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]
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