by Arianna Huffington
August 16, 2005
At the beginning of this month, I wrote on the HuffPost that I was all in favor of President Bush's vacation plans. But two weeks into his Crawford holiday, I'm rethinking my position. What's changed? A number of things, starting with Cindy Sheehan, who has brought the reality of the Iraq war to the president's doorstep. Let's just say he's not dealing with that reality very well. Fishing, going on two-hour bike rides, clearing brush, taking in a Little League ball game (to say nothing of raking in millions at a GOP fundraiser) all take on a different hue when juxtaposed with the harsh truth that Sheehan represents: We are at war. A war that continues to claim the lives of young American men and women. A war that, even if you are completely in favor of it, is not going well. The latest setback: the administration's desperate effort to dress up a budding theocracy in democracy's clothes hit a major snag with word that the Iraq National Assembly had been forced to extend the deadline for drafting a new constitution because of huge differences over the division of oil money, the role of religion, and the status of women.
How bad is the situation there? Barham Salih, Iraq's minister of planning and development, tried to look at the bright side of things by saying, "We are failing to reach compromises. But we are not killing each other." You know things are in trouble when the good news is that the Founding Fathers of the New Iraq are not blowing each other to bits. Too bad the same cannot be said for the insurgents targeting our troops and ordinary Iraqis. Yes, Cindy Sheehan is merely a symbol of the Iraq debacle. But presidents are symbols too. And symbols matter -- especially in a time of war. And projecting an image of total disconnection to what is going on in Iraq -- and the pain it is causing here at home, as well as the precious resources it is consuming -- is a very disturbing message for Bush to be sending. I'm not suggesting that he adopt Jimmy Carter's Rose Garden strategy or spend his every waking hour in the White House situation room. But kicking back on the ranch -- and ignoring Sheehan and all she represents – is definitely not the appropriate response.
But there's another reason I now think it's time for the president to cut his vacation short: judging from his recent comments, he clearly has too much time on his hands -- and has been spending it reading touchy-feely women's magazines and watching Dr. Phil and Tony Robbins. "I think the people want the president to be in a position to make good, crisp decisions and to stay healthy," he said when asked about opting to ride his bike instead of meeting with Sheehan. "And part of my being is to be outside exercising." Part of his being? Too bad all that healthy exercise didn't keep his being from making the bad, soggy decision to actually say these things out loud. And there was more: "I'm mindful of what goes on around me. On the other hand, I'm also mindful that I've got a life to live and will do so." Dead soldiers, grieving mothers, and suffering Iraqis be damned.
The president also let us know that it's important for him "to keep a balanced life." Well, I'm all for balance -- we Greeks invented it. But it seems the presidential equilibrium has gone way out of whack. To regain his footing he needs to re-connect to the crisis in Iraq, give Cindy Sheehan a few minutes of his time, and get the hell out of Crawford. Show us you're willing to make a sacrifice in a time of war, Mr. President -- even if that just means cutting your vacation a little short. Those of us who are mindful of what is really going on around us -- not to mention several thousand miles away in Iraq -- will appreciate the crispness of that decision.
POEM OF THE DAY - "The Past"
by Percy Bysshe Shelley [1792 - 1822]
Wilt thou forget the happy hours
Which we buried in Love's sweet bowers,
Heaping over their corpses cold
Blossoms and leaves instead of mould?
Blossoms which were the joys that fell,
And leaves, the hopes that yet remain.
Forget the dead, the past? Oh yet
There are ghosts that may take revenge for it;
Memories that make the heart a tomb,
Regrets which glide through the spirits gloom,
And with ghastly whispers tell
That joy, once lost, is pain.
CURRENT NEWS ON THE NORMAN SIEGEL NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE CAMPAIGN
That's the Way You Debate! All of us who've ever heard Norman speak know just how eloquent and passionate he is. Now's the time of year when he gets to share that energy with the voters who may not know him yet. Today, Norman taped the first of three televised debate conversations leading up to the primary. The incumbent decided not to show up, but Norman still got the opportunity to discuss important issues with opponents Jay Golub and Andrew Rasiej. The first, an informal "conversation," will air Sunday morning at 10am on channel 7-WABC. The next two debates will be officially sponsored by the Campaign Finance Board. Here's the full TV schedule:
* Sunday, August 21, 10am, Ch. 7 (ABC)
* Tuesday, August 23, 7pm, Ch. 1 (NY1)
* Sunday, August 28, 6am, Ch. 4 (NBC)
Norman's Got Rhythm ... Local 802 http://www.local802afm.org/, the largest local union of professional musicians in the world, has added to the beat of Norman's campaign. "We are pleased to support Norman because of his track record as a fighter for workers' rights and a steadfast defender of free speech and free expression," said David Lennon, President of Local 802. 802's members play in the orchestra at Lincoln Center, in the Broadway pit, and in the city's many clubs. They are also teaching artists and recording musicians. "It's great to have 802 on-board the campaign," said Norman, a doo-wop aficionado. "I'm ready to fight for their rights and to make sure that New York City remains the live music capital of the world."
Three More Clubs Say Yes to Siegel ... Norman's campaign continues to show its grassroots strength, as evidenced by three recent endorsements from Democratic clubs. "I'm excited by the energy and support that's coming from people across the city," said Siegel. "We're ready for the final four weeks of the campaign." The http://the504democraticclub.org/ 504 Democratic Club, the first Democratic club focusing on disability rights, chose Norman because of his approach to the office. According to 504's Website, Gotbaum "has had no active presence in our community since she was elected. In contrast, Siegel views the office in a much stronger advocacy role. Given his record of vigorous support of those in the margins of society, he lends much promise to being an effective advocate for disability issues." http://www.outpocpac.org/ OutPOCPAC, the out people of color political action club, also recently endorsed Norman. According to OutPOCPAC's Co-President Gerald Cabrera, the group not only "considered a candidate's achievements but also their aspirations and vision for the City." The Bronx-based Committee of 100 Democrats also gave Norman the nod.
DC 37 Endorses Norman Siegel's Campaign ... Norman Siegel's campaign to replace incumbent Betsy Gotbaum as New York City Public Advocate received another boost today when District Council 37 handed Norman its endorsement. Siegel's candidacy for Public Advocate "best represents the interests of our members and of ALL New Yorkers," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. Roberts vowed that DC 37 would put "all of its resources and institutional power" behind its slate. For Siegel it is both politically and personally significant. "The members and leadership of DC 37 represent a true cross-section of New Yorkers-121,000 strong; they are a diverse and dynamic force in our communities. I am honored to receive their support," said Siegel. "My late mother was a DC 37 member, so this endorsement has very special meaning for me personally." Want to get involved in one of the most exciting New York campaigns of the year? We'd love to have you. Get involved immediately, you can also contact Elana at 212-686-3911.
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression. H.L. Mencken
LATEST IMPORTANT & INSPIRING MESSAGE FROM OHIO'S PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT -CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH
I'm hopeful that more and more people across America will continue to open up their hearts and contemplate what this war is doing to America's families and what it is doing to innocent civilians in Iraq, as well. When I saw the response of the people of Brook Park and of people everywhere, I'm aware that emotions are very raw at this moment, and we have to be very sensitive to the suffering that people are experiencing; particularly people who have lost loved ones. But sooner or later, we come to a point where we say, "How can we stop more losses from occurring?" And I think we're reaching that point.House Joint Resolution 55 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:h.j.res.00055 is a bipartisan resolution where we bring together Democrats and Republicans, alike, for the purposes of asking - of requiring - the Administration to give us a plan. Give us a plan which, by the end of the year, tells us how America is going to exit from Iraq and to set that plan in motion by October of 2006.
There are some who worry that we're going to be in Iraq for 10-20 years or longer. Frankly, there is reason to be concerned about that because the United States has built several new military bases in Iraq, and our country has already spent upwards of $300 billion on the war. We have to ask ourselves, "With so many pressing needs in this country, are we prepared to sacrifice the treasure of our youth and the wealth of our nation to create an uncertain future for the people of Iraq," or do we link up again with the world community and find a way to create new circumstances? H.J. Res. 55 is actually about that question.
This is a time for us to reflect. It's also a time for us to get ready to act. As you know, I've spent the last year in the House of Representatives working every day to challenge the war; working every day to find a way to bring our troops home; working every day to address the broader issues of the amount of resources we're putting into a military buildup while this country absolutely is neglecting the health care needs of its people and the educational needs; while our Administration is looking at trying to privatize Social Security. I've been there every step of the way in continuing the challenge; in pointing the path towards a better way. But I can't do it alone. I need your support.
You know, in the presidential campaign, we had people from all over the country contribute and make it possible for us to run a creditable campaign, to be able to gather delegates from around the country. And I did it because you helped me raise, essentially, about $13 million. We need to keep our fundraising efforts going so that our outreach can continue; so that we can keep working for a Department of Peace; so that we can keep working for withdrawal from Iraq; so that we can keep working for a new role for America in the world, where we're not taking on the world, where we reconcile with the world; so we can keep working to protect Social Security; so we can keep working to have a universal single-payer not-for-profit health care plan; so we can keep working for universal pre-kindergarten. There are so many goals that we all have and that we share in common. And you ask what you can do? You can help by participating in our web site, "Insight and Action," finding out what tools exist to help you become more of an activist. But also, you can help financially http://www.kucinich.us/contribute/. So, again, I'm appealing to you. Help us help you, and help us help this country and the world. Help me do the work that I came to Congress to do: to help make this a better country and a better world.
I want to tell you how grateful I am for your ongoing support. You've made it possible for me to reach deeply into every area of this nation. You made it possible for me to be a spokesperson on your behalf. Make it possible for me to continue to do that work. Go to our web site again at http://www.kucinich.us and click on the button that says "Contributions" http://www.kucinich.us/contribute/ and help us further our work here. I look forward to joining you in your own community. Don't hesitate to send us an e-mail http://www.kucinich.us/contact/, inviting me to come and speak to any of the groups in your community. Let's keep broadening our work: the work of rebuilding America - emotionally, politically, and spiritually. It is a long haul, admittedly, but it's one that I'm dedicated to. And I know you are, too. Let's work together. Let's create new possibilities. Let's move forward with faith and hope and with courage.
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