HERE NOW – THE NEWS!

Debt Ceiling Holy War – Why Do Conservatives Have Unshakable Faith in Ideas That are Totally, Demonstrably False?
Chauncey DeVega, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/151673/debt_ceiling_holy_war%3A_why_do_conservatives_have_unshakable_faith_in_ideas_that_are_totally%2C_demonstrably_false?akid=7272.9992.KHGGwK&rd=1&t=5

Democrats with Balls? How Some Progressive Lawmakers are Hitting Back in the Class War
Chris Bowers, Daily Kos
As the class war rages on, it's time for the lower and middle classes to fight back. What's more, Wisconsin shows we might have a shot at winning.
http://www.alternet.org/story/151670/democrats_with_balls_how_some_progressive_lawmakers_are_hitting_back_in_the_class_war?akid=7272.9992.KHGGwK&rd=1&t=27

QUOTE OF THE DAY … “All the relationships of the world—between friends, business partners, buyer and seller, brother and sister, husband and wife, parents and children, one nation and another—are spiritual arteries that can become blocked when humans behave with intolerance toward one another. Your behavior determines whether you enjoy good health, peace and sustenance - or succumb to something less than.” – Yehuda Berg

10 Year Anniversary this Month
Message from The Peace Alliance
Ten years ago on July 11, 2001, a bill calling for the establishment of a U.S. Department of Peace was initially introduced in the U.S. Congress. Department of Peace legislation has been introduced in each Congress since then. It's been quite an adventure over this last decade as so many have worked in various capacities to get the idea and legislation traction!

A federal Department of Peace might not be imminent, but the dialogue about peace infrastructure and many exciting opportunities to implement significant programs, agencies and efforts for peacebuilding work and infrastructure are stronger than ever. The legislation has provided a powerful platform to engage this debate on how we prioritize peace in our nation and world.

And, H.R. 808, the current bill calling for a U.S. Department of Peace and a strong voice in our government for nonviolent conflict resolution and proactive peacebuilding is as important as ever. On this 10th anniversary, please join us by taking a moment to call and/or write your Members of Congress and the President, urging them to support a Department of Peace.

CALL: You can reach your Representatives and Senators by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Ask your Member of the House to co-sponsor H.R. 808. Urge your Senators to introduce a bill in that chamber. Call President Obama at (202) 456-1110 and ask him to create a Department of Peace within the White House to focus on violence prevention strategies.

Much gratitude to everyone who has worked in support of this initiative over the years, from our many grassroots leaders and activists, to our elected officials who have stood in support (especially Rep. Kucinich, the initial sponsor), to our city and organizational endorsers, to our staff and boards, both past and present. We have collectively made a difference in raising support for both this bill as well as the ideas of greater investment and infrastructure towards the work of peacebuilding.

Our work continues. Join us as we celebrate this milestone moment and the creative possibilities ahead of us! "A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." - Mahatma Gandhi

1 Million Dead in Iraq? 6 Reasons the Media Hide the True Human Toll of War – And Why We Let Them
John Tirman, AlterNet
Most Americans turn a blind eye to the violent acts being carried out in their name.
http://www.alternet.org/story/151703/1_million_dead_in_iraq_6_reasons_the_media_hide_the_true_human_toll_of_war_--_and_why_we_let_them?akid=7279.9992.TaEizX&rd=1&t=2

Why the Wealthiest Americans are the Real ‘Job Killers’
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
The top 1 percent takes in more than twice the share of national income today than they did 30 years ago, and that’s a big reason why consumers are tapped out.
http://www.alternet.org/story/151705/why_the_wealthiest_americans_are_the_real_%27job-killers%27?akid=7279.9992.TaEizX&rd=1&t=12

The Banks Promised to Clean Up Their Act – So Why are They Still Using Robo-Signers to Engage in Foreclosure Fraud?
Lauren Kelley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/151697/the_banks_promised_to_clean_up_their_act_--_so_why_are_they_still_using_robo-signers_to_engage_in_foreclosure_fraud?akid=7279.9992.TaEizX&rd=1&t=24