Saturday, July 31, 2004

How They Could Steal The Election This Time
THE NATION
by Ronnie Dugger
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20040816&s=dugger
 
CRITICAL TIME RIGHT NOW FOR THE ROBERT JERESKI 14th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CAMPAIGN AGAINST MILLIONAIRE INCUMBENT

Maloney is trying to throw Robert Jereski off the ballot! The millionaire incumbent, who has voted with Bush too many times (click here: http://jereskiforcongress.com/Compare.php for a comparison between Jereski and the incumbent), is using her PAC money to unleash her election lawyers to thwart Democracy.

Jereski Campaign: Urgent Action Needed! If you reject the world Bush is offering us, then please get involved this week. The following five days are critical for our campaign to be able to challenge the Bush Agenda locally. On Wednesday, August 4th, the Board of Elections will hold a hearing to determine whether our petition to be on the ballot will be honored and whether - as a result - voters in our very powerful district of the country (with the wealthiest zip codes, a cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic, and educated voter base) will be given a choice of a real alternative to politics as usual in our federal government (see http://www.jereskiforcongress.com).

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Help raise the visibility of our campaign through outreach on the streets, media coverage, and a well-attended press conference in front of the incumbent's offices to demand she withdraw her petition challenges and accept our offer to inform the voters about their choice, through a series of debates leading up to the September 14th Primary. Our District is in the East Side of Manhattan, Western Queens, Roosevelt Island, part of Clinton (Hell's Kitchen). You can help by sending a check to the following address and/or taking action in the district:

Friends of Robert Jereski
2 Tudor City Place, Apt. 9AS
New York, NY 10017

You must be a U.S. citizen and for donations over $200 and up to $2000 (not more) you must include your name, address, occupation, and employer. Here's what we need you to do:

Press conference this Monday, August 2nd, in front of Maloney's office.
Where: 1651 3rd Avenue (92nd & 93rd Street)
When: Monday, 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Why: Protect our democracy, demand debates and a withdrawal of technical challenges that will prevent a real election in Congressional District 14. We need a show of strength so bring your friends and enemies and people you couldn't care less about one way or another. Please RSVP to 212.973.1782 or just come by bringing a few friends (true democrats) along!

Board of Elections Hearing [Wednesday, August 4th]
Where: 42 Broadway (take the 4, 5, 6 subway to Bowling Green)
When: Wednesday, August 4th, 10:30 a.m. until we get a decision
Why: To defend the petition signatures of the thousands of people who want a real Democratic choice for Congress in New York City.

Rush Hour Visibility & Weekend Outreach (From today onward). Pick up our new materials to help inform voters at subway entrances. Preview the new flyers by clicking here: http://jereskiforcongress.com/Downloads.php
Where: Any subway stop in the district (East Side of Manhattan, Western Queens, Roosevelt Island, and part of Clinton)
When: During RUSH HOURS on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, mornings (6:45a.m. until 9:30 a.m.) AND evenings (4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.) (August2-4th)

Also, over the weekend, distribute leaflets at throughout the district.
Why: People need to hear what we're offering and to join by volunteering and donating money to our efforts. Give a call to arrange to pick up flyers (212.973.1782) or just come by and get them at the front desk of 2Tudor City Place (41st Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue). We can also deliver flyers to you, if necessary. On Monday and Tuesday, August 2nd and 3rd, we need to have volunteers who really want change (click here: http://jereskiforcongress.com/Compare.php for comparison between Jereski and the incumbent) to join our campaign efforts! With your help, we can win this seat for a true Democratic Party representative!

Please pass this info on to other like-minded Progressive Democrats. Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty. Benjamin Franklin

Thursday, July 29, 2004

NYC FRIENDS OF KUCINICH WILL BE DEMONSTRATING, ALONG WITH United For Peace& Justice AT REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION DEMOSTRATION AGAINST The BushAgenda IN NYC ON AUGUST 29th
As you know the Republicans are holding their convention here in NYC at the end of August.  On August 29th, the day before the convention opens, United for Peace and Justice is planning a major protest.  It is crucial for all of us to get out there and show our opposition to the Bush agenda.  Please forward this to your email lists!  After many months of negotiations, United for Peace and Justice/UFPJ (the coalition of the many, many organizations working on this event) was able to get permission from the NYC authorities for us to march up 8th Avenue.  The Bloomberg administration will only give the rally permit for West Street (street level section of the West Side Highway) so that's where we will go after the march.  There is a great need to reach out into every neighborhood to get NYC out there on the 29th.  With our campaign experience, we could make a great contribution to this outreach.  You can acquire additional information about this event by visiting UFPJ at http://www.unitedforpeace.org  or Not In Our Name at http://www.notinourname.net.   At these sites you can find out how to get leaflets, posters, flags and/or stickers for the rally.  Pasted below is a call for the march created by Not In Our Name, one of the member groups of the UFPJ coalition.

THE REPUBLICANS ARE COMING TO NYC, TRYING TO USE THE GRIEF OF 9/11 TO ADVANCE AN AGENDA OF HORRORS.  MORE THAN A MILLION IN THE STREETS SAYING "NO" TO BUSH AND ALL HE REPRESENTS!

No to the lies!
No to the wars for empire!
No to the disregard for the health of our planet and the people who live on it!
No to Patriot Acts and the attacks on civil rights!
No to the packed judiciary and stolen elections!
No to the demonization and repression of Arabs, Muslims and South Asians!
No to racial profiling, police brutality and the criminalization of whole communities!
No to the global destruction of women's rights!
No to the tax cuts for the rich and punishment for the poor!
No to the religious right controlling our private lives!
No to everything Bush & Co. are spearheading!
NO WAY!  NO HOW!  NO MORE!   JUST NO! MORE THAN A MILLION IN THE STREETS SAYING YES!
Yes to another course!
Yes to another future!
Yes to another way of relating to the world's peoples and to each other!
More than a million in the streets saying WE WANT A DIFFERENT FUTURE!
More than a million in the streets saying ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE!

OHIO CONGRESSMAN & FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE - DENNIS KUCINICH'S ADDRESS AT CONVENTION IN BOSTON LAST EVENING

We, Democrats, in convention united.  We who built this country with the sweat of our brow, we, the steelworkers, autoworkers, the miners, the aircraft workers, communication workers, the laborers, the people who teach the children, who farm the land, who drive the trucks, who clean the streets; we who hunger for justice, who nurse the sick, who represent the oppressed, who serve the meals, who stand at check out counters, who build the bridges, who sleep under the bridges, who hunger for food; we, who put out the fires, who police the streets; who protect this nation and the freedoms we celebrate tonight: the soldiers, the sailors, marines and air force.  We Democrats assemble united for John Kerry, united to recreate our nation with the power of the ballot, to transform it with the power of the human heart and the power of the human spirit.  Out of many, we Democrats are one. We are left, right, center. We are one. We are black, white, red, brown, yellow. We are one. One for jobs and health care for all. One for peace and fair trade. One for our children's future.  And we are One for John Kerry. We will carry America for Kerry and Kerry will carry America for us.

We remember who we are. We are the party of the people.  We are the party of FDR and the New Deal. The party of JFK and the New Frontier. Of Lyndon Johnson and the Great Society; of Martin Luther King's Dream, of Robert Kennedy's striving spirit; of Caesar Chavez's ‘si se puede!' Of Eleanore Roosevelt and human rights. Infused with the passion of Paul Wellstone from Minnesota, the humanity of Jimmy Carter from Plains, the engaging brilliance of Bill Clinton from Hope, and we are the party of John Kerry, the next great Democratic President of the United States. The history of social and economic progress in America was written by the Democratic party.  Democrats are the party of the minimum wage. The forty hour week. Time and a half for overtime. We are the party of the right to organize, the right to collective bargaining, the right to strike, the right to a safe workplace, the right to a secure retirement. We are the party of workers' rights, civil rights, and women's rights.

We are the party of national health care for senior citizens, of social security, public education and rural electrification.  When we show up holding the banner of social and economic justice, we win. And now must create a new America. In our National Anthem, when Francis Scott Key asked "does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?" He connected freedom and bravery, democracy and courage.  Courage America! Courage to replace an administration which has usurped our constitution and attacked our Bill of Rights.  Courage to reject doctrines which separate us from the world. Courage to rejoin the world to ban all nuclear weapons, biological and chemical weapons, land mines and small arms. Courage to join the International Criminal Court, to sign the Kyoto Climate change treaty. Courage America!

Courage to take principles of nonviolence and make them part of the everyday life of our nation and work with the nations of the world to put an end to war.  Courage, America, to create a nation where our government achieves legitimacy not from the money it spends on armaments, but from the resources it channels into education, health care, job creation, housing, environmental protection and new sustainable energy policies.  Courage to give John Kerry the chance to restart the 21st century.  Courage America. Courage to shake off the administration's propaganda, the fear: the threats, the deceptions, the color-coded threat systems and the misnamed and ill-conceived Patriot Act. Courage America. This administration led us into a war based on distortions and misrepresentations and we must hold them accountable.  Iraq had nothing to do with 911 or with al Queda's role in 911. There was no "gathering threat". There were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

I was mayor of Cleveland, and I tell you have seen weapons of mass destruction - - in our cities. Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction. Joblessness is a weapon of mass destruction, homelessness is a weapon of mass destruction, racism is a weapon of mass destruction, fear is a weapon of mass destruction.  We must disarm these weapons and we must turn the military budget into books, schools, teachers, housing, health care, job creation and stronger neighborhoods.  It's been said: "Once we walk there will be a path." So let us blaze a new path with John Kerry and John Edwards.  This convention will lead us toward the victory not just of a party, but the victory of the American people over fear, a victory of hope over despair, of faith over cynicism; a victory for health care, for civil liberties, for workers' rights, for human rights, for the environment, for peace. Courage America. Courage America. John Kerry America.

MICHAEL MOORE'S SPEECH IN CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
by Michael Moore, AlterNet
Michael Moore's July 27 speech to progressives, with an introduction by Alternet's Executive Editor, Don Hazen.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/19385/


THE MORALITY OF INTERVENTION
by Ian Williams, AlterNet
The people of Sudan are paying a high price for the Iraq War, which blurred the line between humanitarian intervention and moral crusade.
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/19388/


THE GREENEST CONVENTION EVER
by Amanda Griscom, Grist Magazine
Environmentalism descended on the Democratic National Convention this week in the form of biodegradable balloons and recycled confetti and that's just the beginning. In EnviroHealth: http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/


THE HEAVYWEIGHTS OF 2008
by David Corn, The Nation
"Even when a decisive election is only three months away, there still is time and opportunity for politicians (and their handicappers in the media) to gaze further down the road." http://www.alternet.org/election04/19381/


Wednesday, July 28, 2004

MORE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION NEWS - AS WELL AS KUCINICH IN THE PRESS

MN Delegates For Kucinich Not Quite Ready For Kerry
WCCO.com
http://wcco.com/localnews/local_story_210073324.html

   

Tips For Your Own Liveshot
BOSTON HERALD
by Lauren Beckham Falcone
http://news.bostonherald.com/dncGuide/view.bg?articleid=37516

Transcript: Illinois Senate Candidate Barack Obama
WASHINGTON POST
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html

Kucinich Delegates Now Must Decide
OHIO NEWS NOW
http://www.onnnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=2099188&nav=LQ1CPGNu

Kucinich Backers Not Ready To Let Go
STATESMAN JOURNAL
by Andrew Kramer
http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=84251

Kucinich Endorses Kerry, But Still Has A Loyal Following
POST GAZETTE
by Jim Provance
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04210/352998.stm

Dean Declares Support For Kerry
METRO WEST DAILY NEWS
by Peter Reuell
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=74196

Interesting Comments From JNS At "kucinich4president" Yahoo Group
I have to say, watching the convention gives me hope. The best so far is Barack Obama...I didn't know about him...I could vote for him for president and Jimmy Carter.  What an amazing man Jimmy is.  We have spent a lot of time being mad at the party and rightly so.  But when you look at history...Democrats have been some pretty darn good folks.  I have to believe that we can make the party stronger and more left leaning, but it will take time.  There's been a lot of brain washing under the bridge.  Ron Reagan did a great job.  I really didn't care for his daddy, but even he was better than what we have now.  But, I found Ron's willingness to speak out very refreshing and enlightening,  I really didn't understand stem cell research myself.  I loved what Clinton said about the Republicans needing us to be a divided nation and democrats didn't need that.  We stand up for issues, he is so right. And Hillary...she sure is a tough act! I admire her greatly. By the way...anyone who has missed the convention can see it at www.c-span.org.


 
MESSAGE FROM MOVEON.ORG - FOX NEWS & CARL CAMERON CAUGHT MISLEADING AGAIN
Since Fox News is unable to rebut the basic premise of "Outfoxed," its anchors have resorted to slamming the film's technique.  Fox News'convention correspondent Carl Cameron, who is portrayed in the movie sucking up to then Governor Bush before an interview, complained "It was an unfortunate piece of editing in the movie that gave a far worse impression than the reality."  To counter this charge, director Robert Greenwald has released the entire footage of Cameron's pre-interview moments with Bush, when he didn't realize the tape was rolling.  The full clip makes Cameron look even worse.  He spends a full three minutes fawning over Bush. See this outrageous footage here:  http://www.moveon.org/r?539

All this bluster hides the serious fact that Fox News allows political partisans like Cameron to do important journalistic interviews, even when there are blatant conflicts of interest.  Call up Fox News and tell them to reassign Carl Cameron from the conventions and find a political reporter who doesn't carry a partisan bias at:

Fox News Channel
(212) 301-3000

This footage is a smoking gun -- Fox News is a Republican outlet, and the reporters make no bones about it.  At most networks, even a perception of a conflict of interests is enough to reassign are porter.  In 2000, a CNN producer whose husband was a lawyer for Gore was told not to have anything to do with campaign coverage.  LastThursday, the San Francisco Chronicle put its letters editor on leave for contributing $400 to the Kerry campaign.  Not so at Fox News, where Cameron remained in charge of campaign coverage, including the exclusive interview with Bush, despite his wife's involvement with the Bush campaign.  Do conflicts of interest really matter?  Well, to take just one example, the head analyst of election results for Fox News in 2000 was John Ellis, Bush's first cousin.  On Mr. Ellis' advice, Fox News was the first to declare Bush the winner of Florida and the presidency.  Ellis' call for Bush set off a cascade of similar calls by other networks, ultimately leading to the infamous Florida vote-counting controversy.  Blatant conflicts of interest like Cameron's and Ellis' highlight an appalling lack of journalistic balance on the part of Fox News.  To permit such assignments is unprofessional and deceptive.  It's the sort of behavior that gives Fox News such a bad name.  Most news outlets would be embarrassed and apologetic.  Fox News is smug and unrepentant.  Worse, they are doing it again this election.  Before we go any further, demand Fox News reassign Carl Cameron from the conventions and choose a reporter without personal ties to one candidate:

Roger Ailes, CEO and Chairman
Fox News Channel
(212) 301-3000

Of course, Fox News is trying hard to deny its obvious partisanship.  Both Cameron and Roger Ailes always cite a single story as proof thatFox News doesn't favor Republicans: the discovery of George W. Bush's arrest for drunken driving in the final week of the 2000 election.  Fox News takes credit for getting the scoop.  Real journalists at Salon magazine, however, reveal that the story was discovered by a young reporter at a local Fox broadcast affiliate, WPXT-TV in Portland, Maine, not the team at Fox News Channel.  Fox News recently affirmed it has "no editorial oversight" of any Fox affiliate.  Read the Salon story at:  http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2004/07/23/fox_dui_moveon/

Salon provides excellent, independent journalism without partisanship or personal conflicts of interest.  This is the sort of journalism we need to support with our subscription dollars.  Salon is offering a 50% discount to MoveOn members.  Can you help support Salon's important work? Please subscribe now at the link above.  Thanks for all you're doing to encourage true balance in our national news media. Our democracy dependson it.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

LOTS OF NEWS GOING ON REGARDING THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN BOSTON & THE KUCINICH CAMPAIGN - READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE
 
A GOOD KIND OF CHAOS
by Roberto Lovato, AlterNet
The consensus at the Boston Social Forum is that another world really is possible.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/19345/

Ohio Representative Kucinich Releases Delegates
ASSOCIATED PRESS "News Flash"
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=1963&e=1&u=/ap/20040727/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_kucinich_1

MY BEEF WITH BIG MEDIA
by Ted Turner, Washington Monthly
The founder of CNN explains why big media conglomerates pose a serious danger to democracy.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/

Joshuah Bearman, reporting from Boston for the LA Weekly, chimes in on Kucinich, on-message about Democratic unity.  http://www.alternet.org/election04/19355/   And on the decidedly non-luxury accomodations he's forced into.  http://www.alternet.org/election04/19347/

BLOGGER PLANET
by Brian Montopoli, Campaign Desk
The bloggers came ready to cover the Democratic convention but found that they were the story instead.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/19353/

THE GREAT EPA CRACKDOWN FANTASY
by Amanda Griscom, Grist Magazine
All the talk of pending EPA enforcement actions is just that -- election-year talk. It may fool voters, but Bush's big  campaign contributors won't lose any sleep.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/19309/

Kucinich & Dean Backers To Press On
SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER
by W.Buchanan & C.Pope
They are the children of the lost cause, but for the delegates belonging to Dennis Kucinich and Howard Dean, the crusade continues.  Read more here:  http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/183710_kucinich27.html

Kucinich Urges Unity With Washington Delegation
SEATTLE TIMES
by David Postman
Dennis Kucinich visited Washington's delegation yesterday to urge them not to fall for any media spin about differences among Democrats convening in Boston.  Click here for more on this story:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001989335_notebook2.html

Supporters Plan To Vote Kucinich
BOULDER NEWS
by Elizabeth Skewes
http://www.bouldernews.com/bdc/dc_election/article/0,1713,BDC_11917_3067057,00.html

Monday, July 26, 2004

POLL: Delegates, Kerry Differ On Key Issues
BOSTON GLOBE
by Michael Paulson
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0726-01.htm

Warnings Of Threats Are Threatening
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
by Lynn Blanke
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0726-04.htm

Dissent Is Now Dangerous
COMMON DREAMS
by Steven Laffoley
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0726-12.htm
[Duchess Note -- Dissent is very pro-American and our right to question government, plus keep TRUE democracy alive.  Do not be afraid!  Stand up for your rights!  Don't let those screaming, insane bullies on extreme right-wing news programs [ie: Fox News, CNN, MSNBC] tell you otherwise.  Corporations, media and the Bushies want to instill fear in all Americans, as well as employ total repression.  Its Orwells "1984" come to life and in full blown technicolor.  If we true patriotic Americans mass together, we can squash it and get back OUR democracy.]

Conventions More Show Than Substance
BBC NEWS
by Richard Allen Greene
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3893071.stm

Meet The Bloggers [DNC In Boston]
WALL STREET JOURNAL
by C.Bailik & E.Weinstein
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB109045054755870333,00.html?mod=todays_free_feature

DENNIS KUCINICH MEETS WITH HIS DELEGATES AT JULIE HALL IN BOSTON ON JULY 25TH - COMMENTS BY LENORE LUSCHER [via "kucinich4president" Yahoo Group]

“It’s challenging to run INSIDE the Democratic Party!” Dennis spoke to his delegates Sunday afternoon in the atrium of Julie Hall at Emmanuel College, where many volunteers are staying for the convention in Boston this week. But first, he listened. He politely declined Convention Coordinator Tim Carpenter’s suggestion that, since time was short, he first make a few remarks. Dennis wanted to hear what the delegates had to say to him. There is an almost unanimous strong desire among Kucinich delegates to vote for Dennis in the first round, though supporting John Kerry in the campaign for President.

For an hour, Dennis listened intently, taking notes, as most of the delegates present had their one-minute say. “I’m hearing my own words come back to me,” he said at the end. “We have to say simultaneously: ‘We are the Party’ and ‘The Party is becoming us.’ “We stand at the start of the convention, and some say there is no path. There will be one, once we create it. “While we support Kerry, we’re not in any way backing down from what we stand for. You know, 9 out of 10 of all the delegates at this convention already agree with us on just about everything. This morning, the New York Times reported that 9 out of 10 delegates polled oppose the war! In that case, they’re probably nine-and-a-half out of ten in favor of universal single-payer health care.” Kucinich then talked about what is called “cognitive dissonance,” the holding (by many voters and Kerry delegates) of mutually opposing positions simultaneously, adding that we can help clear up this conflict. “I have to hold our position in the Party, in order to keep pressing for change. We’ve come to the heart and soul of the Party, and THEY need US. We have credibility inside the Democratic Party,” Kucinich said.

He finally held up the two pages of notes he had made before coming, the beginnings of what he plans to say this week, followed by page after endless page of notes he had just made as he listened to the delegates’ concerns here this afternoon. Tomorrow (Monday) afternoon, before the convention opens, he will meet again with his delegates to work out strategy for exactly how we can bring the concerns of all the progressives across the country before the convention. The hallway and stairs overlooking the atrium were filled with volunteers watching the proceedings, and Dennis asked at the end to hear from some of them, too, before he left. The meeting ended with heartfelt singing of “Imagine,” followed by a spontaneous chanting of “Peace Now!”  Lenore Luscher


Saturday, July 24, 2004

Ronstadt Gets Audience Walkout Encore
ContraCostaTimes
by Bonita Brewer
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/9224649.htm 

Important Message From TRUE MAJORITY - Fox News' Claim To Be "Fair and Balanced" Is Not Only a Lie, It's False Advertising Tell the Federal Trade Commission to Stop Fox from Misleading the Public

It's bad enough that Fox News serves up biased "news" day after day on program after program. But it's even worse that Fox advertises its news as "fair and balanced" when numerous studies have proven this wrong.  A group of organizations, including TrueMajority.org and led by MoveOn.org, have devised a clever strategy to spotlight Fox's deceptive practices.  They've petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to declare Fox's "Fair and Balanced" motto false advertising.  Even if we lose our FTC case, this campaign will educate people about Fox, which is arguably the right wing's most effective propaganda tool. So it's important to dial up the citizen pressure on the Federal Trade Commission.  Here's the complaint that we will send to the Federal Trade Commission in your name:

"Fox News claims that its programs are "fair and balanced," but study after study has shown that they are biased. So it is clearly not in the public's interest for Fox to be allowed to use the phrase "fair and balanced" to promote its programs.  This is false advertising, plain and simple.  Though novel, this argument is no different than other cases that the FTC considers regularly. You do not allow companies manufacturing diet pills to advertise that their products will help consumers miraculously lose weight, if this claim is proven wrong. Fox's claim of "fair and balanced" has been proven wrong, and the ramifications go beyond creating obesity to undermining the proper functioning of our democracy. On behalf of public interest, the FTC should intervene."  Check out this video clip that MoveOn.org put together to show just how fair and balanced Fox News' Bill O'Reilly is (click on the photo of O'Reilly on the right of the page):  http://www.moveon.org/fox/

Click here to read MoveOn's complaint filed before the Federal Trade Commission:
http://65.54.246.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=552c6f373171aa2dd6f0430f9b6aa478&lat=1090689791&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fcdn%2emoveon%2eorg%2fcontent%2fpdfs%2fftc_filing%2epdf

Robert Greenwald has produced an excellent expose of Fox News' unfair and unbalanced news coverage, and examines the dangers of "ever-enlarging corporations taking control of the public's right to know." Order it at http://www.outfoxed.org/

QUOTE OF THE DAY - When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.   Thomas Jefferson

An Important Message From Working Families e-Activist Working Familiese-Activist Network

Yesterday the U.S. Senate and House recessed until after Labor Day--failing to block the Bush overtime pay take-away set to go into effect Aug. 23.  Republican leaders repeatedly joined with the Bush administration and blocked votes on two separate pieces of legislation that would have protected workers' right to overtime pay.  Starting on Aug. 23, employers can begin reclassifying many workers as ineligible for overtime, but it probably will take some time for employers to fully understand the extremely complex and confusing new rules and start deciding who can lose overtime pay.  Our fight to preserve overtime pay isn't over.  The two pieces of legislation before Congress would repeal the Bush administration's overtime pay cuts regardless of whether those cuts have been implemented already by employers.  Please take one minute right now to send a fax to your senators and representative by clicking on the link below.  Tell them to block the Bush overtime pay take-away.  http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/87akW6410pC0//

We need your continued action.  Pro-working family members of Congress will keep fighting to repeal the Bush overtime cuts after the recess and for as long as it takes to restore workers' overtime rights.  The Bush administration is going forward with this massive pay cut for working families despite opposition from bipartisan majorities of lawmakers and millions of working families.  Look for more alerts on this and other issues soon.  Don't forget to spread the word about Bush's overtime pay take-away to your friends, family and co-workers.

Friday, July 23, 2004

A Small Victory For Progressives
ALTERNET
by Steven Rosenfeld
 
Did Kucinich sell out as Amy Goodman suggested?  I don't think so.  Of course, it's immeasurably frustrating for progressives to campaign on big ideals and higher standards and be offered crumbs by the nominee.  But accepting crumbs from Kerry on withdrawing troops from Iraq in 2004 is better than being cast off by Clinton in 1992.  Take another look at that 2004 platform language. Admittedly, it's pretty vague.  "We pushed hard to get 'withdrawal' language, and they finally gave us 'reduction' language," the Kucinich website says.  To read more of this article, click here:  http://alternet.org/election04/19291/
 
PRESS RELEASE:  Insurgent Candidate Condemns Ballot Chellenge From Congress Member Carolyn Maloney
On July 15th, the JERESKI FOR CONGRESS campaign announced that we had obtained enough signatures to get on the ballot to challenge the Bush Agenda in New York City.  Four days later, we received word that our petitions were being challenged by people working closely with the Maloney campaigns.  Maloney recently expressed support for U.N. oversight of the U.S. presidential elections.  How ironic that she is trying to avoid a primary election in our own District.  We issued a press release the following day condemning this undemocratic challenge to our ballot access (see below).  The press has steered clear of informing people about this story.  That's why we need your help now more than ever.  We need donations from you and your contacts.  Even $25 each can raise significant amounts of funds, enough for us to overcome this challenge, get on the ballot and win.  That's why Maloney's scared of our challenge and why she's unleashed her election lawyers with these undemocratic tactics.  We need volunteers: to distribute literature, organize events, take on a coordinating role in the campaign.  We need to build our database of contacts to ensure that we turn out the vote on Primary Day, September 14th.  Send a monetary contribution today!

Friends of Robert Jereski
2 Tudor City Place, Apt. 9AS
New York, NY 10017

In peace and solidarity,
 
Campaign Management Team
Jereski for Congress Campaign

Press release issued on July 20th condemning ballot challenge ... For Immediate Release

Insurgent Candidate Condemns Ballot Challenge from Congress Member Carolyn Maloney From Florida to NYC, Democracy Under Threat


When: July 20th, 2004
Who: Robert Jereski for Congress
Contact: 212 973 1782 mutualaid@earthlink.net

Robert Jereski, candidate for Congress (Dem NY 14th District), condemned the challenges to his effort to get on the ballot in the September Democratic primary and offer voters a choice against the Bush Agenda.  Although the Jereski campaign filed almost twice the amount of signatures required to gain ballot access, a number of vague "General Objections" were filed at the Board of Elections yesterday afternoon. One hour before the challenges were filed, Representative Maloney's election lawyer was spotted on site.

"This is a blatant, and coordinated attempt to deny the voters of the 14th District a choice. I represent a challenge to the Bush Agenda that many people in our district are demanding elected officialdom stand up to." Jereski noted.
  Officials at the Board of Elections confirmed that six challenges were filed against Jereski before the deadline of midnight July 19th. The list of challengers included top Democrats aligned with the Kerry Presidential Campaign, Delegate David L. Cohen and New York State Democrat Committee Member Trudy L. Mason, as well as Heather K. Leifer, John Mills, Alexander Tisch, and Micah Kellner.  A Campaign spokeswomen noted the irony of Ms. Mason's involvement in this kind of crass machine politics. "Maloney's own Lexington Democratic club threw Mason off the ballot in an election for the City Council seat, Maloney vacated when she became a Congressperson 12 years ago." Mason, and many others, originally wouldn't support Maloney because of profound questions and denying voters a real contest in the City Council race was seen as petty revenge by most observers.

"I am especially disappointed that a Delegate for Senator Kerry would be involved in this attempt to avoid a primary in the 14th District. Just as I joined the call to count all votes in Florida, we ought to demand that those Democrats in our district demanding a contest in the 14th be heard. This is clearly coordinated by people very close to Representative Maloney. I call on Senator Kerry and her to allow the voters a choice, rescind the inappropriate challenges and engage me in three debates before the election." Jereski challenged. 
The Jereski campaign asserted that this was just one more hurdle to surpass as they engage in a vigorous outreach effort. "We will be on the ballot. When the voters learn about some of her shocking votes to enable the Bush Agenda, I am confident that they will vote for someone who better represents their interests." Jereski said.

For background information on Robert Jereski and his campaign to challenge the Bush agenda and represent the people of the 14th District in New York see: http://www.jereskiforcongress.com


[A delightful drawing of Sean Bean as Boromir from LOTRs "Return of the King" screen credits.  And shared with me by the ladies at BeanBuffs Yahoo Group.]

The Real Show
COMMON DREAMS
by Bill Moyers
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0723-16.htm

The Rep From Fahrenheit 9/11
THE NATION
by John Nichols
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0723-11.htm

The 9/11 Report: Bad News For Bush
THE NATION
by David Corn
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0723-10.htm

Thursday, July 22, 2004

http://www.blogsearchengine.com Blog Search Engine
 
Unity Is Essential
by Dennis Kucinich
http://www.kucinich.us/messages/072204-dennis.php 



Personal News #29
Well I finally got to see "Fahrenheit 911" this past weekend on Sunday, July 18th. Wow! Oh my gosh! What an intensely, brilliant, well done film by Michael Moore thats based on truth and the facts. I experienced a wide range of emotions throughout this two hour movie. As did the other folk in that upper eastside Manhattan cinema go through similiar feelings [ie: tears, anger, laughter, etc]. At the time of the 9/11/01 tragedy I worked about 6 blocks southeast of the World Trade Center south tower. I was there that day, a day we New Yorkers will never forget. Seeing and hearing that 9/11 segment in the Moore film brought such emotions, plus tears spilling down my cheeks. I was sitting between two elderly ladies and I swear we were all in tears. One of the things this film did for me was cement my intense dislike for the whole Bush Administration and what havoc its brought about in 3 1/2 years. Without a doubt, this is truly one of the worst administrations in American history. I strongly urge many Americans to go see this film BEFORE November 2nd election. It will open your eyes to the selfish, arrogant, corrupt greed of this administration and lack of compassion for poor or middle class Americans [plus the  world]. If you cannot get to the cinema, I've heard from reliable sources that the DVD will be out BEFORE November 2nd. Excellent! Amen!

Back on July 12th we were suppose to have a NYC Friends Of Kucinich general meeting, but it was rescheduled to July 19th. I am so happy it was rescheduled, as I couldn't attend the previous date due to ill health. At Mondays meeting [which was two hours after my dentist appointment] the following Kucitizens were there ... Ellen, Paul, Efram, Sandy, Bill, Linda, Tom, Ken and myself. It may seem like a small gathering, but we had some excellent discussions on numerous topics. One of which was about the upcoming Democratic National Convention being held in Boston. Two people [ie: Ellen & Linda] at the meeting will be heading up that way this Friday.  [I'm told that other NYC Kucitizens will be going.] I am so looking forward to hearing of their experiences at the next general meeting on Wednesday, August 4th. Then on August 5th is the monthly Kucinich Meetup ... location still hasn't been decided. Further talk centered on NYC Kucitizens and asking them to help out several progressive campaigns in the area. The progressive Democrat campaigns are for Frank Barbaro, Jessica Flagg (718-549-4422), Robert Jereski and Diane Savino (718-303-9660).  [Here on the Duchess Blog, I currently have Jereski's website link listed to the right & will have the other three links up shortly.] Sadly the "Candidate Forum" will not be happening before the DNC, but there is a possibly that it may happen before the November elections. THE NATION is still interested in being a sponsor for this event. Recently Nader/Dean had a debate/forum down in DC and it can still be viewed on video via CSPAN website. After the meeting ajourned, I joined Paul for a quick bite to eat at Grand Central Stations food court. We hadn't seen each other in awhile and caught up on news.

On Tuesday, July 20th, I joined others [ie: Ann, Tonya, Angie, Jill, Richard, Evan, myself & a nice Japanese gal] at Saints Alp Teahouse for the monthly Tea Meetup. We spent an enjoyable two hours talking, eating good food and drinking some interesting cold refreshing tea combos. I really like this establishment, as their food is nicely prepared and reasonably priced. It was a very warm evening and seemed like everyone was out in Greenwich Village. All the restaurants and cafe's were hopping with activity and patrons. Lovely seeing Jill again and she has such a bubbly personality. We hadn't touched base since end of April, beginning of May, so that was a nice perk.

BENEFIT CONCERT FOR FRIENDS OF ROBERT JERESKI TO ELECT A REAL PROGRESSIVE TO CONGRESS & to Challenge the Bush Agenda!

AT  THE NUYORICAN POETS' CAFE


Let's celebrate what we've been able to accomplish together so far.
 
Where: The Nuyorican Poets' Cafe, 236 E. 3rd St. Between Aves. B & C
When: Thursday, July 22nd at 7:30 p.m. until 9:30p.m
What: A benefit for Friends of Robert Jereski (to elect Jereski to Congress)

Performances by:

Casey Neill:  Over the last few years, Casey has busked with Pete Seeger in Grand Central Station, toured with Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, collaborated with many of the finest traditional Celtic musicians, and toured throughout the US, Canada, & UK.

Folk-soul songwriter Allison Tartalia:   
Her first album Ready won the 2003 Outmusic Award for Best Female Debut and she was recently hailed as an up-and-coming "Indie Chick" by She Magazine. As her album title suggests, Allison Tartalia is Ready - and she's heading your way.

Please bring your checkbooks to contribute inside during the event. We are unable to accept cash.  (You can pay cash at the door.)  If you are unable to make it, please send a check (up to $2,000) to:  Friends of Robert Jereski, 2 Tudor City Place, #9AS, New York, NY 10017.   If you donate more than $250 please include your occupation and the name and address of your employer. If you care about challenging the Bush Agenda, come to our fundraiser, with your friends.  Remember, if you can't make it, send $10, $35, $100, or up to $2000.  YOUR DONATIONS GO TO CREATING A NETWORK OF INFORMED ACTIVISTS DEDICATED TO CHALLENGING THE BUSH AGENDA!  We need your monetary contributions from across the country to take on a millionaire incumbent who voted for the Bush Agenda.  Stop the war, bring the troops home, protect our Civil Liberties,  health care for all, inves t in renewable energies, Marriage Rights for all, supports Choice and more!   http://www.jereskiforcongress.com

We don't hire high-priced consultants; we're not wasting our money on polls. We know what the people of the country are calling for and that's why Rob's running. Your money will contribute directly to the necessary work of organizing an informed, networked, body of voters who are demanding fundamental change. Together we can create a truly representative Democratic Party, one Congressional seat at a time! 
Please send $20 or more if you can afford it. E-mail your friends and family with a personal note about this event and this important election. And ask them to contribute too.  Please RSVP at jereskiforcongress3@yahoo.com with "RSVP" in the Subject heading.  Challenge the Bush Agenda!

Robert Jereski ... Democrat for Congress

KUCINICH & KERRY TOGETHER
[From Kucinich For President Website]

Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich, whose dogged determination and intensely loyal grassroots support carried him through every primary and every caucus in the nation, has endorsed Sen. John Kerry and pledged to "do everything possible" to help elect him as President.  "Unity is essential to bring change in November," said Kucinich. "Unity is essential to repair America. Unity is essential to set America on a new path."  "With the same passion and commitment I demonstrated in my own campaign for President, I intend reach out on behalf of the Kerry-Edwards ticket to unite our Party with all those who may have felt left out. I will let them know that the time has come to unite in a common effort for change which is essential, not only for America but for the world."

In a joint appearance Thursday in Detroit, Kerry responded by saying, "I'm proud to have his help."  "Dennis brings a passion," Kerry continued, "not just to the Party and to the unity that he spoke of, but to our country. He loves this country. He loves the ideals that we're founded on, and he loves the dream that we're still chasing."  Kerry also said he agreed with Kucinich's assessment that many Americans feel left out.  "He spoke the truth when he said there are many people from different parts of our Party who want to feel comfortable that they can find the kind of honesty and decency that they want in their government. And I think that Dennis' coming on board with some of those who've been the most disaffected and the most disappointed is a sign that our Party is going to be unified as never before. We are going to be focused as we've never been before. We are gong to restore America 's sense of right and wrong and its commitment to the average people who are struggling to make ends meet and make this country live up to its dreams."

Stressing the linkage between unity and victory in November, Kucinich said, "John Kerry can win because there is a place within the Democratic Party for everyone, including those who may be thinking of supporting Ralph Nader." Kucinich pointed out, "Most people know I have many of the same commitments that Ralph has." But he added, "If there is room for me in the Party and in the Kerry-Edwards campaign, there is certainly room for Ralph and for his supporters."  Both men acknowledged that they have had differences on some issues. "When we disagreed," Kerry noted, "which we did do on a number of different issues, we agreed to do it agreeably."  Kucinich, said Kerry, "is a man who knows what the middle class is struggling with today, and his fight has been a fight for justice and for fairness. It has also been a fight for peace."  Kucinich described Kerry as "a good friend and a decent man."  "He has a lifelong commitment of honorable service to our nation as a military officer and as a Senator. He can be trusted with power. He will help heal America ."  Kucinich is scheduled to speak at the Democratic Convention Wednesday night.

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

A Great Letter From “kucinich4president” Yahoo Group member Ann Seidl In Madison, WI To Eli Pariser At MoveOn.org

Sorry, Eli.  I don't believe that John Kerry represents the average American.  All I hear out of his mouth is meaningless, centrist and cowardly poli-speak.  He does absolutely nothing for me.  I'm a lifelong democrat.  I am taking it VERY personally that Kerry and Edwards are "beating around the Bush" and failing to show simple courage - specifically on the war in Iraq, and, in Kerry's case, the gay marriage situation in his own state.  In fact, I'd be willing to settle for any ONE of the issues that I deem critical - NAFTA, the war, the Patriot Act, equal marriage rights, ANYTHING.  Until then, yawn.  I am hoping for more pressure from MoveOn, an organization I like and respect.   I'm afraid this rah-rah for Kerry is another yawn for me.  Who are we that we can't pressure our candidates into a little more backbone?!?  If not now, when every single Dem vote is worth having, then when?  If not now, when the transparent motives for going to war have been utterly exposed, then when?  If not now, when the atrocities committed by Americans have revealed the barbarity of war, then when?  If not now, when 56% of Democrats polled believe we should leave Iraq immediately, then when?

I'm tired, Eli.  I'm tired of waiting and hoping and waiting.  I'm done being patient.  I'm done being the good soldier.  I'm through with contributions and house parties and knocking on doors.  And I'm not alone.  Michael Moore is the closest thing to a brave Democrat that we've got, and he isn't running.  I thought for certain that the success of Fahrenheit 911 would prod our Cardboard Candidates into saying something real, and I'm gob smacked that they haven't flung themselves, body and soul, onto that bandwagon.  But nothing.   You tell me.  What am I supposed to think?  Here's an idea.  Why don't you replicate your online primary from last year...you know, the one where Dean won and Kucinich came in second?  Ask people to vote on the importance of each of these issues, and shout it from the rooftops.  That would be great.



Another Terrific Message From "kucinich4president" Yahoo Group member Ann Seidl

I dunno ... I've been thinking hard about this.  I mean, look at the kind of self-awareness and humility that the people of Germany have today.  Look at the Japanese.  We keep crowing about being the greatest country on earht, but really, what have we done to deserve it?  That wihch is gotten without sacrifice is held to be without value.  "Justice"  "Equality"  "Rule of Law"  "Democracy"  "By the People"  These words are meaningless to most people.  We haven't EARNED them, you know?  I think the big, strong, bully democracy of the world needs to be taken down a peg.  I'd rather we do it ourselves [ie: experiencing what happens when these cherished values and practices go away] and come out with a genuine passion for our country than to have someone do it to us. 
 
 

Defining Love Of Country - We Ought To Ask Our Presidential Candidates Whether Or Not They Love US
NEWSWEEK
by Patti Davis
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5462806/site/newsweek

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

On The Wings Of A Dove - Kucinich Fights The Good Anti-Fight
VILLAGE VOICE
by James Ridgeway
http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0428/mondo5.php
 
Dem Platform Gets A Touch Of Muscle
THE CAPITAL TIMES
by John Nichols
http://www.madison.com/tet/opinion/index.php?ntid=6753&ntpid=1
 
Message From ACTION CENTER - Join Us In Boston To Say NO To ImperialistPolice State - We The People Will NOT Be Silenced!
In an attempt to intimidate protest and silence dissent, the Boston Police, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, is imposing unprecedented police state measures:

1]  City Bus Drivers were given mandatory "anti-terror"training.  They were shown films to help them identify "terrorists."  The people shown in the film were not terrorists--they were ANSWER activists.  Bus Drivers have been ordered not to allow anyone on the bus carrying political signs.  Peaceful protest has now been officially designated as "terrorism" by the government.

2]  More than 75 high tech cameras have been placed throughout the city, with instant links to "monitoring stations."  From these stations, Federal Agents can zoom in on facial characteristics and license plates.  The surveillance of political activity without probable cause, which has been determined to be illegal and unconstitutional, is designed to intimidate and harass protestors.

3]  The Boston Police has announced planed for the round-up, mass arrest, and detention of political dissenters during the DNC.

We MUST take a stand against the Police State in Boston & bring back Democracy!  How You Can Help ... Call, write, and fax the following.  Tell them we will not tolerate their war on civil liberties:

Thomas Menino
Mayor of Boston
mayor@ci.boston.ma.us
fax:  617-635-3416
phone:  617-635-4500

John Kerry Campaign
info@johnkerry.com
fax:  202-712-3001
phone:  202-712-3000

Message From MOVEON.ORG - Fox News Is "Unfair & Unbalanced"

On Sunday evening, over 25,000 people gathered in living rooms across the nation to see "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism."  It was an inspiring turnout.  And we saw just how Fox News delivers the Republicans' talking points under the guise of a news broadcast.  Raising the stakes, Common Cause and MoveOn filed a complaint this morning with the Federal Trade Commission challenging Fox News' deceptive advertising slogan "fair and balanced."  We need your help.  Sign our Fox petition and join in our complaint to the FTC and Congress at:  http://www.moveon.org/fox/
 
We need to add hundreds of thousands of signatures and comments by Wednesday, so that the FTC and Congress know they've got to deal with this issue. The challenges to Fox's partisanship are mounting.  Not surprisingly, Fox hasn't offered any real defense.  Instead, they have responded by attacking former employees who are speaking out.  It's crucial that we demonstrate public support for these courageous journalists and voice our disgust with Fox's deceptive advertising.  And we really need to spread the word about this campaign.  On the petition page, there's a really horrifying but funny video clip from the film highlighting Bill O'Reilly's hypocrisy. After signing and giving your comment, you can send the petition and this clip to friends to keep the ball rolling.  This is just the beginning of our Fox campaign.  In this election year, nothing could be more important than demanding fair coverage in the press.  We're putting all the media on notice that we will accept no less.

Monday, July 19, 2004

Comments Posted On ANONYMOSES Blog ... "Outfoxed": FOX Exposed As Biased, Unprofessional Groupthinkers...At Best
Imagine Jayson Blair...the notorious New York Times spinmeister who was canned and ridiculed for making up stories out of thin air.  Now multiply Jayson Blair by hundreds, thousands, and visualize them working for the same company.  You have stumbled into FOX News.  Get out while you can! They will try to indoctrinate you with lies, innuendo, distortion, propaganda...and bullying.  And if you don't believe me...watch "OutFoxed".  It will open your eyes to the sad realities.  It will also make you incapable of ever taking these paid liars and buffoons seriously.  They may as well close up shop, bury their heads in shame, and hope to be hired as circus monkeys.  Thanks go to the dear folks, who may or may not want to mentioned, who hosted the wondrous party here in Charlotte...John Edwards country.  The food was good, and the discussion, lively.  Yet another success story for MoveOn, Alternet, and...democracy.

 
Outfoxing The Conservatives
ALTERNET
by Nikki Finke
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/19250/ 
 
Film Blasts Media Bias
BRATTLEBORO REFORMER
by Mike Kalil
http://www.reformer.com/Stories/0,1413,102~8862~2280969,00.html

Outfoxing The Conservatives
ALTERNET
by Nikki Finke
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/19250/
 
The Fahrenheit Effect
STAR-TELEGRAM
by Ken Parish Perkins
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/9178261.htm?1c

The following link was shared with me by another "Jereski for Congress" volunteer and acquaintance of mine.  I think you'll find it amusing: http://www.plur.net/thisland.html

KUCINICH STANDS UP FOR WORKING PEOPLE 

 

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, in a fiery speech to more than 300 green-shirted public employee union members, accused President Bush of abandoning working people by supporting privatization and outsourcing. The labor rally, sponsored by AFSCME, aimed to gain the attention of the National Governors Conference, which was also held this weekend in Seattle. In addition to the rally, Kucinich attended a private fundraiser and an outdoor picnic with his Washington delegates to the Democratic National Convention while in the Evergreen state. Photo by Gerri Haynes.




Sunday, July 18, 2004

Message From NARAL Pro-Choice To All NYC & NY State Volunteers
The Senate returns to Albany on Tuesday, July 20 and we'll be there inforce to urge them to pass the Emergency Contraception Pharmacy bill! Thisbill would allow women to access EC directly from their pharmacist. TheNARAL Pro-Choice New York caravan will leave the office, located at 45Howard Street, one block north of Canal at Broadway, at 10:00AM. We'llleaflet and lobby as in days past and return by 9:00PM, if not earlier.Please let me know by Monday whether you plan to join us.  Destiny Lopez,NARAL Pro-Choice New York, dlopez@prochoiceny.org or 212-343-0114 x20
 
Message From Dennis Kucinich For President Campaign Regarding The Upcoming Democratic National Convention & The Future Of America
 
A year ago, we decided that we cared enough about changing the direction of our nation that we would stand up, speak out, band together, and work within the system collectively to have an impact far greater and much sooner than we could possibly have trying to effect change from outside the system.  We called on the Democratic Partyto open its arms to all of us and to all of our ideas and ideals.  We trudged through every state in the Union, finding support and encouragement, but also sometimes disappointment and even derision. We fought to expand the base of the Party by demanding that it move away from the comfort and convenience of centrist policies so that, with a broader and more diverse constituency, we could all unite to win back the White House, provide a new vision and new hope for the people of our country, and re-establish ourselves as decent, moral, respected members of the world community.
 
Has our strategy succeeded? Have we had the impact we had hoped in moving the Democratic Party in a more enlightened and more progressive direction?  Critics, of whom there are many, will say "no." Despite our most concerted efforts in Miami to persuade the Democratic Platform Committee to take bold and principled positions on the most crucial issues of our time, we were overwhelmingly outnumbered by those who preferred to play it safe. We could have fought "to the death," as some critics have urged, and still never garnered enough votes to even force a public debate on the floor.  Instead, we succeeded in getting the Party leadership to acknowledge the legitimacy and importance of our issues, offer compromise language they hoped would be acceptable, and eventually agreed to an amendment calling for a reduction in U.S. military presence in Iraq -- rather than an increase.
 
Was it enough? No. Yet it was a significant step in a direction that would not have even been otherwise considered.  Leaders of the Party and the members of the Platform Committee came away with an unanticipated appreciation and respect for the depth of national concern about these issues and the intensity with which these battles will continue to bewaged.  Will any of this really make a difference in November? Or beyond?  That depends upon us.  If we continue raising our voices, challenging conventional wisdom, arguing with heightened fervor for peace and justiceand equity in our laws and our policies, then "yes," it will make a difference. The Democratic Party is listening.  Little by little, perhaps too-little by too-little, it is moving and will continue to move in the direction that millions of Americans want it to.  Now is not the time to abandon our efforts or the principles that brought us together, and we don't intend to.  A year ago, it seemed like something more wishful and hopeful than reachable or real. We believed in the journey we were about to start, but we had no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge.
 
We enlisted in the long-shot Presidential campaign of a candidate advocating "radical" ideas like peace, health care for all, new economic policies that create jobs rather than ship them overseas, protection of our civil liberties, insistence on equal rights under the law, expanded educational funding...a candidate committed to bring about truly progressive change to the politics and policies of our nation, but within the framework of the Democratic Party.  And there we were -- some of us total strangers to the political process: bright, spirited, caring 20-somethings who never imagined themselves as participants in a national political movement.  Some of us, the 50-somethings, had either plunged or dipped our toes in the process in the 60's and 70's but left, either disillusioned or inspired to try other approaches.  And everyone in between, from all over the country, every age, every occupation and lifestyle, every race and religion, and every life experience.  What united us was our candidate, Dennis Kucinich, and what he stood for.  But it was more than that.  Separately, and in different ways, the anti-progressive, pro-war, anti-civil liberties, pro-corporate political agenda of a Republican White House and a Republican-controlled Congress united us.  With just a week remaining in the work defined by the candidacy of Dennis Kucinich, we are gearing up to take our issues---your issues--to the Democratic National Convention where our delegates and our supporters will make sure we continue to be heard. Throughout the city of Boston, at rallies, forums, neighborhood meetings, and other events, thousands of similar-minded people will raise their voices along with ours as we continue to push for more progress.  And more.  To do what still needs to be done, we need the continued financial support of Americans, who believe as we do, that change is absolutely imperative, even if it comes only one step at a time. Your  contribution will help ensure that we can continue moving the Democratic Party and the nation in the direction that all of us want it to go.  Without your support, we wouldn't have made it this far.  With your support, there's no telling how far we can go.  The quest for peace, health care, civil liberties, justice, and all the other issues we believe in did not end in Miami. It will not end in Boston.  It will not end in November. It has only just begun.  Each day, more and more Americans are saying what we all have been saying since those first early days of this historic journey.  It's time for a new direction, a new vision, a new way of looking at what this country stands for and what it needs to do to represent the interests of its people.  And it's happening.  Right now through a political campaign.  We cannot afford to give up on any opportunity. If we are united in purpose and committed to continue the journey, whatever the odds and whatever the setbacks, we will ensure that it happens even sooner.

Friday, July 16, 2004

PERSONAL NEWS #28 
As I was saying in my last “personal news” update … on July 3rd went to a BBQ at my Aunt Nan’s home. [She lives with her second hubby Nick.] It’s a log cabin that my father helped build [ie: supervise the building] back in 2002/2003 and its rather charming. As is usually the case the men sat out on the back porch talking “guy stuff” and we gals sat indoors discussing several topics. One of which was the Iraq occupation or as several of my relatives say it’s a war with us battling evil Arabs. [Hey, what can I say, their conservative Republicans who watch MSNBC, Fox News & CNN. You already know my views on it.] So I tried to interject with the truth [ie: gleaned from WBAI, The Nation & other reliable sources], plus a few progressive views, and they basically pooh-poohed me. This is typical of certain relatives, so after awhile I quietly sat back and listened to their blather. You may recall me mentioning that my cousin is in the Reserves and may be called up to serve. [He was in the first Gulf War.] Hopefully more news on that in a few weeks. I mostly ate salad & baked beans at BBQ, since I’m a semi vegetarian and haven’t touched meat in 11 years. Then we capped off the evening with cake to celebrate a few b-days et al. Overall an interesting evening.

On Sunday, July 4th, Mom and I went out to lunch in Saratoga Springs. Then some shopping before going to see “Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban”, which we both enjoyed very much. Though seeing “fake” dead ferrets being fed to the Hippogriff upset me abit. The third Harry Potter film has a faster pace than the first two, which I believe is due to a different director [ie: Alfonso Cuaron]. The visuals/details were really good and the acting is always brilliant. [Especially by many character actors. And the young teens in the film have grown up quite abit.] I miss seeing the late Richard Harris play Dumbledore, but Michael Gambon does a decent job of it. I was very much impressed with Gary Oldman [ie: Sirius Black] and David Thewlis [ie: Professor Lupin]. I also noticed that the portrait of the “fat lady” [leading into Gryffindor dormitory] is being performed by a different, more amusing actress [ie: Dawn French]. Overall I do recommend folk go see this film, whether you’ve read the books or not.

Both July 6th & 7th were very busy days at the office. Last minute prep work for the TAS seminar on 7th. Plus actually helping out at the all-day seminar and raking in some paid overtime. Got a call from Rob Jereski on 8th, saying the upcoming weekend was the final stretch in obtaining signatures for the ballot petitions. So on Friday evening, July 9th, I joined Janice [another volunteer with campaign] outside the 86th Street cinema to get signatures. Weather was pretty decent, which always helps. We chatted with people as they waited on line for tickets to see “Fahrenheit 911” or as they were coming out of the cinema. Janice got over 3 pages of petitions signed. She’s really good at working the ticket line. As for myself, I got 1 ½ pages, but I tend to be more sociable with folk and enjoy engaging in political conversations. At about 11pmish Janice and I parted after petitioning for 2 ¾ hours. While heading back to the subway I stopped by street vendor selling paperback books. I noticed he had mystery novels by one of my fav authors … Anne Perry. Got to chatting with the vendor [who’s name is Angel] about many book topics, plus purchased a few Anne Perry Victorian genre murder mysteries. By the time I got home it was about 12:30am. Overall a very good evening.

The following evening, July 10th, was a lot of fun, interesting, different & entertaining. An acquaintance of mine [Thomas G] from “NYC Friends of Kucinich” invited me to a “Barefoot Boogie Dance” down near Houston Street. Thomas was DJing the first half of the event and its held at a dance studio. [To learn more about “Barefoot Boogie Dance”, check out there website at: http://www.barefootboogie.org. A totally smoke, alcohol and drug FREE environment.] I honestly had no clue what to expect, as Thomas said he’d be playing some RAVE music during his set. Got there around 8:30pm wearing my weekend garb and we were informed that NO shoes were allowed inside the studio. I’m okay with that. Some folk were barefoot, while others had socks on. Over the course of the evening I not only danced to my own groove, as did others, plus engaged in fascinating conversations with a number of individuals [ie: James, Nancy, Rebecca, etc]. I also got to chat with Thomas. Around 10:30pm the new DJ came on, but before that everyone gathered around in a circle [on the floor] and upcoming events were announced. Afterwards we joined hands and danced around the room, as well as wishing peace to all. I hung out for abit longer, but was feeling quite hungry, so after saying “farewell” to a few people [ie: especially dear Thomas] I left the building. Outside Nancy and Rebecca were engaged in a lively political discussion. Which they happily let me join in and we touched on a number of topics. By this time it was going on midnight and I’m still very hungry. Rebecca and I parted from Nancy then stroll over to a damn good pizza joint on West 3rd Street near 6th Avenue. After a lively discussion on activism et al we parted company and took our respective subways home. Two late nights in a row, but it was so worth it.

Was over to Rob Jereski’s place late Sunday afternoon to finalize the petitions I had gotten signed over the course of a month. All of us Jereski campaign volunteers should be proud of ourselves and obtained well over the required amount of signatures. Rob is definitely on the ballot! WooHoo! Other news … the “NYC Friends of Kucinch” meeting was rescheduled and the volunteer work I was to do for E&Y [ie: Central Park] was cancelled do to horrendous weather. I also heard from my personal trainer [Jamie], as he was out of the country for a few weeks tending to family matters. We had our first training session in three weeks yesterday and my muscles are sore today. Mon dieu!

A MESSAGE FROM FELLOW KUCITIZEN - JESSICA FLAGG IS RUNNING FOR CONGRESS


[Jessica Flagg on left, along with Mary G & Mike L at the Global Day Rally in NYC on March 22nd.  We are all big Kucinich supporters, but I think that is obvious from the signs et al.]

Hello All! I am running for Congress in the 17th Congressional District in a three way Democratic Party primary against Eliot Engel (incumbent), and Kevin McAdams (former Republican). My fabulous team helped me get more than 3,000 signatures to get me on the ballot, and we filed them Tuesday. We came in close to 1,900 over the mark! This is more than double what we did in our district for Dennis Kucinich, but of course, we learned our skills and honed our techniques together working for him.... Thank you Dennis!

This campaign is about getting government back into the hands of the people, and my goal will be to reinvigorate the political process face to face with my constituents. My goal will be to educate on the issues, advocate for change, and motivate informed voters to becoming activists themselves. We are living through a crisis of apathy, detachment, alienation, and what I call structural disenfranchisement, that is the deliberate marginalization of the poor, of labor, and the most fragile of our society our children and the aged. It is up to us to make change happen. As I say to the people I am meeting, "...if you aren't willing to work for change and to vote for change, change won't happen. If you think that government is doing a good job right now don't even think about voting for me.... but if you're not happy with what's going on, then please think about what I stand for and work with me to help turn our government back to being "...of the people, by the people and for the people..."

I support Kerry and Edwards, but unles we elect strong voices in Congress to advocate for the changes we need, we won't get them. We need clean air, clean water, healthy food, affordable housing, universal health care, and a ton of money to be spent on public education. If I thought the Democratic Party was doing a good job, I wouldn't be running for office. We should have been calling for the impeachment of this administration from the beginning. We are dealing with a criminal regime. They have done nothing but lie to us from the moment they took office.

It is wrong that lobbyists for industry write our laws in language that ordinary people can't understand, and they do it because they are hiding sneaky loopholes that cheat us, that allow corporations to pollute, that make us vulnerable to corporate excess without recourse. It is wrong that ordinary workers are carrying the bulk of the tax burden while the wealthy pay taxes in ever smaller percentages of their annual income. It is wrong that our food chain is poisioned with agricultural chemicals, and heavy metals like mercury, and when you buy milk unless you buy organic you are getting bovine growth hormone and it isn't labeled. So our children are getting fattened by cow hormones and we're told not to eat Salmon and Tuna more than once a month. And in the light of what we now know about the pharmeceutical industry manipulating the reporting of the test results of the clinical trials of its drugs, just how certain are we that genetically modified food is 'safe and healthy"? What is our government doing? This is madness!

(I have a very long list of all that is offensive including the weaponization of the world, the lies and deception that led us into this war, the war profiteering, the Patriot Act, the abandonment of the soul of the Democratic Party, the American worker when we signed NAFTA and the WTO, our energy policy which is basically criminal as it ensures destruction of the planet and sets us on a path of confrontation as we need to "secure" our oil sources, the manipulation of public sentiment by an obedient media eager to help dumb down the public and to keep us fearful and feeling helpless to ensure it gets its "perks", to mention a few... but I hardly ever need to get into all of this in one conversation... I pick and choose according to my audience.) SO? Enough! I have had it up to here (hand high above my head). I have so-o-o had it, that I'm running for Congress!

Get me into Congress and I promise you that I will work tirelessly for Universal Health Care, for affordable housing, for huge increases in education funding, and for changes in the way we allow corporations to do business. I will work tirelesly for Peace, to promote global citizenship, for compassion and respect, and for the restoration of our Democracy and for the Light of Truth to once again be seen in the open and just society we must strive to be. Join me in this joyous work to be real Americans. If you would like to help me with a financial contribution, please send it payable to: "Jessica Flagg For Congress" to 2727 Palisade Ave, Riverdale, NY 10463 [tel: 718-549-4422] Thank you for your interest.


Thursday, July 15, 2004

My First [And Last] Time With Bill O'Reilly
THE NATION
by David Cole
Now it was my turn. O'Reilly introduced the segment by complaining that we are at war and need to be united, but that newspapers like the New York Times are running biased stories, dividing the country and aiding the enemy. "The spin must stop--our lives depend on it," O'Reilly gravely intoned. He then characterized the Times story that day as claiming that the Guantánamo detainees were "innocent people" and "harmless." He said the paper's article "questions holding the detainees at Guantánamo." I noted that the Times had said nothing of the sort. And I pointed out that the article relied on a CIA study finding that the detainees seemed to be low-level and had provided little valuable intelligence. That didn't convince O'Reilly, however, who again criticized the Times for misleading its readers by terming the detainees innocent and not dangerous. I replied that he was misleading his own viewers, by exaggerating what the Times had said. "No, I'm not," he retorted. So far, the usual fare on newstalk television. But then I decided to go one step further: "It seems to me like the pot calling the kettle black, Bill, because I just sat here five minutes ago as you re-recorded the introduction to this show to take out a statement from the head of the 9/11 commission stating that there was no evidence of a link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11." Check out the whole article at: http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0714-12.htm

EXCELLENT NEWS FROM THE JERESKI FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN

Great News!!! We did it! Tuesday the Jereski campaign filed the petitions with the New York City Board of Elections to get on the Democratic Party ballot. We are pleased to say that because of the hard work of many caring people/volunteers, the campaign filed 1,000 signatures more than necessary! Thank you volunteers, plus thanks to Michael Moore, Fahrenheit 911 and the emerging and growing interest in our changing political landscape. The campaign is now entering an exciting new phase during which we will need to reach out to our neighbors, friends, and community groups (places of worship, tenant organizations, civic organizations, environmental groups etc.) to ask them to get involved and spread the word about our challenge to the Bush Agenda!

MAKE AN INVESTMENT TOWARDS JERESKI CAMPAIGN TO CHALLENGE THE BUSH AGENDA

The campaign needs your monetary contributions from across the country to take on a millionaire incumbent who voted for the Bush Agenda. Please send $20 or more if you can afford it. E-mail your friends and family with a personal note about this important election. And ask them to contribute too. We don't hire high-priced consultants; we're not wasting our money on polls. We know what the people of this country are calling for and that's why Rob Jereski is running. Your money will contribute directly to the necessary work of organizing an informed, networked, body of voters who are demanding fundamental change. Together we can create a truly representative Democratic Party, one Congressional seat at a time!

Local Outreach and Events

* Thanks to our innovative design team, the Jereski campaign have colorful new campaign literature! It's double-sided, informative, printed on recycled paper and in a union shop. It offers the main point of our platform, a comparison on major issues between Robert Jereski, President Bush and the incumbent, Maloney.

* Fundraiser Nuyorican Poets Cafe
July 22nd, 7:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars!
Allison Tartalia will play her folk-soul originals. Allison's first album Ready won the 2003 Outmusic Award for Best Female Debut.

236 E. 3rd Street between Avenues B & C. Show Time is 7:30 p.m. Thursday night. Tickets are $20 & $15 ($10 for standing room). Invite your friends. Please RSVP us at jereskiforcongress3@yahoo.com with "RSVP" in the Subject. We welcome 5 or more volunteers to help with the event.

* If you're a member of New Democratic Majority or of Dean for America, or just a Dean supporter, we are hopeful for an endorsement from Governor Dean and they need to hear from all of you. Let all your Dean friends, especially local ones, know that they can weigh in on this important race! Please have them consider why it is important, click here http://www.jereskiforcongress.com. Then they can write a personal note of support for our campaign which should be specific, include their name and contact info, and a sentence about their involvement with or support for the Dean campaign. They can send that both to us at mutualaid@earthlink.net and to Tom Hughes, the Political Director of Dean for America at thughes@democracyforamerica.com.

* Appearance on Cable Access show Curry & Spice: Robert just shot a cable television show on "Vegetarianism, the Environment, and the Future of Civilization" on Tuesday, July 13th. We'll keep you posted on when it will be broadcast.

* Stay in touch with the website at www.jereskiforcongress.com and remember to tell your friends and have them plug in by e-mailing (or posting) us their contact information.

FUTURE FUN EVENTS
Mark your calendar:
Fundraiser Aug. 20th at the Bohemian Beer Garden, Astoria, Queens, with AfroSkull as heard on Air America's Randi Rhodes

Afroskull ... "This is hard-core hard-bop with a thick, walloping sound that would certainly get you evicted if you cranked this stuff up higher than a 5 or 6 on your volume dial. Afroskull churns out intense funk-sludge that takes no prisoners."
- Where Y'At Magazine, New Orleans

Management Team
Jereski for Congress Campaign
www.jereskiforcongress.com

Read Articles About Rob from recent news sources:

The Villager:

http://www.thevillager.com/villager_61/people.html
http://www.thevillager.com/villager_61/veteransfightchanges.html

The Queens Chronicle (Front page News)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1865&dept_id=152944&newsid=11993310&PAG=461&rfi=9

The Queens Tribune
http://www.queenstribune.com/news/1088695404.html

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

HOT OFF OF HYPNOTHERAPHY WORKS PRESS - THE LATEST "WELLNESS" BOOK BY MY GOOD FRIEND & SCHOOLMATE FROM FOX LANE HIGH SCHOOL

"Unstuff Yourself: Finding Joy On The Road To Wellness"
by Dr Nancie Barwick



"Stuff" is the name we give to what is left in the body as a result of all sorts of life experiences. The three types of stuff are: Replay, Critical Mass and Free-Floating can result in health challenges. This book helps individuals learn to reduce and remove the stuff that is creating difficulties. Wouldn't you like to change your life and your health for the better? What is the "stuff" that is holding you and others back? How can we "unstuff" our lives and enjoy life to the fullest? For the answers to these and other questions, I recommend reading this book.

Nancie Barwick and I have been good friends over the many years since fifth grade. She has spent years dealing with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Read how she triumphed over this disabling condition. Then after traveling the road to "Wellness" herself, she proves to be an able tour guide for her readers as they "choose" to remove whatever roadblocks they are experiencing. Nancie Barwick is a nationally known speaker and lecturer, as well as a clinical hypnotherapist at her private practice in Virginia. Check out her website at: http://www.doctornancie.com and order her new book today.

Praise For Nancie Barwick & Her New Book. . . . . . .

"Dr Nancie Barwick is a teacher and therapist with a great compassion for humanity. So evident in the ideas and techniques she shares in her new book. Her own inspirational journey to wellness is a miracle that we can all learn from!" Linda Joy Rose, Ph.D & author of "Your Mind: The Owners Manual"

"If you have now, have ever had, or ever could have a problem that you think you can't overcome, read this book. You will never again have to deal with the coulda, shoulda, woulda syndrome." Toni Attell, CHt [Hypnotherapist, Radio Talk Show Host & Columnist]

You are a Blue and Yellow Budgie!
What Colour Budgie Are You?

brought to you by Quizilla

Message From WORKING FAMILIES E-ACTIVIST - Experts Denounce Overtime Pay Take-Away

A new report by former Department of Labor officials finds the Bush overtime pay take-away will harm working families and take overtime pay from "large numbers" of workers. The three authors of the report, released today, are government experts who worked at the U.S. Department of Labor under both Republicans and Democrats beginning in the 1980s under President Reagan. The bottom line conclusion by these independent experts:

"...implementation of these new regulations will harm rather than promote and protect the interests of U.S. workers and their families."

The Bush regulation, "removes existing overtime protection for large numbers of employees currently entitled to the law's protections"

We've been saying that for months. Now experts who have dedicated their careers to the most technical aspects of wage and hours laws agree. Even if you have acted before we need your help right now. Please take one minute right now to send a fax to your senators and representatives by clicking on the link below. Action is needed before Congress leaves July 23. http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fax4otpay/gb6sk340k7exw

Tell them to block Bush's overtime pay take-away. Potentially millions of America's workers--earning as little as $23,600 a year--will lose income they need to take care of everyday needs like health care, housing costs and even food. The Bush administration's final regulation that would take away overtime pay from millions of America's workers becomes effective Aug. 23. Just a few short weeks from now, employers could begin to reclassify their employees as exempt-denying them the right to overtime pay. That is why action right now is so important.

MESSAGE FROM ARIANNA HUFFINGTON - George W. Bush: Presidential or Pathological?

That is the highly provocative question being asked in "Bush on the Couch," a new book in which psychoanalyst and George Washington University professor Dr. Justin Frank uses the president's public pronouncements and behavior, along with biographical data, to craft a comprehensive psychological profile of Bush 43. It's not a pretty picture, but it goes a
long way in explaining how exactly our country got itself into the mess we are in: an intractable war, the loss of allies and international goodwill, a half-trillion-dollar deficit. Poking around in the presidential psyche, Frank uncovers a man suffering from megalomania, paranoia, a false sense of omnipotence, an inability to manage his emotions, a lifelong need to defy
authority, an unresolved love-hate relationship with his father, and the repercussions of a history of untreated alcohol abuse. Other than that, George Bush is the picture of psychological health.

One of the more compelling sections of the book is Frank's dissection of what he calls Bush's "almost pathological aversion to owning up to his infractions" — a mindset common to individuals Freud termed "the Exceptions," those who feel "entitled to live outside the limitations that apply to ordinary people." Limitations like, for instance, not driving while drunk. Or the limitation of having to report for required Air National Guard duty. Or the limitation of having to adhere to international
law. And it doesn't help one outgrow this sense of entitlement when Daddy and his pals are always there to rescue you when you get in trouble — whether it's keeping you out of Vietnam by bumping you to the top of the National Guard waiting list or bailing you out of lousy business deals with cushy seats on corporate boards or making sure the votes in Florida (just
another limitation) aren't properly counted.

But you don't make it as far as W. has without some psychological defenses of your own — especially when it comes to insulating yourself against your own fears and insecurities. Raised in a family steeped in privilege and secrecy, and prone to the intense aversion to introspection and denial of responsibility that are the hallmarks of a so-called dry drunk — one who
has kicked the bottle without dealing with the root causes of the addiction — Bush has become a master of the psychological jiu-jitsu known as Freudian Projection. For those of you who bailed on Psych 101, Freudian Projection is, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a defense mechanism in which "the individual deals with emotional conflict or internal or external stressors by falsely attributing to another his or her own unacceptable feelings, impulses or thoughts." In layman's terms, it's the soot-stained pot calling the kettle "black." On the 2004 campaign trail, it’s the pathologically inconsistent Bush attempting to portray John Kerry as a two-faced flip-flopper. It's become the Bush-Cheney campaign mantra. GOP talking points 1 through 100. The president's go-to laugh and applause line:

"Senator Kerry has been in Washington long enough to take both sides on just about every issue," chided Bush at a spring fundraiser. "My opponent clearly has strong beliefs, they just don't last very long." Ba-da-bum! (Incidentally, how is this consistent with Bush's other contention, that Kerry is a rock-ribbed liberal?)

Or as Dick "Not Peaches and Cream" Cheney ominously put it at a Republican fundraiser: "These are not times for leaders who shift with the political winds, saying one thing one day and another the next." I couldn't f--king agree more, Mr. Cheney. But it's your man George W. who can't seem to pick a position and stick to it. He's reversed course more times than Capt. Kirk battling Khan in the midst of the Mutara Nebula. Gone back on his word more times than Tony Blundetto. Flip-flopped more
frequently than a blind gymnast with an inner-ear infection. The list of Bush major policy U-turns is as audacious as it is long. Among the whiplash-inducing lowlights:

In September 2001, Bush said capturing bin Laden was "our number one priority." By March 2002, he was claiming, "I don't know where he is. I have no idea and I really don't care. It's not that important."

In October 2001, he was dead-set against the need for a Department of Homeland Security. Seven months later, he thought it was a great idea.

In May 2002, he opposed the creation of the 9/11 Commission. Four months later, he supported it.

During the 2000 campaign, he said that gay marriage was a states' rights issue: "The states can do what they want to do." During the 2004 campaign, he called for a constitutional ban on gay marriage.

Dizzy yet? No? OK:

Bush supported CO2 caps, then opposed them. He opposed trade tariffs, then he didn't. Then he did again. He was against nation building, then he was OK with it. We'd found WMD, then we hadn't. Saddam was linked to Osama, then he wasn't. Then he was sorta. Chalabi was in, then he was out. Way out.

In fact, Bush's entire Iraq misadventure has been one big costly, deadly flip-flop:

We didn't need more troops, then we did. We didn't need more money, then we did. Preemption was a great idea — on to Syria, Iran and North Korea! Then it wasn't — hello, diplomacy! Baathists were the bad guys, then Baathists were our buds. We didn't need the U.N., then we did.

And all this from a man who, once upon a time, made "credibility" a key to his appeal. Now, God knows, I have no problem with changing your mind — so long as you admit that you have and can explain why. But Bush steadfastly — almost comically — refuses to admit that there's been a change, even when the entire world can plainly see otherwise. He's got his story and he's
sticking to it. But that darn Kerry, he keeps shifting his positions! At the end of his analysis, Dr. Frank offers the following prescription:

"Having seen the depth and range of President Bush's psychological flaws our sole treatment option — for his benefit and for ours — is to remove resident Bush from office." You don't need to be a psychiatrist to heartily second that opinion.

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Democratic Candidate, Robert Jereski, Challenges Incumbent Carolyn Maloney To Debates & Files Signatures To Get On Ballot

Media Contact Info: Susan Mainzer, Press Secretary, 212.973.1782
Also Through: www.jereskiforcongress.com
WHO: Robert Jereski, Democratic Party Candidate, U.S. Congress
WHAT: Debate Challenge; Announcement of Petition Signature Filing
WHERE: East Side of Manhattan and Western Queens, Part of Clinton
WHEN: July 13, 2004

The Jereski For Congress Campaign challenges Democratic incumbent, Carolyn Maloney to a series of three debates on the day they filed petitions to get on the ballot. "Now that our campaign has successfully completed the petitioning process with almost double the amount of signatures required, we are looking forward to providing voters with a full debate on the critical issues of our time". Jereski said that he was especially encouraged by the support that his campaign received from voters disappointed with Maloney's votes enabling the Bush Agenda.

Debate #1: The War in Iraq
- The Jereski campaign noted that Maloney voted for the war despite overwhelming opposition to it by her constituents. Jereski supported the 126 Democrats and 6 Republicans who voted against the war and did not trust the Bush Administration's approach.

Debate #2: Civil Liberties
- The Patriot Act is the subject of great controversy in our country. Jereski had great reservations about the constitutionality of many of its provisions and advocated against it. The incumbent voted for it.

Debate #3: Trade and the Economy
- We need to expand the debate about the impacts of neoliberal trade. Our country must improve its trade relations in order to protect against the erosion of workers' rights and job security and environmental protections which is the result of "free trade". Maloney voted for two recent free trade agreements (H.R. 2739, the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act and H.R. 2738, the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act) while Jereski advocates for a more nuanced approach. Two important trade agreements will be voted on in the next congressional session.

"I have a very different vision than the incumbent on the issues most concerning our District. Our democracy requires an informed electorate and debates are a basic component of good government. I look forward to a vigorous discussion of the issues so that voters can see who better represents their values and vision in Congress ." June 12th quote from Rob Jereski.

You are Oliver Mellors
Which Sean Bean Character Are You?

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ACT FOR CHANGE ACTIVISM UPDATE

Oppose Writing Intolerance Into Our Constitution

Rather than being a "uniter, not a divider" as he claimed during the last presidential campaign, President Bush has launched a divisive attempt to drag the Constitution right into the middle of his faltering bid for reelection. Click here to take action: http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eZ530FFlNw0Liq0oYM0Ab

The possibility of same-sex marriage has alarmed fundamentalists who cling to outdated views of marriage. Now Bush is trying to push through a Constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union of a man and a woman, and would also ban most forms of civil unions as well as invalidating state and local domestic partnership laws. If enacted, it would be the first time since Prohibition that our Constitution was amended to restrict individual rights rather than to expand them. The debate over gay marriage should be allowed to proceed in the courts and in our legislative bodies without changing the Constitution. Urge your senators and representative to defend the Constitution against H.J. Res. 56, the amendment barring gay marriage and civil unions.

Nationwide "Computer Ate My Vote" Day of Action Tomorrow

The grassroots movement for election integrity will take a leap forward this Tuesday, July 13, when supporters of voter-verified paper ballots (VVPBs) rally in 24 cities nationwide. A coalition including MoveOn, True Majority, Common Cause, Working Assets, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, VerifiedVoting.org, local activist organizations and distinguished computer experts is holding a National Day of Action TOMORROW, TUESDAY, JULY 13. Click here to find events in your state: http://vevo.verifiedvoting.org/verifier/

At coordinated news events across the country, citizens like you -- representing over three million members of our coalition -- will present petitions to the chief election officials of eighteen states, including your state. We'll ask the election officials to adopt the "Pledge of Ballot Integrity," which commits them to providing voters with verifiable paper ballots this coming Election Day. That paper backup will ensure that, even if computer glitches lose or change election data, the votes will be properly counted and recounts will be possible for contested outcomes.

Interesting Comments From Blogger "Another Day In The Empire" -- Messing With Elections The Hallmark Of Fascism

As Lawrence Britt points out, sham or manipulated elections are a defining characteristic of fascism. “Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.” Both Kerry and Bush are engaged in smear campaigns against each other (Bush’s handler, the vicious and mean-spirited sociopath, Karl Rove, is much better at this than Kerry’s handlers); gerrymandering is all over the map; the media is owned by monolithic transnational corporations that also own Congress (remember: Mussolini defined fascism as corporatism); as for “judiciaries to manipulate or control elections,” consider the 2000 election and the Supreme Court’s appointment of Bush.

I’ve said, ever since I became politically aware with the election of Nixon, that we live in a proto-fascist state. Under Bush, with talk of “postponing” elections (do you think, if these bastards “postpone” the election, they will actually reschedule it?), we have reached the point where proto-fascism (what Bertram Gross called “friendly fascism") will soon become full-blown, hobnailed boot in your face fascism. (See Orwell, “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.") For now, we can argue politely or not so politely about Bushite incipient fascism, we still have a First Amendment, tottering and precarious as it is, but after the next “terrorist event” (Franks: “the free world … loses … freedom and liberty we’ve seen for a couple of hundred years in this grand experiment that we call democracy") and the cancellation of the election—they are now telling us this is what they are going to do—all bets are off. I don’t expect massive roundups and detentions in FEMA camps, but I do expect more than a few people to be “investigated,” even detained (or rather, as Bush has shown us how he will deal with “combatants,” disappeared), but life for most people will remain pretty much the same, just as it did under Hitler’s fascism. Of course, after Hitler attacked his neighbors and all hell broke loose (he went too far, even for the international bankers), the German people began to realize exactly what a parasite fascism is, feeding on the host, enslaving and eventually killing it.

The Bushcons, who will be the direct beneficiaries of a “postponed” election, plan to invade and occupy the Middle East, a decades-long project that will require a whole lot of warm bodies and “boots on the ground,” that is to say most Americans between 18-30, possibly even older (45?), to be conscripted into a militarily imposed slavery and, for thousands of them, a grimy prospect eventually resulting in death sentences (or illness; consider the Gulf War Syndrome). As I walk around downtown these days, I wonder, looking at today’s youth, so oblivious as they chat on their cell phones, how many of them will be tombstones 1-3 years down the road? It’s that serious, but few people really seem to understand what’s in store for them—the sacrifices that the Bushcons will demand in the name of neoliberalism, Big Oil, and Zionism, both Christian and Judaic. For as Tony Papert writes, the Bushcon “secret kingdom,” predicated on the apocalyptic visions of Leo Strauss’s neophytes, the fetid rantings of his nihilistic scum of the earth, “seems at last at hand, or perhaps it is already here. Something similar probably appeared to Nietzsche through the syphilitic ravings of his final days.” I’d say we have about four months to do something about it. Or emigrate.

Monday, July 12, 2004

HERE NOW, THE LATEST NEWS TO HIT THE NEWSSTAND

Dean Debates Nader
THE NATION
by John Nichols
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0712-13.htm

"OutFoxed": How Rupert Murdoch Is Destroying American Journalism
ALTERNET
bu Don Hazen
http://alternet.org/stories/19199/

No Sweet Life For Cocoa Farmers
BBC NEWS
by James Menendez
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3853143.stm

Bush's Mistakes Cost Hundreds Of Lives, Kerry Says
INDEPENDENT/UK
by David Usborne
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0712-02.htm

Sunday, July 11, 2004

This latest news report in from Yahoo Group "kucinich4president" ... In response to many viewer requests, Link TV will begin broadcasting DEMOCRACY NOW with Amy Goodman on Wednesday, July 14th, at 11am EST. Link TV is on Direct TV Channel 375 and Dish Network 9410.

Park Lawn's Great For Anti-War Rally
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
by Juan Gonzalez
Not when the great Pavarotti sang before 250,000 people in 1993. Not when 130,000 turned out for Pope John Paul's open-air Mass in 1995. Not when another quarter-million showed up for a Garth Brooks concert in the park's North Meadow in 1997, nor when when 120,000 came out last fall to hear Dave Matthews. Now along comes Mayor Bloomberg, claiming he can pick and choose which New Yorkers get to use the Great Lawn for a public event. If you're the Metropolitan Opera or the Philharmonic, Bloomberg says, you and your fans are okay. But if you are called United for Peace and Justice, and want to assemble more than 200,000 people in the park to protest the Iraq war on Aug. 29, the eve of the Republican Convention, the Great Lawn is off-limits. Such a huge crowd will damage the grass, Bloomberg says. Forget protesting the carnage of war and an occupation now opposed by most Americans. Save those blades of grass, Mr. Mayor. Such nonsense did not begin with Bloomberg. Political rallies in Central Park have always unnerved our city leaders. Read the complete article: http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0709-11.htm


http://www.jereskiforcongress.com

Action Center Announces - Justice For Lynne Stewart In NYC

Tuesday, July 13 @ 7 pm
International Action Center
39 W. 14th St. #206
212-633-6646

Radical human rights attorney Lynne Stewart has been falsely accused of helping terrorists. On Tuesday, April 9, 2002, she was arrested and agents ransacked her Manhattan office. The attack on Lynne Stewart is part of the government's campaign to silence dissent, to install fear in those who fight the U.S. government's racism, and to continue the persecution of Arab and Muslim people. Please joins us on Tuesday, July 13 at 7 pm to hear Lynne Stewart speak about her case

More News From Action Center

On Tuesday, July 20, 7 pm
"Whose Streets? Our Streets!"

Hear from activist groups planning protests at BOTH the DNC and the RNC, including representatives from the Still We Rise coalition. Come find out how you can get involved in protesting the connections of both War Parties.

International Action Center
212-633-6646
http://www.iacenter.org


http://www.notobush.com

KUCINICH PLATFORM EFFORTS WIN ADMIRATION
At the Democratic Platform Committee meeting in Miami, Florida Friday night Platform Draft Committee co-chair Rosa De Lauro (D-CT) met with Democratic Progressive Caucus members - a coalition of grassroots Democrats made up of Kucinich, Dean, peace and justice activists who hope to influence the Party platform. Rosa praised Dennis Kucinich and his campaign for pushing progressive issues within the Party. DNC Convention Chair, Alice Huffman, also paid a visit to the Progressive Caucus at their hospitality suite in the Westin Hotel postitioned just down the hall from the Platform Committee meeting. Huffman, who also attended the opening of the Kucinich Convention office in Boston in May, reiterated her admiration for the Kucinich campaign's efforts to encourage more dialogue within the Party and carry on the good fight for the Party's progressive wing.

IRAQ EXIT STRATEGY LANGUAGE ADOPTED TO THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
Under pressure from the Kucinich for President campaign and a broad-based coalition of grassroots Democratic activists, the Democratic Party adopted an amendment to its national platform today declaring its intention to reduce U.S. military presence in Iraq and to push for a greater role for NATO and other nations. "This is significant towards ending the occupation and bringing American troops home," said Kucinich Deputy Campaign Manager Tim Carpenter, one of the lead negotiators for the coalition, united under the name "Progressive Democratic Caucus."

Despite intense efforts by the Kerry campaign to thwart the grassroots activists from introducing strong language regarding the withdrawal of U.S. forces and an end to the occupation, Party leaders eventually agreed to a troop-reduction amendment to avoid a potentially contentious open debate on the floor of the Platform Committee meeting. "Instead of talking about the possibility of sending even more U.S. troops to Iraq, the Party has now publicly committed itself and its nominee to reducing our military presence there," Carpenter said. Kucinich's presidential campaign centered on his opposition to the Iraq war and the occupation. The Ohio Congressman has been calling for an exit strategy since last October and said today, after the platform was adopted, that "the grassroots will continue to push the Democratic Party on this issue until the occupation ends and American soldiers are brought home."

To this end, the Kucinich campaign, in cooperation with other organizations, is planning a week-long series of workshops, forums, and street actions in Boston during the Democratic National Convention to continue pushing for reform within the party and to mobilize opposition to President Bush's war. The two-day Platform Committee meeting at the Westin Resort in Hollywood, Florida ended today. The national convention begins on July 26.

Friday, July 09, 2004

Democrat Robert Jereski In The News

[Message from Jereski Campaign ... Tuesday, July 6th, we made Cindy Adams, the gossip column of the New York Post. She described how the incumbent Maloney left a screening of Fahrenheit 911 and ran smack into one of our petitioners! We are everywhere!] Check out the following articles on Jereski's campaign run for NYC Congressional District #14:
http://www.thevillager.com/villager_61/people.html
http://www.thevillager.com/villager_61/veteransfightchanges.html
http://www.queenstribune.com/news/1088695404.html

URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL WHO LIVE IN AND AROUND THE NYC AREA!

If you like Free Speech, please take time to help out United For Peace & Justice and make an important call. You'll make a difference while standing up for your democracy. Call NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg to demand an August 29 rally permit for United for Peace and Justice! Phone 212-788-3000 Fax 212-788-9711

PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY!

With less than two months until the massive march and rally on August 29th (the day before the Republican Convention opens in New York City), United for Peace and Justice [UFPJ] is still negotiating for the permits. UFPJ has one important victory to report, thanks in significant part to the huge number of phone calls and faxes made by supporters like you: The New York City Police have agreed that UFPJ will be able to march directly in front of Madison Square Garden, the site of the Republican National Convention But UFPJ still do not have a permit for the rally after the march. UFPJ needs your help again, and they need it today. On Friday, July 9, they have another meeting with the police department, and it would be wonderful to flood the office of the mayor of NYC with thousands of phone calls and faxes. UFPJ are urging people from every corner of this country to immediately contact the mayor of New York City and urge him to issue a permit for the rally on the Great Lawn in Central Park on Sunday, August 29th. Please make a difference. . . .

Mayor Michael Bloomberg
phone 212-788-3000
fax 212-788-9711

For more information on how you can help, please contact United for Peace and Justice at http://www.unitedforpeace.org or phone 212-868-5545. Peace & Solidarity!

QUOTES OF THE DAY

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets. -Voltaire, philosopher (1694-1778)
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If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other cause for prejudice by noon. -George D. Aiken, US Senator

New Ad From http://la.indymedia.org/news/


The Mother Of All Anti-War Forces
ALTERNET
by Naomi Klein
There is a remarkable scene in "Fahrenheit 9/11" when Lila Lipscomb talks with an anti-war activist outside the White House about the death of her 26-year-old son in Iraq. A pro-war passerby doesn't like what she overhears and announces, "This is all staged!" Ms. Lipscomb turns to the woman, her voice shaking with rage, and says: "My son is not a stage. He was killed in Karbala, Apr. 2. It is not a stage. My son is dead." Then she walks away and wails, "I need my son." Read the whole article at: http://alternet.org/waroniraq/19191/

In Iraq, It's Already July 9th, "In The Age Of Terrorism, The Rule Is: Celebrate Early, If At All"
GUARDIAN
by Terry Jones [Monty Python fame]
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0707-09.htm

Kerry Picked A Winner
BOSTON GLOBE
by Robert Kuttner
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0707-01.htm

Thursday, July 08, 2004

SOMEWHERE IN TEXAS A VILLAGE IS MISSING ITS IDIOT
Duchess Note ... This is the man who holds our nation's highest office. We can debate facts, which is great, but sometimes it just comes down to one man, one voice. So let the village idiot speak for himself:

"King Abdullah of Jordan, the King of Morocco, I mean, there's a series of places-Qatar, Oman-I mean, places that are developing-Bahrain-they're all developing the habits of free societies."-Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2004

"But the true strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of people like Travis, people who are willing to love their neighbor, just like they would like to love themselves."-Springfield, Mo., Feb. 9, 2004

"My views are one that speaks to freedom."-Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2004

"In my judgment, when the United States says there will be serious consequences, and if there isn't serious consequences, it creates adverse consequences."

"There is no such thing necessarily in a dictatorial regime of iron-clad absolutely solid evidence. The evidence I had was the best possible evidence that he had a weapon."

"The recession started upon my arrival. It could have been-some say February, some say March, some speculate maybe earlier it started-but nevertheless, it happened as we showed up here. The attacks on our country affected our economy. Corporate scandals affected the confidence of people and therefore affected the economy. My decision on Iraq, this kind of march to war, affected the economy."-Meet the Press, Feb. 8, 2004

"I was a prisoner too, but for bad reasons."-To Argentine President Nestor Kirchner, on being told that all but one of the Argentine delegates to a summit meeting were imprisoned during the military dictatorship, Monterrey, Mexico, Jan. 13, 2004

"[T]he illiteracy level of our children are appalling."-Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2004

"Just remember it's the birds that's supposed to suffer, not the hunter."-Advising quail hunter and New Mexico Sen. Pete Domenici, Roswell, N.M., Jan. 22, 2004

"One of the most meaningful things that's happened to me since I've been the governor-the president-governor-president. Oops. Ex-governor. I went to Bethesda Naval Hospital to give a fellow a Purple Heart, and at the same moment I watched him-get a Purple Heart for action in Iraq-and at that same-right after I gave him the Purple Heart, he was sworn in as a citizen of the United States-a Mexican citizen, now a United States citizen."-Washington, D.C., Jan. 9, 2004

"I want to thank the astronauts who are with us, the courageous special entrepreneurs who set such a wonderful example for the young of our country."-Washington, D.C., Jan. 14, 2004

"And if you're interested in the quality of education and you're paying attention to what you hear at Laclede, why don't you volunteer? Why don't you mentor a child how to read?"-St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 5, 2004

"So thank you for reminding me about the importance of being a good mom and a great volunteer as well."-St. Louis, Jan. 5, 2004

INFLUENCING THE PARTY PLATFORM - State & National
An important message from Scott Hinchee, Kucinich Campaign Convention Field Coordinator

Please join us in our efforts to influence the Democratic Party platform. This Friday and Saturday, Kucinich staff and supporters will represent your concerns at the one and only meeting of the Democratic Platform Committee in Miami, Florida. Our platform work is already attracting attention and support. An Associated Press article posted Friday has been picked up by newspapers across the country and the editor of The Nation magazine is calling on her readers and all Democrats to join the Kucinich campaign in pushing the Democrats by signing our petitions and writing letters to the Platform Committee.

Act now to help influence the direction of the Democratic Party. We already have hundreds of supporters drafting letters urging the inclusion of the values that we are passionate about in the Democratic platform. In the next 24 hours, we'd like to double those numbers. Please direct your letters by email or fax to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She is co-chair of the Platform Committee and represents the district in Cleveland next to Dennis. Her contact information is as follows:

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Fax: 216-751-8241
Email: stjcampaign@aol.com

As you know from our petition drive, the issues we want the Democratic Party to take a stand on are: setting an end date for the occupation of Iraq, creating a Department of Peace, switching to a universal single-payer health care system, canceling NAFTA and withdrawing from the WTO, recognizing LGBT equal marriage rights, and protecting civil liberties (repeal of PATRIOT Act). Please include any issues that you feel passionately about in your letters, but we ask you to specifically mention 'U.N. in, U.S. out' because we believe that a concerted lobbying effort on this issue could be of great consequence.

Recognizing state Democratic parties

At the state level, many of our grassroots state campaigns have been successful in influencing their platform. Two weeks ago, I wrote a letter of thanks recognizing a number of state campaigns that passed progressive, pro-peace planks and resolutions into their platform. After it was sent out, supporters in Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, Iowa, Idaho, and Minnesota brought to my attention similar measures that were passed or nearly passed (Idaho) by their state conventions. As it turns out, our campaign has accomplished even more than I initially reported. Let's take another moment to recognize the well-informed and open-minded Democrats from these states who officially endorsed the following progressive values. And please contact me (scott.hinchee@kucinich.us) if there was a platform plank or resolution victory in your state that has not been recognized!

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

PERSONAL NEWS – Part XXVII

On Wednesday, June 30th, I phoned up Bud [Kucinich & Jereski campaign volunteer] and we decided to meet up at 86th Street cinema around 6:30pm. Bud had the petitions and I brought many copies of the Jereski flyers/Queens article/Bio/etc. Bud focused on the cinema's box office ticket line and he worked it terrifically. By the time I left shortly after 8pm, he had about 4 petition pages filled up. Dude owned that line! I worked the other side of the cinema and got signatures, plus handed out lots of flyers et al. Ran into a variety of folk from the neighborhood, foreigners [ie: New Zealand, Australia, Germany, etc] and folk from other areas of NYC. I engaged in several long and in depth conversations; not only on the new Michael Moore film, but world events, Jereski campaign and naturally politics. The nice weather we had helped out a lot, compared to the down pour effect from last Friday. People were far more receptive this time around.

Thursday, July 1st, was the Kucinich Meetup and held at Skylight Diner on Westside of Manhattan. I arrived a few minutes after 7pm to find only one other person [Tom W] waiting and after a brief discussion, we decided to get a table for 6 people. [Tom had attended the previous meetup.] There was suppose to be 8 people attending the meetup, but in the end there was only 3 of us. After sitting down and getting glasses of ice water from a reluctant waiter, Tom and I talked about current events. Then a nice chap [George] showed up and asked if we were the meetup group. Naturally we both said “yes” and chatted for abit, before realizing he was there for a different meetup. Something to do with PDP, a computer program sort of like HTML. George went off in search of his “meetup”. [Later on I gave him my business card, as there was something about him I really liked.] Shortly afterwards a middle-age woman [Bernadette] arrived and the three of us ordered vegetarian chili to nosh on. I got the feeling that she wasn’t into the meetup and wanted to be elsewhere. We discussed what Kucinich was working on in conjunction with upcoming DNC, plus other political topics. Shortly after 8pm Bernadette left and it was just Tom and I. We talked on a number of topics before paying the bill. While up at the cashier I noticed that George was still there, but sadly the rest of his meetup group didn’t show up. Tom and I learned that he is new to NYC area and from VT. Told him about lots of cool, fun, free things to do in NYC in the summer; like going to see “Shakespeare in the Park” & a variety of events in Prospect Park. It wasn’t the greatest meetup, but then again it wasn’t a flop.

On the morning of July 2nd I headed up to my parents place in upstate NY for the long July 4th holiday. [E&Y gave us employees July 2nd & 5th off. Sweet!] The experience at Port Authority and bus ride up to Albany was part enjoyable, plus annoying. First bus left at 8:15am and then usually they bring another around right away for rest of passengers. This time they seemed to forget about us and didn’t have a damn bus until almost 8:50am. When we took off close to 9am, I realized our driver was abit incompetent. It became more obvious to the other passengers as the ride progressed up to Albany. Damn driver took us on a mini tour of northern NJ before getting to Route 87. Halfway up on the ride I got to chat with Dennis and Jennifer, who sat behind me. Jennifer is a young gal traveling from England to be a summer camp counselor in upstate NY and Dennis is a retired bus/truck driver. We had some good laughs on many a topic and it took my mind off the incompetent driver. As to him, the moron passed our exit into Albany. Unbelievable! Got off at next exit, hit lots of traffic and he asked for directions at the Toll Booth. By this time several of us passengers are yelling at him, plus giving him the correct directions. One chap yelled out “your fired”! A ride that should take no more than 2 ½ hours ended up being over 3 hours. I felt badly for those passengers who had to make connections in Albany, plus my parents had been waiting an hour. Mon dieu! Mom was waiting for me at the gate and watched my bags, so that I could lodge a formal complaint at the terminal office. I wasn’t the only one, another female passenger also bitched about the driver. Girl Power!

After dropping Dad off at the golf course, Mom and I had lunch out at a very charming country café. Then it was off to Saratoga Springs and a leisure tour of the delightful “Gardens at Yaddo”. [Located on Union Avenue (Route 9P) just west of Exit 14 off the Northway (I-87) in Saratoga Springs. The website URL is ... www.yaddo.org] The roses were in glorious bloom and there scent was divine. There are statues, a terrace, pergola, rock gardens, fountains, benches, sundial and it’s all free to the public. We had such a lovely time and I took lots of photos. Did some shopping afterwards and then home to relax.

Will have more “personal news” over next day or so. Stay tuned……………

Kucinich statement on the selection of John Edwards for VP
Upon hearing the news that Senator Kerry has chosen North Carolina Senator John Edwards as his running mate, Congressman Dennis Kucinich issued the following statement: "Today is a good day for the Democrats. John Edwards is a friend and a colleague. He is an excellent choice and will be a tremendous asset to Democrats from the top of the ticket on down."

California Governor Asking Opinion on Ferret Bill!

I recently heard that the Governor's office is asking the publics opinion on our ferret amnesty bill. I absolutely urge you all to call in your support for this bill as soon as possible. Follow the prompts and select the one that asks for you opinion on legislation. I just called but I want you all to listen carefully in case it changes. To respond to legislation, press #2, then listen for SB 89, press #3, then to support SB 89 press #1. Please have all of your friends and family call in. This is, I believe good news but we must answer this loud and clear! The Governor's number is: 916 445-2841. Don't let this unique opportunity to be heard by the Governor's Office go by!

Some folks from out of state have asked if they should call, and I don't see what's wrong with that. If you plan to move or visit CA this will affect you too someday. But, we absolutely MUST have Californians call so if you live in CA, or have friends and/or family in California, please have them call as soon as possible! If you have a web site please post this information. If you have an e-mail list, please forward this information. We need as much exposure as we can get!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM TRUE MAJORITY - New York to Host 1 of 18 Rallies by National Coalition Representing 3 Million Americans

Come Out and Show Your Commitment to Verifiable Elections. The national attention to computer voting glitches and the need to ensure verifiable voting has really grown, and election officials are feeling the heat. TrueMajority is into the next phase of the "Computer Ate My Vote" campaign, bringing together a coalition including MoveOn, Howard Dean's Democracy for America, Common Cause, Working Assets, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, VerifiedVoting.org, and distinguished computer experts. We will hold a National Day of Action on TUESDAY, JULY 13. At coordinated news events across the country, citizens like you-representing over three million Americans-will present petitions to the chief election officials of eighteen states, including New York.

We'll ask the election officials to adopt the "Pledge of Ballot Integrity," which commits them to providing voters with verifiable paper ballots this coming Election Day. That paper backup will ensure that, even if computer glitches lose or change election data, the votes will be properly counted and recounts will be possible for contested outcomes. To add your name to the petition for presentation on July 13, click Reply and Send in your e-mail program (if you're a TrueMajority member) or, if this was forwarded to you, click here: http://action.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=680action=10178&ms=doa1&ref=380807

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Kerry Picks Edwards For US Race
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3869925.stm

THE PATRIOT'S ACT - What's More American Than Asking Questions?
LOS ANGELES TIMES
by Michael Moore
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0704-05.htm

Take Your Kids To FAHRENHEIT 9/11 Before The Government Takes Them To War
by Bill Conroy
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0705-09.htm

President George Orwell
MADISON CAPITAL TIMES
Editorial

Today's George Orwell Award, given to the political figure whose actions most closely recollect those of the pioneering spin doctors portrayed in the British author's book "1984," goes to President Bush in recognition of the remarkable speech he delivered the other day in Istanbul. The president took as his topic the matter of democracy in the Middle East. To the assembled crowd of university students, he declared, "Democracy does not involve automatic agreement with other democracies. ... The future of freedom in the Islamic world will be determined by the citizens of Islamic nations, not by outsiders."

In fairness, the award does not go to Bush for his words. Rather, he merits recognition for his ability to utter them with a straight face at the same time that 135,000 U.S. troops occupy a predominantly Islamic country, and in the aftermath of his decision to reject international law and order the unilateral invasion of that country. If Bush was honest, he would have said: "The future of freedom in the Islamic world will not be determined by the citizens of Islamic nations, but rather by an outsider - namely, me." But, if Bush were honest, he wouldn't qualify for the George Orwell Award.

Conscience Of The Convention
BOSTON PHOENIX
by Adam Reilly
[Duchess Note: Despite the title, this article pretty much dismisses DJK's effect on the political process and paints him as a publicity-seeker out of touch with reality. Ho hum ... get real Mr Reilly! A quote from article: "When the battle for the Democratic nomination was still going strong and televised debates gave Kucinich regular access to a national audience, few voters saw his agenda – which includes immediate American withdrawal from Iraq and NAFTA, and the establishment of a cabinet-level Department of Peace – as viable." Regular access to a national audience?!?!? NO WAY ... corrupt corporate media did a 75% blackout of his campaign. It was horrible how the media treated DJK. It was only after wishy-washy Kerry locked up the nomination that the media finally give DJK a little bit more coverage.] Read article and form your own opinions: http://alternet.org/election04/19142/

Democrats Form Splinter Group
KENNEBEC JOURNAL
by Susan M. Cover
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/789802.shtml

Americans Increasingly Unwilling To Surrender Civil Liberties
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
by Cynthia Tucker
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0705-06.htm

ACT FOR CHANGE ACTIVISM UPDATE

Support the Freedom to Read Amendment
Within the next few days, Congress will vote on a bipartisan proposal to protect the freedom to read threatened by the USA PATRIOT Act. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eZyR0FFlNw0LeL0oL10As

The proposed amendment would prohibit the Department of Justice from using any money in their budget to search a library or bookseller using the wide-sweeping powers granted under section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. The amendment would restore and protect the privacy and First Amendment rights of library and bookstore patrons which were in place before the USA PATRIOT Act. The vote on the Freedom to Read Amendment will happen as early as the afternoon of Wednesday, July 7. Please contact your representative immediately and ask them to support the Freedom to Read Amendment to protect American's civil rights and freedom to read.

Block Extremist Judicial Nominee J. Leon Holmes
Today, July 6, the Senate is scheduled to vote on the district judge nomination of J. Leon Holmes. Last year, the Senate Judiciary committee voted to send his nomination to the Senate floor without a recommendation -- the first time a nominee has been sent to the Senate without a recommendation in 52 years. Upon review of his record, it's easy to understand why he could not be passed out of committee with a recommendation. Mr. Holmes is an anti-abortion activist who has compared the abortion rights movement to Nazis, has written that abortion should not be available to rape victims because he believes "conceptions from rape occur with the same frequency as snow in Miami" (when in fact studies indicate that approximately 25,000-32,000 pregnancies occur each year in the U.S. as a result of rape), and has written that "the wife is to subordinate herself to her husband," among other disturbing and offensive comments. Urge your senators to vote "no" on the nomination of J. Leon Holmes for district judge. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eZyR0FFlNw0LeL0oL20At

Thursday, July 01, 2004

Important Message From MoveOn.Org - Taking On Fox News

For years, Fox News has been distorting the facts, covering for President Bush, and bashing groups like MoveOn. Now "Uncovered" director Robert Greenwald -- working with a group of Fox-monitoring MoveOn members -- has put together a documentary film that exposes Fox for what it is: partisan spin, not news. We're using this movie to launch an organizing campaign with Common Cause and other great groups to "out" Fox News -- making sure everyone in the country knows the network is stumping for the Republican agenda. Be among the first to see this new movie, help others see it, and take on Fox by hosting an "Outfoxed" house party on Sunday evening, July 18th. Sign up at: http://action.moveon.org/outfoxed/newmeeting.html

Fox News star Bill O'Reilly will stop at nothing in acting as a partisan flak for Bush. When the 9/11 Commission reported finding no evidence of a link between Iraq and al-Qaeda, O'Reilly lashed out at the nation's major newspapers for reporting it. In June alone, O'Reilly compared Bush critics Michael Moore and Al Franken to Nazi propagandists and journalist Bill Moyers to Mao Zedong. Unfortunately, parroting the Republican Party message is common in Fox's regular news reporting as well. "Outfoxed" features interviews with seven ex-Fox News employees who describe how, every day, highly partisan talking points are drawn up to influence newscasts.

When Michael Moore was asked what surprised him most during the making of "Fahrenheit 9/11", he described his discovery of archived news footage the networks had edited or not aired at all in order to protect President Bush's image. His comments highlight the media's recent failure to independently evaluate Bush's claims before the war -- and no network failed more completely than Fox. In addition to Common Cause, our partners on this campaign include the Center for American Progress, Free Press, Media Matters for America, and Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR). On Sunday, July 18th, we'll get together to see the compelling evidence of Fox's partisanship presented in the "Outfoxed" film. Then we'll all join an interactive coast-to-coast conference call with Al Franken and director Robert Greenwald, to plan out how we'll take on Fox and take back our media. Can you host a party on Sunday evening, July 18th? Sign up now at: http://action.moveon.org/outfoxed/newmeeting.html

Inviting friends, family, and co-workers who have concerns about the media is a great way to get them involved. As a host, you have the option of just inviting people you know, or allowing MoveOn and Common Cause members in your area to join you. We'll provide you with a simple step-by-step guide to putting on a house party. We'll also ask some others to bring snacks and drinks, and to stay late to help clean up. After you sign up to host a house party, you can get a DVD or VHS copy of "Outfoxed" for a $10 contribution. Together, we will make a tremendous difference in this campaign.

Teresa Heinz Kerry Stops In Des Moines For Table Discussion
IOWA STATE DAILY
by Josh Nelson
[Heinz Kerry even quotes Dennis Kucinich!]
http://www.iowastatedaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/07/01/40e378ca22a75


http://www.notobush.com/

Important Message From The Kucinich Campaign

There's still time to have an impact on the Democratic Party platform, but the clock is ticking. The 186 members of the Democratic Platform Committee will be meeting in Miami on July 9 and 10 to finalize a document that will lay out the Democratic Party's official position and plans on dozens of important domestic and international issues. That document will then be voted on by the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. There are four principal ways in which we can still influence the platform: continue circulating petitions, contact the Democratic National Committee, write letters to the editor to your local paper, and most importantly, contact the Chairperson of the Platform Committee, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

But time is of the essence. At this very moment, the platform document is being drafted by representatives of the DNC based, to some extent, on testimony and comments submitted at two public hearings held earlier this month. That draft of the platform document is not expected to be available for review until a day or two before the Miami meeting. The petitions that Kucinich supporters and friends have been circulating across the country for the past few months will be formally presented to the Platform Committee in Miami at the beginning of their public deliberations to persuade them of the strong public sentiment for positions that are unlikely to be part of the draft platform, including:

* An exit strategy and end date for the occupation of Iraq
* A Department of Peace
* Universal, single payer health care
* Jobs & Fair trade policies
* Equal Marriage Rights
* Civil Liberties & Repeal of the PATRIOT Act

It is our hope that sympathetic members of the Platform Committee in Miami will propose amendments to the draft document to more closely reflect our positions on those and other issues. If some of those positions do no receive enough votes to be adopted, but do receive support from at least 20 percent of the members, they become "minority planks" in the platform -- a formalized "dissent" expressing a specifically worded alternative position on the issues. Those minority planks will be formally presented and publicly read at the National Convention. Again, time is running out to have our voices heard. If you want to contact the DNC directly, their web site provides that opportunity. If you want to send a message to Congresswoman Tubbs Jones, feel free to let her know, firmly but politely, how you feel about the issues. You can email her at stjcampaign@aol.com, fax her at 216-751-8241, or send mail to her office, 3645 Warrensville Center Road, Suite 323, Shaker Heights, OH 44122.


http://www.jereskiforcongress.com

Important Message From Congressman Dennis Kucinich -- Rainbow/PUSH, Oregon, Boston Convention & More

We had a very good weekend at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. I joined Jesse Jackson on a panel with Governor Howard Dean and many members of Congress. The whole idea is to get ready for the 2004 election in a powerful way and begin with strategies to mobilize the vote. And I'll be telling you at a later date in detail some of the things that we discussed at the Rainbow Push meeting in Chicago. After that I went to meet with our organization in Oregon - it's a strong state organization - and we're getting ready to participate in a number of projects, including helping a number of members of Congress get re-elected in Oregon. Our organization is certainly on the move and it is getting ready for a strong showing at Boston. And your efforts have enabled us to take this organization from where it was a year and a half ago to where we can confidently go to almost any place in the country and get people to participate in our efforts of grassroots activism and fundraising.

The plans for Boston are coming along - less than a month to go before the Convention (http://www.kucinich.us/convention/). We still need your help in raising funds so that we can have a full presence at the convention, not only with our delegates, but also with all the volunteers who are coming to join us around the country. So with a few more days left in our fundraising cycle for this quarter, I'm asking you to participate, to help us with our plans to have a strong presence at the Convention and to have a strong presence with the platform. I mean, keep in mind that the message of this campaign - and it has been a message oriented campaign - has been one of peace and health care for all, of jobs, of fair trade, of civil liberties and more, and you've made it possible for us to advance that message. We're doing everything we can to make sure the Democratic Platform is relevant to this country.

So, help us keep it going, and please, before the end of this month, go to the web site and make a contribution. You know we have a goal of raising another $300,000 before we get to Boston to cover all our expenses. So enable us to do that. You deliver and you know that I will, too. So I look forward to speaking with you again and giving you an update as the result of what happened out of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which I think will prove to be quite significant. And I want to thank Jesse Jackson, by the way, for all of his work that he has done to help keep hope alive, which has always been his message. So let's talk again soon, and I will look forward to speaking with you.