LIBERAL NEWS TO START OFF YOUR WEEKEND

Dying For Nixon, Dying For Bush
Paul Rogat Loeb
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0425-20.htm

Mike McCurry & the Hostile Takeover of the Democratic Party
David Sirota
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0425-33.htm

ON PATRIOTISM
Ernest Partridge, Co-Editor, The Crisis Papers http://www.crisispapers.org/Editorials/patriotism.htm

BUSH'S IMPERIAL PRESIDENCY
Jim Hightower, Hightower Lowdown
The Bush administration has pushed hard for limitless powers to spy on, imprison and torture American citizens in the name of 'security.' Is this really what America stands for?
http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/35040/

IMPEACHING BUSH, STATE BY STATE
Evan Derkacz, AlterNet
Taking advantage of 'Jefferson's Revenge,' state legislatures have brought impeachment much closer to reality.
http://www.alternet.org/story/35467/

FDA PLAYS POLITICS WITH POT
Michelle Chen, The NewStandard
Last week's ludicrous governmental report, which denied the efficacy of medical marijuana, is the Bush administration's latest attempt to divorce science from policy.
http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/35466/

PAIN AT THE PUMP: WHO'S GOUGING WHO?
Center for American Progress
The president has spent the last few years complacently watching prices climb at the pump while his oil buddies strike it rich.
http://www.alternet.org/story/35472/

BLAME EVERYONE BUT THE CULPRIT
Jan Frel, AlterNet
With gas prices at an all-time high, Democrats, Republicans and President Bush are all quick to point blame. But they're ignoring the biggest offender: all of us.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/35464/

GREED, ENVY AND THE ESTATE TAX
Sean Gonsalves, AlterNet
Aspiring aristocrats think that taxing the wealthy is punishment –but individual wealth is impossible without the labor and ideas of others.
http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/35462/

The Ten Worst Corporations of 2005
Mokhiber & Weissman
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0425-21.htm

QUOTE OF THE DAY … A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lau-Tzu

KUCINICH SPEAKS OUT AGAINST HOUSE BILL THAT LAYS THE GROUND WORK FOR WAR AGAINST IRAN – Leads House Opposition to HR282
Washington DC, April 26
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=42687

KUCINICH: HOUSE REJECTS COMMON SENSE AMENDMENTS TO INTELLIGENCE BILL
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=42688

MESSAGE FROM THE JONATHAN TASINI - NEW YORK SENATE CAMPAIGN - Three Important Endorsements

In the last two weeks, three New York chapters of the Progressive Democratsof America have made their choice in the U.S. Senate campaign: Jonathan Tasini For Senate. The three chapters--in Ithaca, Albany and the chapter covering the 14th Congressional District--are the first three PDA chapters to make their choice in this important race. All have chosen a real progressive Democrat whose campaign is growing every day. We are honored to have the support of PDA members. These endorsements are swelling the ranks of our grassroots campaign, which touches cities and towns throughout the state. Here's a bit from the Ithaca chapter's endorsement announcement:

"The members of Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America enthusiastically endorse Jonathan Tasini for U.S. Senate. Tasini, former President of the National Writers Union, is running on a platform supporting universal health care ("Medicare for All"); immediate withdrawal of US forces from Iraq; a Fair Trade policy that ensures environmental protections and workers' rights; and a massive national effort to invest in alternative energy. In June, Tasini supporters will be petitioning to ensure him a place on the ballot in the September Democratic primary vote for US Senate. Not a single member of Ithaca PDA voted for incumbent Sen. Hillary Clinton. Her record of enabling the war policies of the Bush/Cheney administration has been deeply disappointing to those of us who had hoped she might be a progressive Senator."

Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the coming days!

And in the meantime, if you want to give even more meaning to the PDA endorsements, back it up with a donation to the Tasini campaign by going towww.tasinifornewyork.org/donate This is our progressive New York: please give today going towww.tasinifornewyork.org/donate Then please send this request to your mailing list and ask that they give a $100 minimum donation. Thank you, from all of us, for all you do for the campaign.

Neil Young’s New Song - “Let’s Impeach the President”
[Duchess Note - Bravo Mr Young, you are a very patriotic dude.]

Let’s impeach the president for lying
And leading our country into war
Abusing all the power that we gave him
And shipping all our money out the door

He’s the man who hired all the criminals
The White House shadows who hide behind closed doors
And bend the facts to fit with their new stories
Of why we have to send our men to war

Let’s impeach the president for spying
On citizens inside their own homes
Breaking every law in the country
By tapping our computers and telephones

What if Al Qaeda blew up the levees
Would New Orleans have been safer that way
Sheltered by our government’s protection
Or was someone just not home that day?

Let’s impeach the president
For hijacking our religion and using it to get elected
Dividing our country into colors
And still leaving black people neglected

Thank god he’s cracking down on steroids
Since he sold his old baseball team
There’s lot of people looking at big trouble
But of course the president is clean
Thank God

The Vitalogy of Pearl Jam - After a Four-Year Recording Hiatus The Long-Awaited Eighth Album from the Seattle Band Proves They Can Still Rock
http://www.dailyvanguard.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/24/444d290c3cafa
By Brian Smith, Daily Vanguard

SHARPE STILL CUTS IT
The Sunday Times [UK]
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22877-2139473.html

Imagine A Woman
by Patricia Lynn Reilly

Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is woman.
A woman who honors her experience and tells her stories.
Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.

Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself.
A woman who listens to her needs and desires.
Who meets them with tenderness and grace.

Imagine a woman who acknowledges the past's influence on the present.
A woman who has walked through her past.
Who has healed into the present.

Imagine a woman who authors her own life.
A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf.
Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice.

Imagine a woman who names her own gods.
A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness.
Who designs a personal spirituality to inform her daily life.

Imagine a woman in love with her own body.
A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is.
Who celebrates her body's rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.

Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body.
A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom.
Who refuses to use her life-energy disguising the changes in her body and life.

Imagine a woman who values the women in her life.
A woman who sits in circles of women.
Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.
Imagine yourself as this woman. . . . .

Ithaca PDA Endorses Jonathan Tasini for U.S. Senate
www.pdamerica.org
Ithaca, NY, April 14, 2006

The members of Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America enthusiastically endorse Jonathan Tasini for U.S. Senate. Tasini, former President of the National Writers Union, is running on a platform supporting universal health care ("Medicare for All"); immediate withdrawal of US forces from Iraq; a Fair Trade policy that ensures environmental protections and workers' rights; and a massive national effort to invest in alternative energy.

In June, Tasini supporters will be petitioning to ensure him a place on the ballot in the September 12th Democratic primary vote for U.S. Senate. Not a single member of Ithaca PDA voted for incumbent Senator Hillary Clinton. Her record of enabling the war policies of the Bush/Cheney administration has been deeply disappointing to those of us who had hoped she might be a progressive Senator. PDA members are very pleased to be able to support Jonathan Tasini, who stands for the values and policies that most New Yorkers want to see advocated for in the U.S. Senate. Members of our group spoke highly of Jonathan's gifts, from his ability to think on his feet when being questioned at a public town hall meeting, to his personal warmth in one-on-one encounters with people, to his courage in speaking out for a more effective approach to resolving the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

Jonathan Tasini has the qualities it will take to be effective in challenging the incumbent junior Senator in the September primary, and to lead the US Senate and our country in a more progressive direction. Tasini's campaign slogan is one that former Senator Paul Wellstone used: Vote for what you believe in. Please go to www.tasinifornewyork.org for more information.

[DUCHESS NOTE - Recently jumped onboard [as a volunteer] the Tasini for NY Senate campaign. (Thank you Paul for informing me of this important campaign & progressive Democrat who's anti-war.) Met Jonathan Tasini during a "phone banking" session on Friday evening, April 21st. Unfortunately, we didn't get to engage in serious conversation on the issues, mostly light conversation. Overall I have to say he is quite a personable man and not aloof like some politicians. More on this evening event in next "personal news" update.]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - "Tasini Waits For No Man"
New York Observer
April 10, 2006
http://www.tasinifornewyork.org/node/203

GRUNGE GODS PEARL JAM MADE UP FOR LOST TIME RECENTLY WITH THEIR FIRST UK SHOW IN SIX YEARS
by Louise Compton, Sun Online
And what a performance! Playing to a sold-out audience at London's famed Astoria venue, the legendary Seattle rockers belted out hit after hit from the group's extensive back-catalogue stretching almost 15 years. With the hype surrounding the gig, no support act confirmed and a rumoured three-hour time-slot to fill, it was never going to be an average show. In fact, thanks to the band's famously avid UK fan base, tickets for the one-off gig sold out within minutes of going on sale and were soon being flogged on eBay for up to £600!

Launching straight into Worldwide Suicide, from their forthcoming album, frontman Eddie Vedder and guitarist Mike McCready unleashed the band's trademark sound with full force. It wasn't long before they were cranking out classics from the group's 1991 album Ten - a major highlight was Even Flow, which was unimaginably powerful live. From Vitology came Better Man, which saw the audience almost drowning out Vedder's vocals, much to the singer's delight. Other highlights were Do The Evolution and Given To Fly from the group's 1998 record Yield. After just an hour Pearl Jam left the stage ahead of two extended encores, the finale being a mind-blowing performance of the group's biggest hit Alive. When Mike McCready's famous guitar solo echoed The Astoria's rafters, a 1,400-strong audience went absolutely wild. It's rare to be at a gig where the *entire* audience is stark raving mad about the band but last night was definitely an exception. Bring on the next album!

FORREST GUMP'S EVIL TWIN
Stephen Pizzo, News for Real
America at large is starting to realize -- finally -- that president Bush is exactly as stupid as he looks, sounds and acts.
http://www.alternet.org/story/35238/

WON'T STOP FOR NOTHING
Kristina Rizga, WireTap
Author Jeff Chang talks about hip-hop and politics, lessons learned in youth organizing and why so many still fail to notice how politically engaged today's youth are.
http://www.alternet.org/wiretap/35077/

Where's The Democratic Leadership On Iran?
http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/007410.php
by Steve Soto

As Security Council members failed to agree on how to proceed in dealing with Iran today, and as Bush rattled the saber some more, Raw Story amplifies my concerns from Sunday that the Democrats are adopting the ostrich approach once again. According to Raw Story, most Democrats avoid talking about Iran, and some stupidly assuage their concerns by saying incredibly that Bush would never win congressional approval for a strike against that country.
Jesus Christ morons, what makes you think that he would even ask Congress for such authority in the first place? Have the Democrats in congress learned nothing these last three years? If you are not speaking up now, laying down markers and putting the Administration on notice that this will not be a replay of Iraq, then the Democrats will get bitch-slapped again, plain and simple.

It appears that only Jane Harman is speaking up about the questionable intelligence she has seen so far. Thankfully Representatives Dennis Kucinich and Peter DeFazio have written letters to Bush reminding him that he needs congressional authorization to start a war with Iran, but aside from these three, not one senator or member of the Senate or House Democratic leadership has been particularly visible on Iran.

I can understand a hesitancy to undercut Bush as he tries to threaten Iran into diplomacy, but that shouldn't stop Democrats from commenting publicly on the higher bar that the administration has to cross because of its lies about Iraq. And that shouldn't stop more Representatives and Senators from reminding Bush publicly that he doesn't have the authority to wage covert action inside Iran or move preemptively without congressional briefings and approvals.

QUOTE OF THE DAY … There is a pleasure in the pathless woods. Lord Byron

RECIPE FOR HOLY WAR: ADD TWO NUT JOBS AND STIR
By Beth Quinn
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0417-32.htm

INTERVIEW WITH LINDA ZOBLOTSKY
Peace Journalism - Independent Magazine Website
[Duchess Note - Linda is a NYC Kucitizen now living in TX]
http://peacejournalism.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=8502

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Life is what you make it, always has been, always will be. Grandma Moses

In Pursuit of Justice, In Search of Peace
John Nichols
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0416-26.htm

KUCINICH DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM ADMINISTRATION ABOUT US TROOPS IN “IRAN” – Sends Letter to the President
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0414-06.htm

OHIO CONGRESSMAN DENNIS J. KUCINICH SPEAKS OUT
In the debate, when Congress was considering authorizing the President to take action as a result of the events on September 11th, I stated then that we should not let the terrorists win. How do terrorists win? Terrorists win by forcing changes in the constitutional structure of a nation. Terrorists win by forcing a retrenchment of the basic rights to free speech, rights of association, right of due process, and many other rights. The terrorists win when there is a climate of fear created in a nation, and then is accentuated by government pronouncements.

America has a right to, and must defend itself. And I voted for that. But, as I said in my speech, we in the Congress have a responsibility to monitor the conduct of the administration and the conduct of its response. It's a Constitutional duty we cannot walk away from. We are a co-equal branch of government. People sometimes forget that. http://www.buzzflash.com/interviews/2002/04/02_Congressman_Kucinich.html

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM BEN COHEN AT TRUEMAJORITY WEBSITE
Lots of TrueMajority members have written in to say that they'd willingly pay taxes for a better healthcare system, stronger schools, or other parts of a just, effective government. But we've come up with a simple, straightforward way to show where most of the money really goes. Check it out at: http://www.truemajority.org/oreos

The good news is that there's a move starting in Congress to put less of our taxes into nuclear missiles and Cold War weapons designed to fight the Soviet Union -- and more into those positive things you've asked for. It's called the "Common Sense Budget Act,"2 and TrueMajority members are working all this year to build support for it across the country. Here's a really easy way you can help spread the word. Just forward this mail around, so more people find out where their taxes go and what other citizens are doing about it.

In New Orleans, a Big Green Opportunity is Wasted, Environmentalists Say
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0413-10.htm

British Officer Jailed over Iraq Refusal
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0413-09.htm

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Wherever books will be burned, men also, in the end, are burned. Heinrich Heine

IMPORTANT MESSAGE AND PETITION - Care2 and ThePetitionSite team
In wars and armed conflicts world-wide, more than 90 percent of casualties are civilians, and half of them children. Sign the Peace Voter Pledge - because we cannot continue to support candidates that will not work to bring about a speedy and prompt resolution to the war in Iraq ... http://go.care2.com/e/Ju6/ke/BhwO

As the war becomes more deadly, costly and counter productive each day, a growing majority of citizens want to see a change of course in Iraq and U.S. foreign policies that better reflect American values. With mid-term elections approaching the occupation of Iraq and other key foreign policy issues are certain to be at the forefront of the electoral debate. We must demand our elected officials put their commitment to a more responsible foreign policy for our country on the record. We'll do this by making peace the top priority in 2006. This November, let's hold Congress accountable to the rising tide ofpublic opinion that's urging an end to the war in Iraq and a new direction for U.S. relations with the world. Become a Peace Voter today: http://go.care2.com/e/Ju6/ke/BhwO

The Reporter Whose Scoops Give the Bush Administration Sleepless Nights
Seymour Hersh
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0414-08.htm

US Fast Foods Get Supersized Fat
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0414-06.htm

PERSONAL NEWS #91
Tuesday, March 28th, I had an appointment with a new lung specialist [ie: Dr Raoof] for a second opinion on my "situation". Apparently I have in my right lung a mild case of [MAI] Mycobacterium Avium Intercellulare. Apparently it has no connection with 9/11 and more to do with drinking water contaminants. This doctor and his staff were much more thorough with regards to examination and listening to me. He even showed me the catscan of my lungs and explained it all to me. I have another appointment with Dr Raoof in early May and then it’ll be decided what treatment is required. Stay tuned………

On Saturday, April 1st, attended the quarterly "New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace" core team planning day and one of the things we celebrated was becoming incorporated. You betcha, we are now official. WooHoo! I arrived abit late to the “planning day”, as I was feeling ill that morning, and felt better as day progressed. Whew! When I arrived only part of the “core team” was there, but already into full, totally jazzed discussions. No wonder with an abundance of champagne and chocolate cake to celebrate, who wouldn’t be. [Smiling] Those attending the planning day were Joe, Kevin, Carol, Coco, Karen, Liz, Marianne, Priscilla and me. As we progressed with discussions, suggestions, ideas and brainstorming we nibbled on delicious goodies brought by everyone. I contributed my homemade brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Throughout the “planning” I took notes, which I typed up that weekend and emailed to those who attended. Main topics were on Gandhi, Sept 11th, peace groups and media. The day was very productive and a lot of fun. I really enjoy being with this group of people and feel so blessed.

QUOTE OF THE DAY … Life is but a journey, death is returning home. Chinese Proverb

Wednesday, April 5th, attended the Democracy for NYC linkup in the East Village of Manhattan. It was held at a bar on East 11th Street. [Apparently the Williamsburg & East Village DFNYC linkups are now being combined.] Six of us were in attendance which included Ben and Tracy. Our meeting started with a lengthy discussion on the recent abortion ban in South Dakota. If one wants to sign up with the "South Dakota Project" go to http://www.dfnyc.org. We need to oppose, plus repeal this horrible ban, which would deign South Dakota woman any pro-choice/health issue rights. None! This isn't progress, its turning the clock back by 40 years. This is appalling! There are active DFA groups in every state except for South Dakota and that must change. Another topic of intense discussion centered on "Stop the War in Iraq". We need to lobby congress members who are most likely to sign a "discharge petition" for House Res. 543 in consideration of H.J.Res 55. This is another major important issue. NYC Congressmen we need to lobby the hardest ... Ackerman, Engel, Weiner and Serrano. We need more Americans to get OFF their collective buttocks and become part of activism. I've been "active & involved" since February 15, 2003. This new focus in my life has been an amazing learning curve and very enriching. I AM on the right path and have been so fortunate in meeting some terrific folk over last 3 years. Bless you all!

On Sunday, April 9th, I went on a date with Greg, who lives near my parents in upstate NY. [We’ve been conversing via phone for more than a week.] Greg took a 2 1/2 hour Amtrak ride down to NYC. We met up at 1pm in Hotel Penn and I saw him off at Penn Station around 9:30pm. We stopped by my office; so that I could put the flowers he gave me into a vase, and then took a taxi to Metropolitan Museum of Art. [Flowers are still fresh looking & so lovely.] We ate brunch at the Petrie Court and then saw the Pharaoh Queen Hatshepsut exhibit. Both were very enjoyable. Greg loves ancient history just like me. Then another taxi ride to Central Park South and a horse/carriage ride in Central Park. [Photo below of Greg and me on our carriage ride, along with a photo of our driver and Silver the horse.]


[Last time I took a carriage ride was 20 years ago with Mom.] From there up to West 71st Street to hangout at Café la Fortuna and nibble on dessert. I showed him the Dakota and Strawberry Fields. Finally ended the evening, before he had to catch his train, at an Italian restaurant/bar for drinks. All day long we talked on many different topics from politics to music to family. We did some kissing before he boarded his train. Very nice! I like him and I think he likes me too.

Message from Peace Alliance & Dept of Peace Campaign - Action Alert - Iran: Uranium Enrichment
The breaking news is that Iran is reported to be enriching uranium and that the U.S. government is displeased with the direction that Iran is moving in. At this time of impending crisis, we call upon all Department of Peace supporters to contact your representatives and senators in Congress and the White House with the following message:

1. We know that going to war will only make things worse and that violence will not resolve the conflict.
2. Therefore, I do not support violence as an approach to resolving this conflict with Iran.
3. What I do support is for the United States to work in cooperation and partnership with the international community to utilize existing conflict transformation and peace building tools and processes to resolve this conflict.
4. Further, I urge you, as my representative, to support legislation currently in the House and Senate (H.R. 3760 and S. 1756) for a U.S. Department of Peace, which will employ, in a systematic way and as a matter of course, the range of proven conflict transformation and peace building tools that are already available to us in the resolution of future such conflicts.
Send a message to your elected officials:

http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/peacealliance/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=3384

[Central Park in NYC on a lovely, sunny spring day in April 2006 ... looking towards the posh homes/co-ops on Fifth Avenue ... Photo by Greg B]


THREE CHEERS FOR LIBERAL NEWS

Democracy Be Damned - Republicans Need Another War
Thom Hartmann
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0411-20.htm

Situation in Iraq Could Not be Worse
Patrick Cockburn
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0411-21.htm

FAKE NEWS IS NO JOKE
Danny Schechter, MediaChannel.org
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/34823/

FULL FORCE FILMMAKING
Jyllian Gunther, Kevin Greer, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/movies/34827/

QUOTE OF THE DAY … My friends have made the story of my life. Helen Keller

IRS Privacy Nightmare
Peter Rothberg
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0411-22.htm

Out From the Shadows
Juan Gonzalez
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0411-23.htm

Stop Bush Before he Attacks Iran
Jesse Jackson
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0411-24.htm

'L'etat, C'est Moi': Bush Declares Himself Above the Law -- Has the First American Dictatorship Already Arrived?
Geov Parrish
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0410-36.htm

Attack Iran? Yes He Would
Paul Krugman
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0410-26.htm

Iraq and the Legacy of Abraham
James Carroll
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0410-27.htm

Why Iraq Was a Mistake
Lieut. General Greg Newbold
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0410-20.htm

Pro-Immigrant Marches Surging Nation
Marc Cooper
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0410-31.htm

Important Message From Care2 & ThePetitionTeam - Media Giants To Privatize Internet - Tell Them NO
You think the Internet will always be the great freewheeling information superhighway you've grown to love? Well, think again. Media giants want to privatize our Internet. Take Action! http://go.care2.com/e/JpE/Jv/BhwO

Network neutrality is the principle that Internet users should be able to access any web content or applications they choose without restrictions or limitations imposed by their Internet service provider. For example, if you are shopping for a new appliance online you should be able to shop on any and all websites, not just the ones with whom your provider has a preferred business relationship. Now, corporate interests want to violate the principle of network neutrality in order to increase their own profit margins. They must not be allowed to destroy the free and open culture of the web! http://go.care2.com/e/JpE/Jv/BhwO

Telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon are lobbying Congress for the right to control where you go on the Internet, how fast you get there, and how much you pay for the service. In other words, your favorite’s websites and blogs might be left in the slow lane of the information superhighway. Our first step is to send a strong message now to the big industry execs. Tell them that the principle of net neutrality needs to be honored, and that Internet service providers (ISPs) should not play gatekeepers! http://go.care2.com/e/JpE/Jv/BhwO

QUOTE OF THE DAY … Nature never repeats herself, and the possibilities of one human soul will never be found in another. Elizabeth Cady Stanton

PHONE-JAMMING RECORDS POINT TO WHITE HOUSE
by Larry Margasak, Associated Press
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0411-01.htm

PEACE PROCESS NEEDED IN NEPAL
by Kamala Sarup, Peace Journalism
http://peacejournalism.com

PERSONAL NEWS #90
On Saturday, March 18th, Jackie came over for LOTRs movie night. [I'd also invited Linda and Becca, but sadly they had prior commitments.] For dinner I had prepared BBQ chicken, veggie/pasta salad, wine and carrot cake style cupcakes. Before watching the theatrical version of LOTRs "Return of the King", Jackie filled me in on her apartment situation. [She was homeless for 3 nights & rode the subways before going to work. Good heavens!] It was such a stressful, horrible week for her, but thankfully all has been set straight and she is in a new abode. Amen! We noshed on the goodies while watching ROTK and making funny comments throughout the film. Before she left to head back to her new apartment, I asked her about immigration and housing lawyers. [Jackie works for a criminal lawyer in Brooklyn.] My landlady is having troubles with the jackasses in the apartment above me and would like to evict them. [Well, only three of them, not the fourth.] These people are rude, noisy, not adhering to the lease and in this country illegally. They claim to have Green Cards, but refuse to show them to my landlady. Jackie said she’d talk with the lawyer she works for and get back to me.

On Sunday, March 19th, I visited my good friend Katherine in CT. We had to reschedule a few times in last few months due to each of us experiencing nasty ill health. When I got off Metro North at South Norwalk, I walked over to Beadworks where I met up with Katherine. After making a purchase of assorted beads I was looking for we drove to Home Depot and then Circuit City. All the while we caught up on news, gossip and listening to her husbands rock/R&B band (5 Below Zero) demo CD. [Main newsworthy item being her youngest daughter is 5 months preggers.] At this point our tummies were growling with hunger, so we drove up to Bridgeport and I treated Katherine to a yummy b-day lunch at Red Lobster. After an enjoyable lunch we were going to do more shopping at Dress Barn. Due to some traffic and re-routing we decided instead to go to her house in Shelton. Always fun hanging out with her hubby Maurice. He's a cool fella and Katherine is finally fortunate to have a man treat her so well. Did see her two daughters [from first marriage] ... both were dressed like slobs. Then I realized the time and had to catch my train back to NYC. Maurice did his best in driving quickly to Stratford station, but sadly missed the train by 5 minutes. So Maurice, Katherine and I went to a local Starbucks to kill some time. Got home around 10:30pm.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise you will miss most of your life. Buddha

On Monday, March 20th, I participated in a conference call with guest speaker Marianne Williamson and Matthew Albrecht hosting from National Peace Alliance and Dept of Peace campaign. Before Marianne came on the conference call, several District Team Leaders [DTLs] throughout the US talked about meetings they had with their congress people. Some were making progress with their Democrat representatives, not so those with Republican politicians. This really didn't surprise us. [These Republicans are vastly different from those of Eisenhower’s generation and not in a good way.] Marianne joined the call to talk about DTLs becoming more involved with communities and that we need to connect with African-American churches. Connecting with NAACP to get folk involved at the grassroots level. She mentioned that 1 to 4 million children are abused in the US and it’s on the rise. [Those bits of news sadden me.] Marianne urged us to become more involved, via Dept of Peace, with the "Child Protective Services" organization. She touched on other topics, but these issues stuck with me the most. As always these conference calls are informative, inspiring and energizing.

Wednesday, March 22nd, I attended a panel discussion on "Voting Rights Act Reauthorization" (VRAR). The forum was being hosted and held at SEIU Local 32BJ headquarters in lower Manhattan. [Some of the other sponsors were LCCR Education Fund, Hispanic Federation, and NY ACORN & People for the American Way.] I didn't know that VRAR is a major civil rights clause, also that Sections 203 & 5 are in great jeopardy. From who? You guessed it ... the worst presidency in American history ... the Bush Regime. I stayed only for the panel discussion and not the break-out sessions. [Wasn't feeling to well that evening & didn't want to over do it.] Those on the panel discussion were ... Margaret Fung, Tanya Clay, Tony Simone, Erica Swanson, Esmeralda Simmons, Juan Cartagena [best speaker of the evening], Debo Adegbile and Phillip Olaya. Before the panel discussion began I placed Dept of Peace postcards on "certain" tables for distribution. Plus spoke to a few folk who inquired about Dept of Peace. To learn more about "Voting Rights Act Reauthorization" go to ... http://www.renewthevra.org/

I LOVE MY RIGHT TO VOTE!!

On Thursday evening, March 23rd, I attended the premiere of THE GREAT WARMING at the Ziegfeld Theatre. It's a Stonehaven Production at http://www.thegreatwarming.com/ [Comedian Chevy Chase was in the audience. I believe he's a sponsor or producer of the film. I could be wrong, so don't quote me on that.] Was originally told about this event via an email from Jessica Flagg, who is running for Congress in NYs 17th congressional district. Also ran into in my friend Paul that evening. He's a fellow Kucitizen like Jessica and me. The 1 1/2 hour film, which officially opened at limited US cinema's on April 7th, was filled with oodles of fascinating info. Plus the film was narrated by Keanu Reeves and Alanis Morrisette. [He's awesome in THE MATRIX film trilogy.] There was alot of info to take in and when the film comes out on DVD, I'll purchase it for future reference. Oh yes, on all the seats in the Ziegfeld were blue bags filled with pamphlets, bags of coffee and brochures on climate change. The bag of coffee I gave to my friend and fellow goddess [Cielito]. She was hostelling at my place for a few days before moving on to her new destination in NJ. [Nothing like seeing a film for free. Sweet!]

On Saturday afternoon, March 25th, I attended a Tolkien Reading Event at Frodo's Restaurant [http://frodosrestaurant.com/] in Pleasantville, NY. It was hosted and organized by the NY Tolkien Society, which is chaired by Anthony and Jessica. [Frodo & Anthony are posing below before the raffle drawing started.]



[I recently became a member of this society.] Traveled up on Metro North train with Carole and Jackie. [We talked of numerous topics; such as apartments, corporations and immigration laws to while away the 45 minute ride.] Mary and Kathy joined us in Pleasantville. Carole knows them from other LOTR events and meetups. [BTW ... that morning I purchased my ticket to see Pearl Jam at an upcoming Albany gig set for May 12th. Can't wait to see AND hear them live again and will also hook up with my friend Josee.] Also attending the "Tolkien Reading Event" was Marcel Bulles from RingCon and chairman of the German Tolkien Society. Plus Ed Rodrigues, who is president and founder of The Gathering of the Fellowship. 35 were supposed to be in attendance, but I estimated that only 25 showed up. Two of the attendees came dressed as Frodo and Gandalf.


[Had my pix taken with them at left.] The good people who run the restaurant were so nice and accommodating. Tried a new white wine called Foxgloves, which is great. The three hour event passed by quickly while enjoying good food, conversing with other attendees, listening to devoted fans of Tolkien read sections of his works, listening to FOTR movie soundtrack in background and winning prizes. Yep, I actually won a prize, which is a small bust of an Attack Troll from ROTK. Actually had my eye on another prize ... oh well. As my beloved Boromir says in FOTR ... "they have a cave troll". The way Sean Bean says it in the film always makes me chuckle. So the troll came home with me and now resides in my living room. We caught the 6:40pm train back to NYC and upon arriving home I had to watch a few of my fav scenes in FOTR. [Naturally on the extended DVD version.] One of which was dear Boromir's death scene. [Sniff!]

GEORGE BUSH: A SLAM DUNK LIAR
Larry C. Johnson, Impeach PAC
http://impeachpac.org/?q=node/927

STARS TAKE THE SHINE OFF HILLARY’S BID
Paul Harris in Washington DC, Observer/UK
Leading Hollywood liberals are sniping at the former First Lady over her strong support for the Iraq war.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0409-05.htm

[Duchess Note – During this election year go with a Progressive Democrat who is against the war in Iraq and wants better healthcare for New York State and America. The below “blurb” was suggested by Marie P, a volunteer on the Jonathan Tasini Senate campaign in NY. The Duchess has recently started volunteer work on Tasini campaign. Jonathan is going against Hillary Clinton who is more Republican-Lite and definitely not a centrist. Thank you so much for the blurb Marie!]

TASINI … NOT JUST A DEMOCRAT, A “REAL” DEMOCRAT
For more info, go to: http://www.tasinifornewyork.org/

WEEKEND LIBERAL NEWS

QUESTIONER SHARPLY CRITICIZES PRESIDENT BUSH AT APPEARANCE
[Duchess Note – Three cheers and a hearty BRAVO to Mr. Taylor for standing up and speaking his mind recently to Bushit. Does not surprise me that W still won’t apologize for the numerous crimes that he and his regime have committed in 5 years. Also, how dare those compliant ignorant folk in the audience “booed” someone like Mr. Taylor. They should be ashamed of themselves. Every single one of them. Check out article by Carl Pope on Mr. Taylor further down in this section of Duchess Blog. We need more Mr. Taylor’s in this world. Bravo!]
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0407-10.htm

The Anti-War Movement?
Commentary by Cindy Sheehan
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0407-20.htm

A Trillion Good Reasons to Keep the Estate Tax
Commentary by Mike Lapham
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0407-21.htm

NEWS FAKERS
Juan Gonzalez, Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
A scandalous new report shows how widespread and pernicious fake news has become.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/34634/

CRUMBLING UNDER DEBT
John F. Ince, AlterNet
Americans individually and the U.S. a whole are relying on living in debt to maintain our standard of living. A major crash is coming unless we take action now.
http://www.alternet.org/story/34529/

OUR FAKE IMMIGRATION CRISIS
Robert Scheer, Truthdig
The current debate on Capitol Hill is the result of the latest in a long history of scare tactics. But as millions protest nationwide, has the ploy backfired?
http://www.alternet.org/story/34202/

SPEAKING TRUTH TO FOLLY
Carl Pope, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carl-pope/speaking-truth-to-folly_b_18701.html

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson

COMMENTARY BY JESSICA FLAGG [NYC Kucitizen] REGARDING "Bush Ordered Intelligence Leak According To Libby"

Of course this didn't make the evening news on CBS. In testimony to special Prosecutor Fitzgerald, according to Scooter Libby, he was ordered to release the top secret National Intelligence Estimate as a way to discredit Joe Wilson, to Judith Miller by none other than the usurper himself, GW Bush! Our commander 'n thief has committed Treason! This is punishable by death! More over he lied about it ... one more lie ... this guy is blind to the truth. He never played by the rules as a young man, favored family, favored assignment in the military and the was never prosecuted for going AWOL and always had people to pick up the tab for his failed businesses and mistakes ... so why expect him to ever play by the rules? Rules? What rules? Rules are for the little people ... to keep them in line. So we can lock them away if they become too problematic. Rules are for Black folks and Hispanics to keep them in their place! Rules are not for GW Bush. Rules do not apply to anyone doing GW Bush's biddings either.

Anyway, he's trying to say that he changed the rules just before breaking them, because he supposedly declassified her status. B---S! We're supposed to believe that when he can't even be bothered to get warrants 72 hours after deciding to wiretap? Someone's been doing some serious sanitizing of the records for this story.

TREASON....Punishable by death!

I'm not for the death penalty, but this is one time when the Constitution provides for it to be enforced and as unscrupulous as this President has proven to be, perhaps it is a penalty worthy of his crimes!

He Committed TREASON! Democrats??? Anyone???

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. A Native American Saying

LIVE FROM NYC! ITS LIBERAL NEWS

HOW SECURE IS YOUR JOB?
Laura Barcella, AlterNet
Author Louis Uchitelle talks about how the rising tide of layoffs in corporate America isn't just damaging the nation's job security, but our sense of self-worth.
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/34283/

EXCERPT: THE DISPOSABLE AMERICAN
Louis Uchitelle, AlterNet
Mental health professionals are just beginning to recognize that layoffs chip away at human capital by eating at self-esteem on a mass scale.
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/34015/

CUTTING AND RUNNING IN BAGHDAD
Robert Dreyfuss, Tomdispatch.com
Three years into the war, two ominous letters are making their appearance: The 'F' word (for failure) and the 'D' word (for defeat).
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/34591/

A GOOD SWIFT KICK
Molly Ivins, AlterNet
I never minded DeLay being a tough guy -- it was his syrupy claims to carry the banner for Christianity that I found offensive.
http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/34596/

NEW AND EXCITING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN SOUTHERN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Recently learned that BEAN HEADS in Cambridge NY, yes Bean Heads, is no more. This delightfully charming coffee house/café [situated in Hubbard Hall] is looking for a new owner. One who will love and respect the place as much as the original owner [Bill Creitz] has and has the passion, along with the energy to utilize this wonderful building for the enrichment of the community. Cambridge, NY is a 45 minute drive east of Saratoga Springs and 25 minutes west of Bennington, VT. The area has good potential, near ski resorts and the lovely Fall foliage. This kind of opportunity doesn’t come along often. Check it out today or if you know someone interested, pass along the info.

For info and contacts:

John Carlson [Cambridge Buzz Blog] at jdcarlson2001@yahoo.com
Bean Heads at http://www.beanheadscoffeehouse.com/

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lau-Tzu

PEACE ALLIANCE & DEPT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN ISSUED A “MEDIA ALERT” ON APRIL 2ND
http://www.thepeacealliance.org

PLEASE CONTACT YES! MAGAZINE TODAY!
In an article written by Carol Estes titled "Active Nonviolence: Heroes for an Unheroic Time," the second to last paragraph in the article reads: "Considering the power and dominance of the United States, perhaps the most encouraging development is the grassroots efforts under way to create a cabinet-level Department of Peace. Its function would be researching, articulating, and facilitating nonviolent solutions to domestic and international conflict. The idea's supporters - and there are many, including 60 co-sponsors of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives and activist organizations in 48 states and 285 congressional districts – want the United States to be more effective in addressing sources of violence."
http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1378


ACTION REQUESTED: Please contact YES! Magazine at 206-842-0216 or 1-800-937-4451 and thank the author of the article, Carol Estes, for mentioning the Department of Peace legislation and encouraging YES! to write an article on The Peace Alliance and the extent of the grassroots effort to get this historic legislation passed. Please email YES! today and forward this email quickly and widely!

TRUTH SEEPING THROUGH MEDIA AFTER TEN MONTHS
By David Swanson
March 29, 2006
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00403.htm

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Go placidly amidst the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. Desiderata

FEDERAL BILL SEEKS TO MAKE CULTURE MORE PEACEFUL
Lynn Ellis, Maine Morning Sentinel
March 29, 2006
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/view/letters/2577747.shtml

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... There is a pleasure in the pathless woods. Lord Byron