The weekend of July 15/16 was pretty much low key … mostly concentrating on creating bead style earrings for sale, reading, NYDoP projects, writing, surfing the Internet, watched some new DVDs [ie: Xmen2 & The Terminal], cleaning the apartment, shopping and usual chores. Got a lot accomplished and that always makes me feel good. BTW … I very much enjoyed both films on DVD and highly recommend them.
On Wednesday, July 19th, one of my bosses [Keith] took two co-workers [ie: Leah & Dana] and I out to lunch as “thanks” for doing well at the office. In the 5 ½ year with E&Y I’ve been very fortunate in having good bosses and not much stress. Keith took us to Bond 45 restaurant near Broadway and 7th Avenue. The food and service were really good, as was the diverse conversations. I had an enjoyable time and not once did I bring up the topic of politics. Yes, I know, you’re amazed at hearing that. [Smiling]
The evening of July 20th was spent at the New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace usual location for a brief core team meeting. Was abit disappointed by the low turnout for our monthly meeting. Those who did attend were Joe, Dawn, Coco, Carol, Karen, Marianne, Priscilla, MaryJo and I. We mostly discussed latest developments and strategies regarding our planning for the Gandhi/Sept 11th event. [To learn more, go to http://www.nyc-dop.com/gandhi] We are making great strides and have 20+ endorsers for the event. This is such joyful news. The rest of the evening was spent productively assembling our second fundraiser mailing. This fundraiser was rather large with 800+ names and addresses. Mon dieu! There were some minor hiccups with the process, but made great strides and will wrap it up on July 24th.
Halfway through the evening I received a delightful surprise from our group. I was so flabbergasted and at a loss for words … they presented me with the first official NYDoP “Peacemaker Appreciation Award”. Later that evening, upon arriving home, I sent a heartfelt email conveying my gratitude to those present at meeting. At one point, during our fundraiser letter assembling, I walked around the table and gave everyone a warm hug of thanks. I know I keep on saying this, but I adore these people and they are so inspiring to me. I felt the same for many whom I had worked with during the Kucinich presidential 2004 campaign and still happily acquainted with to this day.
On Saturday, July 22nd, I had a good workout session at Powerhouse Gym with Marie, my personal trainer. Afterwards, before heading back to Manhattan on the train, we had a tasty lunch at a health food café next door to the gym. Both Marie and I enjoyed delicious fresh salads. During my workout session I mentioned to Marie that I just recently entered the pre-menopause stage of my life. No need to go into details, but all is okay, so far.
Monday evening, July 24th, I attended the final phase of the NYDoP fundraiser letter assembling and mailing at our usual location. Those in attendance this time were … Joe, Dawn, Carol, Karen, Priscilla, MaryJo and I. This time didn’t take so long and I brought along homemade cookies/brownies to show my appreciation of my fellow peacemakers. We had a fun evening, lots of laughs and sharing of latest news or tidbits.
On Tuesday, July 25th, I briefly attended the Veterans for Peace press conference down at City Hall. It was held from 11:30am to 1pm. The press conference had a decent turnout of supporters and even some news media. I, along with other volunteers, went in support of Jonathan Tasini, who also attended and we handed out flyers after the press conference. No other politicians or political candidates were there, except for Tasini, to support these veterans. Is that disgusting or what?!? Engaged in conversation with several gents from “Veterans for Peace” and received some “Leave No Veteran Behind – Health Care for All” buttons. These I’ll share with friends who also support the veterans.
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE OF THE DAY ... PRO AMERICA, ANTI BUSH
IN CASE WE ALL FORGOT, AMERICANS ARE STILL DYING IN IRAQ
Jimmy Breslin, NY Newsday
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0806-23.htm
PRESS RELEASE - TASINI CONGRATULATES LAMONT ON VICTORY
NEW YORK, NY: Jonathan Tasini, Democratic Senate candidate, released the following statement on the election in Connecticut ... “I want to congratulate Ned Lamont on his victory and I applaud Connecticut Democrats for standing up and declaring with a loud voice that Democratic Party politicians who vote for illegal, immoral wars will be held accountable at the ballot box. Now, New York Democratic voters have a chance to move our party another giant step towards a progressive agenda that will save lives, end the war and benefit hard-working Americans.”
“On the question of the war, support for devastating pro-corporate policies such as NAFTA and so-called “free trade,” Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton have the same world views. Hillary Clinton is trying to obfuscate her position on the war. Let us be clear: she voted for the war and continues to support the occupation of Iraq, which has killed 2,500 of our young men and women in uniform and tens of thousands of Iraqis. I believe in the safe, immediate withdrawal of our troops. I also oppose so-called “free trade” and believe NAFTA was a disaster for our country, while my opponent says NAFTA was a good thing and she recently voted for yet another so-called “free trade” agreement with Oman.”
[DUCHESS NOTE - To learn more about Jonathan Tasini and his campaign for NY State Senate, go to http://www.tasinifornewyork.org]
JOIN THE CEASE FIRE CAMPAIGN AND SIGN THE PETITION TODAY
Right now a tragedy is unfolding in the Middle East. Thousands of innocent civilians are being killed or wounded in the bombings in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel and the death toll is rising every day. If the US, Syria or Iran get involved, there is a chance of a catastrophic larger war. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of international troops to the Israel-Lebanon border. This has been strongly supported by almost every world leader. This is the best proposal yet to stop the violence; but the US, UK, and Israel have refused to accept it.
Please, join me in signing a petition calling on US President Bush, UK Prime Minister Blair, and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert to support Kofi Annan's proposal. If millions of people join this call, and we advertise our views in newspapers in the US, UK, and Israel, we can help pressure these leaders to stop the fighting. Innocent lives must be saved. Go to the link below and sign up now! http://www.ceasefirecampaign.org/
New Yorkers for a Department of Peace
web: http://www.nyc-dop.com
Log on and sign up for your FREE enewsletter
100 Years of Non-Violence Gandhi and Sept. 11, 1906-2006
web: http://www.nyc-dop.com/gandhi
Log on and sign up for your FREE e-updates
This event is sponsored by:
New Yorkers for a Department of Peace: www.nyc-dop.com
M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence: www.gandhiinstitute.org
This event is endorsed by:
Sept. 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, The Peace Alliance, Brooklyn Nonviolent Communication, Communities of Peace Foundation, Culture of Peace, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Muscians & Fine Artists for World Peace, Pathways to Peace, Peace Action, School Mediation Center, Spirit Dove, Traprock Peace Center, Veterans for Peace and We, the World
SATYAGRAHA - 100 Years of Non-Violence
The trailer for this documentary is now being shown on YouTube. Another site to spread the word and alternative for people who don't know about the DOP-NY site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVdVBHvAs2A
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