Friday, September 28, 2007

WONDERFUL COMMENTARY BY A FELLOW NYC KUCINICH 2008 CAMPAIGN SUPPORTER [Eloquently spoken with passion and truth]

I will say that we have a great candidate here in Kucinich. He is against the war 100% and has voted that way consistently, against nuclear weapons, against NAFTA, for a green & clean environment, for less dependance on foreign oil. In short or long, he is progressive in EVERY sense of the word. We don't have to leave the party to find a great candidate who represents our, the peoples interests.

But we refuse to embrace him because we say he is unelectable. The media says this over & over too. He is electable!! If we support him, we do NOT have to leave the party, we can use our Democratic affiliation for the greater good here. We do not have to find a new party. Right now isn't it best to support a candidate who represents our political views and says to our party, this is our candidate, for he represents a better America, an America that has representative government.

When we support Kucinich we are saying that. We aren't compromising on the issues. This is Kucinich. He has experience, toughness and strength. He has stood up to this corrupt administration again and again. If we support him we ARE sending a clear message! Kucinich has positions we do support, he is uncompromising, why shoot ourselves in the foot as we stumble along looking for a party we can believe in? The Democratic party isn't ideal (and that is an understatement), but we have this great progressive candidate.

How can we be seriously called progressives, if we do not support one that exists right in our midst? Who is fighting everyday for our rights? To not support a candidate in our party who does represent our views and progressive agenda, just seems incorrect at this crucial moment in time. We do have a better choice. That choice is Kucinich. Kucinich is in it to win it!

To learn more about the Kucinich 2008 Presidential campaign, go to: http://kucinich.us/ OR http://www.dennis4president.com/

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

LATEST IN THE POLITICAL NEWS ARENA

Message from PFAW [People for the American Way] – Habeas Not Resurrected Yet, Thanks to Senate Republicans
Last week, 56 senators -- every Democrat, five Republicans and one independent -- voted to advance the proposed amendment to the DOD authorization bill to restore habeas corpus to foreign detainees and end indefinite, unilateral detentions. Unfortunately, it was four votes short of the 60 required to get cloture and move the amendment forward.

This filibuster, by 42 Republicans and Sen. Joe Lieberman, serves as an uncomfortable reminder that, with the margin as slim as it is in the Senate and the possibility of requiring cloture (60 votes) to move any bill or nomination forward, the Republican minority can still be an effective rubber stamp for the Bush administration. Yet there's still hope for habeas.

The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) is expected to mark up a bill (H.R. 2826) this week to restore habeas claims that were stripped by the Military Commissions Act. If the House passes Rep. Skelton's bill, there are several options for getting this measure to the president's desk to be signed into law -- hopefully still as part of another bill that the president would not veto. We'll keep you posted as the fate of habeas restoration unfolds, and of course, we'll let you know what you can do to help get the legislation passed.

Message From CODEPINK Regarding Yesterdays Protest Against Bush Regime at UN
This week, everyone is buzzing about Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to New York. CODEPINK was outside both his talk at Columbia and his address to the UN General Assembly. While we don't agree with many of the things he said, we want to remind everyone that Ahmadinejad, doesn't represent the Iranian people just as President Bush doesn't represent us. So what do we as citizens do when our leadership fails us so miserably? We rise up. We take action. We show that citizen diplomacy can be the voice of reason that forces leaders to talk to each other and prevent war.

We urge you to call your Reps early and often (House and Senate, 202 224 3121) and tell them to vote NO on bombing Iran. There is some scary legislation on the table (especially the Kyl-Lieberman amendment) that could lead to an imminent attack; we need to quash it immediately.

Other actions on our Iran page include getting your town to pass a resolution encouraging diplomacy, not war, with Iran; inviting someone from our speakers bureau to speak about Iran in your community; going on a citizens' diplomacy trip to Iran; and signing our petitions to Congress and the UN Security Council.

Whichever actions you choose to take, be sure to educate yourself with Phyllis Bennis' talking points about why we shouldn't attack Iran. The more we understand the issue, the more we'll be able to reach people, to change minds and prevent war. Thank you for helping us Stop the Next War Now! Check out more at http://www.codepinkalert.org/ OR http://codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=3389

Global Majority Wants Action on Climate Change
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/25/4089/

Pursue Diplomacy, Not War, With Iran
Marjorie Cohn
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/25/4085

World’s Water Supply at Risk
Kevin Danaher, Shannon Biggs & Jason Mark / PoliPoint Press
http://www.alternet.org/environment/62950/

Message from 2008 Presidential Candidate Congressman Kucinich - ARE YOU OUTRAGED YET? AARP Will Profit Over 4.4 Billion Dollars while America's Seniors Suffer!
On September 21st, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) sponsored a Presidential forum in Iowa focused on health care reform. I was conveniently left out of the debate. Why? Because I am the only candidate in this race proposing a national not-for-profit, single-payer health insurance plan. My plan would eliminate the obscene profit of 4.4 billion dollars AARP alone stands to gain over the next 7 years at the expense of the senior citizens they claim to represent. AARP's strategic partnership with healthcare giants United Health Care and Aetna are embraced by Senators Clinton, Obama, and former Senator Edwards who are pushing plans to keep the for-profit private insurers in business and in control of your life!

This is an outrage and you should be outraged!

It is clear they don't want me to upset their multi-billion dollar windfall. The health care plans of the invited candidates preserve and promote the interests of for-profit insurance and pharmaceutical companies at the expense of tens of millions of everyday Americans while the corporate media keeps America drugged with misinformation so you can't make an informed decision.

I have the prescription for a better healthcare system for America.

Under my plan, HR 676, every American would be covered! No premiums, no deductibles, and no co-payments. No one would be denied coverage and no one will be denied services and you choose your own physicians. It's the healthcare plan America deserves and it's the only plan that reduces expenses and puts your money back in your pocket. Just think for a moment what you could you do with the money that you are now paying in deductibles or other health expenses ... save for retirement ... save for education ... save for a vacation. The choice really is yours! It's a healthy windfall for the people ... not the corporations.

I need your help ... let your voice be heard!

Join me in bringing a healthy future for all of us. Together we can let the special interests and the other presidential candidates know that we will not be silenced and will not accept business as usual. Make a contribution today! Help me be your voice and reach our fundraising goal by September 30th. Together we can heal our nation with healthcare for all and together make a difference in the world with strength through peace.

Monday, September 24, 2007

ADMIRING SUNSETS WHILE ON VACATION RECENTLY IN CAPE MAY, NJ
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[Duchess Note – More “views” of Cape May coming soon, as well as an update to “Personal News”. Stay tuned…….]

[More Duchess Notes: You’ll find ALL the candidates at this website and see the actual facts, which you will NOT hear on corporate mainstream media. Go to … http://www.ontheissues.org/ OR if you wish to learn “actual facts” on Congressman Kucinich’s platform, go to: http://www.ontheissues.org/Dennis_Kucinich.htm ]

[Abit More Duchess Notes: The Clinton cow was on ALL the Sunday talk shows yesterday. Be aware that her "health caBTW, Since reform" is not meaningful health care reform. Want more of the same? Check out article by John Nichols at The Nation … http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=233626 ]

EXCERPT FROM John Nichols article … “The Clinton plan maintains the current system of for-profit, insurance-industry defined health care delivery. The only real change is that, in return for minimal requirements regarding coverage of those with preexisting conditions, the government would pump hundreds of billions in federal dollars into the accounts of some of the country's wealthiest corporations. The plan's tax credit scheme would buy some more coverage for low-income families, which is good, but it would do so at a cost so immense that, ultimately, Clinton's plan will be as tough a sell as the failed 1993 "Hillarycare" proposal.”

Friday, September 21, 2007

Elected and Electable; Dennis Kucinich
Betsy L. Angert
http://www.bethink.org/showDiary.do;jsessionid=33505FA5851CD7C5D2E6B74879E13BBD?diaryId=621

Giving the Presidential Candidates an Offer They Can't Refuse
Kevin Gosztola
http://www.opednews.com/articles/1/opedne_kevin_go_070913_giving_the_president.htm

Quote of the Day"Everything we do is important. Every little thing we do, every picket line we walk on, every letter we write, every act of civil disobedience we engage in, any recruiter we talk to, any parent that we talk to, any GI that we talk to, any young person that we talk to, anything we do in class, outside of class, everything we do in the direction of a different world is important, even though at the moment they seem futile, because that's how change comes about. Change comes about when millions of people do little things, which at certain points in history come together, and then something good and something important happens." Howard Zinn

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

Sunday, September 16, 2007

LATEST NEWS FROM THE KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN TRAIL

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Kucinich Challenges Obama’s “Newfound” Withdrawal Strategy as Too Little, Too Late, Too Politically Convenient
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,176987.shtml

Kucinich: President’s Iraq Report Proves It’s Still About Oil
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=73844

Iowa Democratic Leaders Trying to 'Rig the Game' by Excluding Kucinich, Presidential Candidate Charges http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,178448.shtml

OTHER NEWS REGARDING 9/11 & BLOG UPDATES

Why are Architects & Engineers Re-Examining the WTC Collapses?
Richard Gage, AIA
http://www.ae911truth.org/info/4

September 11: What You “Ought Not to Know”
Greg Palast, BBC
http://www.gregpalast.com/september-11-what-you-“ought-not-to-know”/?print=1

Welcome to 1984
Jimmy Walter
http://www.reopen911.org/

San Francisco to Offer Care for Every Uninsured Adult
Kevin Sack, NY Times
An initiative, known as Healthy San Francisco, is the first effort by a locality to guarantee care to all of its uninsured.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/14/us/14health.html?th&emc=th

It's Time to Bring the Troops Home
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/69176.html

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda Z and Al R for their contributions. Also, new updates at FOFF (Friends of Friday Forum) … check out the link in the left hand column.]

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

LIVE FROM NYC! IT’S THE LATEST IN US & WORLD NEWS!

HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY NYDoP!
Yesterday marked the 6th anniversary of a tragic moment in all our lives, today September 12th marks a joyous one. Three years ago today New Yorkers for a Department of Peace [NYDoP] took shape in its present form. [Duchess is honored to be a board member.] NYDoP is proud of the successes we’ve had and the commitment we share to see the creation of a United States Department of Peace and Nonviolence in our lifetime. This is a busy month for celebrating peacebuilding and there are still opportunities for you to participate and have some fun.

NYDOP’s Choose Peace campaign continues with the Peace Film Fest. Host a house party, invite your friends, neighbors and relatives, make some popcorn and pick a movie from a list provided that explores themes of nonviolence and social change. We’ve got the house party kits with everything you might need. Click on the provided link and order a house party kit today! http://www.nyc-dop.com/choose/filmfest.html

If outdoor action is more your style, then you may wish to choose a Peace Walkathon sponsored by The Peace Alliance. Click on the provided link for more details and either organize a walk or find one in your community. http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/407/36/

In the coming year New Yorkers for a Department of Peace [NYDoP] is planning, among other things, to focus more on local community outreach to support and partner with groups that are actively doing the work of every day peacebuilding. If you have any creative ideas, suggestions or thoughts, let us know at http://www.nyc-dop.com Please stay tuned for more wonderful things to come!

The 9/11 Conspiracy (Paperback)
James H. Fetzer (Editor)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812696123/105-5993218-5693253

Most See Iraq War as Complete or Partial Failure
Associated Press
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/ArticleID/8415

Combat Vet Becomes Kucinich Campaign Manager
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,176276.shtml

Denying the Truth: Petraeus, Iraq, and Our Pontius Pilate Press
Arianna Huffington
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/11/3774

It Only Takes 51 Senators to End This War
Robert Naiman
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/11/3779/

Ignoring the Other Victims of 9/11
Marie Cocco
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/11/3772/

[Duchess Note - I am one of those "other victims" that have health issues with my lungs. All due to the toxins in the air and buildings around the Wall Street area. That area was never properly cleaned following 9/11/01. Never!]

Borgen Project – Poverty Reduction Through Political Accountability
http://www.borgenproject.org/

Annual Cost of Improving the World
• $19 billion: Eliminates starvation and malnutrition globally
• $12 billion: Provides education for every kid on earth
• $15 billion: Provides access to water and sanitation
• $23 billion: Reverses the spread of AIDS and Malaria

US Costs in Perspective
• $522 billion: U.S. Military budget this year
• $340 billion: Cost of Iraq War thus far

The Military Budget for 2007
The federally budgeted* military expenditure of the United States Department of Defense for fiscal year 2007 is:

Total Funding $439.3 Billion +6.9%
Operations and maintenance $152.2 Bil. +6.6%
Military Personnel $110.8 Bil. +3.7%
Procurement $84.2 Bil. +10.5%
Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation $73.2 Bil. +3.1%
Military Construction $12.6 Bil. +57.5%
Family Housing $4.1 Bil. +2.5%
Working Capital Funds $2.4 Bil. +9.1%

The Department of Energy will spend an additional $23.4 Billion during FY2007 for the development, maintenance and production of nuclear warheads.

*Does not include extra-budgetary "emergency spending" bills, used to help fund the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, at an additional $120 Billion.

In 2003, the US military budget (minus emergency spending bills) represented 47% of the world's military spending. How's that for a point of reference on our military-industrial complex? What would the rational person in the rest of the world conclude about us based on these statistics?

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

LATEST NEWS & PRESS RELEASES FROM KUCINICH CAMPAIGN

Kucinich To Oppose September 11th Resolution, Says It Is Incomplete
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=73486

General Petraeus: Tosses a 4th Quarter Hail Mary Pass
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=73501

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[Today is the anniversary of that tragic day six years ago at WTC. Join us New Yorkers in mourning those that perished that day. Light a candle in rememberance and say a prayer. Mourn those that have died since then from the toxic air that contaminated bodies/lungs and the buildings around the Wall Street area. To this day that area has not been properly cleaned and is still contaminated with toxins. Many folk, like myself, suffer because of it. We suffer in many ways in mind and body. To this day many who helped out in the months that followed, live and work in the area, don't have adaquate health insurance to pay for medical treatment. Help us unravel the truth and demand honest answers from the US government. Hold Cheney and Bush accountable!]

Monday, September 10, 2007

Thursday, September 06, 2007

MORE NEWS ON THE KUCINICH PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Presidential Field – Issue Coverage Tracker
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/campaign08/issues/index.html

Dennis Kucinich Tours Golan Region and Visits with Assad
Josephina Malory, PR Newswire
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-01-2007/0004655173&EDATE

Congressman Kucinich Makes the Point that when We Attack Immigrants We Attack Ourselves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnLyHi2TdhM&NR=1

GREAT NEW KUCINICH [Koo-sin-ich] VIDEO
Thomas Gallagher, Forth Position

Send the Kucinich (Koo-sin-ich) for President 2008 video link to your e-mail lists! Let your friends know that there IS a candidate that represents THEIR ISSUES!!! As I'm sure you're aware, Kucinich is once again getting sidelined and maligned by the major media outlets. Well it's time to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I've designed a Dennis Kucinch for President 2008 "viral video" campaign spot that draws attention to essential Kucinich 2008 campaign issues by playfully contrasting them with the sound byte versions commonly, and falsely, attributed to the other candidates. Now that the spot is ready to go, I need all your help to get it out there - EVERYWHERE.

Here are several ways you can help network the spot:

1. Copy and paste the link into an e-mail to your friends, especially your friends who don't know who Kucinich is, and they can then watch it on YouTube. Here's that link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZoftTki1MU

2. Download a copy of the video so you can e-mail it to your friends directly (careful here, the file is about 5mb - make sure they can receive it before you send it) or re-post it to your favorite blogs, web-sites, etc. Download it at my website here: http://forthposition.com/koosinich.html

3. You can order yourself a custom (Koo-sin-ich) t-shirt* in any color/style you like, and spread the word one inspired conversation at a time - "What's that on your shirt?" "Why, it's the next president of the United States - Dennis Kucinich!"
http://forthposition.com/koosinichshirt.html

ALSO IN THE NEWS

The Real Rudy
http://therealrudy.org/?utm_source=rgemail

Congressman Conyers’ Latest on Impeachment
Atlantic Free Press
http://www.atlanticfreepress.com/content/view/2275/81/

Conyers: 3 More Congress Members and I'll Impeach
David Swanson, After Downing Street
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/24962

Scott Ritter on Iran and the Return of a Draft
By Charles Davis, WireTap
http://www.wiretapmag.org/stories/35517/

[Duchess Note – Many thanks to Linda Z, Veronica and Thomas (outstanding fellow Kucitizens) for their contributions to this blog. You’re the best!]