WITH VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS - MY FAMILY AND I CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS
Me and the Family
Xmas Eve - 12/24
Thursday, December 30, 2010
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT…………
A Tax Deal Fit for the Gilded Age
Zach Carter, AlterNet
http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/12/07/a-tax-deal-fit-for-the-gilded-age/
Quote of the Moment … “Be the bigger person, the bigger you. If someone has hurt you, resist any desire for vengeance. Rise above temporary emotions, see the positive in every situation, and treat everyone as you want to be treated. The mirror of the universe reflects back your actions, whatever they are. What good are you reflecting today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama Gets Rolled
John Avlon, The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-12-07/president-obama-gets-rolled-in-negotiations-over-bush-tax-cuts/?cid=hp:mainpromo4
Why is the Government Waging a Doomed (and Illegal) War Against WikiLeaks?
Kevin Drum, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/rss/1/380468/why_is_the_government_waging_a_doomed_%28and_illegal%29_war_against_wikileaks
Quote of the Moment … “It happens little by little. The degree of personal transformation corresponds directly to one’s level of miracle-making skills. If you’re not attracting miracles it’s probably because you’re the same person you were a year or two ago. Don’t fret—the act of reading this is setting in motion the process of change right now.” – Yehuda Berg
Ron Paul: ‘What We Need is More WikiLeaks’
By Stephen Webster
Popular Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul is no stranger to breaking with his party, but in a recent television appearance the libertarian-leaning Rep. went even further than any member of Congress in defending whistleblower website WikiLeaks.
Speaking to Fox Business host Judge Napolitano on Thursday about recent revelations at the Federal Reserve, Paul's typical candor showed through.
"What we need is more WikiLeaks about the Federal Reserve," he said. "Can you imagine what it'd be like if we had every conversation in the last 10 years with our Federal Reserve people, the Federal Reserve chairman, with all the central bankers of the world and every agreement or quid-pro-quo they have? It would be massive. People would be so outraged."
Paul, a longtime critic of the US Federal Reserve, is the incoming chairman of a House subcommittee on monetary policy. His most recent book, titled "End the Fed," takes aim at central banks the world over, blaming fiat money systems and fractional reserve banking for the world's increasingly volatile economies.
“In a free society we're supposed to know the truth,” Paul insisted. “In a society where truth becomes treason, then we're in big trouble. And now, people who are revealing the truth are getting into trouble for it.
Top 5 Social Security Myths
The McCook Gazette
http://www.mccookgazette.com/blogs/1460/entry/36290/
How Quickly Our Heroic Troops Are Forgotten When They Die
Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/story/149141/how_quickly_our_heroic_troops_are_forgotten_when_they_die_
Is Motherhood as We Know it Over? Wealthy Women Farming out Birth and Childrearing to the Poor
Sharon Lerner, RH Reality Check
http://www.alternet.org/story/149095/is_motherhood_as_we_know_it_over_wealthy_women_farming_out_birth_and_childrearing_to_the_poor
Quote of the Moment – “Start rewriting yourself a bigger life story by connecting to another story. For inspiration, choose a fairytale or myth—a plotline where someone goes beyond perceived limitations. Enlarge your life by breaking free of your comfort zone. Where are you “zoned-in” today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama is a “Poster Child for the Death of the Liberal Class”
Chris Hedges, Democracy Now
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/20/chris_hedges_obama_is_a_poster
A Tax Deal Fit for the Gilded Age
Zach Carter, AlterNet
http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/12/07/a-tax-deal-fit-for-the-gilded-age/
Quote of the Moment … “Be the bigger person, the bigger you. If someone has hurt you, resist any desire for vengeance. Rise above temporary emotions, see the positive in every situation, and treat everyone as you want to be treated. The mirror of the universe reflects back your actions, whatever they are. What good are you reflecting today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama Gets Rolled
John Avlon, The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-12-07/president-obama-gets-rolled-in-negotiations-over-bush-tax-cuts/?cid=hp:mainpromo4
Why is the Government Waging a Doomed (and Illegal) War Against WikiLeaks?
Kevin Drum, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/rss/1/380468/why_is_the_government_waging_a_doomed_%28and_illegal%29_war_against_wikileaks
Quote of the Moment … “It happens little by little. The degree of personal transformation corresponds directly to one’s level of miracle-making skills. If you’re not attracting miracles it’s probably because you’re the same person you were a year or two ago. Don’t fret—the act of reading this is setting in motion the process of change right now.” – Yehuda Berg
Ron Paul: ‘What We Need is More WikiLeaks’
By Stephen Webster
Popular Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul is no stranger to breaking with his party, but in a recent television appearance the libertarian-leaning Rep. went even further than any member of Congress in defending whistleblower website WikiLeaks.
Speaking to Fox Business host Judge Napolitano on Thursday about recent revelations at the Federal Reserve, Paul's typical candor showed through.
"What we need is more WikiLeaks about the Federal Reserve," he said. "Can you imagine what it'd be like if we had every conversation in the last 10 years with our Federal Reserve people, the Federal Reserve chairman, with all the central bankers of the world and every agreement or quid-pro-quo they have? It would be massive. People would be so outraged."
Paul, a longtime critic of the US Federal Reserve, is the incoming chairman of a House subcommittee on monetary policy. His most recent book, titled "End the Fed," takes aim at central banks the world over, blaming fiat money systems and fractional reserve banking for the world's increasingly volatile economies.
“In a free society we're supposed to know the truth,” Paul insisted. “In a society where truth becomes treason, then we're in big trouble. And now, people who are revealing the truth are getting into trouble for it.
Top 5 Social Security Myths
The McCook Gazette
http://www.mccookgazette.com/blogs/1460/entry/36290/
How Quickly Our Heroic Troops Are Forgotten When They Die
Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/story/149141/how_quickly_our_heroic_troops_are_forgotten_when_they_die_
Is Motherhood as We Know it Over? Wealthy Women Farming out Birth and Childrearing to the Poor
Sharon Lerner, RH Reality Check
http://www.alternet.org/story/149095/is_motherhood_as_we_know_it_over_wealthy_women_farming_out_birth_and_childrearing_to_the_poor
Quote of the Moment – “Start rewriting yourself a bigger life story by connecting to another story. For inspiration, choose a fairytale or myth—a plotline where someone goes beyond perceived limitations. Enlarge your life by breaking free of your comfort zone. Where are you “zoned-in” today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama is a “Poster Child for the Death of the Liberal Class”
Chris Hedges, Democracy Now
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/20/chris_hedges_obama_is_a_poster
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Quote of the Day - “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs
Thursday, December 16, 2010
PERSONAL NEWS #190
Tuesday, November 2nd, I took half a vacation day to tend to matters at home, plus vote, before heading into the office around 1:30pm. After work I volunteered at WCW national office to assist with database updating on their computers.
Thursday afternoon, November 4th, I volunteered at the E&Y Hedge Fund Symposium, which was held at the Museum of Natural History on upper Westside of Manhattan. Afterwards, I headed home to jump on the NYdoPeace “board” conference call at 8:30pm.
Friday, November 5th, I left work at 5:30pm for a CTSCAN appt [ie: lungs] at a clinic in my neighborhood.
On Saturday afternoon, November 6th, I was invited to a birthday party for Anni and David’s 1 year old daughter Rebecca down in Bay Ridge at a nice restaurant called “Circles”.
Tuesday evening, November 9th, I attended an event at the Brooklyn Law School. This event was the third part of a series called “U.S. Violations of International Law”. This evening’s panel discussion was on “Accountability – What We Can Do When Our Government Violates International Laws”. I was invited by my friend Stephanie from the “World Can’t Wait” organization, whom I occasionally volunteer for in their national office. Five awesome ladies were on the panel … Charlotte Dennett, Pam Sprees, Debra Sweet, Ann Wright [ie: retired colonel and US State Dept official], and Kathy Kelly. I wasn’t able to stay for the whole event, as I had to rush home to jump on the monthly Peace Alliance call at 9pm. This month’s guest speaker was Rita Marie Johnson of BePeace.
Thursday evening, November 11th, I went shopping for a new refrigerator at PC Richards in Union Square.
On Saturday, November 13th, I attended the Quidditch World Cup IV at DeWitt Clinton Park and to cheer on the NYC Badassilisks [TGTSNBN]. As well as hang out with other cool members of TGTSNBN. The weather was a nice, sunny, warm day with no clouds in the sky, though it did get cool once the sun settled for the day. I arrived around 10am and stayed throughout the day until 8pm enjoying ALL the festivities, Quidditch matches, purchased a few HP goodies, etc. Many Quidditch teams from around the country came to participate. Most of the teams hail from colleges and universities, even a few high schools. Our own NYC team was strictly a “community” team. Of the three matches that NYC Badassilisks participated in the team won two brilliantly. The team’s terrific seeker [Bob] caught the golden snitch in all three games. Plus, the NYC Badassilisks cheering section [which included me] were quite loud, verbal and many were dressed up in HP type costumes. It was such a fun, enjoyable day.
Sunday morning, November 14th, my new refrigerator was delivered at 7am.
Tuesday evening, November 16th, I joined Kevin at Healthy Body office to create holiday cards for NY City Council members regarding R14 and a “Peace on Earth” theme.
Wednesday evening, November 17th, I joined other members from Brooklyn for Peace “Peace Fair” committee for their monthly meeting.
Thursday evening, November 18th, I volunteered at the WCW national office in Manhattan to assist with a mailing to members.
Friday, November 19th, I took a vacation day. Went to see HP7 at AMC Empire 25 with other members [many in costume, which delighted the local Muggles] from TGTSNBN in the evening and had an enjoyable time.
Saturday morning, November 20th, I volunteered with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and we handed out flyers at the Greenpoint/Williamsburg farmers market regarding an upcoming event.
On Sunday afternoon, November 21st, I volunteered again with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and this time we handed out flyers at the Carroll Gardens farmers market. Afterwards we checked out some shops along part of Smith Street, and had light refreshment at a local bagel shop.
Early Monday morning, November 22nd, I worked with other BSC gals at the E&Y Alumni event held at the Marriott Marquis from 7am to 9:30am.
On Thursday, November 25th, I volunteered, along with other New Yorkers, for “Project Find”, which I’ve been gladly giving my time on Thanksgiving Day since 2007. Ran into Kevin Fletcher, whom I’d worked with on Project Find since 2007, and we caught up on news. He’s still acting in the cable TV series “Nurse Jackie”, which is in its third season. Kevin and I [escorts] were paired up with Thomas [driver] to deliver hot turkey dinners and bags of goodies to homebound elderly in the Greenwich Village area.
I visited my family in upstate NY, November 26 to 29, for the remainder of the holiday weekend. I had a nice, relaxing weekend. I helped Mom with holiday decorations, shopping at my favorite bead store, hair salon appt, post office, cooking, watch cable TV, phone call with Cousin Christopher, etc. On Saturday we even got 2 hours worth of snow flurries, though not much to make a real impact. I headed back to NYC on Monday.
Sunday afternoon, November 28th, was my brother Duane and Michelle’s wedding in Schenectady, NY. Originally, my Cousin Christopher was to be my brother’s best man, but due to a serious health issue, he had to back out and my father took on the task. I was asked to be wedding photographer, and utilized two digital cameras for the task. Between the two camera’s [ie: mine and Michelle’s] I took close to 200 photos. Very nice service, not that long, and about 40 to 50 guests attended the occasion. Afterwards, also at the church, was a two hour reception with assorted refreshments and a lovely cake.
Tuesday, November 30th, I went to the annual Smiley’s yarn sale on the upper Westside.
Tuesday, November 2nd, I took half a vacation day to tend to matters at home, plus vote, before heading into the office around 1:30pm. After work I volunteered at WCW national office to assist with database updating on their computers.
Thursday afternoon, November 4th, I volunteered at the E&Y Hedge Fund Symposium, which was held at the Museum of Natural History on upper Westside of Manhattan. Afterwards, I headed home to jump on the NYdoPeace “board” conference call at 8:30pm.
Friday, November 5th, I left work at 5:30pm for a CTSCAN appt [ie: lungs] at a clinic in my neighborhood.
On Saturday afternoon, November 6th, I was invited to a birthday party for Anni and David’s 1 year old daughter Rebecca down in Bay Ridge at a nice restaurant called “Circles”.
Tuesday evening, November 9th, I attended an event at the Brooklyn Law School. This event was the third part of a series called “U.S. Violations of International Law”. This evening’s panel discussion was on “Accountability – What We Can Do When Our Government Violates International Laws”. I was invited by my friend Stephanie from the “World Can’t Wait” organization, whom I occasionally volunteer for in their national office. Five awesome ladies were on the panel … Charlotte Dennett, Pam Sprees, Debra Sweet, Ann Wright [ie: retired colonel and US State Dept official], and Kathy Kelly. I wasn’t able to stay for the whole event, as I had to rush home to jump on the monthly Peace Alliance call at 9pm. This month’s guest speaker was Rita Marie Johnson of BePeace.
Thursday evening, November 11th, I went shopping for a new refrigerator at PC Richards in Union Square.
On Saturday, November 13th, I attended the Quidditch World Cup IV at DeWitt Clinton Park and to cheer on the NYC Badassilisks [TGTSNBN]. As well as hang out with other cool members of TGTSNBN. The weather was a nice, sunny, warm day with no clouds in the sky, though it did get cool once the sun settled for the day. I arrived around 10am and stayed throughout the day until 8pm enjoying ALL the festivities, Quidditch matches, purchased a few HP goodies, etc. Many Quidditch teams from around the country came to participate. Most of the teams hail from colleges and universities, even a few high schools. Our own NYC team was strictly a “community” team. Of the three matches that NYC Badassilisks participated in the team won two brilliantly. The team’s terrific seeker [Bob] caught the golden snitch in all three games. Plus, the NYC Badassilisks cheering section [which included me] were quite loud, verbal and many were dressed up in HP type costumes. It was such a fun, enjoyable day.
Sunday morning, November 14th, my new refrigerator was delivered at 7am.
Tuesday evening, November 16th, I joined Kevin at Healthy Body office to create holiday cards for NY City Council members regarding R14 and a “Peace on Earth” theme.
Wednesday evening, November 17th, I joined other members from Brooklyn for Peace “Peace Fair” committee for their monthly meeting.
Thursday evening, November 18th, I volunteered at the WCW national office in Manhattan to assist with a mailing to members.
Friday, November 19th, I took a vacation day. Went to see HP7 at AMC Empire 25 with other members [many in costume, which delighted the local Muggles] from TGTSNBN in the evening and had an enjoyable time.
Saturday morning, November 20th, I volunteered with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and we handed out flyers at the Greenpoint/Williamsburg farmers market regarding an upcoming event.
On Sunday afternoon, November 21st, I volunteered again with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and this time we handed out flyers at the Carroll Gardens farmers market. Afterwards we checked out some shops along part of Smith Street, and had light refreshment at a local bagel shop.
Early Monday morning, November 22nd, I worked with other BSC gals at the E&Y Alumni event held at the Marriott Marquis from 7am to 9:30am.
On Thursday, November 25th, I volunteered, along with other New Yorkers, for “Project Find”, which I’ve been gladly giving my time on Thanksgiving Day since 2007. Ran into Kevin Fletcher, whom I’d worked with on Project Find since 2007, and we caught up on news. He’s still acting in the cable TV series “Nurse Jackie”, which is in its third season. Kevin and I [escorts] were paired up with Thomas [driver] to deliver hot turkey dinners and bags of goodies to homebound elderly in the Greenwich Village area.
I visited my family in upstate NY, November 26 to 29, for the remainder of the holiday weekend. I had a nice, relaxing weekend. I helped Mom with holiday decorations, shopping at my favorite bead store, hair salon appt, post office, cooking, watch cable TV, phone call with Cousin Christopher, etc. On Saturday we even got 2 hours worth of snow flurries, though not much to make a real impact. I headed back to NYC on Monday.
Sunday afternoon, November 28th, was my brother Duane and Michelle’s wedding in Schenectady, NY. Originally, my Cousin Christopher was to be my brother’s best man, but due to a serious health issue, he had to back out and my father took on the task. I was asked to be wedding photographer, and utilized two digital cameras for the task. Between the two camera’s [ie: mine and Michelle’s] I took close to 200 photos. Very nice service, not that long, and about 40 to 50 guests attended the occasion. Afterwards, also at the church, was a two hour reception with assorted refreshments and a lovely cake.
Tuesday, November 30th, I went to the annual Smiley’s yarn sale on the upper Westside.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Power of Positive ThoughtsMAY YOU. . . . .
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world You may not always understand.
May the pain you have known and conflict you have experienced Give you the strength to walk through life Facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
Always know that there are those whose love and understanding Will always be there, even when you feel most alone.
May you discover enough goodness in others To believe in a world of peace.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours Every day of your life, And may you give these gifts as well as receive them.
Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.
Teach love to those who know hate, And let that love embrace you as you go into the world.
May the teaching of those you admire become part of you, So that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched And who have touched yours are always a part of you, Even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.It is the content of the encounter that is more important than its form.
May you not become too concerned with material matters, But instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.
Realize that each person has limitless abilities, But each of us is different in our own way.
What you may feel you lack in one regard May be more than compensated for in another.What you feel you lack in the present May become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, And not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world You may not always understand.
May the pain you have known and conflict you have experienced Give you the strength to walk through life Facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
Always know that there are those whose love and understanding Will always be there, even when you feel most alone.
May you discover enough goodness in others To believe in a world of peace.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours Every day of your life, And may you give these gifts as well as receive them.
Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.
Teach love to those who know hate, And let that love embrace you as you go into the world.
May the teaching of those you admire become part of you, So that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched And who have touched yours are always a part of you, Even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.It is the content of the encounter that is more important than its form.
May you not become too concerned with material matters, But instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.
Realize that each person has limitless abilities, But each of us is different in our own way.
What you may feel you lack in one regard May be more than compensated for in another.What you feel you lack in the present May become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, And not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
LATEST NEWS
Ex-German Chancellor Says Bush is a Liar
Steve Benen, Washington Monthly
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368312&t=
Watch: Incoming Senator’s Insane Logic on Tax Cuts and Jobless Benefits
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368268&t=
Saving Progressivism from Obama
Robert Kuttner, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149007/saving_progressivism_from_obama
No Human Being is “Illegal” – How Using the “I-Word” Creates Hate
Monica Novoa, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149001/no_human_being_is_%22illegal%22_--_how_using_the_%22i-word%22_creates_hate
Afghan Gold Mine Raises Specter of 'Resource Curse'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3328?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=12
Election Chaos in Haiti as Candidates Cry Foul
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3329?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=14
Norman Solomon WikiLeaks: Demystifying “Diplomacy”
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3331?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=18
Chris Hedges Hope, Real Hope, Is About Doing Something
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3332?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=20
Bill Quigley: Why Wikileaks is Good for Democracy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3353?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=22
John Nichols: Trump the Fiscal Commission; Tell Congress: "Don't Cut Social Security—Strengthen It!"
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3354?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=24
Ralph Nader: Missing the Mark on Deficits
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3355?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=26
Tom Engelhardt: The United States of Fear: The National Security State Cops a Feel
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3356?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=28
Ex-German Chancellor Says Bush is a Liar
Steve Benen, Washington Monthly
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368312&t=
Watch: Incoming Senator’s Insane Logic on Tax Cuts and Jobless Benefits
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368268&t=
Saving Progressivism from Obama
Robert Kuttner, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149007/saving_progressivism_from_obama
No Human Being is “Illegal” – How Using the “I-Word” Creates Hate
Monica Novoa, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149001/no_human_being_is_%22illegal%22_--_how_using_the_%22i-word%22_creates_hate
Afghan Gold Mine Raises Specter of 'Resource Curse'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3328?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=12
Election Chaos in Haiti as Candidates Cry Foul
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3329?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=14
Norman Solomon WikiLeaks: Demystifying “Diplomacy”
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3331?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=18
Chris Hedges Hope, Real Hope, Is About Doing Something
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3332?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=20
Bill Quigley: Why Wikileaks is Good for Democracy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3353?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=22
John Nichols: Trump the Fiscal Commission; Tell Congress: "Don't Cut Social Security—Strengthen It!"
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3354?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=24
Ralph Nader: Missing the Mark on Deficits
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3355?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=26
Tom Engelhardt: The United States of Fear: The National Security State Cops a Feel
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3356?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=28
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
SOME NEWS THAT’LL ROAST YOUR CHESTNUTS
Obama’s Greatest Betrayal: The Coming Sell-Out to the Super Rich and What it Means for the Rest of Us
Michael Hudson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148857/obama%27s_greatest_betrayal%3A_the_coming_sell-out_to_the_super_rich_and_what_it_means_for_the_rest_of_us
We’re Losing Our Intelligence – How the Purge of True Dissent Has Starved Our Discourse
Chris Hedges, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148858/hedges%3A_we%27re_losing_our_intelligence_--_how_the_purge_of_true_dissent_has_starved_our_discourse
World Comparison Shows Sorry State of US Healthcare
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3200?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=1
Not Everyone Agrees Deficit Is Major Problem
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3202?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=5
Yvonne Yen Liu The Physical and Emotional Costs of Long-Term Unemployment
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3212?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=25
Russell Mokhiber War Is a Drug
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3213?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=27
Democracy Now! Headlines – Manufacturers of Full Body Scanners Increase Lobbying Effort
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/11/23/headlines#5
As the national debate over airport screening practices intensifies, little attention has paid to the increasing lobbying power the manufacturers of full body scanning machines have in Washington. USA Today reports L3 Communications has spent $4.3 million on lobbying, up from $2.1 million in 2005. L3 has sold nearly $40 million worth of machines to the federal government. Lobbyists for L3 have included Linda Daschle, the wife of former U.S. Senate majority leader Tom Daschle. Meanwhile Rapiscan Systems has spent more than $270,000 on lobbying so far this year, compared with $80,000 five years earlier. The company made headlines last year when it hired former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff who has become a prominent proponent of body scanners. The CEO of Rapiscan’s parent company, Deepak Chopra, recently traveled with President Obama on his three-day trip to India.
Making the Impossible Possible: The Power of Community Spirit
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3183?akid=284.19616.Yz212e&t=1
Protecting People: A Progressive Alternative to Austerity
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3184?akid=284.19616.Yz212e&t=3
Medea Benjamin Protesters Say George Bush Library Should be a Pile of Rubble
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3192?akid=284.19616.Yz212e&t=20
Jobless Benefits About to Lapse As Senate Dems Mull Strategy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3162?akid=280.19616.looCVV&t=7
Angry Left to Obama: Stop Caving on Agenda
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3164?akid=280.19616.looCVV&t=9
Kabul Is No Child's Playground
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3243?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=7
Unemployment Extension Standoff 'A Crummy Deal For The American Public'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3244?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=9
Ralph Nader: Bush's Friend Barack
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3248?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=17
Margaret Flowers: New Health Care Law Fails to Make the Grade
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3249?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=19
Exposing the Insurance Industry’s Vast Conspiracy to Smear Michael Moore
Bill Berkowitz, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148950/exposing_the_insurance_industry%27s_vast_conspiracy_to_smear_michael_moore
More Profits at Corporate Top, More Pain on Jobless Bottom
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3261?akid=288.19616.KUOIMl&t=1
New York City Prepares for Nation's Largest Bike Share System
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3265?akid=288.19616.KUOIMl&t=9
Illness, Medical Bills 'Plunge Millions Into Poverty'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3266?akid=288.19616.KUOIMl&t=11
Obama’s Greatest Betrayal: The Coming Sell-Out to the Super Rich and What it Means for the Rest of Us
Michael Hudson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148857/obama%27s_greatest_betrayal%3A_the_coming_sell-out_to_the_super_rich_and_what_it_means_for_the_rest_of_us
We’re Losing Our Intelligence – How the Purge of True Dissent Has Starved Our Discourse
Chris Hedges, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148858/hedges%3A_we%27re_losing_our_intelligence_--_how_the_purge_of_true_dissent_has_starved_our_discourse
World Comparison Shows Sorry State of US Healthcare
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3200?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=1
Not Everyone Agrees Deficit Is Major Problem
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3202?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=5
Yvonne Yen Liu The Physical and Emotional Costs of Long-Term Unemployment
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3212?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=25
Russell Mokhiber War Is a Drug
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3213?akid=285.19616.1ErKFq&t=27
Democracy Now! Headlines – Manufacturers of Full Body Scanners Increase Lobbying Effort
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/11/23/headlines#5
As the national debate over airport screening practices intensifies, little attention has paid to the increasing lobbying power the manufacturers of full body scanning machines have in Washington. USA Today reports L3 Communications has spent $4.3 million on lobbying, up from $2.1 million in 2005. L3 has sold nearly $40 million worth of machines to the federal government. Lobbyists for L3 have included Linda Daschle, the wife of former U.S. Senate majority leader Tom Daschle. Meanwhile Rapiscan Systems has spent more than $270,000 on lobbying so far this year, compared with $80,000 five years earlier. The company made headlines last year when it hired former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff who has become a prominent proponent of body scanners. The CEO of Rapiscan’s parent company, Deepak Chopra, recently traveled with President Obama on his three-day trip to India.
Making the Impossible Possible: The Power of Community Spirit
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3183?akid=284.19616.Yz212e&t=1
Protecting People: A Progressive Alternative to Austerity
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3184?akid=284.19616.Yz212e&t=3
Medea Benjamin Protesters Say George Bush Library Should be a Pile of Rubble
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3192?akid=284.19616.Yz212e&t=20
Jobless Benefits About to Lapse As Senate Dems Mull Strategy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3162?akid=280.19616.looCVV&t=7
Angry Left to Obama: Stop Caving on Agenda
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3164?akid=280.19616.looCVV&t=9
Kabul Is No Child's Playground
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3243?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=7
Unemployment Extension Standoff 'A Crummy Deal For The American Public'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3244?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=9
Ralph Nader: Bush's Friend Barack
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3248?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=17
Margaret Flowers: New Health Care Law Fails to Make the Grade
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3249?akid=287.19616.HGILYZ&t=19
Exposing the Insurance Industry’s Vast Conspiracy to Smear Michael Moore
Bill Berkowitz, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148950/exposing_the_insurance_industry%27s_vast_conspiracy_to_smear_michael_moore
More Profits at Corporate Top, More Pain on Jobless Bottom
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3261?akid=288.19616.KUOIMl&t=1
New York City Prepares for Nation's Largest Bike Share System
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3265?akid=288.19616.KUOIMl&t=9
Illness, Medical Bills 'Plunge Millions Into Poverty'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3266?akid=288.19616.KUOIMl&t=11
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Psycho-Babbling Obama
Black Agenda Radio Commentary by Glen Ford
http://blackagendareport.com/?q=content%2Fpsycho-babbling-obama
Take Paul Krugman, of the New York Times, for example. People on the Left quote him a lot, which I find strange, since Krugman can talk about the political meltdown of 2008 for 45 minutes and never say the word “corporation” – as if corporations had nothing to do with the meltdown. But anyway, the liberal Krugman insists that Obama’s problem is, he tried to transcend partisan divisions, not understanding that sometimes one has to fight. That’s a recurring theme with Obama apologists, that Obama won’t fight. But Obama showed plenty of fight during the health care debate. He fought the left wing of his own party every step of the way, exiling single-payer supporters to the margins while he kissed Republican boodie and empowered Blue Dogs and DLCers. He didn’t just fight progressives, he stomped their butts into the dirt.
[Duchess Note: It’s been tough for third parties to break in, however, like abolition, the suffrage movement, labor movement, and civil rights movement. Let's face it, you have to start somewhere. These movements were not overnight sensations but rather took years of blood, sweat, and tears before gaining acceptance, momentum, and eventually success. If voters continue the lesser of two evils election strategy, things will get worse, not better. As we've seen over the last few years, the Democrats have ceased to give a crap about the poor and working classes who comprise over half this nation, as well as most of their voter base. They are enacting legislation Republicans always dreamed about but could never pull off. ]
Black Agenda Radio Commentary by Glen Ford
http://blackagendareport.com/?q=content%2Fpsycho-babbling-obama
Take Paul Krugman, of the New York Times, for example. People on the Left quote him a lot, which I find strange, since Krugman can talk about the political meltdown of 2008 for 45 minutes and never say the word “corporation” – as if corporations had nothing to do with the meltdown. But anyway, the liberal Krugman insists that Obama’s problem is, he tried to transcend partisan divisions, not understanding that sometimes one has to fight. That’s a recurring theme with Obama apologists, that Obama won’t fight. But Obama showed plenty of fight during the health care debate. He fought the left wing of his own party every step of the way, exiling single-payer supporters to the margins while he kissed Republican boodie and empowered Blue Dogs and DLCers. He didn’t just fight progressives, he stomped their butts into the dirt.
[Duchess Note: It’s been tough for third parties to break in, however, like abolition, the suffrage movement, labor movement, and civil rights movement. Let's face it, you have to start somewhere. These movements were not overnight sensations but rather took years of blood, sweat, and tears before gaining acceptance, momentum, and eventually success. If voters continue the lesser of two evils election strategy, things will get worse, not better. As we've seen over the last few years, the Democrats have ceased to give a crap about the poor and working classes who comprise over half this nation, as well as most of their voter base. They are enacting legislation Republicans always dreamed about but could never pull off. ]
Friday, November 12, 2010
A LITTLE BIT OF NEWS TO ROCK THE WEEKEND
Howie Hawkins Saves Green Party, Loads Trucks
Nick Rizzo, Capital New York
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/culture/2010/11/748265/howie-hawkins-saves-green-party-loads-trucks
A Recipe for Fascism
Chris Hedges, TruthDig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/a_recipe_for_fascism_20101108/
Obama’s Biggest Mistake: Selling Out to the Bankers
James Galbraith, New Deal
http://www.alternet.org/story/148770/obama%27s_biggest_mistake%3A_selling_out_to_the_bankers
The original sin of Obama’s presidency was to trust bank-friendly economists and Bush carryovers, whose primary goal was to protect their own past decisions and futures.
Van Jones: We Must Prepare for Battle
Adele Stan, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148764/van_jones%3A_we_must_prepare_for_battle
Bank of America is in Deep Trouble, and There May be Financial Disaster on the Horizon
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148817/bank_of_america_is_in_deep_trouble_and_there_is_financial_disaster_on_the_horizon
Word to the Fiscal Commission: Hands off Social Security
Terrance Heath, Blog for Our Future
http://www.alternet.org/story/148815/word_to_the_fiscal_commission%3A_hands_off_social_security
Déjà Vu? Echoes of Iraq as Hawks Push for Attack on Iran
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3055?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=2
Banks Get Big Bucks, Consumers Get Bupkis
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3056?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=4
Nomi Prins: Wall Street Wins Again
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3066?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=24
Mark Weisbrot: Democrats Could Fare Even Worse Next Time If They Don’t Fix Economy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3067?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=26
Deficit Panel Proposal: Reduce Benefits, Up Retirement Age
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3076?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=2
Tens of Thousands in London Protest Student Austerity Measures, Fee Increases
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3077?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=4
Dean Baker: The Wall Street TARP Gang Wants to Take Away Your Social Security
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3086?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=22
Robert Naiman: McClatchy: Obama to Renege on Afghan Drawdown
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3087?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=24
Jim Hightower: Soft Landing for Bankers, Hard Times for Everyone Else
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3089?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=28
Jane Slaughter: Billionaire Launches Campaign to Slash Social Security
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3090?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=30
Howie Hawkins Saves Green Party, Loads Trucks
Nick Rizzo, Capital New York
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/culture/2010/11/748265/howie-hawkins-saves-green-party-loads-trucks
A Recipe for Fascism
Chris Hedges, TruthDig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/a_recipe_for_fascism_20101108/
Obama’s Biggest Mistake: Selling Out to the Bankers
James Galbraith, New Deal
http://www.alternet.org/story/148770/obama%27s_biggest_mistake%3A_selling_out_to_the_bankers
The original sin of Obama’s presidency was to trust bank-friendly economists and Bush carryovers, whose primary goal was to protect their own past decisions and futures.
Van Jones: We Must Prepare for Battle
Adele Stan, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148764/van_jones%3A_we_must_prepare_for_battle
Bank of America is in Deep Trouble, and There May be Financial Disaster on the Horizon
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148817/bank_of_america_is_in_deep_trouble_and_there_is_financial_disaster_on_the_horizon
Word to the Fiscal Commission: Hands off Social Security
Terrance Heath, Blog for Our Future
http://www.alternet.org/story/148815/word_to_the_fiscal_commission%3A_hands_off_social_security
Déjà Vu? Echoes of Iraq as Hawks Push for Attack on Iran
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3055?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=2
Banks Get Big Bucks, Consumers Get Bupkis
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3056?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=4
Nomi Prins: Wall Street Wins Again
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3066?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=24
Mark Weisbrot: Democrats Could Fare Even Worse Next Time If They Don’t Fix Economy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3067?akid=263.19616.nonlpY&t=26
Deficit Panel Proposal: Reduce Benefits, Up Retirement Age
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3076?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=2
Tens of Thousands in London Protest Student Austerity Measures, Fee Increases
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3077?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=4
Dean Baker: The Wall Street TARP Gang Wants to Take Away Your Social Security
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3086?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=22
Robert Naiman: McClatchy: Obama to Renege on Afghan Drawdown
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3087?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=24
Jim Hightower: Soft Landing for Bankers, Hard Times for Everyone Else
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3089?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=28
Jane Slaughter: Billionaire Launches Campaign to Slash Social Security
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3090?akid=266.19616.52i4wE&t=30
Thursday, November 11, 2010
They Just Declared War on Social Security
Message from “Democracy for America”
We knew this day was coming -- Today, the co-chairs of the Deficit Commission declared war on Social Security.
And it's not just Social Security they're going after. They're declaring war on Medicare, the National Park Service and PBS, too.
Well, the Deficit Commission doesn't speak for me -- or the vast majority of Americans -- and Congress needs to know it. Join me today and sign our pledge to Congress rejecting the Deficit Commission's right-wing attacks on Social Security.
Add your name now - http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/412?t=e1
The Co-Chairs of the Commission released their proposal today. One member of the commission referred to the plan as "a good start". It's our job to make sure they know it's Dead on Arrival. Here's a quick sample of just some of what they're calling for:
Cut Social Security benefits
Raise the retirement age
Cut funding to the National Park Service
Cut funding to PBS
When we say that the Deficit Commission doesn't speak for the vast majority of Americans, we have the numbers to back it up.
On Election Day, Democracy for America polled voters nationwide and when asked about Social Security only four percent supported making cuts to Social Security. Over half support eliminating the Social Security tax cap for income over $106,000 a year and 31 percent said they wouldn't change anything at all.
Let me say that again so Congress gets the message -- We polled the exact same people who voted to put Republicans in charge of the House of Representatives and 85 percent of voters don't want any cuts to Social Security.
This might be the only thing that 85 percent of Americans can agree on. Help make sure Congress gets the message.
Call on Congress to reject the Deficit Commission's recommendations now -- http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/412?t=e1
When we asked DFA members what we needed to work on after the election, the answer was loud and clear -- Stand up for Social Security. And we are. Join us today and tell Congress to reject the Deficit Commission.
Message from “Democracy for America”
We knew this day was coming -- Today, the co-chairs of the Deficit Commission declared war on Social Security.
And it's not just Social Security they're going after. They're declaring war on Medicare, the National Park Service and PBS, too.
Well, the Deficit Commission doesn't speak for me -- or the vast majority of Americans -- and Congress needs to know it. Join me today and sign our pledge to Congress rejecting the Deficit Commission's right-wing attacks on Social Security.
Add your name now - http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/412?t=e1
The Co-Chairs of the Commission released their proposal today. One member of the commission referred to the plan as "a good start". It's our job to make sure they know it's Dead on Arrival. Here's a quick sample of just some of what they're calling for:
Cut Social Security benefits
Raise the retirement age
Cut funding to the National Park Service
Cut funding to PBS
When we say that the Deficit Commission doesn't speak for the vast majority of Americans, we have the numbers to back it up.
On Election Day, Democracy for America polled voters nationwide and when asked about Social Security only four percent supported making cuts to Social Security. Over half support eliminating the Social Security tax cap for income over $106,000 a year and 31 percent said they wouldn't change anything at all.
Let me say that again so Congress gets the message -- We polled the exact same people who voted to put Republicans in charge of the House of Representatives and 85 percent of voters don't want any cuts to Social Security.
This might be the only thing that 85 percent of Americans can agree on. Help make sure Congress gets the message.
Call on Congress to reject the Deficit Commission's recommendations now -- http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/412?t=e1
When we asked DFA members what we needed to work on after the election, the answer was loud and clear -- Stand up for Social Security. And we are. Join us today and tell Congress to reject the Deficit Commission.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
JUST SOME THOUGHTS ON VOTING AND NOVEMBER 2ND
I voted on Election Day, November 2nd, and as always, I placed my precious votes with candidates whom I felt "best" represent my views and values. I walked out of that voting area with a clear conscious. To say that voting Democrat all the way, and no third party, is the correct way, well, I’m sorry, but I disagree. To say that I should not vote for what I believe in, well, that is just un-American. Because we ALL have the right to vote for whom WE want. You vote for whom you want, and I’ll vote for who I want. [Some friends, co-workers and acquaintances have tried to nag me into voting for a party who more and more does NOT represent me, but doing so would make a farce out of voting.] To be so disrespectful as to say that I should throw away my own views, my own feelings, my own values just to get Democrats into office when I do NOT feel confident NOR have faith in the majority of them, I would feel absolutely disgusted with myself. We need to smash the two-party duo-poly that along with the corporate elites, military/industrial complex AND ultra rich controls our country! Let's make OUR OWN REAL change! We The People can do it!
I voted on Election Day, November 2nd, and as always, I placed my precious votes with candidates whom I felt "best" represent my views and values. I walked out of that voting area with a clear conscious. To say that voting Democrat all the way, and no third party, is the correct way, well, I’m sorry, but I disagree. To say that I should not vote for what I believe in, well, that is just un-American. Because we ALL have the right to vote for whom WE want. You vote for whom you want, and I’ll vote for who I want. [Some friends, co-workers and acquaintances have tried to nag me into voting for a party who more and more does NOT represent me, but doing so would make a farce out of voting.] To be so disrespectful as to say that I should throw away my own views, my own feelings, my own values just to get Democrats into office when I do NOT feel confident NOR have faith in the majority of them, I would feel absolutely disgusted with myself. We need to smash the two-party duo-poly that along with the corporate elites, military/industrial complex AND ultra rich controls our country! Let's make OUR OWN REAL change! We The People can do it!
MORE NEWS FOR YOUR WEEKEND VIEWING PLEASURE
Remarks by Bill Moyers at the 40th Anniversary of Common Cause
Bill Moyers, PDA
http://pdamerica.org/articles/alliances/2010-10-12-13-01-00-alliances.php
The Phantom Left
Chris Hedges, TruthDig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_phantom_left_20101031/
How Obama Lost His Voice, and How He Can Get it Back
Marshall Ganz, LA Times
http://www.alternet.org/story/148741/how_obama_lost_his_voice%2C_and_how_he_can_get_it_back
In U.S. 14% Rely on Food Stamps
Sara Murray, WSJ Blog
[Duchess Note: New York state percent of population on food stamps is 14.7%]
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/11/04/some-14-of-us-uses-food-stamps/
Vermont’s Great Green Election Day Victory – Kick out the Nuclear Plant
Harvey Wasserman, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148755/vermont%27s_great_green_election_day_victory_--_kick_out_the_nuclear_plant
If Olbermann’s Donations are Bad, What About GE’s?
http://www.alternet.org/story/148763/if_olbermann%27s_donations_are_bad%2C_what_about_ge%27s
The More Money You Make the More Likely You’ll Vote Republican
Lynn Parramore, New Deal
Despite what you might hear about Tea Party Populism, one thing is indisputable. The bigger your salary, the more likely you were to cast a ballot for the GOP.
http://www.alternet.org/story/148746/the_more_money_you_make_the_more_likely_you%27ll_vote_republican
Greedy Bankers Are Like Coke Fiends
Tony Schwartz, AlterNet
It would be wonderful if the people responsible for the financial crisis learned lessons from the worldwide havoc and suffering they helped to prompt. Don’t hold your breath.
http://www.alternet.org/story/148749/greedy_bankers_are_like_coke_fiends
Green Hopes Crushed as Climate Change Deniers Enter Congress
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2971?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=2
With All Eyes on Gulf, BP Alaska Facilities Still at Risk
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2972?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=4
Michael Kinsley US Is Not Greatest Country Ever
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2980?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=20
Matthew Rothschild Nov. 2: The Death Knell of Corporate Liberalism
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2981?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=22
Mary Bottari Obama Economic Team Passes Out the Kool-Aid
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2983?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=26
Congrats to the NYS Greens!
I sincerely hope they will immediately begin to study districts/offices where they have the best potential to win, work to recruit potential candidates and begin fundraising for these elections now etc. The results below are from NY1's website:
Election Results for NYS Governor
X Andrew Cuomo Dem 2,532,447 61.52%
Carl Paladino GOP 1,399,235 33.99%
Howie Hawkins Grn 56,868 1.38%
Warren Redlich Lib 44,696 1.09%
Jimmy McMillan Oth 39,850 0.97%
Kristin Davis Oth 22,775 0.55%
Charles Barron Fre 20,717 0.5%
What’s Next
By Peace Action West
Even though I knew it was going to be a tough election, it’s still disappointing to face the reality of losing some wonderful allies and seeing opponents of our pro-peace agenda headed to Congress. As we work through these feelings of frustration, it is important to remember that you stepped up in the face of difficult odds—and you made a difference.
With your help, one of our staunchest allies, Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Raul Grijalva, appears poised to win in a very tight race with his dangerous right-wing opponent. Senate pro-peace leader Barbara Boxer fended off a difficult challenge, ensuring that we will have an ally who will work to hold the administration accountable to ending the war in Afghanistan.
The pro-peace congressional champions that we endorsed, including Barbara Lee, Lynn Woolsey, Pete Stark, and Keith Ellison, will continue to be outspoken advocates for peace and will work with us to make sure supporters of a smarter, saner foreign policy are heard in this Congress.
I am sorry to say that our challengers Bill Hedrick, Suzan DelBene, Steve Pougnet and Francine Busby were unable to defeat their opponents in tough races. They took on an incredibly difficult task—ousting incumbent Republicans in a wave election in which the GOP would eventually see a gain of more than 50 seats. Our candidates worked hard and did some amazing grassroots organizing that will lay the groundwork for a progressive base in conservative areas, and we are proud to have played a part in their campaigns.
Most importantly, we have our eyes on the issues. We are already thinking creatively about how to find opportunities despite the challenges of the new political landscape. We will use our power—the power you give us through your commitment and action—to push for priorities like an end to the war in Afghanistan, eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons, and a budget that reflects what is important to you and me. We will continue to mobilize and make our voices heard with resolve and commitment to a better vision for how we engage with the world.
Keep an eye on our blog for more detailed analysis of how the new Congress will affect our work on these key issues. Through good times and bad, we have persevered and grown in our sophistication and power, and will continue to grow, thanks to you. Thank you for all you do for peace.
Robert Reich The Republican Recipe for An Anemic Economy Through Election Day 2012
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3000?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=24
Neve Gordon Thought Crimes
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3001?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=26
Andy Worthington Obama's National Security Policy: The Death of Hope and Change
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3002?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=28
Robert Naiman A Progressive Primary to Push for Jobs and End the Wars
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3003?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=30
Our Banana Republic
Nicholas Kristof, NY Times
In my reporting, I regularly travel to banana republics notorious for their inequality. In some of these plutocracies, the richest 1 percent of the population gobbles up 20 percent of the national pie.
But guess what? You no longer need to travel to distant and dangerous countries to observe such rapacious inequality. We now have it right here at home — and in the aftermath of Tuesday’s election, it may get worse.
The richest 1 percent of Americans now take home almost 24 percent of income, up from almost 9 percent in 1976. As Timothy Noah of Slate noted in an excellent series on inequality, the United States now arguably has a more unequal distribution of wealth than traditional banana republics like Nicaragua, Venezuela and Guyana.
C.E.O.’s of the largest American companies earned an average of 42 times as much as the average worker in 1980, but 531 times as much in 2001. Perhaps the most astounding statistic is this: From 1980 to 2005, more than four-fifths of the total increase in American incomes went to the richest 1 percent.
That’s the backdrop for one of the first big post-election fights in Washington — how far to extend the Bush tax cuts to the most affluent 2 percent of Americans. Both parties agree on extending tax cuts on the first $250,000 of incomes, even for billionaires. Republicans would also cut taxes above that.
The richest 0.1 percent of taxpayers would get a tax cut of $61,000 from President Obama. They would get $370,000 from Republicans, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. And that provides only a modest economic stimulus, because the rich are less likely to spend their tax savings.
At a time of 9.6 percent unemployment, wouldn’t it make more sense to finance a jobs program? For example, the money could be used to avoid laying off teachers and undermining American schools.
Likewise, an obvious priority in the worst economic downturn in 70 years should be to extend unemployment insurance benefits, some of which will be curtailed soon unless Congress renews them. Or there’s the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which helps train and support workers who have lost their jobs because of foreign trade. It will no longer apply to service workers after Jan. 1, unless Congress intervenes.
So we face a choice. Is our economic priority the jobless, or is it zillionaires?
And if Republicans are worried about long-term budget deficits, a reasonable concern, why are they insistent on two steps that nonpartisan economists say would worsen the deficits by more than $800 billion over a decade — cutting taxes for the most opulent, and repealing health care reform? What other programs would they cut to make up the lost $800 billion in revenue?
In weighing these issues, let’s remember that backdrop of America’s rising inequality. In the past, many of us acquiesced in discomfiting levels of inequality because we perceived a tradeoff between equity and economic growth. But there’s evidence that the levels of inequality we’ve now reached may actually suppress growth. A drop of inequality lubricates economic growth, but too much may gum it up.
Robert H. Frank of Cornell University, Adam Seth Levine of Vanderbilt University, and Oege Dijk of the European University Institute recently wrote a fascinating paper suggesting that inequality leads to more financial distress. They looked at census data for the 50 states and the 100 most populous counties in America, and found that places where inequality increased the most also endured the greatest surges in bankruptcies.
Here’s their explanation: When inequality rises, the richest rake in their winnings and buy even bigger mansions and fancier cars. Those a notch below then try to catch up, and end up depleting their savings or taking on more debt, making a financial crisis more likely. Another consequence the scholars found: Rising inequality also led to more divorces, presumably a byproduct of the strains of financial distress. Maybe I’m overly sentimental or romantic, but that pierces me. It’s a reminder that inequality isn’t just an economic issue but also a question of human dignity and happiness.
Mounting evidence suggests that losing a job or a home can rock our identity and savage our self-esteem. Forced moves wrench families from their schools and support networks. In short, inequality leaves people on the lower rungs feeling like hamsters on a wheel spinning ever faster, without hope or escape. Economic polarization also shatters our sense of national union and common purpose, fostering political polarization as well. So in this post-election landscape, let’s not aggravate income gaps that already would make a Latin American caudillo proud. To me, we’ve reached a banana republic point where our inequality has become both economically unhealthy and morally repugnant.
Remarks by Bill Moyers at the 40th Anniversary of Common Cause
Bill Moyers, PDA
http://pdamerica.org/articles/alliances/2010-10-12-13-01-00-alliances.php
The Phantom Left
Chris Hedges, TruthDig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_phantom_left_20101031/
How Obama Lost His Voice, and How He Can Get it Back
Marshall Ganz, LA Times
http://www.alternet.org/story/148741/how_obama_lost_his_voice%2C_and_how_he_can_get_it_back
In U.S. 14% Rely on Food Stamps
Sara Murray, WSJ Blog
[Duchess Note: New York state percent of population on food stamps is 14.7%]
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/11/04/some-14-of-us-uses-food-stamps/
Vermont’s Great Green Election Day Victory – Kick out the Nuclear Plant
Harvey Wasserman, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148755/vermont%27s_great_green_election_day_victory_--_kick_out_the_nuclear_plant
If Olbermann’s Donations are Bad, What About GE’s?
http://www.alternet.org/story/148763/if_olbermann%27s_donations_are_bad%2C_what_about_ge%27s
The More Money You Make the More Likely You’ll Vote Republican
Lynn Parramore, New Deal
Despite what you might hear about Tea Party Populism, one thing is indisputable. The bigger your salary, the more likely you were to cast a ballot for the GOP.
http://www.alternet.org/story/148746/the_more_money_you_make_the_more_likely_you%27ll_vote_republican
Greedy Bankers Are Like Coke Fiends
Tony Schwartz, AlterNet
It would be wonderful if the people responsible for the financial crisis learned lessons from the worldwide havoc and suffering they helped to prompt. Don’t hold your breath.
http://www.alternet.org/story/148749/greedy_bankers_are_like_coke_fiends
Green Hopes Crushed as Climate Change Deniers Enter Congress
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2971?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=2
With All Eyes on Gulf, BP Alaska Facilities Still at Risk
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2972?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=4
Michael Kinsley US Is Not Greatest Country Ever
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2980?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=20
Matthew Rothschild Nov. 2: The Death Knell of Corporate Liberalism
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2981?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=22
Mary Bottari Obama Economic Team Passes Out the Kool-Aid
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2983?akid=244.19616.cXkCYI&t=26
Congrats to the NYS Greens!
I sincerely hope they will immediately begin to study districts/offices where they have the best potential to win, work to recruit potential candidates and begin fundraising for these elections now etc. The results below are from NY1's website:
Election Results for NYS Governor
X Andrew Cuomo Dem 2,532,447 61.52%
Carl Paladino GOP 1,399,235 33.99%
Howie Hawkins Grn 56,868 1.38%
Warren Redlich Lib 44,696 1.09%
Jimmy McMillan Oth 39,850 0.97%
Kristin Davis Oth 22,775 0.55%
Charles Barron Fre 20,717 0.5%
What’s Next
By Peace Action West
Even though I knew it was going to be a tough election, it’s still disappointing to face the reality of losing some wonderful allies and seeing opponents of our pro-peace agenda headed to Congress. As we work through these feelings of frustration, it is important to remember that you stepped up in the face of difficult odds—and you made a difference.
With your help, one of our staunchest allies, Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Raul Grijalva, appears poised to win in a very tight race with his dangerous right-wing opponent. Senate pro-peace leader Barbara Boxer fended off a difficult challenge, ensuring that we will have an ally who will work to hold the administration accountable to ending the war in Afghanistan.
The pro-peace congressional champions that we endorsed, including Barbara Lee, Lynn Woolsey, Pete Stark, and Keith Ellison, will continue to be outspoken advocates for peace and will work with us to make sure supporters of a smarter, saner foreign policy are heard in this Congress.
I am sorry to say that our challengers Bill Hedrick, Suzan DelBene, Steve Pougnet and Francine Busby were unable to defeat their opponents in tough races. They took on an incredibly difficult task—ousting incumbent Republicans in a wave election in which the GOP would eventually see a gain of more than 50 seats. Our candidates worked hard and did some amazing grassroots organizing that will lay the groundwork for a progressive base in conservative areas, and we are proud to have played a part in their campaigns.
Most importantly, we have our eyes on the issues. We are already thinking creatively about how to find opportunities despite the challenges of the new political landscape. We will use our power—the power you give us through your commitment and action—to push for priorities like an end to the war in Afghanistan, eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons, and a budget that reflects what is important to you and me. We will continue to mobilize and make our voices heard with resolve and commitment to a better vision for how we engage with the world.
Keep an eye on our blog for more detailed analysis of how the new Congress will affect our work on these key issues. Through good times and bad, we have persevered and grown in our sophistication and power, and will continue to grow, thanks to you. Thank you for all you do for peace.
Robert Reich The Republican Recipe for An Anemic Economy Through Election Day 2012
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3000?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=24
Neve Gordon Thought Crimes
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3001?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=26
Andy Worthington Obama's National Security Policy: The Death of Hope and Change
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3002?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=28
Robert Naiman A Progressive Primary to Push for Jobs and End the Wars
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3003?akid=245.19616.-JwIiT&t=30
Our Banana Republic
Nicholas Kristof, NY Times
In my reporting, I regularly travel to banana republics notorious for their inequality. In some of these plutocracies, the richest 1 percent of the population gobbles up 20 percent of the national pie.
But guess what? You no longer need to travel to distant and dangerous countries to observe such rapacious inequality. We now have it right here at home — and in the aftermath of Tuesday’s election, it may get worse.
The richest 1 percent of Americans now take home almost 24 percent of income, up from almost 9 percent in 1976. As Timothy Noah of Slate noted in an excellent series on inequality, the United States now arguably has a more unequal distribution of wealth than traditional banana republics like Nicaragua, Venezuela and Guyana.
C.E.O.’s of the largest American companies earned an average of 42 times as much as the average worker in 1980, but 531 times as much in 2001. Perhaps the most astounding statistic is this: From 1980 to 2005, more than four-fifths of the total increase in American incomes went to the richest 1 percent.
That’s the backdrop for one of the first big post-election fights in Washington — how far to extend the Bush tax cuts to the most affluent 2 percent of Americans. Both parties agree on extending tax cuts on the first $250,000 of incomes, even for billionaires. Republicans would also cut taxes above that.
The richest 0.1 percent of taxpayers would get a tax cut of $61,000 from President Obama. They would get $370,000 from Republicans, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. And that provides only a modest economic stimulus, because the rich are less likely to spend their tax savings.
At a time of 9.6 percent unemployment, wouldn’t it make more sense to finance a jobs program? For example, the money could be used to avoid laying off teachers and undermining American schools.
Likewise, an obvious priority in the worst economic downturn in 70 years should be to extend unemployment insurance benefits, some of which will be curtailed soon unless Congress renews them. Or there’s the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which helps train and support workers who have lost their jobs because of foreign trade. It will no longer apply to service workers after Jan. 1, unless Congress intervenes.
So we face a choice. Is our economic priority the jobless, or is it zillionaires?
And if Republicans are worried about long-term budget deficits, a reasonable concern, why are they insistent on two steps that nonpartisan economists say would worsen the deficits by more than $800 billion over a decade — cutting taxes for the most opulent, and repealing health care reform? What other programs would they cut to make up the lost $800 billion in revenue?
In weighing these issues, let’s remember that backdrop of America’s rising inequality. In the past, many of us acquiesced in discomfiting levels of inequality because we perceived a tradeoff between equity and economic growth. But there’s evidence that the levels of inequality we’ve now reached may actually suppress growth. A drop of inequality lubricates economic growth, but too much may gum it up.
Robert H. Frank of Cornell University, Adam Seth Levine of Vanderbilt University, and Oege Dijk of the European University Institute recently wrote a fascinating paper suggesting that inequality leads to more financial distress. They looked at census data for the 50 states and the 100 most populous counties in America, and found that places where inequality increased the most also endured the greatest surges in bankruptcies.
Here’s their explanation: When inequality rises, the richest rake in their winnings and buy even bigger mansions and fancier cars. Those a notch below then try to catch up, and end up depleting their savings or taking on more debt, making a financial crisis more likely. Another consequence the scholars found: Rising inequality also led to more divorces, presumably a byproduct of the strains of financial distress. Maybe I’m overly sentimental or romantic, but that pierces me. It’s a reminder that inequality isn’t just an economic issue but also a question of human dignity and happiness.
Mounting evidence suggests that losing a job or a home can rock our identity and savage our self-esteem. Forced moves wrench families from their schools and support networks. In short, inequality leaves people on the lower rungs feeling like hamsters on a wheel spinning ever faster, without hope or escape. Economic polarization also shatters our sense of national union and common purpose, fostering political polarization as well. So in this post-election landscape, let’s not aggravate income gaps that already would make a Latin American caudillo proud. To me, we’ve reached a banana republic point where our inequality has become both economically unhealthy and morally repugnant.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
NEWS FOR YOUR WEEKEND
Johnny Cash’s Daughter Calls John Boehner an “Asshat” for Exploiting Dad’s Name
Tana Ganeva, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/314752/johnny_cash%27s_daughter_calls_john_boehner_an_%22asshat%22_for_exploiting_dad%27s_name/#paragraph6
US Bicycle Route System May Become a 50,000 Mile Interstate Reality
Winona Bateman, YES! Magazine
http://www.alternet.org/story/148713/us_bicycle_route_system_may_become_a_50%2C000_mile_interstate_reality
Bill Moyers: Shades of Howard Zinn: It's Okay If It's Impossible
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2948?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=23
Malalai Joya: Elections Cannot Erase Injustice of the US Occupation of Afghanistan
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2961?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=27
Robert Reich: Why Obama Should Learn the Lesson of 1936, not 1996
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2966?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=37
George Monbiot: We've Been Conned. The Deal to Save the Natural World Never Happened
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2967?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=39
Jim Hightower: Surprise! The People Speak
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2938?akid=241.19616.Oxq4OT&t=17
Stephen Zunes: My Support for Ralph Nader, Ten Years Later: Lessons Learned
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2939?akid=241.19616.Oxq4OT&t=19
Marjorie Cohn: Let's Rally to Restore Peace
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2942?akid=241.19616.Oxq4OT&t=25
[Duchess Note: More news coming your way … stay tuned]
Johnny Cash’s Daughter Calls John Boehner an “Asshat” for Exploiting Dad’s Name
Tana Ganeva, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/314752/johnny_cash%27s_daughter_calls_john_boehner_an_%22asshat%22_for_exploiting_dad%27s_name/#paragraph6
US Bicycle Route System May Become a 50,000 Mile Interstate Reality
Winona Bateman, YES! Magazine
http://www.alternet.org/story/148713/us_bicycle_route_system_may_become_a_50%2C000_mile_interstate_reality
Bill Moyers: Shades of Howard Zinn: It's Okay If It's Impossible
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2948?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=23
Malalai Joya: Elections Cannot Erase Injustice of the US Occupation of Afghanistan
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2961?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=27
Robert Reich: Why Obama Should Learn the Lesson of 1936, not 1996
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2966?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=37
George Monbiot: We've Been Conned. The Deal to Save the Natural World Never Happened
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2967?akid=243.19616.aT3gLC&t=39
Jim Hightower: Surprise! The People Speak
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2938?akid=241.19616.Oxq4OT&t=17
Stephen Zunes: My Support for Ralph Nader, Ten Years Later: Lessons Learned
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2939?akid=241.19616.Oxq4OT&t=19
Marjorie Cohn: Let's Rally to Restore Peace
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2942?akid=241.19616.Oxq4OT&t=25
[Duchess Note: More news coming your way … stay tuned]
Sunday, October 31, 2010
PERSONAL NEWS #189
Friday, October 1st, I had an appt with a new lung specialist at my neighborhood clinic. Learned that my previous lung specialist has retired, and he spends his time in Florida for 6 months and India for another 6 months each year. Anyhow, the new lung specialist’s brother is my chiropractor, who has his practice in my neighborhood. Small world isn’t it. Went through a bunch of tests and discussed were I’m at with regards to my lungs. Need to get X-rays and CATSCAN done soon, as the last time I had those was back in August 2008 when I was in the hospital. Dr Abbott also put me on the inhaler called Symbicort to use at least once a day or when needed.
On Saturday, October 2nd, I joined other “Brooklyn for Peace” activists in taking a bus down to Washington DC for the “One Nation Working Together” march and rally at the Mall. We activists had to be at the meeting spot next to the Brooklyn public library in Grand Army Plaza by or before 6am. Ouch! We all paid $50 each for the bus, and left around 6:20am, as we had to wait for two individuals. The ride down was uneventful with one pitstop on the turnpike, and I chatted with Eloise, who sat next to me. I also chatted with Joanne, whom I had hung out with back in early May at the “Nuclear Free” march in midtown Manhattan. Our group leader, Matt, handed out Metro cards to everyone, and we each paid $5 for our individual cards. Arrived at our destination next to RFK Stadium, and as a group walked to the Metro station for the ride Federal Triangle stop. Once there we walked several blocks to the Mall and the rally itself. We couldn’t have asked for better weather that day. It was gorgeous, not a cloud in the sky and picture perfect. Along the way I took photos with my camera, picked up flyers, and took in the whole amazing scene of many Americans gathering for the “One Nation Working Together” rally. It was an awesome sight and even more so as we got closer to the Lincoln Memorial around 12:15pm.
At times our group got separated, but knew that we had to be back to the bus by 4pm. There was so much to take in, listen to and observe, plus photograph along the way. After awhile many members of “Brooklyn for Peace”, including me, camped out next to the “reflecting pool” about a ¼ of the way down from Lincoln Memorial. Video screens and loudspeakers were positioned all over, so that everyone could see and hear the speakers, singers, etc. For me, the best and most powerful speaker was Harry Belafonte. Radio personality, Ed Schultz, was the rally MC and did a fine job of it. Around 3pm our group headed back to the Federal Triangle Metro stop for the ride to our bus. The crowds of humanity were intense and sometimes “things” were not working at the Metro stations. Frustrating, to say the least, plus we didn’t get to leave Washington DC area at 4pm, but closer to 5pm. Chatted with Eloise on the ride back, and got out for a good stretch at our one pitstop on the turnpike. Also spoke with Ed about becoming a member of “Brooklyn for Peace” and joining the Peace Fair committee. After attending rallies like this one, I have the strong urge to be even more pro-active than I already am. We arrived back to Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn around 9:30pm, and with Eloise’s assistance got car service to take me home. Whew, it was a long day, but a terrific one at that.
On Sunday, October 3rd, around 12pm I joined Timdalf at the entrance to Ft Tryon Park and we strolled through the gates to the 26th annual medieval festival. For the most part, it was a nice day, until it got cloudy and cooler towards 5pm. Also, for the first time since 2005, I was not volunteering at the fair, as my friend Eileen was no longer the artistic production manager. She got booted out several months before by upper management. Bloody buggers! Around 1:15pm I bid Timdalf adieu and hung out the rest of the afternoon with Margaret, Denise and John. It was quite the experience hanging out with Timdalf for an hour, as he was dressed in full Gandalf the Grey costume, and it seemed everyone wanted their picture with him. The day in the life of a wizard is never dull. It was fun hanging out with Margaret, Denise and John. We checked out vendors and several “events” at the tournament field and pageant wagon. Along the way we stopped to watch my ex-beau TJ tell a wonderful medieval story, and he was assisted by his daughter Aislin. At one point TJ spotted me in the crowd, winked, and we both bowed slightly to each other and he continued on with his tale. As it got closer to 5pm, we decided to call it quits and go our separate ways. The weather was chilly and we didn’t want to fight the crowds to see the joust. Also, throughout the festival, I ran into members of TGTSNBN. Many of them were attired in wonderful costumes and getting into the spirit of it all. Overall it was a great day that capped off a terrific weekend.
Monday, October 4th, I had lunch with Julia [ie: BSC EA] at work to discuss a stained glass mirror project she’ll be creating for my apt. I’ve chosen the colors and general design.
Tuesday, October 5th, I listened in on the Peace Alliance conference call.
Thursday evening, October 7th, I attended a dinner party in honor of Howard Shore and Doug Adams. Mr. Shore scored the music for all three LOTR films by Peter Jackson, and Doug Adams wrote the wonderfully detailed book called “The Music of LotR Films”. This dinner party, which was organized by Timdalf, was also to celebrate Howard Shore’s birthday. Nice turnout for the dinner party and Timdalf had a bakery in NJ create Bilbo Baggin’s birthday cake. The one that shows up briefly in the FotR film and it was lovely to see.
The Sleepy Hallow cemetery is really quite nicely situated, and we even noticed two “walking tours” of folk learning its history. Throughout it all, I am wearing new boots I had purchased the day before at Payless, so in a sense, I was breaking them in that day. Ouch! Sigh! I also borrowed black leather gloves from Jennifer to keep my hands warm, and so glad I brought my Hufflepuff scarf. Amen! There were many in our group who came prepared with several costume changes, so they could “act” in “Deathly Hallows” vignettes that Ashley photographed. Several costumes stand out in my mind as being truly amazing and inspiring. Christine’s “Lily Potter” in white ghostly wedding gown holding a bouquet of silk Lilies was one, and then Margaret in her many costumes as Molly Weasley was another. Bess always does a bang up number as Bellatrix, and Cassie was terrific as Lucius Malfoy. Jennifer has many costumes and wigs to portray Tonks, and Ariel did a version of steampunk Hermione that was adorable. Also, about a dozen members donned black attire and masks to portray “death eaters”. After the cemetery, we piled into cars once again, and drove through Tarrytown towards Lyndhurst Manor. This was the final destination and photo shoot of the day before we lost what remained of the sun. Plus it was getting cooler out, and everyone was a wee bit tired at this point. We also made a point of having a late lunch with food and drink we’d brought, as many of us were very hungry.
At this location I finally got my chance for a “solo shoot” with Ashley that went okay, and I just wish I’d freshened up my makeup. Oh well, it’s a done deal. At least I got better “solo” pix with my camera early on at the train station. The manor, greenhouse, field full of scarecrows, and landscape property was really quite nice. Sadly, we missed the last tour of the manor, which had started at 4:30pm. As the sun finally set around 6:30pm we slowly made our way back to where the cars were parked, and decided on next course of action. About six of us, including me, decided to head back to the train station and head to NYC. We didn’t feel like going out to a diner for dinner and getting home around 11pm. Jennifer and Clay drove us to the Tarrytown train station, so that we could hop on board the 7:15pm to NYC. Dyanne, Beth, Michelle, Alex, Lisa and I rode back to NYC in a tired but chatty frame of mind. Despite little hiccups here and there it was a terrific day.
On Sunday afternoon, October 17th, I celebrated my 52nd birthday and joined friends [ie: Mary and Dennis] at a musical parody called “Fellowship!” on Westside of Manhattan. Before going into the small theater, I was given birthday gifties from Mary and Dennis, plus later on they treated me to our late lunch. [Many thanks to you both for the cards and gifties.] The musical parody was fun, very entertaining, a lot of laughs and the chap who played Aragorn was quite a hottie. Afterwards we had a leisurely, tasty late lunch, along with delightful conversation, at Empanada Mama on 9th Avenue. Really good food and I highly recommend this establishment. Then it was time to part company, and before heading home I stopped by Westerly’s for some Vegan goodies. Yum!
Tuesday, October 19th, I attended a panel discussion on international law, detainees, terrorism and war crimes at the Brooklyn Law School in Brooklyn Heights. This was the second of a three-part panel discussion, and the final one is being held in November.
Wednesday, October 20th, I volunteered with eight other E&Y folk to assist City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market. This volunteer project is part of the EY Connect initiative. This is also the one-year anniversary of my going Vegan. WooHoo!!
On Thursday after work, October 21st, Chris Archer and I attended the “Quality of Life Committee” meeting with CB Manhattan #1. NYDoP CCR team had been invited by CB M1 to give a presentation on Dept of Peace and R14 for this particular committee. Chris gave a good presentation, answered questions and I handed out brochures and flyers.
On Friday evening, October 22nd, I utilized the gym at the Y in my hood for a good one hour cardio workout.
On Saturday, October 23rd, after Dana finished cleaning my apartment in the AM, I took the subway up to Riverside Park to watch TGTSNBN play Quidditch. Two games were played and each team won a game. I was on the sidelines keeping score for Marcy, as Jonathan was at this game. Had my new boots on [third time since purchasing them] and still working on breaking them in. It gets easier every time. Afterwards, a group of us headed to TOAST on Broadway for a tasty, leisurely fun brunch. Then I headed down to Madison Square Park to the MAC store to purchase some eye shadow and get a makeover by Sean.
Tuesday evening, October 26th, I attended a “free intro” at the Kabbalah Centre on East 48th Street. (Back on October 12th, after giving a presentation on Dept of Peace, at the CB Manhattan #6, Howard and I sat down to nosh on Subway sandwiches and he told me about the Kabbalah classes he is taking. Howard also mentioned the book below [The Power of Kabbalah], and I really liked the sound of it all. He mentioned how Kabbalah really, for him, dovetails into spiritualism and non-violent action, which we practice with the Dept of Peace campaign. Definitely want to get this book and take classes to learn more about Kabbalah. This is very exciting. Thank you Howard for your enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and explaining it in such a down to earth manner.) The “free intro” was fascinating, and the gent telling me and 3 others about Kabbalah, was very thorough and took time to answer questions. It seemed to me that I was the only one of the four “newbies” who “got it”, as the others expressed skeptism etc. Down in the Kabbalah Centre’s book store I purchased two books, one of which is by Michael Berg called “The Way – Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment”. Definitely plan on taking classes in Kabbalah, but will have to wait until January or February 2011, as I have other important things that require immediate assistance.
Wednesday, October 27th, participated in a CCR Team conference call with Joe and Kevin.
Friday, October 29th, I had my second appt with my new lung specialist, followed by a much needed manicure.
On Saturday morning, October 30th, the National Grid serviceman came by to turn on my new gas meter, and fix my gas stove. Afterwards, I completed many errands, plus grocery shopping and laundry, then headed down to Park Slope and Grand Army Plaza area to volunteer with City Harvest at the farmers market. Usually I do volunteering at Union Square, but City Harvest needed volunteers at this location, so I said “why not”. Back at home I rented a few Horatio Hornblower TV series DVDs and noshed on a slice of Vegan chocolate cake. Both were very enjoyable.
Friday, October 1st, I had an appt with a new lung specialist at my neighborhood clinic. Learned that my previous lung specialist has retired, and he spends his time in Florida for 6 months and India for another 6 months each year. Anyhow, the new lung specialist’s brother is my chiropractor, who has his practice in my neighborhood. Small world isn’t it. Went through a bunch of tests and discussed were I’m at with regards to my lungs. Need to get X-rays and CATSCAN done soon, as the last time I had those was back in August 2008 when I was in the hospital. Dr Abbott also put me on the inhaler called Symbicort to use at least once a day or when needed.
On Saturday, October 2nd, I joined other “Brooklyn for Peace” activists in taking a bus down to Washington DC for the “One Nation Working Together” march and rally at the Mall. We activists had to be at the meeting spot next to the Brooklyn public library in Grand Army Plaza by or before 6am. Ouch! We all paid $50 each for the bus, and left around 6:20am, as we had to wait for two individuals. The ride down was uneventful with one pitstop on the turnpike, and I chatted with Eloise, who sat next to me. I also chatted with Joanne, whom I had hung out with back in early May at the “Nuclear Free” march in midtown Manhattan. Our group leader, Matt, handed out Metro cards to everyone, and we each paid $5 for our individual cards. Arrived at our destination next to RFK Stadium, and as a group walked to the Metro station for the ride Federal Triangle stop. Once there we walked several blocks to the Mall and the rally itself. We couldn’t have asked for better weather that day. It was gorgeous, not a cloud in the sky and picture perfect. Along the way I took photos with my camera, picked up flyers, and took in the whole amazing scene of many Americans gathering for the “One Nation Working Together” rally. It was an awesome sight and even more so as we got closer to the Lincoln Memorial around 12:15pm.
At times our group got separated, but knew that we had to be back to the bus by 4pm. There was so much to take in, listen to and observe, plus photograph along the way. After awhile many members of “Brooklyn for Peace”, including me, camped out next to the “reflecting pool” about a ¼ of the way down from Lincoln Memorial. Video screens and loudspeakers were positioned all over, so that everyone could see and hear the speakers, singers, etc. For me, the best and most powerful speaker was Harry Belafonte. Radio personality, Ed Schultz, was the rally MC and did a fine job of it. Around 3pm our group headed back to the Federal Triangle Metro stop for the ride to our bus. The crowds of humanity were intense and sometimes “things” were not working at the Metro stations. Frustrating, to say the least, plus we didn’t get to leave Washington DC area at 4pm, but closer to 5pm. Chatted with Eloise on the ride back, and got out for a good stretch at our one pitstop on the turnpike. Also spoke with Ed about becoming a member of “Brooklyn for Peace” and joining the Peace Fair committee. After attending rallies like this one, I have the strong urge to be even more pro-active than I already am. We arrived back to Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn around 9:30pm, and with Eloise’s assistance got car service to take me home. Whew, it was a long day, but a terrific one at that.On Sunday, October 3rd, around 12pm I joined Timdalf at the entrance to Ft Tryon Park and we strolled through the gates to the 26th annual medieval festival. For the most part, it was a nice day, until it got cloudy and cooler towards 5pm. Also, for the first time since 2005, I was not volunteering at the fair, as my friend Eileen was no longer the artistic production manager. She got booted out several months before by upper management. Bloody buggers! Around 1:15pm I bid Timdalf adieu and hung out the rest of the afternoon with Margaret, Denise and John. It was quite the experience hanging out with Timdalf for an hour, as he was dressed in full Gandalf the Grey costume, and it seemed everyone wanted their picture with him. The day in the life of a wizard is never dull. It was fun hanging out with Margaret, Denise and John. We checked out vendors and several “events” at the tournament field and pageant wagon. Along the way we stopped to watch my ex-beau TJ tell a wonderful medieval story, and he was assisted by his daughter Aislin. At one point TJ spotted me in the crowd, winked, and we both bowed slightly to each other and he continued on with his tale. As it got closer to 5pm, we decided to call it quits and go our separate ways. The weather was chilly and we didn’t want to fight the crowds to see the joust. Also, throughout the festival, I ran into members of TGTSNBN. Many of them were attired in wonderful costumes and getting into the spirit of it all. Overall it was a great day that capped off a terrific weekend.
Monday, October 4th, I had lunch with Julia [ie: BSC EA] at work to discuss a stained glass mirror project she’ll be creating for my apt. I’ve chosen the colors and general design.
Tuesday, October 5th, I listened in on the Peace Alliance conference call.
Thursday evening, October 7th, I attended a dinner party in honor of Howard Shore and Doug Adams. Mr. Shore scored the music for all three LOTR films by Peter Jackson, and Doug Adams wrote the wonderfully detailed book called “The Music of LotR Films”. This dinner party, which was organized by Timdalf, was also to celebrate Howard Shore’s birthday. Nice turnout for the dinner party and Timdalf had a bakery in NJ create Bilbo Baggin’s birthday cake. The one that shows up briefly in the FotR film and it was lovely to see.
Those of us from “New York Friends of Tolkien” were Timdalf, Mary, Kathy, Carole, Dennis and I. Got to meet and socialize with party attendees, as well as sit across from Mr. Shore and occasionally engage in brief conversations. I especially enjoyed talking with an English language teacher [Sam] from Long Island, who was also quite pleasing to the eye. Overall a most enjoyable evening, and a delicious meal with wine.
Friday evening, October 8th, I volunteered with City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market.
On Saturday, October 9th, I went to NY Methodist hospital’s radiology department for chest x-rays, which will be sent to my doctors regarding my lungs. Afterwards, I went home briefly to change, and then headed up to the Westside of Manhattan to meet with my friend Dennis to check out the 70th birthday celebrations for John Lennon at Strawberry Fields in Central Park.
Friday evening, October 8th, I volunteered with City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market.
On Saturday, October 9th, I went to NY Methodist hospital’s radiology department for chest x-rays, which will be sent to my doctors regarding my lungs. Afterwards, I went home briefly to change, and then headed up to the Westside of Manhattan to meet with my friend Dennis to check out the 70th birthday celebrations for John Lennon at Strawberry Fields in Central Park.
With the weather being such a perfect, warm, sunny autumn day, well, it naturally brought many out to this area of Central Park. It was crowded with everyone taking pix and singing Beatle songs. Many had on Beatle or Lennon t-shirts, and I purchased an “Imagine Peace” button from a vendor. Afterwards, Dennis and I strolled through the park and viewed many cool sites. One of which was a blocked off area with funky music and folk grooving on roller skates. I love living in NYC and experiencing cool, free things like this. Days like today make NYC so very special and precious. We even walked past the ole Plaza Hotel and onto 6th Avenue near RCMH to join many of our “New York Friends of Tolkien” fan/friends at Heartland Brewery for dinner. We enjoyed a quick, fun, delicious meal with many good laughs. Then it was off to RCMH to experience the LotR TTT concert/movie event. Dennis, Timdalf and I sat in the front row of the second mezzanine and our view of everything was perfect. The whole event was awesome and at times emotional. Afterwards, I strolled down to 42nd Street with Carole, before going our separate ways on the subways.
Tuesday, October 12th, I was joined by fellow NYDoP member, Howard, in giving a presentation on Dept of Peace and Resolution 14 to the “Housing & Homeless Committee”. This committee is part of Community Board Manhattan #6 and they had invited us to make this presentation. It went very well and Howard did a great job, especially in fielding questions from the committee members.
On Wednesday, October 13th, I took a vacation day from work, as I had much on my plate to accomplish. First of which was heading up to CT to visit my friend Katherine, and while there I renewed my driver’s license for another six years. Had lunch at a Chinese buffet, and spent abit of time at her home. Back in NYC I raced home to do some laundry and then hopped on the subway for Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn. I was attending my first “Brooklyn for Peace” Peace Fair committee meeting at Charlotte’s home. Interesting and productive meeting, plus Mukti provided us with a delicious vegan Indian meal. She also gives lessons on how to cook Indian food. Hum, may just take her up on that. Afterwards, on way to the subway, Veronica and I engaged in diverse conversation on many political topics.
Thursday, October 14th, I volunteered at the WCW national office and assisted with phone calls to supporters for donations.
Early on Saturday, October 16th, I joined other members of TGTSNBN up in the Sleepy Hallow region for an Autumnal CosPlay. I rode up on the 8:07am MetroNorth train with Deanna, Dyanne, Beth, Lisa and Saribel. I was wearing my costume and long grey woolen cloak with scarf I had crocheted. I went as a Hogwarts teacher, Hufflepuff house, and this was my first time wearing a full, complete costume. As well as including a choice of not one, but three wands that I now own. The Phillipes Manor train station is perfect for our first photo shoot with Ashley. Many of us, including me, were wishing for nicer weather; as it was cool, very windy and cloudy with some sunshine. While at the train station Christine and Cassie assisted me with fine tuning my costume. Tweak it more in certain places with pins and such. After the train station, we all popped into cars of fellow TGTSNBN members and drove the short distance to Sleepy Hallow cemetery for another photo shoot. At one point, we looked like a convoy driving through the cemetery trying to find the POTTER tombstone. So, naturally, cemetery security stops us for questioning and ascertains the situation, and then assists us. Many thanks go out to Ashley and Christine’s smooth talking the situation. Throughout the day Ashley also had the task of taking “solo” pix of our 25+ group, and it did take ALL day to do this. Mon dieu!
Tuesday, October 12th, I was joined by fellow NYDoP member, Howard, in giving a presentation on Dept of Peace and Resolution 14 to the “Housing & Homeless Committee”. This committee is part of Community Board Manhattan #6 and they had invited us to make this presentation. It went very well and Howard did a great job, especially in fielding questions from the committee members.
On Wednesday, October 13th, I took a vacation day from work, as I had much on my plate to accomplish. First of which was heading up to CT to visit my friend Katherine, and while there I renewed my driver’s license for another six years. Had lunch at a Chinese buffet, and spent abit of time at her home. Back in NYC I raced home to do some laundry and then hopped on the subway for Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn. I was attending my first “Brooklyn for Peace” Peace Fair committee meeting at Charlotte’s home. Interesting and productive meeting, plus Mukti provided us with a delicious vegan Indian meal. She also gives lessons on how to cook Indian food. Hum, may just take her up on that. Afterwards, on way to the subway, Veronica and I engaged in diverse conversation on many political topics.
Thursday, October 14th, I volunteered at the WCW national office and assisted with phone calls to supporters for donations.
Early on Saturday, October 16th, I joined other members of TGTSNBN up in the Sleepy Hallow region for an Autumnal CosPlay. I rode up on the 8:07am MetroNorth train with Deanna, Dyanne, Beth, Lisa and Saribel. I was wearing my costume and long grey woolen cloak with scarf I had crocheted. I went as a Hogwarts teacher, Hufflepuff house, and this was my first time wearing a full, complete costume. As well as including a choice of not one, but three wands that I now own. The Phillipes Manor train station is perfect for our first photo shoot with Ashley. Many of us, including me, were wishing for nicer weather; as it was cool, very windy and cloudy with some sunshine. While at the train station Christine and Cassie assisted me with fine tuning my costume. Tweak it more in certain places with pins and such. After the train station, we all popped into cars of fellow TGTSNBN members and drove the short distance to Sleepy Hallow cemetery for another photo shoot. At one point, we looked like a convoy driving through the cemetery trying to find the POTTER tombstone. So, naturally, cemetery security stops us for questioning and ascertains the situation, and then assists us. Many thanks go out to Ashley and Christine’s smooth talking the situation. Throughout the day Ashley also had the task of taking “solo” pix of our 25+ group, and it did take ALL day to do this. Mon dieu!
The Sleepy Hallow cemetery is really quite nicely situated, and we even noticed two “walking tours” of folk learning its history. Throughout it all, I am wearing new boots I had purchased the day before at Payless, so in a sense, I was breaking them in that day. Ouch! Sigh! I also borrowed black leather gloves from Jennifer to keep my hands warm, and so glad I brought my Hufflepuff scarf. Amen! There were many in our group who came prepared with several costume changes, so they could “act” in “Deathly Hallows” vignettes that Ashley photographed. Several costumes stand out in my mind as being truly amazing and inspiring. Christine’s “Lily Potter” in white ghostly wedding gown holding a bouquet of silk Lilies was one, and then Margaret in her many costumes as Molly Weasley was another. Bess always does a bang up number as Bellatrix, and Cassie was terrific as Lucius Malfoy. Jennifer has many costumes and wigs to portray Tonks, and Ariel did a version of steampunk Hermione that was adorable. Also, about a dozen members donned black attire and masks to portray “death eaters”. After the cemetery, we piled into cars once again, and drove through Tarrytown towards Lyndhurst Manor. This was the final destination and photo shoot of the day before we lost what remained of the sun. Plus it was getting cooler out, and everyone was a wee bit tired at this point. We also made a point of having a late lunch with food and drink we’d brought, as many of us were very hungry.
At this location I finally got my chance for a “solo shoot” with Ashley that went okay, and I just wish I’d freshened up my makeup. Oh well, it’s a done deal. At least I got better “solo” pix with my camera early on at the train station. The manor, greenhouse, field full of scarecrows, and landscape property was really quite nice. Sadly, we missed the last tour of the manor, which had started at 4:30pm. As the sun finally set around 6:30pm we slowly made our way back to where the cars were parked, and decided on next course of action. About six of us, including me, decided to head back to the train station and head to NYC. We didn’t feel like going out to a diner for dinner and getting home around 11pm. Jennifer and Clay drove us to the Tarrytown train station, so that we could hop on board the 7:15pm to NYC. Dyanne, Beth, Michelle, Alex, Lisa and I rode back to NYC in a tired but chatty frame of mind. Despite little hiccups here and there it was a terrific day.
On Sunday afternoon, October 17th, I celebrated my 52nd birthday and joined friends [ie: Mary and Dennis] at a musical parody called “Fellowship!” on Westside of Manhattan. Before going into the small theater, I was given birthday gifties from Mary and Dennis, plus later on they treated me to our late lunch. [Many thanks to you both for the cards and gifties.] The musical parody was fun, very entertaining, a lot of laughs and the chap who played Aragorn was quite a hottie. Afterwards we had a leisurely, tasty late lunch, along with delightful conversation, at Empanada Mama on 9th Avenue. Really good food and I highly recommend this establishment. Then it was time to part company, and before heading home I stopped by Westerly’s for some Vegan goodies. Yum!
Tuesday, October 19th, I attended a panel discussion on international law, detainees, terrorism and war crimes at the Brooklyn Law School in Brooklyn Heights. This was the second of a three-part panel discussion, and the final one is being held in November.
Wednesday, October 20th, I volunteered with eight other E&Y folk to assist City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market. This volunteer project is part of the EY Connect initiative. This is also the one-year anniversary of my going Vegan. WooHoo!!
On Thursday after work, October 21st, Chris Archer and I attended the “Quality of Life Committee” meeting with CB Manhattan #1. NYDoP CCR team had been invited by CB M1 to give a presentation on Dept of Peace and R14 for this particular committee. Chris gave a good presentation, answered questions and I handed out brochures and flyers.
On Friday evening, October 22nd, I utilized the gym at the Y in my hood for a good one hour cardio workout.
On Saturday, October 23rd, after Dana finished cleaning my apartment in the AM, I took the subway up to Riverside Park to watch TGTSNBN play Quidditch. Two games were played and each team won a game. I was on the sidelines keeping score for Marcy, as Jonathan was at this game. Had my new boots on [third time since purchasing them] and still working on breaking them in. It gets easier every time. Afterwards, a group of us headed to TOAST on Broadway for a tasty, leisurely fun brunch. Then I headed down to Madison Square Park to the MAC store to purchase some eye shadow and get a makeover by Sean.
Tuesday evening, October 26th, I attended a “free intro” at the Kabbalah Centre on East 48th Street. (Back on October 12th, after giving a presentation on Dept of Peace, at the CB Manhattan #6, Howard and I sat down to nosh on Subway sandwiches and he told me about the Kabbalah classes he is taking. Howard also mentioned the book below [The Power of Kabbalah], and I really liked the sound of it all. He mentioned how Kabbalah really, for him, dovetails into spiritualism and non-violent action, which we practice with the Dept of Peace campaign. Definitely want to get this book and take classes to learn more about Kabbalah. This is very exciting. Thank you Howard for your enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and explaining it in such a down to earth manner.) The “free intro” was fascinating, and the gent telling me and 3 others about Kabbalah, was very thorough and took time to answer questions. It seemed to me that I was the only one of the four “newbies” who “got it”, as the others expressed skeptism etc. Down in the Kabbalah Centre’s book store I purchased two books, one of which is by Michael Berg called “The Way – Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment”. Definitely plan on taking classes in Kabbalah, but will have to wait until January or February 2011, as I have other important things that require immediate assistance.
Wednesday, October 27th, participated in a CCR Team conference call with Joe and Kevin.
Friday, October 29th, I had my second appt with my new lung specialist, followed by a much needed manicure.
On Saturday morning, October 30th, the National Grid serviceman came by to turn on my new gas meter, and fix my gas stove. Afterwards, I completed many errands, plus grocery shopping and laundry, then headed down to Park Slope and Grand Army Plaza area to volunteer with City Harvest at the farmers market. Usually I do volunteering at Union Square, but City Harvest needed volunteers at this location, so I said “why not”. Back at home I rented a few Horatio Hornblower TV series DVDs and noshed on a slice of Vegan chocolate cake. Both were very enjoyable.
ABIT OF NEWS TO ROUND OFF THE WEEKEND
Despite the Power of Money – Reflections on the Vapid Obama Commentary of Professor Angela Davis
Paul Street, BAR
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content%2F%E2%80%9Cdespite-power-money%E2%80%9D-reflections-vapid-obama-commentary-professor-angela-davis
And clearly a large number of Wall Street and K Street insiders thought early on that Obama could possibly prevail. They invested heavily in his campaign after vetting him and finding out that “a figure like Barack Obama” was completely safe and inordinately useful for existing dominant domestic and imperial hierarchies and doctrines. Professor Davis is free to think that college kids on the Internet pushed Obama into the White House but the real story has far more to do with more mundane, traditional and timeworn factors: Wall Street backing, establishment approval, corporate media love, and a bad economy that worked against the incumbent party.
Of course serious progressive change is about pressuring major party state capitalist office-holders from the bottom up. Naturally we should not look to politicians and officeholders to fix contemporary messes; we’ve got to do it ourselves as citizens. Yes, the struggle continues. As Howard Zinn used to say, “it’s not about who’s sitting in the White House; it’s about who’s sitting in.” Fine. But it’s sad to see Davis ignore the elementary facts that (i) the corporate-imperial Obama campaign worked expertly and overtime to seduce “progressive” voters (and every other kind of voter they could attract with Brand Obama) to “project [their] own potential power” on to Obamessiah; (ii) the business-friendly and militaristic Obama presidency has worked consistently to undermine, deflect, and intimidate serious progressive protest of its corporate and imperial agenda, using threats, mockery, denial of access, surveillance, and raids to those ends.
The Obama campaign was not a grassroots social movement created by ordinary people struggling for progressive change from the bottom up any more than a fish is a cat or than war is peace. It was a top-down, candidate-centered operation in which “rank and file” activists got their marching orders from distant campaign elites, themselves equipped with the latest technologies and marketing techniques that record-setting corporate and other big money campaign contributions could provide.
Obama raised $750 million in 2008, nearly doubling the Bush record. OpenSecrets.org says that 1/3 was in small donation (less than $200). But that leaves $500 million in 'big' donations. More than the totals Bush raised in either 2000 or 2004.
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Judith in sharing the above article, which conveys a lot of truth on the Obomba Regine. Many other so called “progressives” speak BS and/or fear to speak the truth.]
Ralph Nader Wants You to Vote for Howie Hawkins, the Green Party Candidate for Governor
Mark Dunlea, Green Party
Ralph Nader urges you to vote for Howie Hawkins (http://www.howiehawkins.org/), the Green Party candidate for Governor in NY. Ralph has done several campaign appearances with Howie in Buffalo and Albany. Howie will be on Row F this Tuesday, November 2. Please spread the word.
A key issue is to get New York State to stop rebating to Wall Street speculators the $16 billion it collects annually from the stock sales tax.
Ralph believes the stock transfer tax rebates is the most important fiscal issue for NY gubernatorial candidates to address. “The budget deficit in New York State is about eight billion, so there is no more ready and justifiable source of revenue than a tax that is already assessed,” Nader says. “It would make up the deficit and provide for critical needs like health insurance. It would prevent job loss. It could build or renovate some public works, upgrade mass transit, provide for clinics, schools, public building and court rooms that are often in a state of disrepair. (Read more: http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/2010/10/29/howie-hawkins-green-new-deal/#ixzz13tfctXl8)
2010 has already been a pivotal year for the Green Party worldwide. Greens in Britain, Australia and Colombia have all achieved historic milestones. With climate change accelerating and the world's economy in the worst collapse in 70 years, voters are turning to the Green program of ecology, grassroots democracy, nonviolence and social and economic justice.
Hawkins was a founding member of the Green Party in the US and has been an environmental, labor and justice organizer for nearly 40 years.
Howie, a Teamster, is the only union member running for statewide office. He has been warmly received by the many parts of the labor movement as well as the environmental movement where the Greens have traditionally received support. A labor committee has been established for Howie, and many union members, especially teachers, have been organizing for him.
Howie has received a lot of support as the only gubernatorial candidate calling for a permanent ban on the dangerous practice of hydrofracking for natural gas. His call to cut the military budget and bring our troops home, including NY's National Guard, has won him the endorsement of Broome County Peace Action.
Given the anti-incumbent mood, a tea party millionaire Republican candidate, and Cuomo running as a “New Democrat” with an Old Republican platform on labor, the economy, and the environment, we have an opportunity in this election to change New York's politics permanently by establishing the Green Party as a viable alternative to the two-party system of corporate rule.
50,000 votes for Governor restores the Green's official status as a party in NYS. This will make it much easier for Greens to run for, and win, local, state and national office to offer an alternative vision for our future than the one promoted by the two corporate parties.
But our more important goal is to change New York politics by winning a lot more than 50,000 votes. A large vote total will enable the Greens to define the terms of the debate and build public support for a rapid transition to clean energy to avert catastrophic climate change, living wage jobs for all, expanded and improved Medicare for All, bringing our troops home and cutting the military budget. You can check out Howie's platform, media releases and video statements at http://www.howiehawkins.org/.
The time is right for the Green Party to surge. A Gallup poll released September 17 finds that 58% of Americans, including 61% of liberals and 74% of independents, want a “third major political party.” We want to win. Voters want new leadership. The Greens are ready to govern.
What It’s Like to Work in Walmart Hell
John Olympic, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148640/what_it%27s_like_to_work_in_walmart_hell
See, like millions of Americans, I'm underemployed. The government doesn't count people like me in its official unemployment numbers. And those numbers are pretty grim; the national unemployment rate is at 9.6 percent, with 15 million Americans looking for work. I guess working at Walmart is better than nothing.
But working for low pay is about as rewarding as stabbing out your own eyeballs with a stale baguette. $14 billion in profits last year bumped Walmart back on top of the Fortune 500 list, and the company keeps up those profits partly by paying associates as little as (legally) possible. Walmart wages are not only well below living wage, we're paid significantly less than comparable jobs at other retailers.
As diverse as Walmart associates are, we have at least one thing in common: When it comes to our jobs, we have no voice. Walmart is America's largest private employer, yet the 1 million workers who put on that red, white and blue nametag each week have zero collective bargaining power when it comes to our pay, benefits or working conditions.
Walmart is America: underpaid workers cleaning up after malnourished customers purchasing Chinese sweatshop goods.
Dean Baker: Why Growth Still Feels Like Recession
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2922?akid=240.19616.3VD_nC&t=25
Tom Engelhardt: A Democracy of Bags Stuffed with Cash
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2923?akid=240.19616.3VD_nC&t=27
Robert Reich: Halliburton and the Upcoming Election
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2924?akid=240.19616.3VD_nC&t=29
Despite the Power of Money – Reflections on the Vapid Obama Commentary of Professor Angela Davis
Paul Street, BAR
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content%2F%E2%80%9Cdespite-power-money%E2%80%9D-reflections-vapid-obama-commentary-professor-angela-davis
And clearly a large number of Wall Street and K Street insiders thought early on that Obama could possibly prevail. They invested heavily in his campaign after vetting him and finding out that “a figure like Barack Obama” was completely safe and inordinately useful for existing dominant domestic and imperial hierarchies and doctrines. Professor Davis is free to think that college kids on the Internet pushed Obama into the White House but the real story has far more to do with more mundane, traditional and timeworn factors: Wall Street backing, establishment approval, corporate media love, and a bad economy that worked against the incumbent party.
Of course serious progressive change is about pressuring major party state capitalist office-holders from the bottom up. Naturally we should not look to politicians and officeholders to fix contemporary messes; we’ve got to do it ourselves as citizens. Yes, the struggle continues. As Howard Zinn used to say, “it’s not about who’s sitting in the White House; it’s about who’s sitting in.” Fine. But it’s sad to see Davis ignore the elementary facts that (i) the corporate-imperial Obama campaign worked expertly and overtime to seduce “progressive” voters (and every other kind of voter they could attract with Brand Obama) to “project [their] own potential power” on to Obamessiah; (ii) the business-friendly and militaristic Obama presidency has worked consistently to undermine, deflect, and intimidate serious progressive protest of its corporate and imperial agenda, using threats, mockery, denial of access, surveillance, and raids to those ends.
The Obama campaign was not a grassroots social movement created by ordinary people struggling for progressive change from the bottom up any more than a fish is a cat or than war is peace. It was a top-down, candidate-centered operation in which “rank and file” activists got their marching orders from distant campaign elites, themselves equipped with the latest technologies and marketing techniques that record-setting corporate and other big money campaign contributions could provide.
Obama raised $750 million in 2008, nearly doubling the Bush record. OpenSecrets.org says that 1/3 was in small donation (less than $200). But that leaves $500 million in 'big' donations. More than the totals Bush raised in either 2000 or 2004.
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Judith in sharing the above article, which conveys a lot of truth on the Obomba Regine. Many other so called “progressives” speak BS and/or fear to speak the truth.]
Ralph Nader Wants You to Vote for Howie Hawkins, the Green Party Candidate for Governor
Mark Dunlea, Green Party
Ralph Nader urges you to vote for Howie Hawkins (http://www.howiehawkins.org/), the Green Party candidate for Governor in NY. Ralph has done several campaign appearances with Howie in Buffalo and Albany. Howie will be on Row F this Tuesday, November 2. Please spread the word.
A key issue is to get New York State to stop rebating to Wall Street speculators the $16 billion it collects annually from the stock sales tax.
Ralph believes the stock transfer tax rebates is the most important fiscal issue for NY gubernatorial candidates to address. “The budget deficit in New York State is about eight billion, so there is no more ready and justifiable source of revenue than a tax that is already assessed,” Nader says. “It would make up the deficit and provide for critical needs like health insurance. It would prevent job loss. It could build or renovate some public works, upgrade mass transit, provide for clinics, schools, public building and court rooms that are often in a state of disrepair. (Read more: http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/2010/10/29/howie-hawkins-green-new-deal/#ixzz13tfctXl8)
2010 has already been a pivotal year for the Green Party worldwide. Greens in Britain, Australia and Colombia have all achieved historic milestones. With climate change accelerating and the world's economy in the worst collapse in 70 years, voters are turning to the Green program of ecology, grassroots democracy, nonviolence and social and economic justice.
Hawkins was a founding member of the Green Party in the US and has been an environmental, labor and justice organizer for nearly 40 years.
Howie, a Teamster, is the only union member running for statewide office. He has been warmly received by the many parts of the labor movement as well as the environmental movement where the Greens have traditionally received support. A labor committee has been established for Howie, and many union members, especially teachers, have been organizing for him.
Howie has received a lot of support as the only gubernatorial candidate calling for a permanent ban on the dangerous practice of hydrofracking for natural gas. His call to cut the military budget and bring our troops home, including NY's National Guard, has won him the endorsement of Broome County Peace Action.
Given the anti-incumbent mood, a tea party millionaire Republican candidate, and Cuomo running as a “New Democrat” with an Old Republican platform on labor, the economy, and the environment, we have an opportunity in this election to change New York's politics permanently by establishing the Green Party as a viable alternative to the two-party system of corporate rule.
50,000 votes for Governor restores the Green's official status as a party in NYS. This will make it much easier for Greens to run for, and win, local, state and national office to offer an alternative vision for our future than the one promoted by the two corporate parties.
But our more important goal is to change New York politics by winning a lot more than 50,000 votes. A large vote total will enable the Greens to define the terms of the debate and build public support for a rapid transition to clean energy to avert catastrophic climate change, living wage jobs for all, expanded and improved Medicare for All, bringing our troops home and cutting the military budget. You can check out Howie's platform, media releases and video statements at http://www.howiehawkins.org/.
The time is right for the Green Party to surge. A Gallup poll released September 17 finds that 58% of Americans, including 61% of liberals and 74% of independents, want a “third major political party.” We want to win. Voters want new leadership. The Greens are ready to govern.
What It’s Like to Work in Walmart Hell
John Olympic, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/148640/what_it%27s_like_to_work_in_walmart_hell
See, like millions of Americans, I'm underemployed. The government doesn't count people like me in its official unemployment numbers. And those numbers are pretty grim; the national unemployment rate is at 9.6 percent, with 15 million Americans looking for work. I guess working at Walmart is better than nothing.
But working for low pay is about as rewarding as stabbing out your own eyeballs with a stale baguette. $14 billion in profits last year bumped Walmart back on top of the Fortune 500 list, and the company keeps up those profits partly by paying associates as little as (legally) possible. Walmart wages are not only well below living wage, we're paid significantly less than comparable jobs at other retailers.
As diverse as Walmart associates are, we have at least one thing in common: When it comes to our jobs, we have no voice. Walmart is America's largest private employer, yet the 1 million workers who put on that red, white and blue nametag each week have zero collective bargaining power when it comes to our pay, benefits or working conditions.
Walmart is America: underpaid workers cleaning up after malnourished customers purchasing Chinese sweatshop goods.
Dean Baker: Why Growth Still Feels Like Recession
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2922?akid=240.19616.3VD_nC&t=25
Tom Engelhardt: A Democracy of Bags Stuffed with Cash
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2923?akid=240.19616.3VD_nC&t=27
Robert Reich: Halliburton and the Upcoming Election
http://act.commondreams.org/go/2924?akid=240.19616.3VD_nC&t=29
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
ABIT MORE NEWS TO ROCK YOUR WORLD
Bagram: America’s Best Kept Afghan Secret
http://rt.com/Top_News/2010-10-27/bagram-americas-secret-afghan.html
How Obama Lost the Narrative
David Corn, Mother Jones
http://webmail.earthlink.net/wam/msg.jsp?msgid=47729&folder=INBOX&isSeen=false&x=-65387841
Bagram: America’s Best Kept Afghan Secret
http://rt.com/Top_News/2010-10-27/bagram-americas-secret-afghan.html
How Obama Lost the Narrative
David Corn, Mother Jones
http://webmail.earthlink.net/wam/msg.jsp?msgid=47729&folder=INBOX&isSeen=false&x=-65387841