HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


MESSAGE FROM JESSICA FLAGG - Want Vote integrity? Get On it!
After seeing the New York Times editorial yesterday, I called the DNC 202-863-8000 and the DSCC 202-224-2447 and the DCCC 202-863-1500 to let them know that I thought they needed a state by state strategy to get voters to vote on paper for every state using the electronic machines. I didn't exactly get an enthusiastic response. The DNC switched me to Howard Dean's voice mail but I spoke to warm bodies in the other two offices. Both the DSCC and the DCCC told me that their strategy was to post lawyers and poll watchers at every polling station. I replied that I didn't think that was a strategy to win, but rather a strategy to watch them steal another election, since voting in PA, GA, OH, NM. CA, CT, SD, in fact most states, will happen 'seamlessly' on electronic machines that produce no audit trail. When I pressed the DSCC Deputy campaign services director about how to get paper ballots at each polling station, I was told that each secretary of state and the boards of election needed to hear from the voters in every state to demand paper ballots. I asked the DSCC to get an email out to that effect to everyone on their list! Pronto! I said that we needed to see a Democratic strategy to guarantee that the vote won't be stolen again. It is highly probable that to get enough paper ballots to cover every potential voter in every precinct (this is not the same as a provisional ballot) election officials will need to hear from voters directly. The Democratic Party needs to deal with this. They should reach out to all the 527's that support them like Moveon to get every democratic voter who they can reach to make phone calls, write letters, send faxes.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... It's not who votes that counts... it's who counts the votes (that counts) Joseph Stalin

LATEST NEWS, QUOTES & THOUGHTS ON EVENTS

THE CRY OF OUR INNER GANDHI
Robert C. Koehler, Tribune Media Services
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_bob_koeh_061025_the_cry_of_our_inner.htm
"While Republicans fight the War on Terror, grow our robust economy, and crack down on illegal immigration, House Democrats plot to establish a Department of Peace, raise your taxes, and minimize penalties for crack dealers. The difference couldn't be starker."

[Duchess Note: Like many "movements" before, such as "women's right to vote" and "civil rights", working towards peace in the world and a US Dept of Peace is a lifelong commitment. All these movements were brought forth with strength of character, deep love of humanity, intelligence and compassion for all. Learn about the campaign for a Dept of Peace and don't rely on Republican spin. Become enlightened and read more at http://www.thepeacealliance.org OR visit http://www.nyc-dop.com to learn what many New Yorkers are striving for in the name of peace. You'd be surprised, DoP campaign values are the same as those of many poor and middle class Americans. As for the ultra rich, well, they are content with the economy & war, as it favors them and no one else. Peace, truth and love is the only way. . . .]

Message From “Working Families Party” on Congressional Races Here In New York State
Almost every Congressional race for a Republican-held seat in New York is a dead heat. What we do in the 2 weeks between now and the election will decide who controls Congress. You've done a lot to get us this far. We've raised $28,000 online, and a $20,000 challenge grant pushed that total to $48,000. But with victory so close, I'm asking more of you than I ever have before. I'm asking for 100 people to make an emergency $50 donation online. The $5,000 we raise online this week will be spent on our Get-Out-The-Vote operation in the final days of the election - everything from bigger final weekend phonebanks to more door knocking to Election Day literature we hand out. Donate now: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/support/gotv.html

We're talking to voters in Oneida County, in the Capital District, in suburban Buffalo, in central New York, on Long Island, across the state - wherever there's a challenger working to win a Republican-held seat and Take Back Congress, we're there, talking to voters and winning their votes.

In New York's 24th Congressional District, polls show Mike Arcuri (D-WFP) is getting 50% of the vote.

In New York's 29th Congressional District, polls show Eric Massa (D-WFP) is trailing freshman Rep. Kuhl 39% to 43%.

In New York's 20th Congressional District, polls show Kirsten Gillibrand is trailing Rep. Sweeney 42% to 44%.

In New York's 26th Congressional District, Jack Davis (D-WFP) has pulled ahead of Rep. Reynolds in the polls.

In New York's 3rd Congressional District, polls show David Mejias (D-WFP) is trailing Rep. King 46% to 48%.

In New York's 25th Congressional District, polls show Dan Maffei (D-WFP) is trailing Rep. Walsh 43% to 51%.

And John Hall, Stephen Harrison and Bob Johnson are riding the wave, working hard to upset entrenched incumbents.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Peace can not be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding ... Albert Einstein

On November 7, Be Smart: Vote for Love
Patch Adams
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1024-32.htm

Jonathan Tasini Remembers Liberal Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone - Who Died Four Years Ago on October 25th
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-tasini/remembering-paul-wellston_b_32487.html

US, Global Publics Shun Torture
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1024-06.htm

Iraq: UK Voters Want British Troops Home by End of Year
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1024-07.htm

Ron McBride Urges Democrats to Join WeDemocrats
Help WeDemocrats build this base foundation, recruit another DFA member today, and be sure to have them join WeDemocrats the fastest growing group on DFA-Links and the fastest growing progressive group in the Nation. Join WeDemocrats at: http://dfalink.com/group.php?id=2043

[Duchess Note: I’ve been a member of WeDemocrats for about two weeks. I am also a member of “Democracy for NYC” [DFFNYC] and “Progressive Democrats of America” [PDA]. All three are terrific, amazing organizations populated by caring, compassionate individuals like you and I. Individuals who strive to bring America back to democracy, where the Constitution and Bill Of Rights are respected. Please, join one of these groups today, and be more active. It is an amazing feeling of empowerment & enlightenment.]

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON TALKS ABOUT “CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD” opens in theaters this Friday, October 27, 2006 and in Canada, November 10. I highly recommend that you go see the film this weekend. We need more films like this in theaters and the best way for us to support the filmmakers is to show up on opening weekend!! Let’s show the media and the studios that we will turn out to see a movie about love and compassion, not the Hollywood formula of fear and violence.

The film chronicles the dramatic journey of a down-and-out man who becomes a spiritual messenger and bestselling author. Adapted from the books by Neale Donald Walsch that inspired and changed the lives of millions worldwide, CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD tells the true story of Walsch (brilliantly portrayed by Henry Czerny) who, at the lowest point in his life, asks God some very hard questions. The answers he gets become the foundation of an internationally acclaimed book series that has sold over 7 million copies and been translated into 34 languages.

“An incredibly emotional journey” -- Deepak Chopra

Watch the trailer: http://www.cwgthemovieonline.com/

[Duchess Note: One of the wonderful individuals [Reverend Joe] I work with on the “New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace” campaign always speaks in glowing, praising terms of Neale Donald Walsch. Not only do I want to read Mr. Walsch’s books, but I very much wish to see the film. I highly recommend that others read the books or view the movie. As Gandhi said - become the change]

LIBERAL NEWS FROM THE WEEKEND & OTHER INTERESTING TIDBITS

Two Testify That Hastert Knew About Foley
Evan Derkacz
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/43269

ADVERTISING TERRORISM
Keith Olbermann, MSNBC Countdown
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/102406J.shtml

Olbermann to Bush: Your Words Are Lies That Imperial Us All
Evan Derkacz
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/43258
[Duchess Note: The thing is its not just Bushit who is putting the lives of millions of Americans at stake, its ALL those working “behind” the Wizard of OZ curtain. Wake up people, Dictator Wannabe is just part of this whole nasty situation. The list of others goes on and on … such as Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld, Rice, etc. When a gardener removes weeds from a garden, he not only takes away the plant, but digs deeply to remove and burn ALL the roots. That is what we must do and do it quickly. Our beloved Constitution is in jeopardy … it must be saved from ruin.]

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... We must be the change we wish to see in the world ... Gandhi

MESSAGE FROM “NEW YORKERS FOR A DEPT OF PEACE” CAMPAIGN
We want to say THANK YOU for participating in the 100 Years of Nonviolence campaign and making it such a success. Our message of hope and healing was felt around the world - in 45-65 different venues that we know of. We reached Afghanistan, India, Italy, Palestine, Romania, and Spain. In the USA Gandhi and Satyagraha inspired people in:

6 theaters
21 states (including Alaska)
41 cities

We generated 7 media pieces and inspired 30 more around the world. According to Dot Maver of the Peace Alliance, "The effects of the Gandhi campaign reverberated around the world to help make the International Day of Peace, on September 21, the most widely celebrated in its 25 year history." People were deeply moved by the coincidence of dates - that Sept 11, 1906 was the birth of Gandhi's nonviolent movement. Many told us how grateful they were to honor Sept 11 this way. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and to all who continue to work to make nonviolence visible and viable in our world. For more info, go to: http://www.nyc-dop.com/gandhi

LONG ISLANDERS WALK FOR PEACE UPDATE
In honor of the International day of peace on September 21, Nearly 100 people turned out in Long Island on September 16, to be part of a WALK FOR PEACE organized by Long Islanders for a Department of Peace. They raised awareness and money for the DOP campaign and even got the media's attention.

Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

MESSAGE FROM MATT HOLLAND AT TRUEMAJORITY
With less than three weeks until Election Day, it's really looking like progressive candidates have a chance to Take Back Congress. One key congressional race, Minnesota's [BLEEP] district, is critical to what happens in November. Today [BLEEP] is [BLEEP] points ahead of her ultra-conservative opponent, [BLEEP], but now [BLEEP] herself is coming to town to campaign, which could tip the balance. Let's help out the candidate who supports women's equality and an improved health care system. Want us to fill in the blanks for you? Believe me, we want to. But because of federal election rules, you have to ask us to tell you, by clicking the link below: http://www.truemajorityaction.org/takeback/register_c4.php

That will make you a member of the TrueMajority Action election network. I know, you're already a member of TrueMajority -- but this is a special group that is allowed to receive information about candidates and elections. Clicking the link won't mean you'll get a whole new raft of e-mails. It WILL mean that those messages can now include updates on the incredible things happening this fall all over the country.

Give Dept of Peace A Chance?
By Al Martinez
The Los Angeles Times, October 16, 2006

PERHAPS you have noticed that when it comes to excess and empty noise, I am not the most tolerant person in the world. Take the subject of peace, for instance. On almost any given day, including Sundays, I receive e-mails from near and far that inform me of various peace seminars, peace retreats, peace picnics, peace dances, peace calendars and peace speeches. Interspersed are requests for volunteers to hold antiwar signs at various intersections and placards that ask for a passing horn-honk to indicate that a motorist is, after all, for peace, even though he is too busy to do more than honk.

Once in a while someone like Cindy Sheehan pops up and there is a flurry of movement centered on her as she challenges war in the name of her war-killed son, but even that fades away, and her advocates disappear like birds scattered into flight. I wrote in the style of an angry dog one day recently that there was no organized peace movement of any consequence in this country and that infrequent instances of placard-carrying protesters chanting "No more war" are the equivalent of using a water gun to fight a firestorm.

Then I heard from Wendy Greene. While there may not be a massive antiwar movement, she informed me, there is indeed a peace movement. She added: "Big difference." She was talking about an effort to establish a Cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence to achieve harmony between street gangs, spouses, nations, various ethnic and religious groups and others inclined toward maiming or killing one another. Big job. The idea was so intriguing that I met with Greene one day at Inner-City Arts, located in a large warehouse-like building in the middle of L.A.'s skid row, where she works part time. Greene is also director of outreach for the Peace Alliance, a national nonpartisan organization dedicated to the establishment of a Department of Peace.

Admitting that I had never heard of either the alliance or its goal is certain to bring admonishments for my failure to keep informed. The group, I am told, has a database of about 40,000 supporters and is involved in an effort to have a bill passed in Congress to establish such a department. Now in committee, it is being sponsored by 75 members of the House and two member of the Senate. "Peace is nonpartisan," Greene declared in the bold manner of a true believer but then was forced to admit that all but one of the sponsors so far, if not all of its 40,000 supporters, are Democrats. The single non-Democrat is an independent. Given the current temper of the nation, that shouldn't surprise anyone. Greene, though only 40, could have emerged from the streets of 1960s Berkeley marching to end the war in Vietnam, such is her passion for peace. Instead, she was born into a military family. Her father is a retired Air Force colonel, her grandfather was a major general in the Air Force, her brother is a colonel in the Air Force and a cousin serves as a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps.

She laughs at that and says, "I'm a warrior for peace." Being for peace is like being for apples, in the sense that just about everyone is theoretically in favor of it. But no one wants an apple with a worm in it, and, similarly, many will argue that they don't want just any kind of peace. There is this kind of peace and that kind of peace. A perfect peace, like a golden apple, might not even be possible given the aggressive tendencies of our species. There is much to be said in favor of a Cabinet-level department dedicated to a kind of ultimate serenity, but one has to wonder exactly how it would pursue its goals, short of disbanding the NRA, shutting down the Pentagon and dragging Donald Rumsfeld off in chains.

Greene replied that it would have a budget roughly 2% the size of the Defense Department's and would act as a clearinghouse, "a beacon on the hill," coordinating the activities of peace workers in the field, who would be scampering about like squirrels, damping brush fires of conflict on the streets, in schools and, one supposes, wherever they would flare up. A peace academy would be established as a fully accredited university similar to West Point that would train peacekeepers in their jobs of indoctrination, advocation and mediation. As described in a more formal definition in an alliance press release, their mission would be "to research, articulate and facilitate nonviolent solutions to domestic and international conflict."

While I am certainly all for peace and wormless apples, I fear that a new bureaucracy might devolve into spending time and money cranking out press releases to sustain itself through sloganeering, thereby forgetting its initial promise. Institutionalizing efforts once made through riots and sit-ins may be today's more formalized method of attaining the same ends. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Having said all of that, I remain in favor of such a department because at least its pursuit is an organized and passionate effort toward a legitimate and even desirable goal. That's a lot better than picnicking for peace on the lawn of the Federal Building or honking one's horn against a war that isn't listening.

BUMPER STICKER QUOTE OF THE DAY ... I'LL GIVE UP MY CHOICE WHEN JOHN ROBERTS GETS PREGNANT

VIGGO MORTENSEN PRESENTS NEW MOVIE AT FILM FESTIVAL
Associated Press
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=entertainment&id=4667834

PERSONAL NEWS #107
Greetings All … Sincere apologies for the long delay in updating “Personal News” here at the Duchess Blog. To be honest with yah, these occasional delays are sometimes due to busy work and numerous project schedules. And other times I get abit lethargic. So, without further ado, here is the latest update. [With more to come over next few days. In the meantime, check out many new "links" in column to the left. More will be added over next week.] Peace, truth, love, hope, justice and compassion is a beautiful path to be on. . . .

After much planning since early April, our Sept 11th Gandhi/100th Anniversary event finally arrived. It is also the 5th anniversary of 9/11. Took today off from work as a vacation day, as well as the next day, which was NY state primary. The press conference was to begin at Regal Cinema at 10am. As I got off the E train near “WTC” at 9am, there were police and huge crowds of folk at “the site”. Had no troubles walking through and a few police officers kindly helped me navigate with my small hand-cart of NYDoP items, plus tins of brownies/cookies. Once at the cinema it took awhile to find the NYDoP core team. Had to utilize the many escalators and found our team setting up in the cinema assigned for three showings of GANDHI. Handed out the goodies and then went to setup, plus post myself at our display table outside & not far from concession stand. Sadly, not all of the scheduled guests attended and a minimum of press. But despite all that the press conference was filmed and a success. Those who attended, and throughout rest of the day were greatly inspired by SATYAGRAHA and GANDHI. I finally got to see the whole film on the large screen and was greatly impressed by Ben Kingsley’s powerful performance as Gandhi. Actually, the rest of the actors and cinematography were also brilliant. Rob Graydon is the director of the 17 minute documentary on Gandhi and peace related topics called SATYAGRAHA. This is just a taste of what is to come down the road … a full length feature documentary. More can be learned at http://www.nyc-dop.com


[L to R - Dawn, Norma, Eileen, Liz, Marianne & Joe during morning events.]

Had a most enjoyable, fascinating late lunch with Joe, Chris and Marie Ukeye [Rwandan survivor] at Appleby’s. In the morning my follow goddess, Cielito, came by to see the films and review event for Share International. That evening fellow NYC Kucitizen, Thomas, stopped by to see the films. OMG … has it been a year since I last saw this terrific chap, whom I might add, gives the best hugs. It was also great seeing Ellen and her beau Larry. [Thanks for the lift to the nearest subway!] People did pick up literature on DoP and purchased some of my “peace bead earring” creations. Dian Killian was also there with her Brooklyn NVC table. This was a great experience and quite a learning curve, not only for moi, but others in our core team. Will we do something like this next year … oh yeah! Peace is the way!

Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

Participated in the "Number the Dead" demonstration and silent vigil on Sunday, Sept 17th, at 10am. I learned about this event from my friend Thomas a few days before it happened. Many participants positioned themselves along the blocks of 5th Avenue from 20th Street up to 70th Street. I was stationed, along with “Women in Black”, across the street from the famous New York Public Library. We also received "Imagine Peace" buttons, which were donated by Yoko Ono. For an hour I held two signs of dead American soldiers from the Iraq occupation. Their names are: Sgt Moses D. Rocha [33 years of age from Roswell, NM] and Capt Douglas A. Dicenzo [30 years of age from Plymouth, New Hampshire]. It was an interesting experience and brought about mostly positive reaction from pedestrians. One city bus driver slowed down to thank us & ask we pray for his son stationed in Iraq. Some teens walked by making rude comments and laugh. [Would they still be laughing if Bush & Co brought back the draft?] I was wearing my Dept of Peace t-shirt and several of event participants inquired about DoP. Talked with many on the topic and handed out NYDoP business cards with website link on it. After eating a light lunch at my office on 7th Avenue, I headed up to the annual Art Show at Lincoln Center. I love this show, with many wonderful works of art, jewelry, sculpture and fashion by talented artisans. I purchased a sterling silver hair clip with a heart design and got some “ideas” for new earring creations.

On September 20th I had a business lunch meeting [ie: Dave & Busters] with one of my bosses, Debra, to discuss my secretarial duties over next six months. It was an enjoyable, productive lunch.

Peace is Red Hot with Chili Peppers - Award-winning band highlights - Department of Peace Campaign at U.S. Tour

NYDoP Press Release - October 12, 2006; East Rutherford, NJ– The more than 300,000 fans expected to attend the Red Hot Chili Peppers' U.S. tour this fall will find something more than the band's signature blend of funk, rap and rock-n-roll; they'll find a call for civic activism. "I want to share with all of our fans my enthusiasm for the work of The Peace Alliance and the campaign to establish a U.S. Department of Peace," said bass-player Flea in explaining why the band invited The Peace Alliance to be the only organization tabling at its shows this year.

"In our homes, in our schools, in our communities and in worldwide affairs, violence is an increasingly serious problem," Flea continued. "There's nothing more important we can do than to work to change the direction of our culture towards more practical peaceful solutions and, as a nation, to invest more fully in these solutions. I hope everyone at our shows joins the campaign and urges their members of Congress to support the Department of Peace legislation."

New York - New Jersey area volunteers with the national grassroots Department of Peace Campaign will be tabling at The Red Hot Chili Peppers show on Tuesday, October 17 and Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at the Continental Airlines Arena. The legislation currently has two co-sponsors in the Senate and 75 in the House, including from New Jersey: Robert E. Andrews, Rush D. Holt, Donald Payne and Steven Rothman and from New York: Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks, Jerrold Nadler, Major Owens, Charles Rangel, Jose Serrano, Edolphus Towns, and Nydia Velazquez.

New Jersey Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez do not yet co-sponsor the Senate version, S.1756, nor do New York Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chuck Schumer. The primary purpose of the Department of Peace would be to research, articulate and facilitate nonviolent solutions to domestic and international conflict. It would be led by a Cabinet-level Secretary of Peace, and would also create a Peace Academy on par with the nation's current military service academies.

The Peace Alliance is a 501(c)4 nonpartisan citizen action organization advocating for legislation that supports a culture of peace. It works to foster positive, proactive change toward the creation of a more nonviolent and peaceful world. The Peace Alliance is spearheading the national campaign to establish a United States Department of Peace (H.R. 3760 and S.1756), with citizen organizers active in all 50 states. For more information about The Peace Alliance and the Department of Peace Campaign, visit www.thepeacealliance.org For more information about local activities, contact Kevin Fagan kfagan1@nyc.rr.com or 917 865-4763 and go to www.nyc-dop.com or www.sjdopcampaign.com for more details.

THE PEACE ALLIANCE & US DEPT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCE A NEW OFFICE IN WASHINGTON DC – Below is a Message from Marianne Williamson (Board Chair) & Heart Phoenix (Board President)

This has been a phenomenal year for The Peace Alliance and the Department of Peace Campaign. As you know, there are currently 75 Congressional co-sponsors, 2 Senate co-sponsors, over 50 endorsing organizations and 16 cities whose City Councils have officially endorsed the legislation (representing a collective population of more than 3,752,000 people). The political buzz has begun, and you and other Dept of Peace activists around the country have made this possible. We have become a significant voice for peace in almost every district of the country.

At the same time, of course, the world is vulnerable to the most incredible forces of conflict. From Iraq to Amish Pennsylvania to North Korea, we face deeply troubling forces of violence. Those of us involved with the Dept of Peace campaign have searched our hearts during this painful time and have prayed long and hard on these issues. The strong message we received was that if we truly want the Department of Peace legislation to become a law, it is important that The Peace Alliance become a presence in Washington, DC. We need to be in proximity to congress people, aides, other national organizations, etc. in order to raise the conversation and highlight the nonviolent solutions that we have researched and begun to articulate and facilitate in many different arenas. And so we have done it! We are now the proud renters of office space in Washington, DC. It is, coincidentally, just one block from the U.S. Institute of Peace. We are very excited about our new office and this move coincides with several events that we are having in DC within the next several months.

At the end of this month, we have organized a Roundtable Conference "Strategies for Creating Peace," a think tank comprised of American experts in building a national infrastructure for peace. This Roundtable will provide an opportunity for some of America's best thinkers to help design America's best possible future! The Peace Alliance Foundation has partnered with Georgetown University in this endeavor. The Roundtable's report will be released at our national conference in Washington DC - February 3 - 5, 2007. We hope to see you there!
We have taken a giant step by renting an office in Washington, and are very excited about the prospects before us. We hope you will support our increased political visibility and potential by sending a generous donation at http://www.thepeacealliance.org to the Peace Alliance. We hope you appreciate the work we have done so far, and feel moved to support us as we move it forward.

There is much legwork to do over these next few months to be well prepared for congressional briefings, press conferences, lobbying for hearings and more. In addition, we will be preparing a packet for Congress, along with a publication of our white paper and other significant findings that support our call for a Department of Peace.

We have a great opportunity as we step through the doorway of our new office. In the near future, we would like to hire a Director of Development, a Public Relations Consultant and a DC Legislative Director. We have no doubt that we can make this happen with your help. Last year we increased our donations from $225,000 to $500,000. Realistically, we need to set a goal of double that to ensure our grassroots and direct lobbying efforts are both fully supported.
We thank you for all your support in making the Peace Alliance's Department of Peace campaign the historic effort it has become. We will continue to use every dollar you send us to help turn America in a new direction -- away from violence, towards a higher love.

GANDHI CAMPAIGN REPORT - A Message from New Yorkers for a Department of Peace
http://www.nyc-dop.com

"The effects of the Gandhi campaign reverberated around the world to help make the International Day of Peace, on September 21, the most widely celebrated in its 25 year history" said Dot Maver of the Peace Alliance. We sincerely want to say THANK YOU for helping us make the 100 Years of Nonviolence campaign such a success. We were deeply moved by the enthusiastic responses and so grateful for your participation. The tangible results of our collective efforts were that the movie Gandhi showed and/or the short film Satyagraha debuted in:

4 countries plus Palestine (Bethlehem) - USA, Italy, India and Romania
6 theaters (two SOLD OUT)
21 states (including Alaska)
41 cities
44-65 venues in total (we're still trying to track them all)

“I forgot how inspiring the movie Gandhi is, especially on the big screen,” remarked Blake McGee, a student at Columbia University’s School of Public Health. “After watching it, I really feel called to go out and take action. I am glad that I spent September 11 focusing on such a hopeful message.” We’re hearing similar responses from around the country. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and sacrificed to make this campaign a success and to all who continue to work to make nonviolence visible and viable in our world.

[DUCHESS NOTE – I am proud and honored to be a member/volunteer of this wonderful group of inspiring individuals.]

BEAN'S ARTISTIC AMBITIONS
World Entertainment News
http://www.pr-inside.com/beans-artistic-ambitions-r22018.htm

US POPULATION HITS 300 MILLION, BUT IS IT SUSTAINABLE?
Andrew Buncombe
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1011-08.htm
As an economic model for the rest of the world to follow - in particular the rapidly developing economies of China and India - it is unsustainable, they say. On a global scale the average US citizen uses far more than his or her fair share of the planet's resources - consuming more than four times the worldwide average of energy, almost three times as much water and producing more than twice the average amount of rubbish and five times the amount of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming. The US - with five per cent of the world's population - uses 23 per cent of its energy, 15 per cent of its meat and 28 per cent of its paper. Additional population will mean more people seeking a share of those often-limited resources.

5 SCANDALS THAT COULD PUT REPUBLICANS IN JAIL
James Ridgeway, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/story/42880/
The Foley cover-up is just the tip of the iceberg. If the Democrats succeed in retaking Congress this fall, here are five investigations they should get started on right away.

[DUCHESS NOTE – For a start, we need a majority of Americans to become educated on the issues, start caring and hound their Congress people and Senators to get some backbone. This affects ALL Americans, whether you vote or not. If you don’t speak up, vote, protest, well then, don’t complain when you’re being screwed. Also, many thanks to Linda for these two article links.]

METS CAN'T WAIT TO RULE - Today N.Y., Tomorrow The World
Mike Lupica, NY Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/460667p-387426c.html

DOONESBURY'S BLOG OF WAR
David Hinkley, NY Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/460711p-387354c.html

[DUCHESS NOTE - Check out recent comments at "Friends of Friday Forum", which is a sister page to the Duchess Blog. Go to ... http://friendsoffridayforum.blogspot.com/]

BUMPER STICKER QUOTE OF THE DAY ... GOD BLESS EVERYONE (No exceptions)

THE MANY VIEWS AT THE ANNUAL NYC RENAISSANCE FAIRE - Held Every Year In October At Fort Tryon Park in Northern Manhattan

[Above Pix - The opening parade at the Ren Faire]

[Above Pix - View from Fort Tryon Park overlooking the Hudson River towards the Palisades]

[Above Pix - Joust ceremony taking place on Tournament Field]

[Above Pix - NYC Ren Faire Queen & King at Court]

GO METS GO!! METS TAKE TURN ON CENTER STAGE
Associated Press
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6041826?FSO1&ATT=HMA

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Do not fear the lack of knowledge, fear false knowledge. All evil in this world comes from false knowledge. 19th Century Russian Author - Leo Tolstoy

AT REUTERS, A NEW BOOK AND A LOST JOB
Noam Cohen, NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/09/business/media/09reuters.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
[DUCHESS NOTE - Ever notice, with regards to Bush & Co or the corporate mainstream media, whenever someone defends another or speaks the truth, that they lose their job or get ostersized. Is that disgusting or what?!? Supposedly we live in a democracy with free speech, but more and more this is not so. It's becoming more of a Fascist society. Why aren't more and more Americans upset by this? They should be. The book in question is by Joe Maguire called "Brainless: The Lies & Lunacy of Ann Coulter". Mr Maguire is so right. Ann Coulter is a huge liar and many other rightwingers spin falsehoods. The truth and clear facts are out there for all to read and see. Don't be lulled by the spin ... the truth will empower you. Peace, truth and justice is the only way.]

SOME LIBERAL NEWS & PEACE RELATED ITEMS TO START OFF YOUR WEEKEND

STEALING AMERICA: Vote by Vote
New Feature-Length Documentary by EMMY-winning, OSCAR-nominated Filmmaker Ms Fadiman
http://stealingamerica.org/
[Duchess Note – As Robert Steinback of the Miami Herald said, “If it was tainted once, it can be tainted again”. He is so right. The neocons and Republicans stole 2000 and 2004 elections. Wanna make a bet they do so in 2008. We Americans must come together in a peaceful, nonviolent manner and protest the crimes of these individuals. They are stealing our country out from under our feet bit by bit. Its time for change and it has to happen NOW. As Gandhi said, “be the change. . . .” Also, thanks to Linda in sharing this link.]

What Kind of Peace
"What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time." -- President John F. Kennedy at American University 10 June 1963

WE HAD ABORTIONS
The Editors, Ms. Magazine
These women invite you to join them in a campaign for honesty and freedom.
http://www.alternet.org/stories/42593/

WHEN WILL US WOMEN DEMAND PEACE?
Medea Benjamin, The Nation
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060206/benjamin

PEACE ACTIVIST LINKS
http://www.angelfire.com/mt/peaceresources/activism.html

People Hold Promise for Peace
Shirin Ebadi
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1004-25.htm

Just Say No to War in Iran
Phyllis Bennis
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1004-22.htm

RELIGIOUS RIGHT STRANGELY SILENT ABOUT FOLEY
Bob Geiger, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/42487
[Duchess Note – Fox News O’Reilly has always been a lying mad ranter. He’s now trying to label Foley as a Democrat. LOL Soooo false! Right-wingers are trying to say Democrats are to blame for it all, which is utter nonsense.]

BUMPER STICKER QUOTE OF THE DAY ... STEM CELL RESEARCH IS PRO LIFE

MESSAGE FROM THE PEACE ALLIANCE
We have just finished our 2005/2006 fiscal year annual report. What a beautiful report and what a wonderful year campaigning for a Department of Peace in the United States! Thanks to all of you for working with us to make such amazing progress in the campaign. Download at: http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/222/123/

SMALL VICTORY FOR AILING G.I.s
Daily News, Juan Gonzalez
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/458080p-385493c.html

THE GOSPEL OF GREEN
Bill McKibben, OnEarth Magazine
http://www.alternet.org/stories/42510/

Pastors Push Living Wage as Election Issue
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1004-09.htm

One Third of the Planet Will Be Desert by the Year 2100, Say Climate Experts
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1004-02.htm

SAVE HARRY!
Patricia Treble, MacLeans.ca
[Duchess Note - Many thanks to Josee in sharing this link]
http://www.macleans.ca/culture/media/article.jsp?content=20060828_132344_132344

IRAQ VETERANS’ ACTION PROCEEDS AFTER TRIM
Daniel Wise, NY Law Journal
http://www.law.com/jsp/nylj/PubArticleNY.jsp?hubtype=TopStories&id=1159792525167

SOME PHOTOS FROM MY RECENT VACATION IN CAPE MAY & SAILING IN NYC HARBOR WITH SOME MEMBERS OF New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace

[Above Photos: Duchess admiring the view of Cape May Point from top of lighthouse & heading up a Cape May path to the beach on Sept 27th]


[Above Photo: Some members of New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace on the schooner Adirondack on Sept 30th. Weather wasn't that great, but we still had a fun time. Below Photo: Duchess enjoying some of the sailing experience with Evie. Fellow NYDoP member (Kevin) adorable five year old daughter.]