Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Kucinich Electrifies California

Read some fantastic articles about Dennis Kucinich's visit to Southern California this past weekend at http://kucinich.us/node/3156

'It’s Called Heart’ Newsweek article about Dennis Kucinich. With Vilsack out, there's one less dark horse in the running. Can Dennis Kucinich capitalize? The pride of Cleveland on how his anti-war politics went mainstream, what he's got on Obama and Hillary, and what makes him run. Read more here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17348970/site/newsweek/

Check out Dennis Kucinich for President at: http://www.myspace.com/kucinich2008

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http://www.lucasgray.com/video/peacetrain.html

[Duchess Note: We need to give peace a chance, use diplomacy, communication and not bomb countries to kill, steal land and/or oil. It's terribly wrong and will only bring about more hatred. We need to learn and utilize nonviolent communication and action like Gandhi taught. As Gandhi once said, "an eye or an eye only leaves the world blind". Bring about peace, truth, love and justice for the generations to come.]

Friday, February 23, 2007

Great Video of Congressman Dennis Kucinich during His Presidential Campaign in NV
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_hpqkN1FXpc

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[Duchess Note: I firmly support Congressman Kucinich’s 2008 presidential campaign. At the link above on YouTube are other terrific videos on DJK. Kucinich is the one, true candidate for the American People. DJK will not allow Special Interest Groups and/or Lobbyists, industry and corporations to control or buy his favors. This is the opposite of Slick Hillary who apparently can be easily bought. So why don't you hear more about DJK? Kucinich only accepts individual donations to his campaign. He wants to break up big media and they are scared of him. Vote for Kucinich during the primaries. A President for the People and no strings attached!!! To learn more about the Kucinich campaign, go to http://kucinich.us]

THE PEOPLE V. RICHARD CHENEY
GQ, March 2007
http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_5402
Resolved, that Richard B. Cheney, vice president of the United States, should be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and that these articles of impeachment be submitted to the American people

Monday, February 19, 2007

NEWS ON RECENT DEPT OF PEACE CONFERENCE & OTHER ARTICLES

Congressman Wynn [MD-4] at the 2007 Dept of Peace Conference in Wash DC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNvATccNYxQ

[Duchess Note: The congressman's appearance and speech was abit of a surprise for us at the conference. An awesome surprise as well. Its a great video at YouTube and there are others from the DoP conference. Check them out and share with others. Spread the love of peace, joy, justice and harmony with friends, family and co-workers. To learn more about DoP go to ... http://www.ThePeaceAlliance.org OR visit http://www.nyc-dop.com]

Texans for Peace – Latest Newsletter
http://www.texansforpeace.org/NewsLastWeek.htm

An Interview with Dennis Kucinich
Share Guide – Holistic Health Magazine & Resource Directory
http://www.shareguide.com/Kucinich.html

From Resolution 63 to War with Iran – Kucinich Explains It
Katchen, Daily KOS
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/2/16/81540/7442

Crossing the Rubicon – Simplifying the Case Against Dick Cheney
Michael Kane
http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/011805_simplify_case.shtml

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda Z in TX in sharing the above articles.]

Dennis Kucinich on 9/11 ... Dennis asks a rep from Scholars for Truth to present their information directly to him. He says he doesn't have a problem with a public hearing based on fact. http://youtube.com/watch?y=kALg2VptE-g

Deepak Chopra – Recitation from the Soul of Healing
2007 Dept of Peace Conference, Wash DC, Feb 3rd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O4E6xaBz0o

Once the Most Beloved Country in the World, the US is Now the Most Hated
Jan Morris
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0214-22.htm

Ex-aide Says Rice Misled Congress on Iran
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0215-01.htm

Jimmy Demers Sings “America the Beautiful” at Recent Dept of Peace Conference in DC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wstsyxLPWF8

2007 Dept of Peace Conference Finale with Joaquin Phoenix & Steven Tyler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWmALRyiG5c

Dixie Chicks Among Esteemed Outlaws
Ashley Sayeau
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0216-21.htm

Report: Rove Received Iran Peace Offer in 2003
From Democracy Now!
Feb 10, 2007

Meanwhile, a former Congressional aide has revealed that President Bush's chief advisor Karl Rove personally received a copy of a secret offer from the Iranian government to hold negotiations four years ago. The Bush administration decided to ignore the grand bargain offer. Last week Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice claimed she had never even seen the document. At the time Iran said it would consider far-reaching compromises on its nuclear program, relations with Hezbollah and Hamas and support for a Palestinian peace agreement with Israel. Rove's involvement was first reported by the Inter Press Service.

Mystery: How Wealth Creates Poverty in the World
Michael Parenti
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0216-30.htm

One Great Big Plastic Hassle
Jane Akre, Conscious Choice
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/47849/

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Kucinich Looks for Boost in Maine
Ann S. Kim, Associated Press
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/070203kucinich.html

Why Love Is Our Most Powerful, Lasting Form of Activism
Courtney Martin, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/sex/47779/

Fool Us Twice? From Iraq to Iran
Marjorie Cohn, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/47994/

Report: Cheney to Snub Japan Defense Minister for Calling Iraq War 'Mistake'
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0212-08.htm

[Duchess Note: Bravo to the Japanese Defense Minister in speaking the truth. I hope he doesn’t cave into Darth Cheney’s arrogant snubs and apologize. Please sir, don’t do it, and stand by your convictions. This horrible war and occupation of Iraq is a huge illegal mistake. We cannot let the Bush Regime do it again to any other country. Who has one or more quantities of WMDs? Why it’s the USA. Who’s threatening the USA? Well, no one country really, with the exception of the US government and Bush Regime. What do fascist/imperial regimes do to those who speak the truth, speak of peace and back it up with legit proof? Well, they’ll bomb your country, put you in prison without a trial, wire tap your phone, read your mail and a whole slew of things and not in that order. Hum, sure does sound like the good ole US of A government under the Bush Regime.]

BUMPER STICKER QUOTE … If men could get pregnant, abortion would be legal, ethical and federally funded

Minimum Wage Raise Is Good for Business
Holly Sklar
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0212-20.htm

Discovering What Democracy Means
Bill Moyers
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0212-31.htm

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

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The 2007 Valentine Peace Project

From the Poem “The Gift”
By Hafiz

How did the Rose ever open its Heart
And give to this World all its Beauty?
It felt the encouragement of Light against its Being
Otherwise, we all remain too frightened.

Be involved in Peace and join www.valentinepeaceproject.org

Congressman Dennis Kucinich on 9/11
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kALg2VptE-g
Dennis asks a rep from Scholars for Truth to present their information directly to him. He says he doesn't have a problem with a public hearing based on fact.

Rock Trio, The Police, Announce Plans for Reunion Tour
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=entertainment&id=5026754
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[L to R – Stewart Copeland, Sting & Andy Summers promo photo for upcoming world tour]

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

WKSU’s Kevin Niedermeir Reports on US Department of Peace Campaign
http://www.wksu.org/news/story/20456

Cleveland Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is making another attempt to convince Congress that the nation and the world needs a Department of Peace. The idea is again generating both criticism and support. Kucinich first pushed the idea in 2001 after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, and it was part of his 2004 presidential bid. In 2005 he introduced an un-successful House Bill to authorize a cabinet level Department of Peace. Recently, he re-introduced that bill.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Dr. Wayne Dyer

Monday, February 12, 2007

PERSONAL NEWS #115
On Sunday, January 7th, I attended the New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace “Reflection Day Part 2” event. This was a continuation of part one from November 2006, as certain issues needed to be addressed. Personally, I was abit disappointed that not as many “core team” members attended this event, as were at the first one. [Those in attendance were Carol, Joe, Kevin, Norma, Susan, Karen, Eileen, Liz and I.] Dian Killan was moderator during the first 1 ½ hours of the event and helping with the “issues”. Happily they were resolved and we all moved on to the next stage of the agenda. Must get a book that Kevin mentioned and seems many others have; it’s called “Practicing Peace in Times of War”. A friend of Carol, whose name I cannot recall, was there to walk us threw a learning process and provide us with tools on becoming a better “core team”. First we were paired in two’s and discuss what conflict, nonviolence and dept of peace mean to us. I was paired with Liz and it’s always a joy talking about anything with her. She is such an inspiring, caring individual. One of my comments that Liz agreed with me on was … “in dealing with conflict that there has to be love, honor and respect from each other”. Then we worked on a project called “Your Thinking Profile” by FourSight. After answering questions, it basically tells what ones strengths are, plus how it relates to others. Mine said I am an “Implementer” and an “Integrator”. It was determined that our “core team” had a suitable amount of the four preferences; which are clarifiers, ideators, developers and implementers. Overall, it was a most productive day for NYDoP.

On Tuesday evening, January 9th; I participated at the “People for an American Way” town hall meeting at their office on Fifth Avenue. A good turnout of about 30+ folk and some I’ve seen over the last 2 to 3 years at rallies, protests, campaigns and meetings with other organizations. Some of the main concerns were “election reform & accountability”. Other topics of intense discussion were independent judiciary, separation of church/state, impeachment, Constitution, civil liberties, schools and action campaigns. There followed a Q&A segment with attendees asking detailed questions of PFAW staff. I did not stay for the social part of the evening, but had to rush home and jump on a Dept of Peace NY State CDTL conference call at 9pm. This call was being hosted by Kevin, our NYDoP vice chair. Most of the discussion was on the upcoming 4th Annual Peace conference in DC. There was also mention of a website at www.3Dsecurity.org

On Thursday evening, January 11th, I joined fellow NYC Kucitizen [Stephanie] at Broadway and West 96th Street intersection to participate with other activists in the UFPJ “America Says NO” demonstration. There were dozens of these demonstrations going on in NYC and throughout the US. Three years ago many of the responses from pedestrians to these demonstrations would have been quite negative, but now it’s a different kettle of fish. Many folk on foot and in vehicles took flyers, plus sign petitions. Many gave us the thumbs up or honked their horns regarding our activism. As with the November 2006 elections, more Americans are expressing their desire for change in this country and demanding no more war. It’s up to us to continually contact Congress and Senate. Let them know we don’t want war, we want peace and we demand that situations/issues be resolved here.

Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

Early Saturday afternoon, January 13th, I headed up to Yonkers to do my usual volunteer work at the Ferret Shelter. Weather is finally behaving like winter and turned colder. Always great seeing Joanne and catching up on news. Many new ferrets at the shelter and sadly, very few adoptions since my last visit in early November. I took care of my duties in the shelter and the grooming of the adorable furballs. I also brought with me two paper bags from my grocery store. A few days before my visit, I kept some of my dirty socks wrapped inside them. Ferrets love the smell of dirty socks and romping inside boxes or paper bags. The combination of the two was a treat for them and they so enjoyed “exploring & sniffing” the bags. Their antics were so amusing to behold and a form of therapy or detoxification.

On Tuesday, January 16th, I participated in another “New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace” congressional district team leader [CDTL] conference call regarding the upcoming 4th Annual Peace Conference in Washington DC. Of which I’m so looking forward to attending. Afterwards I received a terrific phone call from Walter and we had such an interesting two hour chat with much humor.

[Duchess Note: Regarding the above paragraph, Dr Kirshenbaum explains in detail in her wonderful book "Everything Happens for a Reason". When I typed the above "personal news" recently, I knew in my heart that the wonderful, long phone calls with Walter were now at an end. Is anyone to blame? No, not really, and things really do happen for a reason. It saddens me that our brief friendship is at a demise. Within the short time we had conversed over the phone; I found moments of joy, laughter, understanding, reflection and commonalities. My only wish, is that his days will be blessed and that his future endeavors are successful. I send you one last spiritual hug & many thanks.]

THE POLICE GET THE GRAMMY CROWD GOING
Moldovia.org
The 49th Grammy Awards opened with huge applause in Los Angeles as The Police, reunited for the occasion, proclaimed: We are The Police and we are back. Opening the awards ceremony with Roxanne, The Police received a standing ovation as members Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers bowed in unison and left the stage. The performance was the bands first in more than 20 years. Keep it going, keep it going for The Police now, Jamie Foxx encouraged the audience as he presented the first award of the night. Come on and get with it and make some noise. Foxx referred to the collaboration of The Police when he announced the winner of Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder for For Once in My Life.

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[Duchess Note: From L to R … Sting, Stewart Copeland & Andy Summers of the Police … my fav band from the 1980s & I can’t wait to see them tour. It’ll be so friggin exciting.]

The Police Lay Down the Law at Grammy’s
http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_5206232?source=rss

The Police Return for Grammy Awards
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/12022007/344/police-return-grammy-awards.html
There was a rare moment of British glory at the Grammy Awards when The Police reunited to open the show with a rendition of breakthrough hit Roxanne 23 years after splitting up.

Police Reunion Tour Announced
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/2007/02/12/3596271.html
LOS ANGELES -- The Police 30th Anniversary reunion world tour will kick off May 28 at Vancouver's GM Place and travel through North America until early August, Sun Media has exclusively learned.

QUOTE ON RELATIONSHIPS ... “Relationships are like crystals, you don't realize how much you love it until it breaks.”

Some People
A Poem by Robert Bly

Some people ascend out of our life,
some people enter our life, uninvited and sit down,
some people calmly walk by,
some people give you a rose, or buy you a new car,
some people stand so close to you,
some people you've entirely forgotten
some people are actually you,
some people you've never seen at all,
some people eat asparagus,
some people are children,
some people climb up on the roof, sit down at table,
lie around in hammocks, take walks with their red umbrella,
some people look at you,
some people have never noticed you at all,
some people want to take your hand,
some people die during the night,
some people are other people,
some people are you,
some people don't exist,
some people do.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Police Expected to Announce Tour Monday
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2007/02/08/police-tour.html

Change in the Weather
Dean Kuipers
http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/article.php?id=4294&IssueNum=58
Progressive Democrat Dennis Kucinich takes over a new House subcommittee, signaling shifts in national drug policy.

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Police Want You!
UK Music
http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/070209/340/gyo9e.html&e=l_news_dm

A World That Works for Everybody
Robert Koehler, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-koehler/a-world-that-works-for-ev_b_40694.html

Groups Drive to Curb Violence Gains Strength
Eugene Mulero, AZCentral.com
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0205peace0205.html

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Kucinich: Give Department of Peace a Chance
Schott Shewfelt, Peace Journalism
http://peacejournalism.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=15346

US Dept of Peace: A Long Overdue Idea
Beyond Chron, Tommi Avicolli Mecca
http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/U_S_Dept_of_Peace_A_Long_Overdue_Idea_4173.html

Congresswoman David Calls for Creation of Peace & Nonviolence
Charles Davis, KPBS News
http://www.kpbs.org/news/local?id=7286

Thursday, February 08, 2007

PERSONAL NEWS #114
On Wednesday, December 20th, I had another dinner date with Jerry. Since he is relatively new to the NYC area, I suggested visiting Chinatown and Little Italy. This was met with warm enthusiasm. After work we headed down to Chinatown, via subway, for a delicious leisurely meal at a restaurant on Mott Street. Due to the cold weather, we walked briskly over to Little Italy for dessert. On the way, we stopped by a street vendor so I could purchase Xmas gifts for my brother and sister-in-law. Wasn’t sure on style or color of scarf for Michelle, and so Jerry kindly lent me his cell phone for a brief call to Mom. He is such a nice gentlemen. Once that was taken care of we headed over to Ferrara’s for a yummy hot chocolate. Had an enjoyable evening and we discussed numerous, diverse topics. At the subway we shared a hug and then it was off to our respective transportation.

The following evening, December 21st, was the annual NYDoP holiday celebration and this time we held it at the Village Natural. Headed down after work and joined everyone at 6pm. Those that could attend were Karen, Ellen, Larry, Susan, Dawn, Carol, Gary, Joe, Marie, Maria, Howard, Marianne, Priscilla, Liz and I. After ordering and partaking of delicious, fresh vegetarian food we did the exchanging of holiday gifts. We don’t do store bought gifts, but instead give something from our homes. The gifts were a variety of books, poems, jewelry, figurines, etc. It’s all so enjoyable and fun. Throughout the 2 ½ hour evening we engaged in many conversations on numerous topics. Gary strongly recommended the recent film/documentary on Robert Kennedy, who was brother of President Kennedy. Overall a great evening with fabulous peacemakers.
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[Duchess Note – Members from NYDoP so rock the house of peace]

Next morning, December 22nd, I took a Trailways bus to upstate NY, where Dad picked me up at the bus terminal. Weather wasn’t that cold and sadly no snow on the ground. I spent a nice, relaxing long holiday weekend with my parents, brother and sister-in-law. Did some shopping, purchased beads, reading, watch cable TV; help Mom around the house and errands. On Xmas Eve, on our way to my brother’s place, we stopped to view a “Miniature Victorian Village” exhibit in an elderly folk’s basement near Hoosick Falls. This exhibit was free to the public during the month of December. From the photo below you only see part of this lovely exhibit with over 400 houses, other miniature items and even Xmas dolls. We learned that this couple starts putting it all together in August and takes months to complete. It’s a work of love and brings smiles to all who see it. That evening I drove Michelle and Duane around their large neighborhood to see all the Xmas displays on people’s homes. Such a beautiful sight to behold, then on Xmas morning we exchanged gifts before I headed back to NYC. Wanted to walk around my neighborhood that evening to see the Xmas lights, but had to put it off due to rainy weather. While at Mom’s I finished reading a memoir by Andy Summers called “One Train Later”, which I highly recommend. Andy is a brilliant guitarist and member of the rock group POLICE. Then I started reading “Holy Blood, Holy Grail”, which I had borrowed from a fellow NYC Kucitizen. [Thanks BC!] Overall it was a great holiday weekend.

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Police Reunion Lineup Set
Jane Stevenson, Sun Media
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/2007/02/08/3558761.html

On Saturday, December 30th, I joined my friend Jackie in going to see the film ERAGON. The film was pretty decent, dragon was cool and I adore Jeremy Irons. He has such a rich, lovely voice and is a wonderful British actor. Afterwards we headed down to Greenwich Village to check out the health food store LifeThyme. Jackie’s been here before and it was my first time visiting this awesome store. Like many good health food places the prices are slightly high, but the quality of selection and service makes up for it. Not far from LifeThyme is Rivera Café were Jackie and I headed for a leisure dinner. We talked about numerous topics and some odd encounters with an acquaintance [Carole] from our Tolkien/LOTRs group.

On Sunday evening, December 31st, I had a delightful, enjoyable and interesting three-hour phone conversation with Walter. A fascinating gent I met via Yahoo Personals and a great way to bring in the New Year. Merci beaucoup mon chere ami.

Andy Summers of the Police to Appear on Jon Regen’s Upcoming CD “Let It Go”
All About Jazz website
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=12552

Thursday, January 4th, I attended along with other NYDoP board members a meeting at Kevin’s office in midtown Manhattan. The day before I awoke with Laryngitis and wasn’t able to speak above a whisper. Before we [ie: Liz, Joe, Carol, Dawn, Kevin, Marianne & I] started the meeting they presented me with a mini cassette recorder to utilize. I’d been meaning to get one of these items, so as to make my secretarial duties for NYDoP abit easier. Sadly, my skills at shorthand are deplorable. I utilized the “new toy’ right away for our meeting and applying it toward meeting minutes. Main topics of discussion during the meeting were on becoming incorporated and going over bylaws. Overall the meeting was productive, congenial and excellent, even though all I could do was whisper.

On Saturday, January 6th, my workout session at gym with personal trainer was rescheduled and that evening Walter called and we engaged in another long, delightful phone conversation. I’m so enjoying these calls and love the sound of his voice. Also, he is very much involved with animal rights activism and loves dogs. Sounds like my kind of guy.

Police ‘Set to Reveal World Tour’
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6342255.stm

Important Message from MoveOn.org Civic Action Team - Save NPR and PBS Once and for All
President Bush just proposed drastic cuts to NPR and PBS. We've stopped similar cuts in the past, but enough is enough: With the new Congress, we can make sure this never happens again. We need Congress to save NPR and PBS once and for all. Can you help out by signing this petition to Congress? It's really easy—just click the link below:

http://civic.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/?referring_id=-4703541-fv0M1ArCOW6U4S4errv2og

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

LIVE FROM NYC – SOME LIBERAL NEWS

Bush Slashes Aid to Poor to Boost Iraq War Chest
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0206-04.htm

Vegetarian Is The New Prius
Kathy Freston, HuffingtonPost.com
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/47668/

Making an Example of Ehren Watada
Norman Solomon
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0206-32.htm

Dems Had Better Listen to the Public’s Anger Over Our Failed Trade Policy
Deborah James, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/47416/

Dept of Peace Bill Off to A Rocky Start, Again
Jonathan Kaplan, The Hill News
http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/020707/peace.html

[Duchess Note: The re-introduction of this important legislation already has 50+ co-sponsors. We need more co-sponsors AND to keep up the dialog with our representatives about the Dept of Peace bill (HR 808). More Americans want peace and the end of war. We need to continually let Congress and Senate know how we feel. Contact them several times a week via phone, email and fax. Remember they work for us, not the other way around. Now is not a time for complaining, its a time for action. Make it happen today! Thank you ... peace is the only way.]

Molly Ivins: America's Jericho Voice
Maya Angelou
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0206-22.htm

Living the American Dream – In A One-Bedroom Apartment
Andrew Lam, New America Media
http://www.alternet.org/stories/47708/

The Dangers of Depleted Uranium
CNN Video
http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?pmmsid=1837030

Will They Have No Shame
NY Daily News Editorial – Feb 7th
http://www.nydailynews.com
See if you recall the budget described by this American President: "Excellent schools, quality health care, a secure retirement, a cleaner environment, a stronger defense - these are all important needs, and we fund them." The President was George W. Bush, presenting his first spending plan in 2001, in those compassionate conservative days of his administration. But something intervened: a little thing called reality. The Sept. 11 attacks, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, spiraling deficits, gas and health care prices rising through the roof and plenty of other things falling through the floor. Through it all, Bush remained wedded, beyond rhyme or reason or risk, to tax cuts skewed heavily toward the wealthy.

Which is how we've arrived at the latest federal budget - an inevitable, unacceptable statement of his priorities. Yes, of course, it extends tax cuts that so far have diverted $1 trillion from the federal treasury. And keeping the cuts means many things have to give. Like homeland security grants, slashed by 22%. Like Medicare and Medicaid, which means a hefty hospital hit of about $2.7 billion in New York State alone? Like the vital centerpiece of the Bush education reform agenda, No Child Left Behind, under funded as it has been from the start. Those cuts will hurt long after Bush is gone.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

KUCINICH MAKES STOP IN DOVER
Jeremiah Rood, Democrat Staff Writer
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070205/FOSTERS01/102050114

Time For An Encore
Jim Farber, Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/495042p-417083c.html

The Police Reunite For Grammys
http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=6044288

Announcing A New Dennis Kucinich Meetup Group! Check out the First Event on April 5th
The New York City Dennis Kucinich Meetup Group is dedicated to the principles of non-violence, justice and compassion in our world. We also have the goal of getting Congressman Dennis Kucinich elected as the President of the United States in 2008 as a means of furthering our broader goals. People interested in the Kucinich campaign can find out more about it by visiting www.kucinich.us OR go to http://denniskucinich.meetup.com/326/calendar/5452878/?gj=ej1-181_plus

QUOTE OF THE DAYWe need a more peaceful world, growing out of more peaceful families and neighborhoods and communities. To secure and cultivate such peace, we must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends. Howard W. Hunter

Ralph Nader on Why He Might Run In 2008, the Iraq War & the New Documentary "An Unreasonable Man"
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/05/1532248
Consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader says he will decide later this year whether to run for president in 2008. Today he also looks back at his childhood and his new book "Seventeen Traditions." In addition, film director Henriette Mantel joins us to talk about "An Unreasonable Man.”

Cheshire TV Interview with Congressman Kucinich
http://kucinich.us/node/2564/play

Republicans Block Senate Debate On Iraq
David Espo, AP Special Correspondent
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070205/ap_on_co/us_iraq

[Duchess Note: So much for a Democrat majority in the Senate. This madness must stop now. We Americans must call, email and fax our Senators and get them to open this debate. It is vitally important. Not only for our soldiers, but also the welfare of everyone in the US and around the world.]

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE JANUARY 27TH RALLY AND MARCH IN WASHINGTON DC
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Monday, February 05, 2007

Local Activists Hope to Create Peace Department
By Stacia Glenn and George Watson - Article Launched: 02/03/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_5149376

The alliance has chapters in all 50 states and has converged on Washington, D.C., this weekend to exchange ideas and prepare for meetings with senators and congressmen. A bill to create a Department of Peace and Nonviolence, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, is currently before the House. It has been pitched nearly 90 times since 1955, but those involved hope the response will be different now that Democrats are in charge.

[Duchess Note: Along with hundreds of other passionate, peaceful activists; I too was at this amazing, inspiring and awesome 4th annual peace conference on Saturday and Sunday. I also participated in the 3rd annual peace conference back in September 2005. We had about 450 in attendance then and this weekend it was up to 685. The times are changing and more people are standing up demanding peace, not war nor violence. To learn more, go to www.thepeacealliance.org OR if you live in NYC, go to www.nyc-dop.com AND if you wish to support, volunteer or donate to the Kucinich for President Campaign, go to www.kucinich.us As Gandhi said “we must be the change we wish to see in the world”]

News from the 2007 - Annual Peace Alliance Conference - Greetings from the Annual Peace Alliance Conference in Washington, DC!

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All of us here wanted to let those of you that couldn't join us, to know you are in our thoughts. This conference is already a huge success. Sold out and standing room only for some events. More requests from the media than we've ever had in the past. And it couldn't have happened without all of the work everyone has done over the past year. Those who were able to make it to the conference and all of those who couldn't join us in person. We know you are here in spirit and that it is our work and energy together that continues to nourish this movement.

For all of those who have been writing to tell us you wish you were here and sending your best wishes, we will try to bring some of the conference to you via a new blog section on the website and through some informal reporting on our forum. We'll have posts from our participants, as well as a special youth and student section with updates on their program. Kerrie W., we will try to stream you in. We set up a YouTube account and will post links in the forum and blog if we can get the equipment to cooperate and let us get some video posted.

Here are the links to Peace Conference blog:
Blog http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/blogsection/19/178/
Conference Forum http://www.thepeacealliance.org/forum/index.php?f=391

Breaking news: we now have 9 Members of Congress confirmed to join us at the Conference Finale on Monday night and that, thanks to you, we already have 41 congressional co-sponsors for the re-introduction of the bill. If you have not yet called your representative, we urge you to do so. Right now, at least 210 meetings with Representatives and Senators have been scheduled by our citizen lobbyists supporting the Department of Peace legislation. The Gift of Peace play proved to be a most excellent way to kick off the Conference. As tired as everyone was having traveled all day to get here, over 400 chose to attend the play. The audience laughed and there were some tears spotted as emotions danced up and down the scale. Yet the main message of personal empowerment was not lost and no doubt it's what energized the frequent, "right on's" and cheering.

QUOTE OF THE DAYTrue peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. Martin Luther King

Surge for Peace
Liza Featherstone
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0202-22.htm

Remembering Molly
Bill Moyers
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0202-28.htm

Dems Indicate They Will Do Little to Stop Bush Troop Surge
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0202-04.htm

[Duchess Note: I strongly urge you to contact (ie: fax, email & call) your Congressperson and Senator. Tell them to do MORE in stopping Bush Regime’s troop surge. It won’t help anything and only escalate more deaths of our soldiers. I don’t want to see more death, destruction and maiming. Do you?!? These people in DC work for the American people, not the other way around. It’s time to put their feet to the fire and make them dance to truth, justice and peace. Make that call today. Thank you.]

ACTION ALERT - Call your Members of Congress today! Department of Peace bill Re-introduction

Today, February 5th, legislation to establish a U.S. Department of Peace will re-introduced into the House of Representatives. (The new bill number will be sent to you tomorrow, February 6th). Nearly 700 of us are in D.C. as part of our national conference. We will be visiting our members of Congress all day today and tomorrow. You can increase the impact of our visits! Simply contact your Representative (and Senators) today as we arrive on Capitol Hill. We need your support to help make this bill law call, fax and/or email your Representative and also spread the word to everyone you know (you can copy this alert and forward to your email address book.) Nothing you can do will have as much impact as contacting your member of Congress. Further instructions are given below.

TAKE ACTION NOW! *** CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ***

Contact your Representative at the U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121. To find your Representative, visit http://www.congress.org Tell the staffer who answers your call that you want your Representative to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Department of Peace legislation. Request a written response explaining your member's position and the reasoning behind it. (You can call your local office as well.) It is most effective if you call the D.C. office first, then follow-up with a fax or email. Inform them a bill number will be available on the 6th (reference bill number HR3760 from the last, 109th, Congress)

To write your Representative, click below to get started. This will allow you to send a fax and email to your congressperson. http://www.thepeacealliance.org/action

Please contact your Senators as well. There is no bill number as legislation has yet to be re-introduced into the Senate. Urge your Senator to be an initial sponsor in the Senate (reference bill number S.1756 from the last Congress).

ABOUT THE LEGISLATION

There is currently a bill before the Houses of Representatives to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. This landmark measure will augment our current problem-solving options, providing practical, nonviolent solutions to the problems of domestic and international conflict.

Domestically, the Department of Peace will develop policies and allocate resources to effectively reduce the levels of domestic and gang violence, child abuse, and various other forms of societal discord. Internationally, the Department will advise the President and Congress on the most sophisticated ideas and techniques regarding peace-creation among nations. Learn more at The Peace Alliance website: http://www.thepeacealliance.org/

Join us now. Create a Department of Peace. Help make history. Together, we can do this.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE Dept of Peace LEGISLATION:
Provide much-needed assistance to efforts by city, county, and state governments in coordinating existing programs; as well as develop new programs based on best practices nationally

• Teach violence prevention and mediation to America's school children
• Effectively treat and dismantle gang psychology
• Rehabilitate the prison population
• Build peace-making efforts among conflicting cultures both here and abroad
• Support our military with complementary approaches to peace-building
• Create and administer a U.S. Peace Academy, acting as a sister organization to the U.S. Military Academy.

The Police Reunion tour May Stop At Fenway Park
WBZ Boston
http://wbztv.com/local/local_story_036132508.html

Secret Police On The Move
Darren Parkman, Sun Media
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/2007/02/05/3531833-sun.html

[Duchess Note: I hardly ever watch the Grammy Awards, but this Sunday I AM watching it to see and hear my beloved POLICE sound. Oh gosh, hell no, Sting is not my fav. Its guitarist Andy Summers and I've been following his solo music career since the mid-1980s.]

Molly Ivins, 1944-2007: Legendary Texas Journalist Dies After Long Bout With Breast Cancer
Thursday, February 1st, 2007
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/01/1529226
The syndicated columnist and best-selling author Molly Ivins passed away last week following a long bout with breast cancer. Her weekly column appeared in over 400 newspapers making her the most widely read progressive columnist in the country.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

REVIEW & PHOTOS FROM JANUARY 27th RALLY & MARCH IN WASHINGTON DC
I went to bed the night before at 9:30pm, so as to get enough sleep and rest for the big day, which started at 4am on Saturday, January 27th. All was dark, still and quiet outside on a cold January morning. I had everything ready to go in my backpack, except for the bagel sandwiches, which I packed before heading out to the waiting car service at 5am. I headed down to Grand Army Plaza at the Brooklyn Library to meet Linda and Phyllis for the transportation. Upon arrival there were about 20 people or so already there waiting in the cold before dawn. BPFP [Brooklyn Parents for Peace] provided free coffee and tea, plus last minute instructions. While waiting for my friends to arrive, I ran into a dear fellow Kucitizen, Thomas, along with his girlfriend Phoebe. I hadn’t seen Thomas since the NYDoP Gandhi event back in September and we exchanged a warm hug. They’d been up all night working on posters for the rally and march. I was getting concerned about my friend’s arrival and Thomas utilized his cell phone to call Linda on hers. Was told not to worry, as the buses never leave on time and when we finally took off, it was 30 minutes behind schedule. My friends finally showed up at 5:55am and we got on the bus behind the one Thomas and Phoebe was on. BPFP had 6 buses going to DC and over 300 people in attendance.

Most of the first half of the ride down I napped on the bus and had two seats to myself. At the Chesapeake rest stop I purchased Vitamin Water, as well as chat with Thomas and Phoebe. Then back on the bus for the rest of the excursion and listening to my walkman. As we rode south the weather looked like it would be a blue sky sunny day. We arrived [11am] at the Greenbelt stop on the DC Metro line and our bus captain [Jane] went on to purchase our metro cards. While waiting I took some pix of Thomas and Phoebe in their “march” attire. [photo below]

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There were many buses from different states and all us activists heading to DC to congregate with others in solidarity. It’s an amazing feeling. Jane, our bus captain, came back with our Metro cards and off we went. During the crowded ride to the Archives/Navy Memorial stop we encountered a slightly odd, young, plump chap. Who confessed it was his first time away from his mother and chatted with anyone who’d listen to him. I also distributed some of my NYDoP flyers & brochures, plus chatted to a few about DoP legislation.

At our destination, along with 100s of others on the Metro, we made our way down 7th Street NW and then left on to Madison Avenue NW. A large field opened up before us looking down towards the Capital building. [National Gallery of Art to one side and the Air & Space Museum on the other side.]

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[Duchess at the DC Rally holding up a sign and NYDoP brochure]

We heard the guests speaking over the amplifiers; saw 100s of banners and thousands upon thousands of people. So much to take in and experience, then Linda noticed that Phyllis had taken off to do “her own thing”. So the two of us hung out, listened to the terrific speakers, handed out flyers, looked at merchandise, engaged in conversation with folk from PA, WV, NJ, MA NC and even NY. Unfortunately, due to bus and metro delays, we arrived halfway through rally and missed many speakers like Kucinich. That really bummed me. While taking a much needed “bathroom break”, there came an announcement over the PA system that Karl Rove [demented bugger] had been subpoenaed and a huge cheer came up from those assembled. I’m in the porta-potty cheering and clapping. Yahoo! Afterwards Linda and I spotted a group holding up a long, long banner with the names of all the soldiers who’d died in this illegal war/occupation of Iraq. They were from NC and it took them weeks to create this impressive huge banner. I was told reactions to this work varied from being very solemn to weeping.

Shortly afterwards the “march” began and it was a slow progress along 4th Street NW and up Pennsylvania Avenue NW. People climbed trees for a better view and the overall tone of the march was enthusiasm and solidarity.

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Linda and I only got as far as top of the hill and turned around to head down to the Reflection Pool for a break. We sat for some time observing the scene unfolding before us, enjoying the sun and eating abit of lunch. Then it was off to investigate the many tables full of buttons, bumper stickers, books, flyers from many different groups. Such as veterans, labor, faith-based, peace, youth, PDA, MoveOn.org, UFPJ and many other organizations. I engaged in conversation with several folk on current topics. By this time it was going on 4pm and we headed for the Metro. Along the way we picked up some refreshment and conversed with more people. After a 7-minute wait our “green line” Metro arrived, we had to squeeze on and make the best of it. Yes, it was cramped, but despite that I had a delightful conversation with two gents from PA on the rally, politics in general and the Dept of Peace. [One of the gents was originally from Westchester County, just like me.] I did quite well in handing out many flyers on Dept of Peace and NYDoP. The general feedback was very positive and only two individuals that day scoffed at the idea of a DoP.

We arrived at the Greenbelt Metro stop and everyone piled out of the train to head for their respective buses. Took Linda and me awhile to find our group of buses, but find them we did at the far end of the parking lot. Ugh! We also found Phyllis who’d gone off on her own and had some stories to tell. Felt good to be back at the bus and sit down on nice, comfy seats. Our buses left 30 minutes late; plus Linda, Phyllis and I experienced some “issues” with some spoiled self-centered teens. I swear, yes, I do swear, some kids nowadays have neither respect nor consideration for their elders. Mon dieu! And later on they tried to accuse us of theft. The nerve of those brats! Despite these hiccups on the ride home it was pleasant and we made a short pit stop at a rest area. The Starbucks caramel frappacino was refreshing.

We arrived back into Brooklyn at 10pm. Linda’s daughter Vanessa picked us up in her car and drove us all home. Merci beaucoup Vanessa! Arrived at 10:45pm and too wired/tired to go to bed right away. I plan on repeating this whole experience on March 17th for another rally/march in DC. In the meantime, this coming weekend, I'll be heading back to DC for the 4th Annual Peace Conference in Arlington. To learn more, go to: www.thepeacealliance.org

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

Irreverent Observations http://www.killinghope.org/
Contrary to the image of Bill Clinton as a draft-dodging anti-war protester in the 60s, it seems, instead, that he was actually informing on his "fellow" protesters and Fulbright scholars in Europe for the CIA. Roger Morris, former National Security Council official, reports on this in his book Partners in Power. Almost as surprising is his revelation that wife Hillary -- the great champion of children -- was a strong supporter of the contras in Nicaragua in the 1980s, the same band that just loved to go around murdering women and children, raping, burning down villages, and singling out schools and medical clinics for destruction. The book further makes it clear that the Mena, Arkansas drug-trafficking charges against Clinton are not simply a conspiracy freak's wet dream.

Hillary Has This Failure to Connect
By Jonah Goldberg, an editor at National Review Online: Tribune Media Services
Published February 1, 2007

A weird thing happened in Iowa this week. Hillary Rodham Clinton was campaigning for president--no, that's not the weird thing--and she paraphrased a question from the audience about what in her experience prepared her to deal with "evil and bad men." Before she could answer, the audience burst into laughter, and Clinton joined in. It was such an awkward moment, much of the commentarial hasn't figured out exactly what to say about it, starting with Clinton herself. At first she tried to explain that she was thinking of Osama bin Laden and Bush's inability to capture him. Later, she claimed she was making a joke--just not about her husband. From my own viewing of the video--you can find it on YouTube and elsewhere--Hillary wasn't making any joke at all. She was merely the butt of one and laughed along with the crowd--without getting the joke--in an excruciating "I meant to do that" sort of way.