLBOARD ... In The Works, rock group Pearl Jam has begun recording it 8th studio album in Seattle and plans to release its later this year.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Although you give, you can't always expect to get. If you live with this philosophy, everything you do get will be truly appreciated and deserved. Mattie Stepanek

AMERICAN MEDIA WHITEWASHES BUSHS GLOBAL BULLYING
Patrick Martin, World Socialist Website
The television networks devoted almost no time to the anti-Bush and antiwar protest demonstrations, far larger and more intense than the protests in 2001, after the Supreme Court intervention into the Florida vote-counting and the theft of the presidential election by the Republican Party. Overseas, even staid and conservative bourgeois newspapers expressed shock at the extremism and religious mania of Bush’s inaugural address. “Blood-curdling,” “bizarre,” “messianic,” were some of the terms used. Die Tageszeitung in Berlin wrote: “If you take seriously what Bush said before and during his inaugural address, you will really dread this US government.” The Bush administration will “do whatever it thinks is right and won’t have anybody else disturb it. ... The horror is justified.”
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/jan2005/inau-j25.shtml

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complaceney to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependance back again to bondage. Benjamin Disraeli

THE DANGERS OF EXPORTING DEMOCRACY ... Bush's Crusade is Based on a Dangerous Illusion and Will Fail
Eric Hobsbawm, Guardian/UK
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0122-03.htm

THE AWFUL GRACE OF GOD ... A Portrait of Robert F. Kennedy
Written and Performed by Jack Holmes and Directed by Larry Moss
On Monday, January 24th at 5pm
Free Admission [backers showcase] at the John Houseman Theater
42nd Street [between 9th & 10th Avenue] NYC
At a time when DFA is re-framing progressive issues for the electorate and the media, this inspiring portrait of the man who "saw wrong and tried to right it ... saw suffering and tried to heal it ... saw war and tried to stop it ..." can remind us of the powerful words of Robert F. Kennedy that captured the imagination of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in the late 1960s. This important play is certain to have a national impact and should be seen by everyone in the US.

JOIN THE PEOPLE AT "DEMOCRACY FOR NEW YORK CITY" FOR THE FIRST SOCIAL EVENT OF 2005!
To be held on Wednesday, January 26th at 7pm
Go to THE WHISKEY at the W HOTEL TIMES SQUARE
1567 Broadway at 47th Street in NYC
RSVP is required ... please send your name and number in your party to hwoodfield@dfnyc.org

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... All revolutions have failed? Perhaps. But rebellion for good cause is slef-justifying, a good in itself. Rebellion transforms slaves into human beings, if only for an hour. Edward Abbey

PHOTOS FROM INAUGURAL PROTESTS IN US CITIES & AROUND THE WORLD
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0121-03.htm



THE EMPIRE OF VULGARITY
Mike Carlton, Sydney Morning Herald [Australia]
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0121-28.htm

HUNDREDS MARK INAUGURATION WITH PROTESTS
Martha Mendoza, AP National Writer [Guardian UK]
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4746062,00.html

[DUCHESS NOTE ... A new and terrific update to "Friends of Friday Forum" is now online. Check it out at ... http://friendsoffridayforum.blogspot.com ... A new update of "personal news" will be online within the week. Stay tuned.]

ACTION ALERT FROM UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

George W. Bush has just been sworn in as the President of the United States. The inaugural ceremony was the centerpiece of several days filled with all of the pomp and pageantry that $40 million can buy. While Bush's remarks were filled with hollow rhetoric about freedom, dignity and human rights, it was impossible to hide the arrogance and imperiousness of this president and all that his administration stands for. We ask you, on the day George W. Bush begins to work on his agenda for the next four years, to help us implement our peace and justice agenda. We are more determined than ever to resist Bush’s disastrous policies and end the Iraq war – but we need your financial support, and we need it now. You can donate in one of three convenient ways:

* By credit card online: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/donate
* By credit card over the phone: 212-868-5545
* By check or money order: UFPJ, P.O. Box 607, Times Square Station, NY NY 10108

Early yesterday morning, activists gathered in rallies and marches and along the inaugural parade route to say no to this president. United for Peace and Justice eagerly lent our support to these efforts. The millions of dollars poured into excessive and oppressive "security" operations in Washington, DC were in part designed to stifle the voice of dissent and weaken the power of protest. We know that now, as the Bush administration launches its second term, we must not only stand up for the right to protest but we must hold on to that right by using it! UFPJ is working hard to nurture the movement in every corner of this country. Just as we helped build the protests in Washington, DC today, we are committed to building and strengthening the educational and protest efforts in cities and towns throughout the nation.

Among other developments, we recently released our “Winter/Spring Organizing Plan,” developed in conjunction with our member groups, which gives a new strategic focus to grassroots work to end the Iraq war.. We also recently hired a new staff organizer, Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou, to coordinate outreach to faith-based communities and communities of color. UFPJ's second national assembly will be held in a month. Delegates from the coalition's member groups will gather in St. Louis to decide on our program of work for the next year and to elect the national leadership. In order to make it as easy as possible for groups to send their delegates we are keeping the registration fees for this important assembly very low.

But that means we need to raise funds to help cover some of the costs of an undertaking of this scale. We are also in high gear on the organizing for protest activities on Saturday, March 19, the second anniversary of the beginning of the war on Iraq. UFPJ has called for local actions in as many places as possible, with the goals of expanding participation in the antiwar movement and showing the nation and the world just how widespread and deep the antiwar sentiment is in this country. This is a massive organizing challenge and requires a tremendous commitment of human and financial resources. Again, we turn to you for help with this important project.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. Mark Twain [1904 Notebook]

WEAK LINKS IN THE FOOD CHAIN ... Why Uncle Sam Won't Tell You What Not To Eat
Michelle Simon, San Francisco Chronicle
Responding to that threat, companies such as General Mills are already jumping on the "healthy food" bandwagon, announcing that their products will be reformulated to include whole grains. But "processed whole foods" is an oxymoron. Real whole grains come from nature, such as brown rice instead of Uncle Ben's white rice or plain oatmeal instead of Cheerios with added sugar and salt. Don't let the food industry fool you into thinking it can manufacture healthy foods. That's nature's job. To read more, go to:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0119-29.htm

Social Security is America's promise that those who work hard and play by the rules will retire with dignity. Even the most pessimistic of economists agree it will remain solvent for decades to come. THERE IS NO CRISIS. Great website ... http://www.thereisnocrisis.com/

[Duchess Note ... There are several new website links listed to the right of your screen. Set under "Favorite Links" and "Free Speech Non Corporate". Check them out and pass on to other like-minded individuals. Peace & Solidarity!]

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The propagandist's purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human. Aldous Huxley

WHAT WOULD A PEACE DEPARTMENT DO?
Rev. John Widdows, Portland Press Herald
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0118-20.htm

ANNOUNCEMENT ... Join those of NOW-NYC in a Secession Rally on Thursday, January 20th, at 6pm in Union Square Park [NYC]. This peaceful demonstration will celebrate concerns about the future of our country. A group of speakers and performers will be in attendance to voice political opposition and inspire progressive action while we re-write our Declaration of Independence from this false inauguration. Union Square Park is located between 14th and 17th Street, between Park Avenue and Broadway. Feel free to contact Rita Haley via email [contact@nownyc.org] with questions or concerns.

PROTEST INAUGURATION!
Date: Thursday, January 20th 2005 - Friday, January 21st 2005
Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Location: entire country
City/State: all cities in US, NY

Inauguration Day, Thursday, January 20th, 2005 is "Not One Damn Dime Day in America". On "Not One Damn Dime Day," those who oppose what is happening in our name in Iraq can speak up with a 24-hour national boycott of all forms of consumer spending. During "Not One Damn Dime Day" please don't spend money. Not one damn dime for gasoline. Not one damn dime for necessities or for impulse purchases. Not one damn dime for anything for 24 hours. On "Not One Damn Dime Day," please boycott Walmart, KMart and Target. Please don't go to the mall or the local convenience store. Please don't buy any fast food (or any groceries at all for that matter).

For 24 hours, please do what you can to shut the retail economy down. The object is simple. Remind the people in power that the war in Iraq is immoral and illegal; that they are responsible for starting it and that it is their responsibility to stop it. "Not One Damn Dime Day" is to remind them, too, that they work for the people of the United States of America, not for the international corporations and K Street lobbyists who represent the corporations and funnel cash into American politics.

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

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON - Will be speaking about her new book, called "The Gift of Change: Spiritual Principles For A Radically New Life". The event is being held this Saturday and is being sponsored by The Peace Alliance
[Members of NYC Dept of Peace will be in attendance]
Sunday, January 23, 2005
2:30pm & 5:30Pm
Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship
St. Bartholomew's Church
Park Avenue at 51st Street, NYC

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... A fanatic is a person who can't change his mind and won't change the subject. Sir Winston Churchill

THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND IS AT AN END ... TIME FOR SOME FRESH NEWS

"CORPORATE AMERICANS"
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
George Bush's "Ownership Society" represents a new form of economic populism -- a populism born in>the Hobbesian belief that we all struggle alone in a world where life is nasty, brutish and short.
http://www.alternet.org/story/21000/

PRIMARY COLORS
Steve Cobble, AlterNet
Democrats cannot continue to have two almost-all-white states -- Iowa and New Hampshire -- determine their presidential nominees. The next nominee must be able to activate and inspire a multi-racial, multi-cultural base.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20988/

THE GREAT WHITE WAY
Carrie McLaren, Stay Free! Magazine
Long before Adolf Hitler hit his stride, American activists worked to breed a better, whiter race. Historian Daniel Kevles discusses the U.S. eugenics movement, Fitter Families, and efforts to segregate, sterilize, and castrate the "unfit."
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20990/

THE NEW AD AGE
Joy Lanzendorfer, AlterNet
As opportunities to avoid advertising develop -- such as skipping ads, blocking pop-up windows -- advertisers are working hard to make sure their message is heard, everywhere you go.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20997/

PUNDITS RACE TO THE BOTTOM
Eric Alterman, The Nation
The Armstrong Williams scandal is the latest, and most promising entry, in right-wing pundits' race for the bottom. So why are the networks still inviting them on?
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20999/

WONDERFUL MESSAGE FROM DOT MAVER REGARDING THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THE PEACE ALLIANCE AND DEPT OF PEACE

As you know, over the past two weeks we have been in a series of intensive meetings in order to re-organize as The Peace Alliance (501.c.4), a lobbying organization, and The Peace Alliance Foundation (501.c.3), a non-profit educational organization. We have considered everything from logo, website, literature and media, to national structure, strategy and fundraising. The Peace Alliance, with the main office in Michigan, Matthew Albracht, Managing Director, advocates for the enactment of legislation supporting a culture of peace. As of now The Alliance has one major project, the Campaign to create a groundswell for a US Department of Peace. The Peace Alliance Foundation, with the main office in California, AmyVossbrinck, Managing Director, is dedicated to developing a culture ofpeace with nonviolence and cooperation as the organizing principles.

The Foundation will identify, make known and encourage cooperation among groups and individuals who are demonstrating that a culture of peace is being revealed and is something that the human family longs for and is willing to support. Cooperative partnerships will be encouraged in the areas outlined in the legislation which include domestic relations, international relations, human security, education, and media/communication. Imagine such a network! One of the major organization efforts we are undertaking with theDepartment of Peace Campaign is to create a national structure, with state coordinators and representatives in 435 congressional districts throughout the USA.

Another strategy is to emphasize that the introduction of the Department of Peace Legislation is a bi-partisan effort, to determine who in the Republican Party would consider supporting the bill, and actively pursuing those endorsements. We will be actively pursuing Democratic and Republican co-sponsors of, and endorsements for, the legislation. We plan a media strategy which we'll launch at the conference in May/June 2005 at the same time Congressman Kucinich will re-introduce the bill. Finally, thank you for your continued support as we work together, not only to build support for the passage of this historic legislation, but to help create a world that works for everyone.

[Duchess Note ... If you wish to learn more about the Dept of PeaceCampaign, go to ... http://www.dopcampaign.org OR visit the NY Chapter [of which I am a board member] at http://www.nyc-dop.com ... thank you. Peace, Justice & Solidarity!]

At "Jane Stillwaters Web Log" the posts are mainly current topics in the US and the world. She hates the Bush dictatorship regime as much as I do AND is also a firm supporter of Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich [progressive democrat]. Check out her blog today: http://jpstillwater.blogspot.com/

NOT ONE DAMN DIME!!
Boycott Bush's inauguration by not spending any money on inauguration day. Since our leaders don't have the moral courage to speak out against the war in Iraq, Inauguration Day, Thursday, January 20th, is "Not One Damn Dime Day" here in America. If you oppose what is happening in our name with Iraq and elsewhere, you can speak up with a 24 hour national boycott of ALL forms of consumer spending. That means gas, food, etc, etc. To learn more ... go to the following website ... sign the petition.
http://www.notonedamndime.com/boycott/

MESSAGE FROM THE GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE WEBSITE REGARDING PEOPLE TO HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. OVER NEXT FEW DAYS

Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities over the next few days use speeches, singing and community service to honor the civil rights leader, author, pastor and Nobel Prize winner. Dennis Kucinich, a Congressman from Ohio and presidential primary candidate, is the guest speaker at the Montana Human Rights Network's Martin Luther King Day fund-raiser tonight, January 14th. The event includes a reception and silent auction at 6 p.m. in the Great Falls International Airport, followed by dinner at 6:30. Kucinich is chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and in 2003 won the Gandhi Peace Award. The Montana Human Rights Network works to protect human rights through education, community mobilization and political action. Tickets cost $35 and are available at Kaufmans Menswear and A. Hooker's Gallery. Call 442-5506.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM "WORKING FAMILIES" - Sign Petition To Protect Social Security
President George W. Bush, his Republican allies in Congress and corporate chiefs are on an ideological trophy hunt to destroy Social Security. The most important family security effort in America's history. Their privatization plans to replace guaranteed benefits with risky private accounts would fatally undermine Social Security, cut benefits drastically, most likely raise workers' retirement age--and saddle our children with $2 trillion in debt. Now is the time to fight back:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/O7akW6411ccF/

There is no way we're going to yield an inch on Social Security. No way, no how. To defend Social Security, we need to show President Bush, congressional leaders and the media that millions of Americans reject Social Security privatization and its benefit cuts. That is why the AFL-CIOis launching a petition to secure Social Security. One part of a multifaceted campaign to protect Social Security. Please take a minute right now to sign our petition by clicking on the link below:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/O7akW6411ccF/

Our goal is to get 100,000 petition signers between now and Jan.20th. President Bush's Inauguration Day. Right now, Bush's allies are raising millions for an election-style PR campaign, like we've never seen, to privatize Social Security. They'll launch it on America immediately following Bush's inauguration because they want to dominate the message on Social Security. Don't let them! It's urgent that after you sign the petition you spread the word to your friends, family and co-workers. We need as many people as possible to demand over the next two weeks that we keep Social Security secure. Bush's Social Security privatization plan would devastate working families like ours, while handing billions of dollars to rich Wall Street investment companies. We can't let it happen. The fight to protect Social Security is really heating up. Newspapers are reporting on a secret memo by a Bush administration official to corporate special interests backing privatization. The memo discusses a strategy to outright deceive the public, privatize Social Security and cut benefits.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The opinions of men are not the object of civil government, nor under its jurisdiction. Thomas Jefferson [1779]

HOLD CONDOLEEZZE RICE ACCOUNTABLE!!
Go to Senator Barbara Boxer's [PAC for a Change] website link [http://ga4.org/campaign/ricehearings] and sign a petition. We need to support Senator Boxer and hold Rice accountable. We Americans DO NOT want Rice appointed to the position of Secretary of State. What a nightmare that would be ... worse than last four years ... please sign petition today. Thanks! Peace & Solidarity!

Funeral Procession Through Union Square
On Saturday, January 15, 2005
Union Square, NYC
2pm to 5pm
March styled in the form of a funeral, to mourn the blow akin to death that has been dealt to alot of entities (Iraq, civil liberties, women's rights, gay rights, etc.) with the re-installation of Bush. Dress in black. Put on by Theaters Against War (THAW) and the National Mourning Project.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... History is full of people who out of fear, or ignorance, or lust for power has destroyed knowledge of immeasurable value which truly belongs to us all. We must not let it happen again. Carl Sagan, Cosmos

"PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA" SUPPORTS HOWARD DEAN FOR DNC CHAIR
Yesterday Howard Dean announced his candidacy for Chair of the Democratic National Committee. The PDA Leadership believes this is a critical moment for the progressive reform community, a chance to take the energy and idealism stoked by the Kucinich & Dean campaigns, and use them to energize the entire party on behalf of progressive values. There is a new essay, "Dean for DNC", setting out some of the history of the growing PDA relationship with the Dean movement, and making a case for Dean's election. Ultimately, we believe we can help elect as Chair a leader who will standup for "the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party," as Paul Wellstone used to say.

As stated in the essay: "This will be a victory for reform, for the internet, for small donor fundraising, for volunteer action, for anti war politics, for standing up and fighting back, and for progressive values. Howard Dean is the only one running who is a progressive reformer, opposed the war in Iraq [ie: so did Congressman Kucinich], has raised millions and millions from small donors, has held both executive office and practiced internet-based 'netroots' activism in his campaign, and believes in change from the grassroots/netroots up." While Howard Dean has not been as progressive on a number of issues as we hope he will become in time, we believe that supporting him for DNC Chair in February is in the interests of the Democratic progressive movement.

PDA will be advocating useful and strategic steps that its members can take to help this cause over the coming month. In the meantime, if you live in the St. Louis area, you might want to attend the Midwest Regional Caucus this Saturday, January 15, in St. Louis, MO (at the Airport Marriott, as posted by Jerome Armstrong at www.mydd.com; the contact is: cdillon@missouridems.org). On Saturday the 22nd, the Western Regional Caucus will be held in Sacramento, CA; and the Eastern Regional Caucus follows after that, on January 29, in New York City. (The Southern Regional Caucus was held in Atlanta last weekend.) PDA believes that grassroots action (gentle but firm personal and email contact of key decision-makers) will play a large role in helping the 447 DNC Members, who make the decision, to choose Dr. Dean next month. Stay tuned-we're ready to roll.

ON SATURDAY, MARCH 19th, GLOBAL DAY OF PROTEST ON THE TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR ... * The World Says End the War * Bring the Troops Home Now * Rebuild Our Communities *

March 19-20 marks the two-year anniversary of the U.S. bombing and invasion of Iraq. After all of the death and destruction, and with the Bush administration claiming a mandate to continue their war, there’s a new urgency and a stronger determination within the global antiwar movement to bring the troops home now.

LOCAL ACTIONS NATIONWIDE UFPJ ... calls on supporters of peace and justice in every corner of the country, in communities large and small, to organize local protests against the war on Saturday, March 19. These can take many forms: vigils, rallies, marches, nonviolent civil disobedience. We especially encourage creative efforts to put the spotlight on the institutions of militarism at home by organizing actions outside military bases or military recruitment offices. List your activities on the UFPJ website calendar at: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/events (select “March 19” under Event Type).

On the first anniversary of the war, at least 319 cities and towns across the United States organized protests. This year there is the potential to organize even more demonstrations, and to bring more people than ever out into the streets. The Bush Administration will soon ask Congress to pump as much as $100 billion more into the war; March 19 is an opportunity to call for an end to this disaster, and to demand that the billions be allocated instead for rebuilding our communities at home and paying for the damage in Iraq.

Military Families Speak Out (http://www.mfso.org/), Bring Them Home Now(http://www.bringthemhomenow.org), Iraq Veterans Against the War (http://www.ivaw.net), Veterans For Peace (http://www.veteransforpeace.org), Quaker House, Fayetteville Peace with Justice, the North Carolina Peace and Justice Coalition (http://www.ncpeacejustice.org), and the North Carolina Council of Churches (http://www.nccouncilofchurches.org) are spearheading the Fayetteville action. Please do all you can to be in Fayetteville this year; by actively building and participating in this demonstration, we have the opportunity to support the efforts of Southern organizers to build a Southern network, and a Southern movement, to replace war and occupation with justice and self-determination.

BE PART OF A GLOBAL ANTIWAR MOVEMENT ... In addition to the many protests already being planned in the United States, people all around the world will be taking action on March 19 as well. Responding to a call from the European Social Forum’s Assembly of Social Movements, European activists are organizing national mobilizations across Europe. Brussels will be the site of a central demonstration on the eve of a meeting of the European Council, where demonstrators will march against war, racism, and a corporate-dominated Europe. India’s national Anti-War Assembly recently committed to major protests on the second anniversary of the war. And we anticipate that the World Social Forum will join this call when it meets later this month in Sao Paolo, Brazil. GET OUT THE WORD ... Circulate this email wide and far. UFPJ will soon have flyers, stickers, and other resources available to help you get out the word.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... We live in oppressive times. We have, as a nation, become our own thought police; but instead of calling the process by which we limit our expression of dissent and wonder "censorship", we call it "concern for commercial viability". David Mamet

HEAR YEA, HEAR YEA, THE LATEST NEWS

WHERE'S THE MIRACLE IN A TSUNAMI?
Marianne Williamson Common Dreams Commentary
Marianne is part of a citizen lobbying campaign to create a U.S. Dept. of Peace- www.DoPCampaign.org AND http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0111-22.htm

THE CONSERVATIVE MARKETING MACHINE
Laurie Spivak, AlterNet
Armstrong Williams being paid to promote Bush administration policies in his columns is just one part of the behemoth marketing effort that the right wing has perfected.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20946/

Plus, David Corn relates a conversation with Williams, in which the shamed commentator reveals that he's not the only one taking money from the big boys.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20947/

THE BUSH PROPOSALS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ARE ABOUT DISMANTLING THE CURRENT SYSTEM AND NOT SAVING IT
Ted Marmor & Jerry Mashaw, NY Newsday
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0110-23.htm

THE DEATH SQUAD OPTION
Christy Harvey, Judd Legum, Jonathan Baskin, Center for American Progress
Faced with an intractable insurgency in Iraq, the Pentagon is returning to its bad old ways. Remember El Salvador?
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/20941/

FILM REVEALS TRUE DESTRUCTION TO GHOST CITY FALLUJA
Rory McCarthy in Baghdad, Guardian/UK
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0111-10.htm

FULL FRONTAL OFFENSE
Rebecca Hyman, Bitch Magazine
A T-shirt proclaiming 'I had an abortion' puts the battle for choice front and center -- and stirs up controversy on both sides of the issue.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20949/

NATURE: A REAL MORAL VALUE
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., AlterNet
Despite the rejection of some of Bush's worst environmental initiatives, the White House still hasn't learned that it'ssailing against the public tide.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/20937/

DEMOCRACY FOR NYC is sponsoring a framing work shop featuring a video presentation of "How Democrats & Progressives Can Win; Solutions by George Lakoff". George Lakoff is the author of "Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate" and "Moral Politics".

Join us at the work shop on Tuesday, January 18th at 7pm
Cinema Classics
332 East 11th Street, between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue

Here is the link ... http://www.dfnyc.org/cms/node/1303?PHPSESSID=617a371a0d4b6173dc2b4f81cb659757

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... There never was a good war or a bad peace. Benjamin Franklin [1706 - 1790]

SEATTLE MUSIC GROUP PEARL JAM RAISES MONEY FOR THE TSUNAMI VICTIMS --Message From The Bands Fan Club Website

Pearl Jam recently made contributions to two organizations providing crisis relief for victims of the tsunami and earthquake ... CARE and Save the Children. Information on these organizations, as well as two more doing good work in the communities affected, are listed below for all those whowrote asking where to contribute. In addition, Ten Club is hosting several auctions in an effort to raise even more money for crisis relief efforts. Sealed, numbered copies of the Benaroya Hall LP box set are currently being auctioned on eBay. Proceeds from the auctions will be donated to Save the Children. http://www.savethechildren.org/ and http://www.care.org/

MARCH & RALLY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NYC ... on Wednesday, February 2nd, at 3:30pm ... Join thousand of New Yorkers as we march across the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall to deman Affordable Housing! Make your voice heard on February 2nd! For more information on this event, contact Lindsey Davis, Community Organizer for the Coalition for the the Homeless. Her phone number is 212-776-2012 and email addy is ldavis@cfthomeless.org. For additional information, contact Jane Thompson at jthompson62@nyc.rr.com. This march and rally is being organized by the following groups ... ACORN, Coalition for the Homeless, ANHD, NYCAHN, Eastside Congregations for Housing Justice, Habitat for Humanity, Tenants & Neighbors and Campaign for Inclusionary Zoning.

THANK THE REPS AND SENATORS WHO SPOKE OUT FOR DEMOCRACY & URGE THEM TO FIGHT ON!!
Many Senators and Representatives took advantage of the opportunity provided by Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Barbara Boxer to highlight the Ohio election problems and call for meaningful reform to the election process. Go to the link below and fill out the form to say THANK YOU.
http://www.auditthevote.org/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=307

PERSONAL NEWS #44
I know, I know, long time since I last wrote up some of my own news. Well, what can I say; I was abit busy with projects, work and the holidays. Now that the holidays are over … big sigh … no more long weekends and sleeping late in the AM … I can catch up on a few tidbits. Here it goes … strap yourselves in good people because it’s going to be a long one. Are you ready? All nice and comfy? Okay. . . . .

Back on December 12th I went to see the movie "Alexander" with fellow Kucitizen [Ellen], as she had two free tickets from a client. First of all the director could have knocked off at least 15 minutes of film. Some scenes were not necessary, especially in the last 30 minutes. Though visually the whole film was stunning, but not as brilliant as LOTRs. What I do admire about “Alexander”, is that director Oliver Stone stayed as close as possible to the history of Alexander the Great. Back in May 2004, when I went to see TROY, I was appalled at the changes Hollywood producers et al made to the storyline. For those who haven’t read the Homer epics, I highly recommend the reading of “The Iliad” and “Odyssey”. Brilliant!

On Tuesday, December 14th, went on a terrific dinner date with a new chap [Dan]. We’d met via Yahoo Personals the month before, corresponded via email and talked on the phone once before our date. We met up in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn after work. Imagine my surprise, and Dan’s, when the restaurant [ie: Harvest] we were to meet at was no longer in business. I really loved that restaurant. We ended up going to a nice, charming French restaurant [ie: Patois] on Smith Street. Spent over 3 hours eating good food and enjoying diverse, fascinating conversation. I really like this chap with his dark, soulful eyes and the way he runs his fingers thru his hair. Hummmmm

Wednesday, December 15th, was the “now monthly” NYC DoP conference call. Had a good turnout [ie: Carol, Kevin1, Terry, Kevin2, Liz, Joe, Cielito, Karen, Maria and I] for this call and a variety of conversations developed. Terry mentioned he’d worked as a volunteer on Kucinich campaign in upstate NY area near Interlaken. And that Hinchey is congressman in that area. Cielito I know via the NYC Friends of Kucinich group. There was mention, during the call, of the 2nd Annual Youth Council on Violence. The event is being organized by the Soka Gakkai International group on January 17th here in Manhattan [7 East 15th Street].

On Thursday, December 16th, the department I work for, Insurance Tax at E&Y, had their annual holiday luncheon at Simply Pasta. We all had an enjoyable time, good food, wine and a good variety of conversation. I’m fortunate to be working with a terrific group of individuals who treat me well. January 29th marks my 4th anniversary with E&Y.

n Saturday, December 18th, I joined an acquaintance [fellow Kucitizen] in attending a class for “You Gotta Believe” out in Brooklyn. A nine-step program for people who’d be interested in adopting a child or teenager. The class Paul brought me to dealt with “loss & grieving”. The two-hour session was quite an illuminating experience. Don’t know if I’d ever adopt a child or teenage, like Paul did three years ago, but its important to explore and learn if it would be a sensible choice. I may attend another session to learn more.

On Monday, December 20th, I had lunch with Debra and Celeste from EY to celebrate the holiday season. We went to a really good French Provencal restaurant on West 46th Street. Most likely, due to the horrible weather, not many people ventured out that day and we had the whole restaurant to ourselves. Terrific service and food, though I can’t recall the name of place. Sorry, my bad. Received some nice gifts from my bosses and co-workers, plus I brought in several tins of my homemade holiday cookies. Made up many loaves of my yummy Pumpkin Bread, as gifts for folk in my department. Everyone complimented me most favorably.

December 22nd thru 26th … Headed upstate NY early Wednesday morning via bus. My uncle and Mom picked me up at bus terminal in Albany, and then we headed to hospital to bring Dad home. Yep, he was in the hospital again due to troubles with his left lung. Between his stay in November for heart surgery and this resent situation, the man lost about 30 lbs. Yikes! Having him home, well again and out of the damn hospital was a lovely gift. What more can a daughter ask for, yah know. During the rest of my stay with the folks I got to relax, shopping, hairdresser, cook for Dad, watch some cable tv [ie: Emeril Live & James Bond marathon], visit my brother [& his wife] and other relatives. Sadly we had no snow to bless us with a white Xmas.

[Duchess & Mom on Xmas Eve At Brothers Home In Schenectady]

On Friday, December 31st, I threw an impromptu houseparty at my place for some members of NYC Friends of Kucinich. So happy my office was officially closed that Friday. Amen! This meant I had time to clean house and shop for goodies. Acquaintances started showing up around 7pm and all brought more goodies for the festivities, including a few bottles of wine. The conversations revolved around politics, world events, food and even music. Around 11:55pm I turned on the telly so we could watch the New Year arrive via Times Square. Then everyone headed home at 12:30am … a new year has begun … so let’s strive to make it a more peaceful one with less war.

January 1st … the New Year began with a “Lord of the Rings” marathon [extended editions] at the home of fellow Kucitizen [Linda] in Brooklyn. After shopping for goodies, Linda and I settled down to watch the first film when Max showed up. Max is Cielito’s friend and also attended my party the evening before. Between DVD discs we took breaks for refreshment, bathroomand stretching. While watching the second film Linda’s roommate Jamie and her brother joined us. Linda has “surround sound” hooked up on her entertainment system. I’m hearing things in the films I’d never heard before, which I thought was so cool. Sadly, we never got around to seeing the third film, as it was around 11pm when “The Two Towers” ended. Save ROTK for another time, as the extended version is over four hours long. Whew!

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell. William Tecumseh Sherman, Union General -American Civil War (1820-1891)

ABIT OF NEWS BEFORE HEADING INTO THE WEEKEND

LAWMAKERS LAUNCH HISTORIC PROTEST OF ELECTORAL VOTE
Lynn Sweet, Chicago Sun Times
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0107-02.htm

LYNCHING SOCIAL SECURITY
Molly Ivins, AlterNet
While healthcare and global warming are serious problems, Social Security isn't. We are, however, about to be swamped by an election-style campaign to convince us it is.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20916/

OUR VOTING SYSTEM NEEDS A NEW CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION
Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0106-35.htm

MORE SENIORS SOON MAY FACE THE OTHER AMERICA
Harold Meyerson, Star Tribune/Minneapolis
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0106-21.htm

ALBERTO GONZALES HAS BLOOD ON HIS HANDS
Star Tribune Editorial
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0106-22.htm

[Duchess Note: Wonderful news! Eureka! Hurray! Senator Barbara Boxer, a Democrat from California, came through for us. Bravo! Read all about it below. . . . .]

BOXER TO CHALLENGE; CONGRESS TO DEBATE
AP, January 6th
Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Calif, signed a challenge mounted by House Democrats to Ohio's 20 electoral votes, which put Bush over the top. By law, a protest signed by members of the House and Senate requires both chambers to meet separately for up to two hours to consider it. Lawmakers are allowed to speak for no more than five minutes each.

AUDIT THE VOTE ... more info ... http://auditthevote.org/overture.jsp

DEMOCRATS TO FORCE DEBATE ON OHIO RESULTS
Alan Fram, Associated Press Writer
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ELECTORAL_VOTE?SITE=VARIT&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The citizen who sees his society's democratic clothes being worn out and does not cry it out, is not a patriot, but a traitor. Mark Twain

FROM PDA - ACTION ALERT! THANK BARBARA BOXER FOR HER COURAGE!
The same people who tried to strip you of your right to have your vote counted are harassing Barbara Boxer for having the courage to stand in protest of the "irregularities" during Ohio's presidential election! (see: BREAKING: Boxer to Stand With Conyers : http://www.truthout.org/docs_05/010705Z.shtml)

She needs to hear words of encouragement from you NOW! Contact her and thank her for her courage and leadership! Spread the word ... especially throughout California!

Call (202) 224-3553 or email at http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm

KEEPING OUR DEMOCRACY ALIVE
Steve Freeman, San Francisco Chronicle
Did voters really count in US election? Read here and find out:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0106-27.htm

URGENT ACTION FOR OHIO VOTE RECOUNT ... CONTACT SENATOR BOXER ASAP
Here's some hope from Lydia Flores, an activist in California's Central Valley: "Just came from a group which gathered at Senator Barbara Boxer's Office here in Fresno. There were about 20 of us representing Fresno, Visalia, Porterville and Springville. It was awesome since they had to come to Fresno through the rain. We were told that Senator Boxer was willing to be the Senator who will ask for the re-election in Ohio provided she sees numbers [of supporters]. One of the activists suggested that we spread the news to call Senator Boxer before Thursday when this concern comes up for a vote."

Okay, let her hear from everyone! Please call or fax Senator Boxer at one of the offices listed below and ask her to join John Conyers and the group of representatives in opposing certification of the electoral votes from Ohio. Then send this out far and wide to your lists. We CAN bring about a fair tally of this election.

Washington D.C.
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3553

Sacramento
501 I Street, Suite 7-600
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-2787
(916) 448-2563 fax

San Francisco
1700 Montgomery Street, Suite 240
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 403-0100
(415) 956-6701 fax

Los Angeles
312 N. Spring Street, Suite 1748
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 894-5000
(213) 894-5042 fax

Fresno
1130 O Street, Suite 2450
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 497-5109
(559) 497-5111 fax

San Diego
600 B Street, Suite 2240
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-3884
(619) 239-5719 fax

Inland Empire
201 North E Street, Suite 210
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 888-8525
(909) 888-8613 fax

FROM THE GOOD FOLK AT ACTFORCHANGE ACTIVISM ... Sign the Declaration Against American Torture
Hearings on the appointment of Alberto Gonzales to attorney general of the United States will begin this Thursday, January 6. Serious questions still remain regarding Gonzales' apparent advocacy of torture as a legitimate practice by American soldiers, government agents and contractors. ActForChange has teamed up with True Majority, MoveOn, FaithfulAmerica, Sojourners and Win Without War to call on Alberto Gonzales, nominee for chief law enforcement officer of the United States, members of the U.S. Senate, and other responsible government officials, to sign a Declaration Against Torture, unequivocally renouncing all forms of torture and abuse as instruments of American policy. The Attorney General is charged with protecting the civil liberties of every American, and the American public must be assured that the person who holds the job is up to that task. Click here to read the complete Declaration Against Torture and to take action!
http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/edCO0FFlNw0COb0t140Eh

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. "Art of War" by Sun-Tzu [Chapter 2, Paragraph 6]

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ALL AMERICANS FROM TRUEMAJORITY.ORG - America Needs Honest Elections - Congress This Week Can Make It Clear
The whole world now knows what went on in Ohio and other states on Election Day, and we simply can't let it happen anymore. We know that many Americans in inner cities were prevented from voting by eight-hour lines. We know that local officials changed the rules on which votes they counted. We know that technicians from computerized voting companies were allowed to tamper with balloting machines unsupervised. Elections with those sorts of problems are not honest. The winners of these tainted elections assert that their outcomes didn't depend on the fraud. But in sports, referees don't wait until the outcome of the game is in jeopardy before calling penalties and enforcing the rules.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it describe some acceptable level of denying Americans their votes. When Congress meets this Thursday, January 6, we'll have a good opportunity to make it clear that Americans want every vote counted, period. That same Constitution also directs Congress to ratify the result of the presidential election in order to make it official. This Thursday, Representative John Conyers (D-Michigan) plans to challenge the voting tally from his state, and if even one senator joins him, Congress will be compelled to debate the widespread problems that have been exposed. This Congress isn't going to overturn the election, but it would be forced into a debate that would serve as a national teach-in on voting rights, computer voting that can't be audited and the continued suppression of minority votes. In short - Honest Elections or not? If you wish to edit the message, or if this message was forwarded to you from someone else, click here to send a message to your senators:
http://truemajority.kintera.org/conyers

Asking that they join Rep. Conyers in forcing this important debate toward Honest Elections. After you've sent your message, forward this message to everyone you know who supports the idea of honest elections. Thank you! Peace & Solidarity!

A MESSAGE FROM THE GOOD FOLK AT MOVEON.ORG

We hate to start the New Year with bad news, but on Thursday, January 6th, the Senate will consider Alberto Gonzales' nomination to become Attorney General, replacing John Ashcroft. Gonzales is the White House counsel notorious for opening the door to torture at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay prisons. Senators should view the Gonzales nomination very skeptically, given this radical history. As part of the upcoming hearings, we're calling on Senators to ask Gonzales to unequivocally renounce torture as an instrument of American policy. You can ask Gonzales and Senators to prohibit torture by clicking here:
http://www.moveon.org/gonzales/

We're working with a strong coalition -- including Amnesty International, FaithfulAmerica, TrueMajority, and Win Without War -- to ask Gonzales to sign our Declaration Against Torture. Gonzales should renounce his extreme and dangerous position, and reaffirm American respect for human dignity and the rule of law. Gonzales' record is appalling. Prisoners of war from all nations have long been protected by the Geneva Conventions. In 2002, Gonzales wrote a memo to President Bush arguing the war on terror renders the Geneva Conventions "quaint" and "obsolete."
1] His radical legal reasoning opened the door to the terrible abuses at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay.
2] Even in light of this atrocity, Gonzales has never retracted or clarified what has come to be known as the secret "Torture Memo."

For more than a century, the U.S. has opposed the torture of prisoners through the Geneva Conventions and the U.N. Convention Against Torture. American law prohibits torture, allowing no exceptions whatsoever. Gonzales' argument gives President Bush, as commander in chief, the authority to sidestep laws passed by Congress. In so doing, he replaced the traditional notion of checks and balances with a presidential power more akin to that of a king. Torture isn't just immoral and illegal -- it's a strategic mistake that makes us all less safe. Responding to Gonzales' torture memo, Secretary of State Colin Powell wrote that ignoring the Geneva Conventions will "undermine the protections of the law of war for our troops." And by inciting anti-American hatred, torture bolsters the position of extremists and boosts terrorist recruitment, making the world less secure. Torture doesn't even work to find out about attacks before they happen, since people usually give falsified information to escape the pain.

As President Bush's chief legal adviser, Gonzales crafted means of evading the founding principle that the U.S. is a nation of laws, not of men. His infamous "Torture Memo" paved the way to Abu Ghraib, robbing America of international respect. Together, we can demand Gonzales renounce torture if he wishes to uphold the law as Attorney General of the United States.
Sign the petition at:
http://www.moveon.org/gonzales/

P.S. Thanks for your immense generosity to victims of the tsunami disaster. MoveOn members have raised over $2.6 million for Oxfam America's work in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. By giving, you became part of a worldwide groundswell that compelled governments to increase their giving -- resulting in a record total $2 billion pledged.

Footnotes:
1] Former Military Leaders Oppose Gonzales Nomination, Bloomberg News, January 3, 2005
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=632

2] Fresh Details Emerge on Harsh Methods at Guantanamo, New York Times, January 1, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/01/national/01gitmo.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ... Press Release From Robert Jereski Here In NYC ... Indonesian Military is Playing Politics with Aid US-Aceh groups rally at the UN calling for its leadership in disaster relief

Contact: ß Jessica Rucell, from the San Francisco Aceh Working Group 415.271.8393, ß Warzain, Founder, Acheh Center USA 717.343.1598 [warzain@yahoo.com], ß Robert Jereski, Coordinator, U.S. Coalition for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief in Aceh (USCETRA) 212.973.1782 [mutualaid@earthlink.net]

Demonstration on January 3rd, Ralph Bunche Park, 43 Street and 1st Ave. 1pm - 3pm
[New York] Acehnese and U.S. groups called on the United Nations to exercise leadership they declared essential for a coordinated, efficient and impartial relief effort in the tsunami-stricken region of Aceh. Condemning the Indonesian government's haphazard response they urged an international disaster relief operation to avoid a catastrophic increase in the death toll that had already claimed close to 100,000 lives in Aceh, Indonesia.

"The Indonesian civilian government and military is unable or unwilling to quickly distribute aid to all survivors of this disaster. The lack of disaster response coordination among ministries and the military is compounded by notoriously corrupt military and civilian institutions," said Robert Jereski, U.S. Coalition for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief in Aceh. "The Indonesian armed forces are continuing their military operations in Aceh and are frustrating the delivery of aid to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Rather than helping the people, in a number of areas the troops are intimidating villagers, scaring them away from their villages, looting their homes, and stealing food".

In an Associated Press report today, a military spokesman, Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki, acknowledged that operations against the rebels were continuing and that more troops were being sent to Aceh despite President of Indonesia Yudhoyono and Commander of the Indonesian military General Endriartono Sutarto ordering all military operations to cease. "We have to maintain security operations to prevent the rebels from attacking vital installations and relief operations," he said. The pro-independence Free Aceh Movement (GAM) declared a unilateral cease fire on December 27.

"The Indonesian military should immediately implement a cease fire so that aid can flow without restrictions to all effected areas irrespective of any perceived political affiliations. This humanitarian disaster goes beyond political divisions - it is about the survival of those left" Reyza Zain, Acheh Center, USA. "The Indonesian military is not coordinating relief operations; they are frustrating them. It is time for the international community to declare that this emperor has no clothes on."

The demonstrators urged the international community to demand that organizations with greater experience in disaster relief be given logistical authority. They requested that the coordination of relief efforts be overseen by the United Nations. "Water, food, and medicine must be delivered now instead of being stockpiled by the military. Without adequate nutrition we fear that they will succumb more readily to the mounting threat of disease and water contamination. If the relief effort in Aceh continues to be bottlenecked by administrative inefficiencies and skewed military priorities we could see the death toll rising to a million." said Robert Jereski, U.S. Coalition for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief in Aceh.

As of December 30, the estimated death toll in Aceh has exceeded 90,000, with the UN reporting over 1 million people needing food aid, making the region of Aceh the hardest hit by the tsunami disaster. Yet the Indonesian government has stalled and restricted international aid groups and volunteers from entering affected areas. Yesterday, the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Alwi Shihab admitted that for the first two days after the disaster, his government was at a loss of what to do. "That's a poor excuse. The international community was requesting access to Aceh from the get-go" said Robert Jereski, Director of the U.S. Coalition for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief in Aceh. "What's the excuse now for the restriction of access and the refusal to deliver food to hungry people outside the refugee camps?" "We are outraged by the continued fighting, while the people of Aceh are dying from starvation, contaminated water and widespread injuries", said Jessica Rucell, from the San Francisco Aceh Working Group.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Politicians hide themselves away. They only STARTED the war. Why should they go out into a fight? They leave that ALL to the poor. Black Sabbath, "War Pigs"

ITS A NEW YEAR AND FULL OF NOT SO HAPPY NEWS

TEN PRELIMINARY REASONS WHY THE BUSH VOTE DOES NOT COMPUTE, AND WHY CONGRESS MUST INVESTIGATE RATHER THAN CERTIFY THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE
Part One of Two
by Bob Fitrakis, Steve Rosenfeld & Harvey Wasserman [Columbus, OH Free Press]
http://www.commondreams.org.views05/0103-24.htm

BROKEN PROMISES
Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Pacific News Service
Though their response to the tsunami disaster has been admirable, wealthy nations have fallen behind in efforts to help fight poverty in the developing world.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20869/

BUSH VACATIONS - AGAIN
les payne, NY Newsday
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0102-03.htm

OUTSOURCING DETENTION
Joanne Mariner, FindLaw.com
Why is an American citizen being held without charges in Saudi Arabia? And why does the U.S. State Department seem to have a vested interest in keeping him there?
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20805/

OBJECTION SUSTAINED
Justin Ellis, Portland Press Herald
Maine soldier home from Afghanistan as Conscientious Objector.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0103-04.htm

NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER'S ANTI-SEMITISM
Tony Judt, The Nation
It's time to recognize that anti-Semitism has changed from what it used to be, even if it's difficult and painful to talk about.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/20829/

IN CONGRESS, WINS HARD TO MEASURE
Stephen Koff, Plain Dealer Bureau Chief
Passing bills not a fair test, experts say.
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/110474840320501.xml

"WHATEVER HAPPENED TO PEACE ON EARTH?"
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, AlterNet>Willie Nelson's song does not confuse peace with passivity or promote acquiescence to violence in the guise of championing democracy.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20867/

2004: YEAR OF PERVERSION
Lara Riscol, AlterNet
It was a year when conservatives made sexual perversion an art form.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20857/

THE 25 DUMBEST QUOTES OF 2004
Daniel Kurtzman, AlterNet
Outrageous spin, inane flubs and Bill O'Reilly trying to talk sexy -- all ready for consumption thanks to the>internets.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20852/

GEOLOGIST GAVE REPEATED ALERTS
Jonathan Leake, The Sunday Times [UK]
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1422669,00.html



ANOTHER IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ROBERT JERESKI ... Regarding Update On Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Operations
We are currently incorporating the U.S. Coalition for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief in Aceh, a non-profit, which will have a mission to assure the delivery of assistance to grassroots organizations conducting disaster/humanitarian relief operations. This organization will continue to exist after the current international interest in the welfare of Acehnese has subsided and will have contributed towards the building of local capacity to respond to on-going humanitarian crisis related to the conflict in Aceh. I will establish a bank account this Monday for this organization. I am willing also to bundle and forward smaller donations in order to avoid quite expensive wire transfer costs. For donations smaller than $500, please send via checks made out to "Robert Jereski" to:

2 Tudor City Place, Apt. 9AS
New York, NY 10017

We are exclusively funding the grassroots, as these organizations are the ones on which the U.N. and other international relief agencies depend and yet they are never funded appropriately or proportionately to their value. For example, while the U.N. and the Red Cross have received 10s of millions of dollars to provide relief, it was to one of our coalition members that the U.N. turned when drafting their OCHA situation report #7. There they did not quote the Red Cross or any other non-profit; they quoted Aceh Kita, one of our members which are grassroots, delivering aid and doing needs assessments on the ground. Also, when you consider funding, please consider that the international aid agencies have high overhead costs (rent, administration in high costs global north). These local organizations have low overhead and deliver much more value per donated dollar.



Below is the most recent (second) update from The Indonesian Civil Society Coalition for the Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami. The most recent OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) Situation Report No. 7 does not quote a single international NGO. The only NGO quoted is a local NGO in the coalition, Aceh Kita. This should be a sign of how credible and "on the ground" the work you are supporting is. Thank you for your support. It is critical. Please contact me if you would like to volunteer in the U.S., in Aceh, or elsewhere in Indonesia. Also, if you have contacts with S.E. Asian manufacturers of water purification systems, generators, or satellite phones or are willing to make an in-kind contribution of these to grassroots humanitarian relief operations in Indonesia, please contact me for further discussions. In Peace and Solidarity. . . . .

Robert Jereski
Director, U.S. Coalition for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief in Aceh
fmr. Exec. Dir. of the International Forum for Aceh
and fmr. candidate for U.S. Congress (Democratic challenger)
www.jereskiforcongress.com
212.973.1782

English Update 2: Refugee Spots, Site Status and Volunteer Dispatch
Jakarta, 30 December 2004
The Indonesian Civil Society Coalition for the Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami
Lhokseumawe

(Information received from Ibrahim, 30 Dec 2004, 12.44 PM)
There are 15 more identified refugee spots in Lhokseumawe with approx. 30,000 people. Most of these areas are dealing with shortages of basic food and a lack of sanitation including a large number of unburied dead bodies.

(Information received from Budi Arianto, 30 December 2004, 08.30 AM)
There are still 257 dead bodies uncollected on the streets of Tanah Pasir. The health condition of survivors is beginning to decline with the occurence of skin diseases and diarrhea. No medical teams have reached the area. Requirements: to bury corpses as soon as possible (body bags, white shroud cloths, protective gloves and masks); clothing; tents; medicines (for wounds, chlidren, cholera and dysentery treatment); blankets; stoves; water and food, baby milk and baby food; water containers, trucks to transport bodies to burial places.

(Information received via YAPPIKA)
Several sub-districts, such as Banda Sakti, Muara Dua, Dewantara, Matang Kuli, have been accessed, however very few crisis centers have been set up. Road access to Dewantara Sub-district from Northern Aceh is open to trucks and containers.

(Information received from Budi Arianto, 30 December 2004)
43,000 dead bodies is the latest official count from local authorities while only 7,000 of them have been buried. There are five crisis centers run by students, the Indonesian Red Cross, and the Indonesian Army respectively. Access by land to Banda Aceh is possible with difficulty by trucks and buses.

Our Jakarta crisis center based in the WALHI-Foe Indonesia office have so far dispatched a total of 37 volunteers to Banda Aceh and North Sumatera on Thursday, 30 December 2004. The teams dispatched comprise of doctors, paramediks, and students with knowledge of survival and Search and Rescue techniques.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... We are not hated because we practice democracy, value freedome or uphold human rights. We are hated because our government denies these things to people in Third World countries whose resources are coveted by our multinational corporations. That hatred we have sown has come back to haunt us in the form of terrorism and in the future, nuclear terrorism. Robert Bowman, Vietnam Veteran [The National Catholic Reporter, October 2, 1998]

ASIAN $$ - PRINCE NEIL BUSH GETS MEDIA PROTECTION
Evelyn Pringle, Independent Media TV
Once upon a time Prince Neil Bush was making money hand-over-fist over in China and Taiwan and nobody even seemed to notice. When it comes to influence peddling by presidential relatives, nothing comes close to the financial activities of Neil Bush. But the comical part of this whole story is that with the media asleep at the wheel during the Bush presidency, Neil’s deals may have remained a secret for life if not for his equally shady violations of his marital vows, and his attempt to dump the wife and keep all the money for himself.
http://www.independent-media.tv/item.cfm?fmedia_id=10173&fcategory_desc=Top%20Stories%20Ignored%20By%20U.S.%20Media

BUSH BUMBLES DISASTER RELIEF
by Matthew Rothschild, The Progressive
But $35 million is a paltry sum when you consider the U.S. budget is $2 trillion and when you consider the crying need for emergency aid right now. It’s also a paltry sum in comparison to the $13 billion that went to Florida for hurricane relief, but that was during the election season, and Sri Lankans and Indonesians and Indians don’t vote here.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1231-09.htm

GIANT TSUNAMI STRIKES & BUSH GOES AWOL FOR THREE DAYS
Commentary by Ralph Nader
When the Iraq-obsessed Bush finally emerged from his ranch in Crawford, Texas, the assistance sum was upped to $35 million (little Spain is giving $68 million). Bush, bristling before public criticism of his belated mini-start, did what he usually does. He hid behind the American people. “We’re a very generous, kind-hearted nation,” he declared. It is not the American peoples’ generosity we’re worried about, Mr. Bush, it is your failed leadership to take the helm of the world’s relief effort. Great humanitarian missions are historic opportunities to bring the best out of our country and its people as they rush to the aid of the innocents. The victims—both residents and tourists—came from 40 countries.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1231-01.htm