Why Dennis Kucinich Still Matters
Deborah Emin, Huffington Post
http://www.alternet.org/election08/78156/
Dennis Kucinich does not treat politics like a popularity contest. He is a voice for the people and ideas that we need to repair this country.
[Duchess Note: Bravo Ms Emin in speaking the truth in your article; not only about DJK, but about BO and HC. The MSM is treating 2008 presidential race like “American Idol”, which I find to be such a boring show. Total yawn fest. The MSM is more interested in fights, money and scandal than real issues that hit many Americans. You want real news, and then forget most of the newspapers and TV news out there today, cause its not real journalism, go for some of the news outlets on the Internet. Save your money … do not purchase newspapers.]
Key Green Party Issues in the 2008 Presidential Race
-- End racial disparity
-- Implementation of universal healthcare
-- Reform of the electoral system
-- Immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq
-- Repeal of President Bush’s tax cuts
-- Aid those suffering from the housing mortgage crisis
-- Address global warming
10 Key Values of the Green Party
1. Grassroots democracy
2. Social justice and equal opportunity
3. Ecological wisdom
4. Non-violence
5. Decentralization (of wealth and power)
6. Community-based economics and economic justice
7. Feminism and gender equity
8. Respect for diversity
9. Personal and global responsibility
10. Future focus and sustainability
Cynthia McKinney: The New Face of the Green Party
Wendy Wilson, Essence
http://www.essence.com/essence/lifestyle/voices/0,16109,1714833,00.html
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX for sharing the above articles.]
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Hopi Elder’s Prophecy
Words of wisdom from the past
Words of inspiration from Native Americans
Words, I am sure, of indigenous people around the planet whose connectedness cannot be denied.
"We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For"
Oraibi, Arizona, June 8, 2000
You have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered. . . .
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for your leader.
Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, "This could be a good time!"
There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
And I say, see who is in there with you, and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word 'struggle' from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we've been waiting for.
The Obama Craze: Count Me Out
Matt Gonzalez
http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/The_Obama_Craze_Count_Me_Out_5413.html
Obama opposed single-payer bill HR676, sponsored by Congressmen Dennis Kucinich and John Conyers in 2006, although at least 75 members of Congress supported it. Single-payer works by trying to diminish the administrative costs that comprise somewhere around one-third of every health care dollar spent, by eliminating the duplicative nature of these services. The expected $300 billion in annual savings such a system would produce would go directly to cover the uninsured and expand coverage to those who already have insurance, according to Dr. Stephanie Woolhandler, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program.Obama’s own plan has been widely criticized for leaving health care industry administrative costs in place and for allowing millions of people to remain uninsured. “Sicko” filmmaker Michael Moore ridiculed it saying, “Obama wants the insurance companies to help us develop a new health care plan-the same companies who have created the mess in the first place.”
Once I started looking at the votes Obama actually cast, I began to hear his rhetoric differently. The principal conclusion I draw about “change” and Barack Obama is that Obama needs to change his voting habits and stop pandering to win votes. If he does this he might someday make a decent candidate who could earn my support. For now Obama has fallen into a dangerous pattern of capitulation that he cannot reconcile with his growing popularity as an agent of change. I remain impressed by the enthusiasm generated by Obama’s style and skill as an orator. But I remain more loyal to my values, and I’m glad to say that I want no part in the Obama craze sweeping our country. [To read more, click on the link above]
[Duchess Note: Many are enamored with Obama and squeal, actually they gush, that he so inspires them. Personally, I don’t find him inspiring, and his silken words only make me wary. When one asks many of these “followers” about his stance on important issues, they don’t have much of a clue; all they talk of is “change”. Well, what kind of change? Seems abit hallow to me and no real substance behind this so called “change”. It’s not the kind of change that we’ll want, need or desire. I’m sure his corporate backers want to keep the status quo intact and will make him tow the line. When you look at and compare the voting records of Kucinich, Clinton, McCain and Obama, well, you see a big difference. You also see proof that Kucinich is truly there for the American people. Leagues ahead of the others, so let’s keep a true progressive in DC for “We the People”, support Kucinich’s congressional campaign today.]
Words of wisdom from the past
Words of inspiration from Native Americans
Words, I am sure, of indigenous people around the planet whose connectedness cannot be denied.
"We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For"
Oraibi, Arizona, June 8, 2000
You have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered. . . .
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for your leader.
Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, "This could be a good time!"
There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
And I say, see who is in there with you, and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word 'struggle' from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we've been waiting for.
The Obama Craze: Count Me Out
Matt Gonzalez
http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/The_Obama_Craze_Count_Me_Out_5413.html
Obama opposed single-payer bill HR676, sponsored by Congressmen Dennis Kucinich and John Conyers in 2006, although at least 75 members of Congress supported it. Single-payer works by trying to diminish the administrative costs that comprise somewhere around one-third of every health care dollar spent, by eliminating the duplicative nature of these services. The expected $300 billion in annual savings such a system would produce would go directly to cover the uninsured and expand coverage to those who already have insurance, according to Dr. Stephanie Woolhandler, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program.Obama’s own plan has been widely criticized for leaving health care industry administrative costs in place and for allowing millions of people to remain uninsured. “Sicko” filmmaker Michael Moore ridiculed it saying, “Obama wants the insurance companies to help us develop a new health care plan-the same companies who have created the mess in the first place.”
Once I started looking at the votes Obama actually cast, I began to hear his rhetoric differently. The principal conclusion I draw about “change” and Barack Obama is that Obama needs to change his voting habits and stop pandering to win votes. If he does this he might someday make a decent candidate who could earn my support. For now Obama has fallen into a dangerous pattern of capitulation that he cannot reconcile with his growing popularity as an agent of change. I remain impressed by the enthusiasm generated by Obama’s style and skill as an orator. But I remain more loyal to my values, and I’m glad to say that I want no part in the Obama craze sweeping our country. [To read more, click on the link above]
[Duchess Note: Many are enamored with Obama and squeal, actually they gush, that he so inspires them. Personally, I don’t find him inspiring, and his silken words only make me wary. When one asks many of these “followers” about his stance on important issues, they don’t have much of a clue; all they talk of is “change”. Well, what kind of change? Seems abit hallow to me and no real substance behind this so called “change”. It’s not the kind of change that we’ll want, need or desire. I’m sure his corporate backers want to keep the status quo intact and will make him tow the line. When you look at and compare the voting records of Kucinich, Clinton, McCain and Obama, well, you see a big difference. You also see proof that Kucinich is truly there for the American people. Leagues ahead of the others, so let’s keep a true progressive in DC for “We the People”, support Kucinich’s congressional campaign today.]
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Obama’s Line on Lobbyists is Misleading
Trudy Lieberman, Columbia Journalism Review
http://www.alternet.org/election08/77492/
Obama claims that he doesn’t take money from lobbyists. The truth is, he is as beholden to special interest groups as all of the other candidates.
[Duchess Note: Obama is also very much beholden to many corporations, insurance, etc. If he’s elected president, then those who support and voted for him (I am NOT one of them) better hold his feet to the fire. Make him, other candidates and our elected officials listen to OUR rights and demands, not those of the friggin corporations. The only presidential candidate, out of the original eight Democrats, who did NOT take money from lobbyists and/or corporations, is Dennis Kucinich. He is beholden to the American people and no one else. He is the only true peace candidate and always there for us.]
Cleveland Corporate Media vs. Dennis Kucinich
David Swanson, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_david_sw_080226_cleveland_corporate_.htm
Kucinich Stands with Union Truck Drivers for Jobs
Rick Nagin, People’s Weekly World
http://www.pww.org/article/view/12568/
It’s an Election, Not a Coronation
Rosemarie Jackowski, Dissident Voice
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2008/02/its-an-election-not-a-coronation/
The Democrats had their chance, and once again they blew it. They started out with Kucinich who called for the immediate withdrawal from Iraq — not only withdrawal across the Iraq border — but Kucinich called for bringing all troops home now. He also supported a Single Payer Health care system. That would save the lives of 18,000 U.S. citizens every year. The Democrats also had Edwards who had promised to fight the wave of corporate crime — a major problem. Would there be war if the corporations did not profit from the killing? Instead of voting for Kucinich or Edwards, the Party faithful cast their votes for candidates with a questionable history of support for peace, health care, and economic justice. This has created a vacuum of ideas. Nader is now filling that vacuum. The Democrats could have had it all — a peace candidate and an easy win against a weakened Republican candidate. Instead, they will again blame Nader, while refusing to accept the inevitable results of the votes of the Party faithful. They have ignored one of the most fundamental lessons of politics — you get what you vote for.
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX for above articles. As to the above article, I agree with much of her views, though I am NO longer a supporter of Ralph Nader. Was back in 2000, not in 2004 and definitely not now. McKinney will have my vote, as will many of the Green Party. Rosemarie is right; those that vote for BO, HC or JM, well, “you get what you vote for”. Bitching at Nader isn’t the answer to the situation. We must be the answer; we must be the real change. We must breathe down the necks of our representatives in DC. Let them know how we feel about the issues. Inform them to do a better job for us, not the corporations. The Corporate mainstream media wants to make the choices and so they push, shove, manipulate and call one un-American if you don’t do as they say. “We the People” need to think for ourselves and not rely on MSM. Time to make a stand and throw away the shackles of MSM brainwashing, because the future of our children depends on it. Strength through Peace.]
Trudy Lieberman, Columbia Journalism Review
http://www.alternet.org/election08/77492/
Obama claims that he doesn’t take money from lobbyists. The truth is, he is as beholden to special interest groups as all of the other candidates.
[Duchess Note: Obama is also very much beholden to many corporations, insurance, etc. If he’s elected president, then those who support and voted for him (I am NOT one of them) better hold his feet to the fire. Make him, other candidates and our elected officials listen to OUR rights and demands, not those of the friggin corporations. The only presidential candidate, out of the original eight Democrats, who did NOT take money from lobbyists and/or corporations, is Dennis Kucinich. He is beholden to the American people and no one else. He is the only true peace candidate and always there for us.]
Cleveland Corporate Media vs. Dennis Kucinich
David Swanson, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_david_sw_080226_cleveland_corporate_.htm
Kucinich Stands with Union Truck Drivers for Jobs
Rick Nagin, People’s Weekly World
http://www.pww.org/article/view/12568/
It’s an Election, Not a Coronation
Rosemarie Jackowski, Dissident Voice
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2008/02/its-an-election-not-a-coronation/
The Democrats had their chance, and once again they blew it. They started out with Kucinich who called for the immediate withdrawal from Iraq — not only withdrawal across the Iraq border — but Kucinich called for bringing all troops home now. He also supported a Single Payer Health care system. That would save the lives of 18,000 U.S. citizens every year. The Democrats also had Edwards who had promised to fight the wave of corporate crime — a major problem. Would there be war if the corporations did not profit from the killing? Instead of voting for Kucinich or Edwards, the Party faithful cast their votes for candidates with a questionable history of support for peace, health care, and economic justice. This has created a vacuum of ideas. Nader is now filling that vacuum. The Democrats could have had it all — a peace candidate and an easy win against a weakened Republican candidate. Instead, they will again blame Nader, while refusing to accept the inevitable results of the votes of the Party faithful. They have ignored one of the most fundamental lessons of politics — you get what you vote for.
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX for above articles. As to the above article, I agree with much of her views, though I am NO longer a supporter of Ralph Nader. Was back in 2000, not in 2004 and definitely not now. McKinney will have my vote, as will many of the Green Party. Rosemarie is right; those that vote for BO, HC or JM, well, “you get what you vote for”. Bitching at Nader isn’t the answer to the situation. We must be the answer; we must be the real change. We must breathe down the necks of our representatives in DC. Let them know how we feel about the issues. Inform them to do a better job for us, not the corporations. The Corporate mainstream media wants to make the choices and so they push, shove, manipulate and call one un-American if you don’t do as they say. “We the People” need to think for ourselves and not rely on MSM. Time to make a stand and throw away the shackles of MSM brainwashing, because the future of our children depends on it. Strength through Peace.]
Monday, February 25, 2008
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - Corporate 'swift-boating' Targets Kucinich
Cleveland's corporate establishment is pouring massive amounts of money into an unprincipled attack campaign against Congressman Dennis Kucinich, distorting and misrepresenting his record in a way that comes right out of the Republican dirty tricks playbook. At the same time, everyday citizens are coming to Dennis' defense -- real people who live here, work here, raise their families here, and rely on him to represent their interests. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
With only a week until the March 4th primary election, we need your help to counter the attacks and put those hardworking citizens on television and radio so they can tell the truth. Here's a special message from Dennis explaining what's going on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us1GQI70h7U
Here's an example of their distortions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiN4aTid7Fs
And here are 11 television ads that we've produced featuring real people explaining in their own words why they support Dennis and why this election is so important. http://www.youtube.com/electdennis
We need your help to get these messages on the air and to keep them on the air. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
Please, today, contribute as generously as you can to keep a Real People's Representative in Congress. And please ask your friends and family to help in any way they can.
Cleveland's corporate establishment is pouring massive amounts of money into an unprincipled attack campaign against Congressman Dennis Kucinich, distorting and misrepresenting his record in a way that comes right out of the Republican dirty tricks playbook. At the same time, everyday citizens are coming to Dennis' defense -- real people who live here, work here, raise their families here, and rely on him to represent their interests. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
With only a week until the March 4th primary election, we need your help to counter the attacks and put those hardworking citizens on television and radio so they can tell the truth. Here's a special message from Dennis explaining what's going on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us1GQI70h7U
Here's an example of their distortions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiN4aTid7Fs
And here are 11 television ads that we've produced featuring real people explaining in their own words why they support Dennis and why this election is so important. http://www.youtube.com/electdennis
We need your help to get these messages on the air and to keep them on the air. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
Please, today, contribute as generously as you can to keep a Real People's Representative in Congress. And please ask your friends and family to help in any way they can.
Friday, February 22, 2008
PERSONAL NEWS #137
On Wednesday, December 12th, I took a vacation day from work, so I could spend the afternoon with my friend Sheila from NJ. We met up at Grand Central Station around 11:30am and had a quick lunch at the food court. Last time we hung out together was back in August and the visit to Princeton University. [We’re planning another visit to Princeton this May.] Every December we like to get together for lunch, catch up on news and then check out the holiday art & craft shows. After lunch we strolled through the booths in Vanderbilt Hall and made some holiday gift purchases. Many wonderful goodies to choose from, though some of the prices were abit steep. From there we strolled along 42nd Street and stopped at a Starbucks for some hot, delicious liquid refreshment. Their hot Caramel Apple Cider is so good. Then we headed across the street into Bryant Park to see those holiday booths and watch the skaters on the ice rink. So happy I finished all my holiday shopping with those holiday craft/gift shows. We strolled west and stopped briefly at my office, so that I could pick up a parcel. It’s the “Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix” DVD and will watch it later on that evening at home. From my office we headed towards Port Authority, so that Sheila could catch her 5pm bus home to NJ. Overall a most enjoyable day and capped off with viewing a good movie.
Saturday evening, December 15th, was the annual NYDoP holiday party. This year it was held at a board members [Marianne] home on upper Westside of Manhattan. Way up on the northern Westside in the neighborhood of Inwood. Party started at 5:30pm and I got stuck with a car service driver who was terrible, plus clueless. It took two hours to get up to Inwood via car service. Two friggin hours! I was really pissed at the driver and didn’t give him a tip. [Reason I didn’t take subways was due to my carrying dessert goodies, secret Santa gift, DoP materials and a banner. Felt and looked like a bag lady.] Party was in full swing when I arrived just before 7pm. Table in living room and in the kitchen were laden down with lots of yummy goodies. Everyone brought something to the gathering, as well as gifts for the “secret Santa”.
[Several NYDoP Members Celebrating the Holiday Season]
Great seeing everyone and I jumped right into party mode, which was helped with some hot spiced rum cider from Marianne. Kevin and Irene brought there two adorable daughters [ie: Evie & Julia]. Had such a fun time from 7pm to 10pm, plus many laughs were shared during the “secret Santa” segment. The gift I brought was a biography on Gandhi and I received a lovely spiritually inspired 2008 calendar. I left with a few NYDoP members [ie: Howard & Eileen] at 10pm for the long subway ride home. From Inwood to where I live in northern Brooklyn, it takes three subways and almost 1 ½ hours. I was so tired by the time I got home and immediately into bed.
The next morning, December 16th, it was back to the upper Westside in Manhattan via car service. This time I had a good driver. Several members [ie: Chris, Adriana & Carol] of NYDoP attended an event at Symphony Space that had Marianne Williamson as guest speaker. We also tabled at the event to get the word out on the Dept of Peace Campaign. Apparently every Sunday, around 11am, there is a non-denomination service by the group “Unity Church of New York”. Doesn’t feel churchy at all, lots of music and was actually quite enjoyable. There affirmation is………….
God is the Mind with which I think;
God is the Love in which we forgive;
God is the Strength in which I trust;
There is nothing to fear.
Marianne, as always, gave a terrific talk [“Meaning of this Moment”] that lasted about 25 minutes. Activity at our DoP table was pretty good and got to speak with folk on a number of issues. Carol lives not far from Symphony Space and I brought some of the DoP materials and banner to her apartment. We hung out for abit and talked about politics. Left around 2pm as I was starting to feel very tired and abit drained. Headed home to take it easy for the rest of the day and work on recovering my energies.
Wednesday evening, December 19th, was the annual E&Y FSO Holiday party held at Tavern on the Green in Manhattan. Several of us from the Insurance Tax dept headed to the event via the subway. Weather was abit chilly and wet. I stayed for 1 ½ hours to partake of the assorted delicious goodies, chat with co-workers and view the holiday décor of Tavern on the Green.
Friday, December 21st, did volunteer work for City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market. This is the last one of the season and we’ll resume at Union Square sometime in March 2008. The following is a message from Daniel with City Harvest regarding Union Square volunteer team … “Happy holidays! I hope you are all enjoying the season and that you see the attached holiday card as a small show of appreciation from all of us in volunteer services. The greenmarkets rescues have come to a close for the season and that means we can reveal the total amount rescued for the year and the winner of our holiday trivia contest! Last year, City Harvest rescued 186,714 pounds of food from the Union Square Greenmarket. This year, we rescued almost twice that amount for a total of…drum roll… 338,000 pounds of food! This is a remarkable number and is a testament to the hard work that our volunteers put in on a daily basis. Great job everyone! The volunteer with the closest guess is special events volunteer, Adrienne Prassas, with a guess of 325,000! Second place goes to administrative and special events volunteer, Elaine Bivetto. Thanks for all your hard work in 2007 and we look forward to working with you in 2008!”
Saturday through Tuesday, December 22nd/25th, headed upstate NY to spend Xmas holiday with my family. I had a nice, relaxing, leisurely weekend with my parents, brother and sister-in-law. Got to catch up on Cable TV viewing, plus Mom and I watched a “Harry Potter” movie on DVD. Mom and I went out a few times for lunch and shopping. I visited my favorite bead & craft shop in Cambridge; chat with the owners [Sarah & Heather] and purchase supplies for my numerous projects.
[Duchess Gazing at My Brothers Tree on Xmas Eve]
My parents and I spent an enjoyable Xmas Eve and Xmas morning with my brother and sister-in-law near Albany. The bus ride back to NYC was pretty decent, as there was hardly any traffic on the thruways. I had more gifts, from friends, waiting for me under my Xmas tree at home, as well as more holiday cards in the mailbox. Overall it was a good weekend.
On Wednesday, December 12th, I took a vacation day from work, so I could spend the afternoon with my friend Sheila from NJ. We met up at Grand Central Station around 11:30am and had a quick lunch at the food court. Last time we hung out together was back in August and the visit to Princeton University. [We’re planning another visit to Princeton this May.] Every December we like to get together for lunch, catch up on news and then check out the holiday art & craft shows. After lunch we strolled through the booths in Vanderbilt Hall and made some holiday gift purchases. Many wonderful goodies to choose from, though some of the prices were abit steep. From there we strolled along 42nd Street and stopped at a Starbucks for some hot, delicious liquid refreshment. Their hot Caramel Apple Cider is so good. Then we headed across the street into Bryant Park to see those holiday booths and watch the skaters on the ice rink. So happy I finished all my holiday shopping with those holiday craft/gift shows. We strolled west and stopped briefly at my office, so that I could pick up a parcel. It’s the “Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix” DVD and will watch it later on that evening at home. From my office we headed towards Port Authority, so that Sheila could catch her 5pm bus home to NJ. Overall a most enjoyable day and capped off with viewing a good movie.
Saturday evening, December 15th, was the annual NYDoP holiday party. This year it was held at a board members [Marianne] home on upper Westside of Manhattan. Way up on the northern Westside in the neighborhood of Inwood. Party started at 5:30pm and I got stuck with a car service driver who was terrible, plus clueless. It took two hours to get up to Inwood via car service. Two friggin hours! I was really pissed at the driver and didn’t give him a tip. [Reason I didn’t take subways was due to my carrying dessert goodies, secret Santa gift, DoP materials and a banner. Felt and looked like a bag lady.] Party was in full swing when I arrived just before 7pm. Table in living room and in the kitchen were laden down with lots of yummy goodies. Everyone brought something to the gathering, as well as gifts for the “secret Santa”.
[Several NYDoP Members Celebrating the Holiday Season]
Great seeing everyone and I jumped right into party mode, which was helped with some hot spiced rum cider from Marianne. Kevin and Irene brought there two adorable daughters [ie: Evie & Julia]. Had such a fun time from 7pm to 10pm, plus many laughs were shared during the “secret Santa” segment. The gift I brought was a biography on Gandhi and I received a lovely spiritually inspired 2008 calendar. I left with a few NYDoP members [ie: Howard & Eileen] at 10pm for the long subway ride home. From Inwood to where I live in northern Brooklyn, it takes three subways and almost 1 ½ hours. I was so tired by the time I got home and immediately into bed.
The next morning, December 16th, it was back to the upper Westside in Manhattan via car service. This time I had a good driver. Several members [ie: Chris, Adriana & Carol] of NYDoP attended an event at Symphony Space that had Marianne Williamson as guest speaker. We also tabled at the event to get the word out on the Dept of Peace Campaign. Apparently every Sunday, around 11am, there is a non-denomination service by the group “Unity Church of New York”. Doesn’t feel churchy at all, lots of music and was actually quite enjoyable. There affirmation is………….
God is the Mind with which I think;
God is the Love in which we forgive;
God is the Strength in which I trust;
There is nothing to fear.
Marianne, as always, gave a terrific talk [“Meaning of this Moment”] that lasted about 25 minutes. Activity at our DoP table was pretty good and got to speak with folk on a number of issues. Carol lives not far from Symphony Space and I brought some of the DoP materials and banner to her apartment. We hung out for abit and talked about politics. Left around 2pm as I was starting to feel very tired and abit drained. Headed home to take it easy for the rest of the day and work on recovering my energies.
Wednesday evening, December 19th, was the annual E&Y FSO Holiday party held at Tavern on the Green in Manhattan. Several of us from the Insurance Tax dept headed to the event via the subway. Weather was abit chilly and wet. I stayed for 1 ½ hours to partake of the assorted delicious goodies, chat with co-workers and view the holiday décor of Tavern on the Green.
Friday, December 21st, did volunteer work for City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market. This is the last one of the season and we’ll resume at Union Square sometime in March 2008. The following is a message from Daniel with City Harvest regarding Union Square volunteer team … “Happy holidays! I hope you are all enjoying the season and that you see the attached holiday card as a small show of appreciation from all of us in volunteer services. The greenmarkets rescues have come to a close for the season and that means we can reveal the total amount rescued for the year and the winner of our holiday trivia contest! Last year, City Harvest rescued 186,714 pounds of food from the Union Square Greenmarket. This year, we rescued almost twice that amount for a total of…drum roll… 338,000 pounds of food! This is a remarkable number and is a testament to the hard work that our volunteers put in on a daily basis. Great job everyone! The volunteer with the closest guess is special events volunteer, Adrienne Prassas, with a guess of 325,000! Second place goes to administrative and special events volunteer, Elaine Bivetto. Thanks for all your hard work in 2007 and we look forward to working with you in 2008!”
Saturday through Tuesday, December 22nd/25th, headed upstate NY to spend Xmas holiday with my family. I had a nice, relaxing, leisurely weekend with my parents, brother and sister-in-law. Got to catch up on Cable TV viewing, plus Mom and I watched a “Harry Potter” movie on DVD. Mom and I went out a few times for lunch and shopping. I visited my favorite bead & craft shop in Cambridge; chat with the owners [Sarah & Heather] and purchase supplies for my numerous projects.
[Duchess Gazing at My Brothers Tree on Xmas Eve]
My parents and I spent an enjoyable Xmas Eve and Xmas morning with my brother and sister-in-law near Albany. The bus ride back to NYC was pretty decent, as there was hardly any traffic on the thruways. I had more gifts, from friends, waiting for me under my Xmas tree at home, as well as more holiday cards in the mailbox. Overall it was a good weekend.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Give Dennis Kucinich His Due
Steve Cobble, The Nation
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080303/cobble
But why stop there? Why not ask who opened the door for Edwards? Because on almost every issue that John Edwards battled hard on in 2007, helping move Obama and Clinton closer to the light, it's indisputable that Dennis Kucinich pushed on those same issues back in 2003, again in 2007 and every year in between. In other words, Kucinich was against the war, for fair trade, against NAFTA and the WTO, against the Patriot Act, for single-payer health care, for an infrastructure plan to rebuild America and put forward a plan to bring the troops home--all long before not just John Edwards, but long before almost anybody.
Consider the Patriot Act vote, cast by the Congress in October of 2001, only a few weeks after 9/11, in a scary time of threats and intimidation from the Bush/Cheney Administration. This vote had our lawmakers so scared that only a few brave House members stood up to oppose it, and in the Senate, only Russ Feingold had the guts to say no. But Kucinich voted no. Why? Because he read the bill. He risked his political career to oppose an intrusive, liberty-violating, fundamentally un-American bill. Very few others did, especially House members from ethnic urban districts. So give John Edwards his due. But give Kucinich his due, too.
[Duchess Note - Many thanks to a fellow NYC Kucinich Team member in sharing this link to a wonderful, fantastic article/commentary on Congressman Kucinich. Out of all eight (8) Democratic Presidential candidates; DJK is the only true progressive and liberal. He has always honored the Constitution and Bill of Rights. His courage to stand firm on important issues, legislation, voting record, plus his great compassion for humanity is why I've been supporting him since 2003. Bravo Mr Cobble on speaking the truth and sharing it with The Nation readers.]
Kucinich Promises hearing on 9/11 Health; Responders “Money Bomb” Raises Thousands
Aaron Dykes, JonesReport.com
http://www.jonesreport.com/article/02_08/170208_responders.html
Thank You, Dennis Kucinich
Kevin Gosztola, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=6171
I feel like I owe something to this man for getting me to where I am today. And I am inspired to write about what it is that makes me so happy that I supported Dennis for President. I didn't go for the platitudes of hope Obama is offering or Hillary Clinton's experience. I supported a man whose heart and courage makes him a true American hero.
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX for the above two articles. Like Mr Gosztola, I too support a man whose heart and courage make him a true American hero. Not into the fake promises of the Corporate Imperialist candidates. I'm into a candidate and human being who stands by his convictions and delivers. Bravo Dennis & Kevin!]
Steve Cobble, The Nation
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080303/cobble
But why stop there? Why not ask who opened the door for Edwards? Because on almost every issue that John Edwards battled hard on in 2007, helping move Obama and Clinton closer to the light, it's indisputable that Dennis Kucinich pushed on those same issues back in 2003, again in 2007 and every year in between. In other words, Kucinich was against the war, for fair trade, against NAFTA and the WTO, against the Patriot Act, for single-payer health care, for an infrastructure plan to rebuild America and put forward a plan to bring the troops home--all long before not just John Edwards, but long before almost anybody.
Consider the Patriot Act vote, cast by the Congress in October of 2001, only a few weeks after 9/11, in a scary time of threats and intimidation from the Bush/Cheney Administration. This vote had our lawmakers so scared that only a few brave House members stood up to oppose it, and in the Senate, only Russ Feingold had the guts to say no. But Kucinich voted no. Why? Because he read the bill. He risked his political career to oppose an intrusive, liberty-violating, fundamentally un-American bill. Very few others did, especially House members from ethnic urban districts. So give John Edwards his due. But give Kucinich his due, too.
[Duchess Note - Many thanks to a fellow NYC Kucinich Team member in sharing this link to a wonderful, fantastic article/commentary on Congressman Kucinich. Out of all eight (8) Democratic Presidential candidates; DJK is the only true progressive and liberal. He has always honored the Constitution and Bill of Rights. His courage to stand firm on important issues, legislation, voting record, plus his great compassion for humanity is why I've been supporting him since 2003. Bravo Mr Cobble on speaking the truth and sharing it with The Nation readers.]
Kucinich Promises hearing on 9/11 Health; Responders “Money Bomb” Raises Thousands
Aaron Dykes, JonesReport.com
http://www.jonesreport.com/article/02_08/170208_responders.html
Thank You, Dennis Kucinich
Kevin Gosztola, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=6171
I feel like I owe something to this man for getting me to where I am today. And I am inspired to write about what it is that makes me so happy that I supported Dennis for President. I didn't go for the platitudes of hope Obama is offering or Hillary Clinton's experience. I supported a man whose heart and courage makes him a true American hero.
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX for the above two articles. Like Mr Gosztola, I too support a man whose heart and courage make him a true American hero. Not into the fake promises of the Corporate Imperialist candidates. I'm into a candidate and human being who stands by his convictions and delivers. Bravo Dennis & Kevin!]
Monday, February 18, 2008
"FAREWELL MR PRESIDENT" WEBSITE IS UP & RUNNING – How Appropriate That I’m Posting This on President’s Day
Whether you love him, dislike him or have strongly undecided feelings, here is your chance to bid adieu to Dubya. Look for our Mobile “Farewell Mr. President!” Film Team touring the 50 states seeking out fine Americans like you to tape their very own farewell message. We will be editing together these video messages to create a “Farewell Mr. President” movie that we will personally deliver to our departing leader when he leaves office in January 2009! View the website at … http://www.farewellmrpresident.com
Duchess Segment - http://www.farewellmrpresident.com/view_video.php?viewkey=a167a5a36dedd4bea254
Whether you love him, dislike him or have strongly undecided feelings, here is your chance to bid adieu to Dubya. Look for our Mobile “Farewell Mr. President!” Film Team touring the 50 states seeking out fine Americans like you to tape their very own farewell message. We will be editing together these video messages to create a “Farewell Mr. President” movie that we will personally deliver to our departing leader when he leaves office in January 2009! View the website at … http://www.farewellmrpresident.com
Duchess Segment - http://www.farewellmrpresident.com/view_video.php?viewkey=a167a5a36dedd4bea254
Sunday, February 17, 2008
URGENT MESSAGE from “The People's Email Network”
Because of the abysmal approval ratings of Congress itself, there is a real groundswell of "throw the bums out" voting, as evidenced by the 24 point victory in the primary challenge this week by progressive Donna Edwards. But we need to very careful not to let the exceptionally good be swept out with the bad.
That is why we need everyone to see this new Dennis Kucinich ad, to protect his seat from a hostile primary challenge in his own district. Thank You Dennis Video: http://www.usalone.com/thank_you_dennis.php
For weeks big money has been running terribly false attack ads against Dennis trying to smear him out of Congress. And Dennis needs your help to fight back by running the ad on the page above in his own district. So if you can make any kind of donation, please use the easy form on the same page above to do so. And to thank you for your valiant support, Dennis wants you to have as his gift to you a copy of his special Kucinich commemorative edition pocket constitution, with your donation of $100 or more. And if you are one of the few who has not be blindsided by Cheney's gut the economy agenda, Dennis Kucinich will personally autograph your copy with your donation of $1,000 or more.
Please note that even if you had already donated the full legal limit to his brave presidential run, which had a real impact in shifting the debate, you can donate another $2,300 for his congressional seat defense. But even if you can't make a donation right now, there is still something incredibly important you can do to help, and that is to send links to the video to anyone you can. So you can either ask your friends to visit the page above, or you can send them to the YouTube page here. YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl8pJdNb7Hc
So please do what you can to spread the word that this is a must win, must keeper situation. It is only because of the courage of Dennis Kucinich in standing strong to protect and defend the constitution that we are where we are now, with more and more members of Congress clamoring for meaningful impeachment hearings, and the House still holding the line against that craven telecom immunity thing. Let us not be complacent. Let us not take anything for granted just because Dennis is so amazing on every issue. We have to make sure that we empower Dennis to remind his constituents what a magnificent job he has been doing for them and for us all. And nothing would push impeachment forward more than the most clear-cut victory for Dennis in his primary.
Please take action NOW, so we can win all victories that are supposed to be ours, and forward this alert as widely as possible. If you would like to get alerts like these, you can do so at http://www.usalone.com/in.htm
Holding Barack Obama Accountable
Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=529&Itemid=34
Videos from Obama Campaign & the Clever “Billionaires for Bush”
Will I. Am (of the Black Eyed Peas) and a lot of other famous people. I recognized Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Nicole Scherzinger (of the Pussycat Dolls) and others... plus "regular people" … Obama’s official “Yes We Can” theme. . .http://www.youtube.com/user/illwilly
Then watch the clever Billionaires For Bush satirical response video called "NO YOU CAN'T" … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI7WwY4a9ro
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Judith for the above item on Obama. As Stuart said, “Yes we can WHAT?” Judith mentioned, “They give more info than the official Obama one, that's for sure! She is referring to the brilliant Billionaires for Bush. I am NOT endorsing nor voting for Obama, or Clinton, but my endorsement/vote is going towards McKinney with the Green Party. I also hope folk in Cleveland wake up and vote Kucinich for Congress in the March 4th primary. He is one of the few progressive voices left; because Obama, Clinton and Edwards don’t even come close. Vote for the candidate that represents your interests and values, not what the MSM or anyone else forces you to do. Strength through Peace....]
The Perfect Illusion
OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_jibbguy_080213_the_perfect_illusion.htm
THE GREAT KEITH OLBERMANN'S SPECIAL COMMENT ON FASCIST BUSH'S REPLAY OF THE FISA FEAR CARD
http://www.hoffmania.com/blog/2008/02/special-comment.html
Freedom Rider: Democrats Target Kucinich for Defeat
Margaret Kimberley
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=524&Itemid=1
Rep. Leonard Boswell Signs onto Cheney Impeachment
David Swanson
http://www.davidswanson.org/?q=node/1116
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX for the above articles.]
Because of the abysmal approval ratings of Congress itself, there is a real groundswell of "throw the bums out" voting, as evidenced by the 24 point victory in the primary challenge this week by progressive Donna Edwards. But we need to very careful not to let the exceptionally good be swept out with the bad.
That is why we need everyone to see this new Dennis Kucinich ad, to protect his seat from a hostile primary challenge in his own district. Thank You Dennis Video: http://www.usalone.com/thank_you_dennis.php
For weeks big money has been running terribly false attack ads against Dennis trying to smear him out of Congress. And Dennis needs your help to fight back by running the ad on the page above in his own district. So if you can make any kind of donation, please use the easy form on the same page above to do so. And to thank you for your valiant support, Dennis wants you to have as his gift to you a copy of his special Kucinich commemorative edition pocket constitution, with your donation of $100 or more. And if you are one of the few who has not be blindsided by Cheney's gut the economy agenda, Dennis Kucinich will personally autograph your copy with your donation of $1,000 or more.
Please note that even if you had already donated the full legal limit to his brave presidential run, which had a real impact in shifting the debate, you can donate another $2,300 for his congressional seat defense. But even if you can't make a donation right now, there is still something incredibly important you can do to help, and that is to send links to the video to anyone you can. So you can either ask your friends to visit the page above, or you can send them to the YouTube page here. YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl8pJdNb7Hc
So please do what you can to spread the word that this is a must win, must keeper situation. It is only because of the courage of Dennis Kucinich in standing strong to protect and defend the constitution that we are where we are now, with more and more members of Congress clamoring for meaningful impeachment hearings, and the House still holding the line against that craven telecom immunity thing. Let us not be complacent. Let us not take anything for granted just because Dennis is so amazing on every issue. We have to make sure that we empower Dennis to remind his constituents what a magnificent job he has been doing for them and for us all. And nothing would push impeachment forward more than the most clear-cut victory for Dennis in his primary.
Please take action NOW, so we can win all victories that are supposed to be ours, and forward this alert as widely as possible. If you would like to get alerts like these, you can do so at http://www.usalone.com/in.htm
Holding Barack Obama Accountable
Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=529&Itemid=34
Videos from Obama Campaign & the Clever “Billionaires for Bush”
Will I. Am (of the Black Eyed Peas) and a lot of other famous people. I recognized Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Nicole Scherzinger (of the Pussycat Dolls) and others... plus "regular people" … Obama’s official “Yes We Can” theme. . .http://www.youtube.com/user/illwilly
Then watch the clever Billionaires For Bush satirical response video called "NO YOU CAN'T" … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI7WwY4a9ro
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Judith for the above item on Obama. As Stuart said, “Yes we can WHAT?” Judith mentioned, “They give more info than the official Obama one, that's for sure! She is referring to the brilliant Billionaires for Bush. I am NOT endorsing nor voting for Obama, or Clinton, but my endorsement/vote is going towards McKinney with the Green Party. I also hope folk in Cleveland wake up and vote Kucinich for Congress in the March 4th primary. He is one of the few progressive voices left; because Obama, Clinton and Edwards don’t even come close. Vote for the candidate that represents your interests and values, not what the MSM or anyone else forces you to do. Strength through Peace....]
The Perfect Illusion
OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_jibbguy_080213_the_perfect_illusion.htm
THE GREAT KEITH OLBERMANN'S SPECIAL COMMENT ON FASCIST BUSH'S REPLAY OF THE FISA FEAR CARD
http://www.hoffmania.com/blog/2008/02/special-comment.html
Freedom Rider: Democrats Target Kucinich for Defeat
Margaret Kimberley
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=524&Itemid=1
Rep. Leonard Boswell Signs onto Cheney Impeachment
David Swanson
http://www.davidswanson.org/?q=node/1116
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX for the above articles.]
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine’s Day to All
LIVE FROM NYC - ITS THE NEWS
Right Focus on Impeachment
Thomas Chechatka, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/2/opedne_thomas_m_080212_right_focus_on_impea.htm
Reader’s Viewpoint – Kucinich was Excluded from Debated Because of Money
Opinion / TimesReporter.com
http://www.timesreporter.com/index.php?ID=79654
What Can I Do?
Timothy Gatto, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_timothy__080213_what_can_i_do_3f.htm
[Duchess Note: The above articles were shared by a fellow Kucitizen from TX. Kucinich was also excluded from many debates due to his stance on certain issues. Issues that many of us Americans agree upon … such as out of Iraq now, pro-peace, jobs and universal healthcare. Many of us voice our concerns every day to the deaf ears of our overpaid, corrupt Senators and Congressional representatives. The MSM and TV stations are owned by many big corporations whose views are not in line with majority of Americans, so they banned Kucinich and Paul from debates.]
LATEST NEWS ON THE POLICE REUNION TOUR
The Police Bring Reunion Tour Back To South Florida
CBS4 Miami
http://cbs4.com/entertainment/andy.summers.reunion.2.654118.html
The Police have a new message for fans and this one doesn't come in a bottle. Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are coming back to South Florida on the heels of their sold out tour in 2007.
Police, Elvis Costello at Usana this Summer
Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8261258?source=rss
Every big thing they do is magic, and the Police are bringing that magic to Utah this summer. The reggae-infused pop trio - Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland - will perform at Usana Amphitheatre in West Valley City on July 19.
LIVE FROM NYC - ITS THE NEWS
Right Focus on Impeachment
Thomas Chechatka, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/2/opedne_thomas_m_080212_right_focus_on_impea.htm
Reader’s Viewpoint – Kucinich was Excluded from Debated Because of Money
Opinion / TimesReporter.com
http://www.timesreporter.com/index.php?ID=79654
What Can I Do?
Timothy Gatto, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_timothy__080213_what_can_i_do_3f.htm
[Duchess Note: The above articles were shared by a fellow Kucitizen from TX. Kucinich was also excluded from many debates due to his stance on certain issues. Issues that many of us Americans agree upon … such as out of Iraq now, pro-peace, jobs and universal healthcare. Many of us voice our concerns every day to the deaf ears of our overpaid, corrupt Senators and Congressional representatives. The MSM and TV stations are owned by many big corporations whose views are not in line with majority of Americans, so they banned Kucinich and Paul from debates.]
LATEST NEWS ON THE POLICE REUNION TOUR
The Police Bring Reunion Tour Back To South Florida
CBS4 Miami
http://cbs4.com/entertainment/andy.summers.reunion.2.654118.html
The Police have a new message for fans and this one doesn't come in a bottle. Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are coming back to South Florida on the heels of their sold out tour in 2007.
Police, Elvis Costello at Usana this Summer
Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8261258?source=rss
Every big thing they do is magic, and the Police are bringing that magic to Utah this summer. The reggae-infused pop trio - Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland - will perform at Usana Amphitheatre in West Valley City on July 19.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Police Enjoying Tour but Don't Plan Album
AFP via Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080212/wl_uk_afp/entertainmentjapanbritainmusicpeople_080212084310
The Police are feeling rejuvenated from their reunion tour but they don't plan to record a new album, guitarist Andy Summers said Tuesday.
AFP via Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080212/wl_uk_afp/entertainmentjapanbritainmusicpeople_080212084310
The Police are feeling rejuvenated from their reunion tour but they don't plan to record a new album, guitarist Andy Summers said Tuesday.
Monday, February 11, 2008
INVEST IN OUR COUNTRY & SUPPORT A TRUE PROGRESSIVE
Please take a moment and view the video below from a November Democrat debate. Share with others so they too can contribute to Kucinich's congressional campaign. He needs our support. His opponents are spending 5 times the $$$ in advertising. The oponents are of course taking corporate $$$$ and adhering to corporate interests, not the interests of constituents. To donate to the congressional campaign go to: http://www.kucinich.us/
WE need this man in Congress!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWWBwf2wHE
Send anything you can, if we all do it will add up. IT'S A GREAT INVESTMENT FOR OUR COUNTRY & OUR CHILDRENS FUTURE.
Dennis & Elizabeth Kucinich Interviewed by Visiting Foreign Journalists
Ohio Daily Blog
http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/content/dennis-amp-elizabeth-kucinich-interviewed-visiting-foreign-journalists
Please take a moment and view the video below from a November Democrat debate. Share with others so they too can contribute to Kucinich's congressional campaign. He needs our support. His opponents are spending 5 times the $$$ in advertising. The oponents are of course taking corporate $$$$ and adhering to corporate interests, not the interests of constituents. To donate to the congressional campaign go to: http://www.kucinich.us/
WE need this man in Congress!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWWBwf2wHE
Send anything you can, if we all do it will add up. IT'S A GREAT INVESTMENT FOR OUR COUNTRY & OUR CHILDRENS FUTURE.
Dennis & Elizabeth Kucinich Interviewed by Visiting Foreign Journalists
Ohio Daily Blog
http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/content/dennis-amp-elizabeth-kucinich-interviewed-visiting-foreign-journalists
Friday, February 08, 2008
VISIONS OF VAN GOGH
[Wheat Field with Crows]
Back in the early to mid-1970s I heard a song on the radio that deeply touched me and brought tears to my eyes. It still does to this day … “Vincent” by Don McLean, written and recorded in 1971.
Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey;
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
Starry, starry night.
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.
Starry, starry night.
Portraits hung in empty halls,
Frameless head on nameless walls,
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.
Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will.....
“Vincent” is one of those songs that fascinated and haunted my early teens. Back before the Internet it wasn’t easy finding out information. Well, it wasn’t for this teen that lived in Westchester County. All I knew about this beautiful, sad song was a painter who’d suffered in many ways. Finally, during my Art History class in high school, I learned Vincent’s true identity, as well as viewed photos of his work. I fell in love with his paintings and all its amazing brush work, detail, wonderful use of color and outlook on his surrounding environment. It exploded my senses and sent them on fire with an intense passion. Not many painters had that effect on me.
After moving to NYC in the early 1980s, I obtained precious tickets to see two separate showings of Van Gogh’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue. These showings were held in the mid to late-1980s and were the hot tickets of the day. Let me say that seeing a photo of a Van Gogh painting doesn’t compare to the actual painting. Not even close! My senses were in for a wonderfully delightful treat in seeing his works of art, 100 years after Vincent painted them, up close and personal. OMG! Breathtaking!
Your probably wondering why I only have “Wheat Field with Crows” on display here. In the late-1980s, during a second showing of Van Gogh’s paintings, this particular painting was in the last gallery with 8 other pieces. Up close it’s a wonderful work of art and the brush detail is visually tantalizing, yet simple. I went with a friend to see this exhibit at the museum and had finished before she did, so I stood by the door and waited. I looked at all the paintings in that one gallery and my vision was continually arrested by this one … “Wheat Field with Crows”. From where I stood it was across the gallery from me and as I gazed at it, well, it felt like I was being sucked into the scene. Sound in the room seemed to dim and people were like faint shadows. It was just me and that amazing wheat field. I was filled with sadness and gloom, but also glimmers of hope and sunlight. Then reality crashed in with a dull thud when my friend interrupted my “meditation”. To this day, 20 years later, I still remember that “feeling” with such clarity. How it captured part of me that day.
If you ever get the chance to see a Van Gogh exhibit in person, I highly recommend going with an open mind, heart and soul. His work will arrest your senses like it did mine.
[Wheat Field with Crows]
Back in the early to mid-1970s I heard a song on the radio that deeply touched me and brought tears to my eyes. It still does to this day … “Vincent” by Don McLean, written and recorded in 1971.
Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey;
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
Starry, starry night.
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.
Starry, starry night.
Portraits hung in empty halls,
Frameless head on nameless walls,
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.
Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will.....
“Vincent” is one of those songs that fascinated and haunted my early teens. Back before the Internet it wasn’t easy finding out information. Well, it wasn’t for this teen that lived in Westchester County. All I knew about this beautiful, sad song was a painter who’d suffered in many ways. Finally, during my Art History class in high school, I learned Vincent’s true identity, as well as viewed photos of his work. I fell in love with his paintings and all its amazing brush work, detail, wonderful use of color and outlook on his surrounding environment. It exploded my senses and sent them on fire with an intense passion. Not many painters had that effect on me.
After moving to NYC in the early 1980s, I obtained precious tickets to see two separate showings of Van Gogh’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue. These showings were held in the mid to late-1980s and were the hot tickets of the day. Let me say that seeing a photo of a Van Gogh painting doesn’t compare to the actual painting. Not even close! My senses were in for a wonderfully delightful treat in seeing his works of art, 100 years after Vincent painted them, up close and personal. OMG! Breathtaking!
Your probably wondering why I only have “Wheat Field with Crows” on display here. In the late-1980s, during a second showing of Van Gogh’s paintings, this particular painting was in the last gallery with 8 other pieces. Up close it’s a wonderful work of art and the brush detail is visually tantalizing, yet simple. I went with a friend to see this exhibit at the museum and had finished before she did, so I stood by the door and waited. I looked at all the paintings in that one gallery and my vision was continually arrested by this one … “Wheat Field with Crows”. From where I stood it was across the gallery from me and as I gazed at it, well, it felt like I was being sucked into the scene. Sound in the room seemed to dim and people were like faint shadows. It was just me and that amazing wheat field. I was filled with sadness and gloom, but also glimmers of hope and sunlight. Then reality crashed in with a dull thud when my friend interrupted my “meditation”. To this day, 20 years later, I still remember that “feeling” with such clarity. How it captured part of me that day.
If you ever get the chance to see a Van Gogh exhibit in person, I highly recommend going with an open mind, heart and soul. His work will arrest your senses like it did mine.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
FROZE IN PLACE
Last year over 200 "Improv Everywhere Agents" froze in place at the exact second in New York's Grand Central Terminal. The mission is finally online - check out the photos, video, and report. If you were there, add your own report in the comments. Click on the link for more ... http://www.improveverywhere.com/2008/01/31/frozen-grand-central/
Last year over 200 "Improv Everywhere Agents" froze in place at the exact second in New York's Grand Central Terminal. The mission is finally online - check out the photos, video, and report. If you were there, add your own report in the comments. Click on the link for more ... http://www.improveverywhere.com/2008/01/31/frozen-grand-central/
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
[DUCHESS NOTE: Please take 5 minutes and check out this very inspirational film due out in the spring. It fills one with hope, peace and makes me feel optimistic. It was shared with me by a fellow New York City Dept of Peace board member. Click on this link ... http://www.theshiftmovie.com/ And please share with others and spread the joy, which is peace.]
Monday, February 04, 2008
Sonics Fans First to Know Pearl Jam’s Prepping New Album
http://seattlest.com/2008/02/01/sonics_fans_fir.php
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM “PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY FOUNDATION & THE DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGN"
Tomorrow, dubbed "Super Tuesday" by political junkies and the media, is the biggest day of the 2008 presidential primary races for both parties. Voters in your state and 23 others are expected to turn out in record numbers. We're doing our part to make sure voting rights are protected and the election is administered fairly. Please join us.
If you experience, see or hear about voting problems in your state, please call the toll-free, nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
That's the number. Easy to say, easy to remember. Please tell your friends and acquaintances about it. If you can, print out our flyer and post or distribute it. Fair elections depend on the vigilance of citizens like you. http://media.pfaw.org/PDF/voteflyer.pdf
Every American citizen has the right to register, vote, and have that vote count. People For the American Way Foundation's nonpartisan Election Protection program is designed to help safeguard that right. Help us ensure that everyone's right to vote is protected -- be our eyes and ears on the ground. If you feel your rights have been violated, or see something that you feel might be a violation of someone else's rights, please call Election Protection toll-free: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).
The Election Protection Hotline will be staffed by attorneys at several regional call centers around the country. We are working arduously to prevent problems in 2008 before they happen, meeting with county election officials around the country to assess how things are working in their jurisdictions, and to identify and try to correct the weak spots. Finding out about problems on Tuesday will be critical in determining what work needs to done to protect voters' rights in November. Thank you for your help in spreading the word about 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
[Duchess Note: A courageous vote is the only vote worth casting. Don't let the MSM trick you into voting for a candidate who doesn't truly represent your values/interests. A well informed, wise choice, is the best choice.]
Message From “Kucinich for Congress” – Stop Corporate Interests From Buying a Seat in Congress
One month from now is the Ohio primary and I'm running for re-election to the House of Representatives. I'm also being outspent 5 to 1. Corporate interests are converging on Cleveland in an effort to try to knock me out of Congress. I need your help to make sure that there continues to remain in the United States Congress a voice of truth, a voice of courage, a voice of integrity.
I want to continue to serve in Congress to stand up for my constituents and their economic rights: the right to a job, to health care for all, to retirement security, for the education of their children. I need your help in order to do that. These interests groups have enabled television ads to be run against me for 2 weeks running and I haven't had the resources to be able to go back on television and to respond to them. But with your contribution I'll be able to do that.
So please go to our website right now at http://ww.kucinich.us and give us the resources that we need to beat back this corporate challenge.
I'm confident that with your help I'll be able to continue to be the voice in the United States Congress that you count on to be heard in times of crisis. We need to regain our country. We need to sweep aside the fear that has engulfed this country. We need to set back the greed that is undermining this country. I'm prepared to do that and I'm prepared to do that with your help.
http://seattlest.com/2008/02/01/sonics_fans_fir.php
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM “PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY FOUNDATION & THE DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGN"
Tomorrow, dubbed "Super Tuesday" by political junkies and the media, is the biggest day of the 2008 presidential primary races for both parties. Voters in your state and 23 others are expected to turn out in record numbers. We're doing our part to make sure voting rights are protected and the election is administered fairly. Please join us.
If you experience, see or hear about voting problems in your state, please call the toll-free, nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
That's the number. Easy to say, easy to remember. Please tell your friends and acquaintances about it. If you can, print out our flyer and post or distribute it. Fair elections depend on the vigilance of citizens like you. http://media.pfaw.org/PDF/voteflyer.pdf
Every American citizen has the right to register, vote, and have that vote count. People For the American Way Foundation's nonpartisan Election Protection program is designed to help safeguard that right. Help us ensure that everyone's right to vote is protected -- be our eyes and ears on the ground. If you feel your rights have been violated, or see something that you feel might be a violation of someone else's rights, please call Election Protection toll-free: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).
The Election Protection Hotline will be staffed by attorneys at several regional call centers around the country. We are working arduously to prevent problems in 2008 before they happen, meeting with county election officials around the country to assess how things are working in their jurisdictions, and to identify and try to correct the weak spots. Finding out about problems on Tuesday will be critical in determining what work needs to done to protect voters' rights in November. Thank you for your help in spreading the word about 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
[Duchess Note: A courageous vote is the only vote worth casting. Don't let the MSM trick you into voting for a candidate who doesn't truly represent your values/interests. A well informed, wise choice, is the best choice.]
Message From “Kucinich for Congress” – Stop Corporate Interests From Buying a Seat in Congress
One month from now is the Ohio primary and I'm running for re-election to the House of Representatives. I'm also being outspent 5 to 1. Corporate interests are converging on Cleveland in an effort to try to knock me out of Congress. I need your help to make sure that there continues to remain in the United States Congress a voice of truth, a voice of courage, a voice of integrity.
I want to continue to serve in Congress to stand up for my constituents and their economic rights: the right to a job, to health care for all, to retirement security, for the education of their children. I need your help in order to do that. These interests groups have enabled television ads to be run against me for 2 weeks running and I haven't had the resources to be able to go back on television and to respond to them. But with your contribution I'll be able to do that.
So please go to our website right now at http://ww.kucinich.us and give us the resources that we need to beat back this corporate challenge.
I'm confident that with your help I'll be able to continue to be the voice in the United States Congress that you count on to be heard in times of crisis. We need to regain our country. We need to sweep aside the fear that has engulfed this country. We need to set back the greed that is undermining this country. I'm prepared to do that and I'm prepared to do that with your help.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
PERSONAL NEWS #136
On Saturday, December 1st, I cancelled going up to Yonkers Ferret Shelter, as I had to stay home and await delivery of petitions via Fed Ex. These petitions were coming from volunteers in upstate New York. While waiting for the delivery I baked Xmas cookies and brownies for the holidays, as well as do chores around the apartment. Around 6:30pm Linda G showed up with a ton of signed petitions garnered over past month. Linda worked with another volunteer, Max, on getting these petition signatures every weekend. They did an awesome job and by Dec 4th had accumulated over 800 signatures. Wow!
The next day, Sunday, December 2nd, David Bright [Kucinich campaign ballot access director] joined me at my office to work on processing all the petitions. Thomas and Phoebe also joined us to work on this time consuming project. Many volunteers stopped by to hand in their signed petition forms and inquire on the progress. By 5:30pm the total of signatures was only 4300 and we needed another 1000 to put us safely in the clear. The deadline for submitting these signed petitions was looming quickly. Too quickly and I was getting quite anxious. Immediate action was necessary, so Thomas and I sent out urgent emails to our connections, plus volunteers to get out and obtain more signatures. The Kucinich campaign staff also sent out an urgent email to their NY State volunteer base to help out. This was serious crunch time! After making copies of the petitions, which I took, and David took the originals, we left my office after 8pm. By this time, after two busy days, I was feeling tired and drained. Upon arriving home I collapsed into bed. David headed off to Thomas’ place in Brooklyn were he’d be camping out, plus working until Wednesday evening on organizing, petitioning and other campaign duties. Tuesday, December 4th, had an appointment with my foot doctor and also joined in the National DoP conference call that evening.
On Wednesday, December 5th, I met up with Thomas, Phoebe and Jim [many thanks!] outside my office and then headed down to Penn Station to meet David Bright. We handed over all the remaining signed petition forms to David, who was taking Amtrak up to Albany that evening and working with volunteers in that area. [These volunteers were spearheaded by Mary, Wendy, Steve, Frank & Jim. Many thanks to ALL for your fine, excellent and outstanding work. Around this time I became acquainted with Caitlin O’Heaney and we started work on organizing a NYC DJK Fundraiser. You’re a gem Caitlin!] The petition deadline was the next day and it looked like we had more than enough to clear the 5000 mark. Monday through Wednesday I saw a lot of volunteer traffic through the lobby of my job. Sadly I didn’t get much work done, but in regards to the campaign, we were on fire. Hell yeah!
Thursday, December 6th, evening was the monthly NYC Kucinich Team meeting and we had a good turn out this month of 30+. Several were newbie’s to the group and campaign. I’d heard from David earlier that afternoon and he gave me an update on petition progress. We were definitely in the clear and that evening I announced to meeting attendees that the final count of signatures was 6413. Yahoo! Whew! Amen! Everyone applauded and cheered, as this was very good news and meant that in 3 ½ days we brought in over 2000 signatures. Wow! When push comes to shove NYC and NY State volunteers pull through brilliantly. We had a great meeting and many important issues/topics were discussed, as well as plans for the NYC campaign over next month.
On Saturday, December 1st, I cancelled going up to Yonkers Ferret Shelter, as I had to stay home and await delivery of petitions via Fed Ex. These petitions were coming from volunteers in upstate New York. While waiting for the delivery I baked Xmas cookies and brownies for the holidays, as well as do chores around the apartment. Around 6:30pm Linda G showed up with a ton of signed petitions garnered over past month. Linda worked with another volunteer, Max, on getting these petition signatures every weekend. They did an awesome job and by Dec 4th had accumulated over 800 signatures. Wow!
The next day, Sunday, December 2nd, David Bright [Kucinich campaign ballot access director] joined me at my office to work on processing all the petitions. Thomas and Phoebe also joined us to work on this time consuming project. Many volunteers stopped by to hand in their signed petition forms and inquire on the progress. By 5:30pm the total of signatures was only 4300 and we needed another 1000 to put us safely in the clear. The deadline for submitting these signed petitions was looming quickly. Too quickly and I was getting quite anxious. Immediate action was necessary, so Thomas and I sent out urgent emails to our connections, plus volunteers to get out and obtain more signatures. The Kucinich campaign staff also sent out an urgent email to their NY State volunteer base to help out. This was serious crunch time! After making copies of the petitions, which I took, and David took the originals, we left my office after 8pm. By this time, after two busy days, I was feeling tired and drained. Upon arriving home I collapsed into bed. David headed off to Thomas’ place in Brooklyn were he’d be camping out, plus working until Wednesday evening on organizing, petitioning and other campaign duties. Tuesday, December 4th, had an appointment with my foot doctor and also joined in the National DoP conference call that evening.
On Wednesday, December 5th, I met up with Thomas, Phoebe and Jim [many thanks!] outside my office and then headed down to Penn Station to meet David Bright. We handed over all the remaining signed petition forms to David, who was taking Amtrak up to Albany that evening and working with volunteers in that area. [These volunteers were spearheaded by Mary, Wendy, Steve, Frank & Jim. Many thanks to ALL for your fine, excellent and outstanding work. Around this time I became acquainted with Caitlin O’Heaney and we started work on organizing a NYC DJK Fundraiser. You’re a gem Caitlin!] The petition deadline was the next day and it looked like we had more than enough to clear the 5000 mark. Monday through Wednesday I saw a lot of volunteer traffic through the lobby of my job. Sadly I didn’t get much work done, but in regards to the campaign, we were on fire. Hell yeah!
Thursday, December 6th, evening was the monthly NYC Kucinich Team meeting and we had a good turn out this month of 30+. Several were newbie’s to the group and campaign. I’d heard from David earlier that afternoon and he gave me an update on petition progress. We were definitely in the clear and that evening I announced to meeting attendees that the final count of signatures was 6413. Yahoo! Whew! Amen! Everyone applauded and cheered, as this was very good news and meant that in 3 ½ days we brought in over 2000 signatures. Wow! When push comes to shove NYC and NY State volunteers pull through brilliantly. We had a great meeting and many important issues/topics were discussed, as well as plans for the NYC campaign over next month.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Dennis Kucinich Responds to State of Union
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=156831770&blogID=353074354
[Duchess Note: Bravo Dennis! America needs more people like you. A presidential and congressional candidate who brings truth, compassion, intelligence and courage to everything he does for his constituents and ALL Americans. He’s a true progressive and a true Democrat. Join me and others in a new, exciting “movement”, go to http://www.integritynow.org/ ]
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=156831770&blogID=353074354
[Duchess Note: Bravo Dennis! America needs more people like you. A presidential and congressional candidate who brings truth, compassion, intelligence and courage to everything he does for his constituents and ALL Americans. He’s a true progressive and a true Democrat. Join me and others in a new, exciting “movement”, go to http://www.integritynow.org/ ]
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Kucinich Presidential Campaign Thanks The Viewers!
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=156831770&blogID=353068687
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=156831770&blogID=353068687
PERSONAL NEWS #135
On Thursday, November 22nd, I joined other volunteers at St Paul’s Church on Westside of Manhattan to help out with “Project Find” and homebound seniors. I learned of this wonderful charity service via Marble Collegiate Church. Last year I volunteered via City Harvest and helped out at an upper Westside women’s shelter on Turkey Day. City Harvest never got back to me regarding Turkey Day volunteering, so when Marble Collegiate called I offered my time. Turkey Day itself turned out to be a sunny, balmy day and I had to be at St Paul’s around 9:30am. Once I got off the subway at Columbus Circle stop I had to work my way through the parade crowds. Due to the nice weather large numbers of families attended the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Checked in with “Project Find” at the church and was paired up with a driver [Pearl] and another volunteer [Kevin]. Both were really nice people and we enjoyed some terrific conversations. After some waiting around in the great hall, we got the allotted “Project Find” tote bags filled with goodies for the homebound seniors. Each driver and their team had 12 bags each, and then it was time to get the Turkey dinners to go with those bags. Another long line and wait, then we headed out to Pearl’s car with the goodies and drove up to West 71st Street with the windows down. The balmy air felt so good. Felt more like a late summer day with the sun warming our faces. We made the rounds and out of the 12 stops only 8 people were at home. Pearl knew some homebound folk in her neighborhood and would bring the remaining turkey dinners to them. Back at St Paul’s Church the festivities were in full swing and a band was playing 1940s style music. The volunteers had a choice of either staying or heading out with a free “Project Find” goodie tote bag. I chose the latter, nibbled on free goodies and headed home via subway to relax rest of the day.
Friday through Sunday, November 23rd/25th; I visited my family in upstate NY for the remainder of the holiday weekend. The weather turned cooler and typical of November. Over the weekend I helped my parents put icicle lights on front of the house, beads & Xmas shopping, visit hairdresser, help Mom around the house, dinner with relatives, reading and watch some cable TV. It was nice to get out of the city for a few days.
Tuesday, November 27th, was a special NYC Kucinich Team meeting to deal with the signed petitions and get them prepped for Board of Elections. The deadline in handing in signed petitions was Thursday, December 6th, in Albany. Yep, it was crunch time, and this petition organizing seemed to take on a life all its own. Yeah, I guess you could say it got abit stressful. David Bright [Kucinich campaign ballot access director] came to NYC to help with the procedure and headed up to Boston the following day. I’m so thankful to David for all his help, support and guidance during this time. I’m also thankful to Phoebe and Thomas in getting us the space at New School near Union Square. On Thursday many volunteers showed up to the meeting and we spent 2 hours processing the signed petitions. In the end we tallied 4300 signatures and need 5000+ by or before December 6th. Asked everyone to pitch in and work hard over next week to bring in more signatures for the campaign. We need another 1000 signatures to put us in the clear. When I got home that evening I sent out an urgent email to all.
On Thursday evening, November 29th, many of us New Yorkers got to see and hear Kucinich speak at two events. I missed the first one, which was a two-hour rally held at COSM in the Chelsea area. Heard from some volunteers that it was a terrific turnout with about 300 people packed into CosMosis and many petition signatures were garnered. The crowd was so appreciative of DJK, which is always heartening. That evening, at Community Church on East 35th Street, I attended a fundraiser hosted by the New York Iranian/American Community. Several members of this community worked on DJKs campaign back in 2004. While waiting at the entrance for some of the NYC Kucinich Team volunteers, Dennis showed up with two members from his campaign staff. He had to walk past me to get into the elevator. I smiled warmly and greeted the Congressman. Before Dennis got into the elevator, he turned around to me and said “I remember you from an event you organized in Long Island two years ago”. Needless to say, I was stunned that he remembered me from an event in April 2005. An event I organized with a fellow NYC Kucitizen [Ellen J] and it was very much a success. Dennis and I spoke briefly about that event and then he gave me a hug, plus said “thank you for all you do”, then he popped into the elevator. WOW! Could have knocked me over with a feather after that and a fellow Team Member [Lane] was thrilled to view the exchange. DJK gave a 25 minute talk on many important issues/topics, plus did a Q&A segment. He was in good form, very personable, sincere and it was standing room only at the event. Team members got more signatures on their petitions and I was kept very busy talking to, plus instructing new petition volunteers. Was exhausted when I left with Linda G after 9:30pm and we headed to the subway. It was a good day for Kucinich and a productive day for our Team Members.
[Duchess Note: A courageous vote for Kucinich during "Super Tuesday" is the only vote worth casting. Strength, truth and justice through peace.]
On Thursday, November 22nd, I joined other volunteers at St Paul’s Church on Westside of Manhattan to help out with “Project Find” and homebound seniors. I learned of this wonderful charity service via Marble Collegiate Church. Last year I volunteered via City Harvest and helped out at an upper Westside women’s shelter on Turkey Day. City Harvest never got back to me regarding Turkey Day volunteering, so when Marble Collegiate called I offered my time. Turkey Day itself turned out to be a sunny, balmy day and I had to be at St Paul’s around 9:30am. Once I got off the subway at Columbus Circle stop I had to work my way through the parade crowds. Due to the nice weather large numbers of families attended the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Checked in with “Project Find” at the church and was paired up with a driver [Pearl] and another volunteer [Kevin]. Both were really nice people and we enjoyed some terrific conversations. After some waiting around in the great hall, we got the allotted “Project Find” tote bags filled with goodies for the homebound seniors. Each driver and their team had 12 bags each, and then it was time to get the Turkey dinners to go with those bags. Another long line and wait, then we headed out to Pearl’s car with the goodies and drove up to West 71st Street with the windows down. The balmy air felt so good. Felt more like a late summer day with the sun warming our faces. We made the rounds and out of the 12 stops only 8 people were at home. Pearl knew some homebound folk in her neighborhood and would bring the remaining turkey dinners to them. Back at St Paul’s Church the festivities were in full swing and a band was playing 1940s style music. The volunteers had a choice of either staying or heading out with a free “Project Find” goodie tote bag. I chose the latter, nibbled on free goodies and headed home via subway to relax rest of the day.
Friday through Sunday, November 23rd/25th; I visited my family in upstate NY for the remainder of the holiday weekend. The weather turned cooler and typical of November. Over the weekend I helped my parents put icicle lights on front of the house, beads & Xmas shopping, visit hairdresser, help Mom around the house, dinner with relatives, reading and watch some cable TV. It was nice to get out of the city for a few days.
Tuesday, November 27th, was a special NYC Kucinich Team meeting to deal with the signed petitions and get them prepped for Board of Elections. The deadline in handing in signed petitions was Thursday, December 6th, in Albany. Yep, it was crunch time, and this petition organizing seemed to take on a life all its own. Yeah, I guess you could say it got abit stressful. David Bright [Kucinich campaign ballot access director] came to NYC to help with the procedure and headed up to Boston the following day. I’m so thankful to David for all his help, support and guidance during this time. I’m also thankful to Phoebe and Thomas in getting us the space at New School near Union Square. On Thursday many volunteers showed up to the meeting and we spent 2 hours processing the signed petitions. In the end we tallied 4300 signatures and need 5000+ by or before December 6th. Asked everyone to pitch in and work hard over next week to bring in more signatures for the campaign. We need another 1000 signatures to put us in the clear. When I got home that evening I sent out an urgent email to all.
On Thursday evening, November 29th, many of us New Yorkers got to see and hear Kucinich speak at two events. I missed the first one, which was a two-hour rally held at COSM in the Chelsea area. Heard from some volunteers that it was a terrific turnout with about 300 people packed into CosMosis and many petition signatures were garnered. The crowd was so appreciative of DJK, which is always heartening. That evening, at Community Church on East 35th Street, I attended a fundraiser hosted by the New York Iranian/American Community. Several members of this community worked on DJKs campaign back in 2004. While waiting at the entrance for some of the NYC Kucinich Team volunteers, Dennis showed up with two members from his campaign staff. He had to walk past me to get into the elevator. I smiled warmly and greeted the Congressman. Before Dennis got into the elevator, he turned around to me and said “I remember you from an event you organized in Long Island two years ago”. Needless to say, I was stunned that he remembered me from an event in April 2005. An event I organized with a fellow NYC Kucitizen [Ellen J] and it was very much a success. Dennis and I spoke briefly about that event and then he gave me a hug, plus said “thank you for all you do”, then he popped into the elevator. WOW! Could have knocked me over with a feather after that and a fellow Team Member [Lane] was thrilled to view the exchange. DJK gave a 25 minute talk on many important issues/topics, plus did a Q&A segment. He was in good form, very personable, sincere and it was standing room only at the event. Team members got more signatures on their petitions and I was kept very busy talking to, plus instructing new petition volunteers. Was exhausted when I left with Linda G after 9:30pm and we headed to the subway. It was a good day for Kucinich and a productive day for our Team Members.
[Duchess Note: A courageous vote for Kucinich during "Super Tuesday" is the only vote worth casting. Strength, truth and justice through peace.]
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
LIVE FROM NYC – THE LATEST IN REAL NEWS
The Murdering of the Kucinich Campaign
Jack Balkwill, Online Journal [Jan 28, 2008]
http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_2886.shtml
Kucinich: Trashed By His Own Democratic Party
Bill Willers, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_bill_wil_080127_kucinich_3a_trashed_by.htm
Dennis Kucinich – A Can’t Lose Campaign
Jack Balkwill, Online Journal [Dec 14, 2007]
http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_1523.shtml#top
[Duchess Note: A courageous vote for Kucinich during the primary is the only vote worth casting. All three commentaries above speak truth about what is really going on in this country; in regards to mainstream media, corporations and many of the presidential candidates. The majority of American voters are being pushed, brainwashed and scared into making wrong choices during the primaries. When I talk to folk over past month or so, I can hear the doubts and fears in their voices. This is what the corporations and media want ... control and manipulation. The MSM dislike people like me who don't buy into their BS and see right through them. See them for what they really are ... imperialist war mongers. Many Americans want peace and an end to war(s). We can work towards that goal, if we all work together as one and overthrow "big brother". It can be done. I know it can. Won't you join me and others......strength & truth through peace.]
Mark Morford Commentary
Columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/morford/archive/
Stop thinking this is all there is. Realize that for every ongoing war and religious outrage and environmental devastation and bogus Iraqi attack plan, there are a thousand counter-balancing acts of staggering generosity and humanity and art and beauty happening all over the world, right now, on a breathtaking scale, from flower box to cathedral.
Resist the temptation to drown in fatalism, to shake your head and sigh and just throw in the karmic towel. Realize that this is the perfect moment to change the energy of the world, to step right up and crank your personal volume; right when it all seems dark and bitter and offensive and acrimonious and conflicted and bilious... there's your opening.
Remember magic! And, finally, believe you are part of a groundswell, a resistance, a seemingly small but actually very, very large impending karmic overhaul, a great shift, the beginning of something important and potent and unstoppable.
The Murdering of the Kucinich Campaign
Jack Balkwill, Online Journal [Jan 28, 2008]
http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_2886.shtml
Kucinich: Trashed By His Own Democratic Party
Bill Willers, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_bill_wil_080127_kucinich_3a_trashed_by.htm
Dennis Kucinich – A Can’t Lose Campaign
Jack Balkwill, Online Journal [Dec 14, 2007]
http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_1523.shtml#top
[Duchess Note: A courageous vote for Kucinich during the primary is the only vote worth casting. All three commentaries above speak truth about what is really going on in this country; in regards to mainstream media, corporations and many of the presidential candidates. The majority of American voters are being pushed, brainwashed and scared into making wrong choices during the primaries. When I talk to folk over past month or so, I can hear the doubts and fears in their voices. This is what the corporations and media want ... control and manipulation. The MSM dislike people like me who don't buy into their BS and see right through them. See them for what they really are ... imperialist war mongers. Many Americans want peace and an end to war(s). We can work towards that goal, if we all work together as one and overthrow "big brother". It can be done. I know it can. Won't you join me and others......strength & truth through peace.]
Mark Morford Commentary
Columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/morford/archive/
Stop thinking this is all there is. Realize that for every ongoing war and religious outrage and environmental devastation and bogus Iraqi attack plan, there are a thousand counter-balancing acts of staggering generosity and humanity and art and beauty happening all over the world, right now, on a breathtaking scale, from flower box to cathedral.
Resist the temptation to drown in fatalism, to shake your head and sigh and just throw in the karmic towel. Realize that this is the perfect moment to change the energy of the world, to step right up and crank your personal volume; right when it all seems dark and bitter and offensive and acrimonious and conflicted and bilious... there's your opening.
Remember magic! And, finally, believe you are part of a groundswell, a resistance, a seemingly small but actually very, very large impending karmic overhaul, a great shift, the beginning of something important and potent and unstoppable.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Message from Kucinich Campaign: Corporate media strategy: silence Kucinich, then remove him from office
Over the past several weeks, the alphabets of corporate media dug their heels in the court system and in the federal agency established to protect and advocate fairness on the public airwaves (FCC), to keep Dennis Kucinich from bringing his ideas “your ideas” to the Democratic Presidential debates: ABC ... NBC ... GE ... MSNBC ... CNN.
On Sunday, another major media corporation, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer newspaper, followed the lead established by the national media, and demanded that Dennis Kucinich should be removed from his office as Congressman in the 10th District of Ohio. Why? "his defiance" of Congressional go-along, get-along policies. It's time to fight back against the powers that are trying to steal your power as citizens of the United States of America. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
So far, the corporate media have succeeded in setting the agenda. They have argued, for their own profit-driven and self-serving interests, that private corporations are exempt by the First Amendment from providing full and fair and non-pre-selected information to you, the people -- even though freedom of speech is your right under the U.S. Constitution. They have manipulated the political and judicial process to ensure that private media corporations will decide what you can hear, what you can see, what you can read, and what you are allowed to know.
But, when media influence over news and information becomes media control of our government, it's time to rise up in protest in defense of ourselves. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
Please, watch this video.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqMYxKkOz8k
Let your family and friends know that it was not enough to keep Congressman Kucinich out of the Presidential debates. Now, they want to remove him from the U.S. Congress. The only way to fight back is to contribute to his re-election campaign so he can continue to represent you: ending the war in Iraq and bringing those trillions of dollars back home; a national health care system for all Americans, an end to NAFTA and other trade agreements that have outsourced millions of American jobs; restoration of our civil liberties; an environmental program that will ensure our energy independence and create untold new jobs.
Don't let the corporate media take everything away from you. Help re-elect Congressman Dennis Kucinich. The strongest and truest voice you have is the one they are trying the hardest to silence: Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich.
Progressive Shutout: Kucinich Banned, No Real Debate
Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=500&Itemid=1
The Coming Financial Collapse of America (and Why Today’s Market Bloodbath is Only a Small Taste of Things to Come)
Mike Adams, News Target.com
http://www.newstarget.com/022528.html
Over the past several weeks, the alphabets of corporate media dug their heels in the court system and in the federal agency established to protect and advocate fairness on the public airwaves (FCC), to keep Dennis Kucinich from bringing his ideas “your ideas” to the Democratic Presidential debates: ABC ... NBC ... GE ... MSNBC ... CNN.
On Sunday, another major media corporation, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer newspaper, followed the lead established by the national media, and demanded that Dennis Kucinich should be removed from his office as Congressman in the 10th District of Ohio. Why? "his defiance" of Congressional go-along, get-along policies. It's time to fight back against the powers that are trying to steal your power as citizens of the United States of America. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
So far, the corporate media have succeeded in setting the agenda. They have argued, for their own profit-driven and self-serving interests, that private corporations are exempt by the First Amendment from providing full and fair and non-pre-selected information to you, the people -- even though freedom of speech is your right under the U.S. Constitution. They have manipulated the political and judicial process to ensure that private media corporations will decide what you can hear, what you can see, what you can read, and what you are allowed to know.
But, when media influence over news and information becomes media control of our government, it's time to rise up in protest in defense of ourselves. http://kucinich.us/contribute.html
Please, watch this video.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqMYxKkOz8k
Let your family and friends know that it was not enough to keep Congressman Kucinich out of the Presidential debates. Now, they want to remove him from the U.S. Congress. The only way to fight back is to contribute to his re-election campaign so he can continue to represent you: ending the war in Iraq and bringing those trillions of dollars back home; a national health care system for all Americans, an end to NAFTA and other trade agreements that have outsourced millions of American jobs; restoration of our civil liberties; an environmental program that will ensure our energy independence and create untold new jobs.
Don't let the corporate media take everything away from you. Help re-elect Congressman Dennis Kucinich. The strongest and truest voice you have is the one they are trying the hardest to silence: Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich.
Progressive Shutout: Kucinich Banned, No Real Debate
Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=500&Itemid=1
The Coming Financial Collapse of America (and Why Today’s Market Bloodbath is Only a Small Taste of Things to Come)
Mike Adams, News Target.com
http://www.newstarget.com/022528.html
Friday, January 25, 2008
Press Conference Earlier Today with Ohio Congressman Kucinich in Cleveland
http://www.wkyc.com/video/player.aspx?aid=53211&bw
http://www.wkyc.com/video/player.aspx?aid=53211&bw
URGENT NEWS FROM THE KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN!
Kucinich Drops Presidential Bid
Mark Naymik, Cleveland Plain Dealer
http://blog.cleveland.com/plaindealer/2008/01/kucinich_drops_presidential_bi.html
Cleveland Congressman Dennis Kucinich is dropping out of the Democratic race for president. Kucinich will make the announcement Friday at a news conference in Cleveland. In an exclusive interview with Plain Dealer editors and reporters, Kucinich said he will explain his "transition" tomorrow. "I want to continue to serve in Congress," he said. Kucinich said he will NOT endorse another Democrat in the primary. Kucinich is seeking a seventh term in Congress, but his long-shot bid for the White House has drawn four Democratic opponents.
MESSAGE FROM DAVID BRIGHT, BALLOT ACCESS DIRECTOR FROM KUCINICH PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, ON RECENT EVENTS
Kucinich is still the ONLY candidate who is right on the issues. Kucinich is still on the ballot in most states, and one can still caucus for him in caucus states. If he was your candidate yesterday he should still be your candidate today. You NEVER have to vote for your second choice in a primary, and people who think so have been fooled by the educational system, the media, and the other candidates solicting your vote.
The purpose of a primary is for a rank-and-file voter to tell the party leadership and the press/pundits which candidate best represents that voter's' views. In a primary one should NOT worry about who one's party or another party might or might not nominate six months from now. When you leave the primary voting place you should be holding your head high, not feel like you've just had a colonoscopy from a used car dealer. The only wasted vote is a vote for someone you don't want to vote for. Voting your second choice is voting for someone you didn't want to vote for. You never have to do that in a primary. In primaries you vote with your heart. It's the general election where you sometimes have to hold your nose and vote with your stomach, although having once fallen for the "gotta vote for Kerry to end the war" scam I'll never do that again. Kucinich had my vote yesterday and he'll have it in my caucus next month.
Kucinich to Introduce Impeachment of Bush Before State of the Union Address on January 28 – In a brazen show of courage, Congressman Kucinich took to the House floor yesterday and called Bush & Cheney the liars that they are. Read full article below … http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19148.htm
Is the 2008 Election Rigged for Hillary Clinton?
NewsTartget.com
http://www.newstarget.com/022540.html
Kucinich Drops Presidential Bid
Mark Naymik, Cleveland Plain Dealer
http://blog.cleveland.com/plaindealer/2008/01/kucinich_drops_presidential_bi.html
Cleveland Congressman Dennis Kucinich is dropping out of the Democratic race for president. Kucinich will make the announcement Friday at a news conference in Cleveland. In an exclusive interview with Plain Dealer editors and reporters, Kucinich said he will explain his "transition" tomorrow. "I want to continue to serve in Congress," he said. Kucinich said he will NOT endorse another Democrat in the primary. Kucinich is seeking a seventh term in Congress, but his long-shot bid for the White House has drawn four Democratic opponents.
MESSAGE FROM DAVID BRIGHT, BALLOT ACCESS DIRECTOR FROM KUCINICH PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, ON RECENT EVENTS
Kucinich is still the ONLY candidate who is right on the issues. Kucinich is still on the ballot in most states, and one can still caucus for him in caucus states. If he was your candidate yesterday he should still be your candidate today. You NEVER have to vote for your second choice in a primary, and people who think so have been fooled by the educational system, the media, and the other candidates solicting your vote.
The purpose of a primary is for a rank-and-file voter to tell the party leadership and the press/pundits which candidate best represents that voter's' views. In a primary one should NOT worry about who one's party or another party might or might not nominate six months from now. When you leave the primary voting place you should be holding your head high, not feel like you've just had a colonoscopy from a used car dealer. The only wasted vote is a vote for someone you don't want to vote for. Voting your second choice is voting for someone you didn't want to vote for. You never have to do that in a primary. In primaries you vote with your heart. It's the general election where you sometimes have to hold your nose and vote with your stomach, although having once fallen for the "gotta vote for Kerry to end the war" scam I'll never do that again. Kucinich had my vote yesterday and he'll have it in my caucus next month.
Kucinich to Introduce Impeachment of Bush Before State of the Union Address on January 28 – In a brazen show of courage, Congressman Kucinich took to the House floor yesterday and called Bush & Cheney the liars that they are. Read full article below … http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19148.htm
Is the 2008 Election Rigged for Hillary Clinton?
NewsTartget.com
http://www.newstarget.com/022540.html
Thursday, January 24, 2008
DENNIS KUCINICH 2008 – SOUL MEETS BODY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njXD5kd6vvU
[Duchess Note: The following commentary by Amy C, regarding the above YouTube video … “This pretty much melted my cynical heart of ice into a large puddle. It would be an absolute travesty if this man were not elected to lead this country and I challenge all of you to work twice as hard this week, to get out of your comfort zone and expose your heart and the truth about Dennis Kucinich”. As Kucinich says, and the Duchess does too, “a courageous vote is the only vote” Vote for Kucinich during the "Super Tuesday" primary on Feb 5th.]
New Hampshire Starts Ballot Recount After Candidates Challenge
EarthTimes.org
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/174616,new-hampshire-starts-ballot-recount-after-candidates-challenge.html
Was Kucinich Excluded for Political Views?
Amy Goodman
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/OPINION01/801170353
Kucinich Campaign Weekly Update Week of January 21st
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ct/2479705:2541917256:m:3:155700169:27B5F5FE0D809E55576CA384F45C2DAE
Dennis Kucinich’s Fight to Bring Credibility to the Democratic Party
Chris Hedges, Philadelphia Inquirer
http://www.alternet.org/stories/74268/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njXD5kd6vvU
[Duchess Note: The following commentary by Amy C, regarding the above YouTube video … “This pretty much melted my cynical heart of ice into a large puddle. It would be an absolute travesty if this man were not elected to lead this country and I challenge all of you to work twice as hard this week, to get out of your comfort zone and expose your heart and the truth about Dennis Kucinich”. As Kucinich says, and the Duchess does too, “a courageous vote is the only vote” Vote for Kucinich during the "Super Tuesday" primary on Feb 5th.]
New Hampshire Starts Ballot Recount After Candidates Challenge
EarthTimes.org
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/174616,new-hampshire-starts-ballot-recount-after-candidates-challenge.html
Was Kucinich Excluded for Political Views?
Amy Goodman
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/OPINION01/801170353
Kucinich Campaign Weekly Update Week of January 21st
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ct/2479705:2541917256:m:3:155700169:27B5F5FE0D809E55576CA384F45C2DAE
Dennis Kucinich’s Fight to Bring Credibility to the Democratic Party
Chris Hedges, Philadelphia Inquirer
http://www.alternet.org/stories/74268/
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
CAMPAIGNING OVER THE WEEKEND - KUCINICH 2008 FOR PRESIDENT [And yes, he is still very much in the race. Don’t believe the lies of the corporate mainstream media.]
Many thanks to NYC Kucinich Team member, Devery D, for being “point person” on this project for January 19th. Sincere thanks to the NYC Kucinich Team members who came to Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg to table, flier and talk with Brooklynites about Kucinich's platform. It was a great afternoon! Though abit on the overcast, chilly side; we all stayed fortified with tea and/or hot chocolate. Including Devery and I, we had a total of 6 volunteers canvassing the area near L train stop. As you can see from the photo below, we had great signs, balloons and handed out hundreds of fliers. The NYC Kucinich Team will be tabling over remaining two weeks leading up to “Super Tuesday” on Feb 5th.
Many thanks to NYC Kucinich Team member, Devery D, for being “point person” on this project for January 19th. Sincere thanks to the NYC Kucinich Team members who came to Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg to table, flier and talk with Brooklynites about Kucinich's platform. It was a great afternoon! Though abit on the overcast, chilly side; we all stayed fortified with tea and/or hot chocolate. Including Devery and I, we had a total of 6 volunteers canvassing the area near L train stop. As you can see from the photo below, we had great signs, balloons and handed out hundreds of fliers. The NYC Kucinich Team will be tabling over remaining two weeks leading up to “Super Tuesday” on Feb 5th.
Monday, January 21, 2008
IN HONOUR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING – Quotes By This Great, Compassionate Man
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation."
"Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."
Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."
Martin Luther King, Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community, 1967
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963
In the spirit of MLK, another speaker of justice and peace ... "I can tell you that we are at a moment in American history where we are in danger of losing our country. That is what causes me to defend the Constitution. It is what causes me to seek strength through peace, to propose peace for the violence in our own society, domestic violence, spousal abuse, child abuse, violence in the schools. I do not only reject war as an instrument of policy. I reject the inevitability of war. I believe peace is inevitable if you are ready to work for it. If you examine the underlying structures in our society, they have not really challenged this notion of the inevitability of violence, whether it is domestic violence, child abuse, spousal abuse, violence in the schools, gun violence, gang violence, racial violence, violence against gays, police/community clashes. It is as if we don't believe that our culture be non-violent. Violence is learned; so is nonviolence. I am looking at helping to create a social transformation here. This isn't just about winning an election. Elections come and go. Where is the country? What happens to our nation? What happens to the people? Politics cannot just be an inside game between competing corporate interests. It amounts to the condition under which people live and survive. I see a much higher purpose to what it is we do. That is why I continue to participate." – Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to fellow NYC Kucitizen, Amy C, in sharing the above. I have a feeling that MLK would be proud of the work DJK has done over the years. He'd be proud of DJKs devotion to peace, truth, justice and humanity. Also, some new commentary over at "Friends of Friday Forum". Website link is in column to the left. Be peace!]
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation."
"Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."
Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."
Martin Luther King, Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community, 1967
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963
In the spirit of MLK, another speaker of justice and peace ... "I can tell you that we are at a moment in American history where we are in danger of losing our country. That is what causes me to defend the Constitution. It is what causes me to seek strength through peace, to propose peace for the violence in our own society, domestic violence, spousal abuse, child abuse, violence in the schools. I do not only reject war as an instrument of policy. I reject the inevitability of war. I believe peace is inevitable if you are ready to work for it. If you examine the underlying structures in our society, they have not really challenged this notion of the inevitability of violence, whether it is domestic violence, child abuse, spousal abuse, violence in the schools, gun violence, gang violence, racial violence, violence against gays, police/community clashes. It is as if we don't believe that our culture be non-violent. Violence is learned; so is nonviolence. I am looking at helping to create a social transformation here. This isn't just about winning an election. Elections come and go. Where is the country? What happens to our nation? What happens to the people? Politics cannot just be an inside game between competing corporate interests. It amounts to the condition under which people live and survive. I see a much higher purpose to what it is we do. That is why I continue to participate." – Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to fellow NYC Kucitizen, Amy C, in sharing the above. I have a feeling that MLK would be proud of the work DJK has done over the years. He'd be proud of DJKs devotion to peace, truth, justice and humanity. Also, some new commentary over at "Friends of Friday Forum". Website link is in column to the left. Be peace!]
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
News On The Kucinich 2008 Presidential Campaign – Yes, He Is Electable & Still In The Race
Breaking the Sound Barrier: Democracy Now! Re-Hosts NBC Las Vegas Debate to Include Kucinich After NBC Wins Appeal to Exclude Him
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2008/01/16/primary_recount_begins/
A Disgrace Kucinich Banned! The Best Positions By Far
Blake Fleetwood, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blake-fleetwood/a-disgrace-kucinich-banne_b_81663.html
Primary Re-Count Begins
Boston.com
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2008/01/16/primary_recount_begins/
QUOTE OF THE DAY … Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. John Quincy Adams
[Duchess Note – Anyone who tells you a vote for Kucinich is a "wasted" vote is a brainwashed fool who believes the foul lies of Corporate Mainstream Media. I tell these fools that it's my vote and I get to use it to vote for the candidate that best represents my views, concerns and issues. That is what the primary is all about. It seems to me that half the problems in this country are caused because too many people vote for the person whose "electable", based on what the Corporate Mainstream Media tell them is electable! Rather than thinking for themselves, doing the research and voting in their own self-interests. They want the easy way out and not realizing there is NO easy way out.]
QUOTE OF THE DAY … It’s not a real choice. It’s an apparent choice. Like choosing a brand of detergent. Whether you buy Ivory Snow or Tide, they’re both owned by Proctor & Gamble. Arundhati Roy
Breaking the Sound Barrier: Democracy Now! Re-Hosts NBC Las Vegas Debate to Include Kucinich After NBC Wins Appeal to Exclude Him
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2008/01/16/primary_recount_begins/
A Disgrace Kucinich Banned! The Best Positions By Far
Blake Fleetwood, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blake-fleetwood/a-disgrace-kucinich-banne_b_81663.html
Primary Re-Count Begins
Boston.com
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2008/01/16/primary_recount_begins/
QUOTE OF THE DAY … Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. John Quincy Adams
[Duchess Note – Anyone who tells you a vote for Kucinich is a "wasted" vote is a brainwashed fool who believes the foul lies of Corporate Mainstream Media. I tell these fools that it's my vote and I get to use it to vote for the candidate that best represents my views, concerns and issues. That is what the primary is all about. It seems to me that half the problems in this country are caused because too many people vote for the person whose "electable", based on what the Corporate Mainstream Media tell them is electable! Rather than thinking for themselves, doing the research and voting in their own self-interests. They want the easy way out and not realizing there is NO easy way out.]
QUOTE OF THE DAY … It’s not a real choice. It’s an apparent choice. Like choosing a brand of detergent. Whether you buy Ivory Snow or Tide, they’re both owned by Proctor & Gamble. Arundhati Roy
Kucinich Falls Behind In ‘Corrupt System’
ZAID JILANI
When the time came for the Nation magazine, the country's top liberal rag, to give a presidential endorsement, they responded decisively … "In his stands on the issues, Dennis Kucinich comes closest to embodying the ideals of this magazine. A vote for him would be a principled one."
That's unsurprising. Kucinich is the only one running who, not only voted against the war, but voted against funding it 100 percent of the time. He has a 100 percent pro-labor, pro-gay rights, pro-environment, pro-fair trade voting record. No candidate wins more blind-polls based on positions; no other candidate is proposing creating a European-style single-payer universal healthcare system - which 65 percent of Americans want.
Yet the Nation went on to write, "But for reasons that have to do with the corrupting influence of money and media on national elections," they cannot endorse Kucinich. The Nation's concerns are valid. Kucinich received almost no press coverage from the corporate-run media which, according to a recent study, spent only 6 percent of this election's coverage actually talking about the issues and only 1 percent on candidates' records. In debates, he already was never allowed to even speak. Since he has never taken corporate donations - he grew up homeless, watching his parents count coins to make ends meet and has vowed never to be bought off by wealthy interests - he has been unable to raise the money necessary to run a large campaign. Still, he raised millions of dollars from the grassroots and recruited thousands of volunteers.
Yet he can't compete with Sen. Barack Obama, who put $9 million dollars into Iowa and received constant media attention. Don't get me wrong - I am as wowed by Obama's speeches as anyone else, and I find him to be a brilliant young Senator. Yet his presidential run is uninspiring. He triumphs "change," yet his campaign takes more money from the insurance industry than any other candidate except Sen. Hillary Clinton. His health care plan is crafted with that in mind - it gives billions of taxpayer dollars to the HMOs and leaves millions of people uninsured to keep alive the for-profit beast. While reminding us that he gave a speech calling the Iraq war "stupid" in 2002, he went silent on the issue when he reached the Senate, constantly voting to fund it and against withdrawal. When ultra-hawk Joe Lieberman was facing an antiwar challenger, Obama appeared at his side, calling Lieberman his "mentor."
At a recent debate, he wouldn't promise to end the Iraq occupation by 2013. His policy team is a Wall Street wet-dream: Lehman Brothers financiers, Citigroup, defense contractors, insurance lobbyists. Edwards and Clinton have assembled similar policy teams packed full of corporate insiders and entrenched military-industrial interests. They talk about change, but they represent Bushism without Bush. They represent the corporate wing of the Democratic Party, whose President Clinton passed the horrific NAFTA and "welfare reform," and whose embargo against Iraq murdered more than 500,000 children.
Some people wonder why Kucinich chooses to run in such a corrupt system. When I met him, I finally understood. In his mind, he's still just Dennis from west Cleveland, working three jobs to pull his family out of poverty. And he sees us - this country, the world - as his family. And maybe one day, we'll live in a truly democratic country, where someone can win on the strength of their ideas, not on their ability to please corporate financiers and media. Until the day comes, I say give 'em hell, Dennis. You have my vote.
** Zaid Jilani is a sophomore from Kennesaw majoring in international affairs.
© Copyright 2008 The Red and Black
ZAID JILANI
When the time came for the Nation magazine, the country's top liberal rag, to give a presidential endorsement, they responded decisively … "In his stands on the issues, Dennis Kucinich comes closest to embodying the ideals of this magazine. A vote for him would be a principled one."
That's unsurprising. Kucinich is the only one running who, not only voted against the war, but voted against funding it 100 percent of the time. He has a 100 percent pro-labor, pro-gay rights, pro-environment, pro-fair trade voting record. No candidate wins more blind-polls based on positions; no other candidate is proposing creating a European-style single-payer universal healthcare system - which 65 percent of Americans want.
Yet the Nation went on to write, "But for reasons that have to do with the corrupting influence of money and media on national elections," they cannot endorse Kucinich. The Nation's concerns are valid. Kucinich received almost no press coverage from the corporate-run media which, according to a recent study, spent only 6 percent of this election's coverage actually talking about the issues and only 1 percent on candidates' records. In debates, he already was never allowed to even speak. Since he has never taken corporate donations - he grew up homeless, watching his parents count coins to make ends meet and has vowed never to be bought off by wealthy interests - he has been unable to raise the money necessary to run a large campaign. Still, he raised millions of dollars from the grassroots and recruited thousands of volunteers.
Yet he can't compete with Sen. Barack Obama, who put $9 million dollars into Iowa and received constant media attention. Don't get me wrong - I am as wowed by Obama's speeches as anyone else, and I find him to be a brilliant young Senator. Yet his presidential run is uninspiring. He triumphs "change," yet his campaign takes more money from the insurance industry than any other candidate except Sen. Hillary Clinton. His health care plan is crafted with that in mind - it gives billions of taxpayer dollars to the HMOs and leaves millions of people uninsured to keep alive the for-profit beast. While reminding us that he gave a speech calling the Iraq war "stupid" in 2002, he went silent on the issue when he reached the Senate, constantly voting to fund it and against withdrawal. When ultra-hawk Joe Lieberman was facing an antiwar challenger, Obama appeared at his side, calling Lieberman his "mentor."
At a recent debate, he wouldn't promise to end the Iraq occupation by 2013. His policy team is a Wall Street wet-dream: Lehman Brothers financiers, Citigroup, defense contractors, insurance lobbyists. Edwards and Clinton have assembled similar policy teams packed full of corporate insiders and entrenched military-industrial interests. They talk about change, but they represent Bushism without Bush. They represent the corporate wing of the Democratic Party, whose President Clinton passed the horrific NAFTA and "welfare reform," and whose embargo against Iraq murdered more than 500,000 children.
Some people wonder why Kucinich chooses to run in such a corrupt system. When I met him, I finally understood. In his mind, he's still just Dennis from west Cleveland, working three jobs to pull his family out of poverty. And he sees us - this country, the world - as his family. And maybe one day, we'll live in a truly democratic country, where someone can win on the strength of their ideas, not on their ability to please corporate financiers and media. Until the day comes, I say give 'em hell, Dennis. You have my vote.
** Zaid Jilani is a sophomore from Kennesaw majoring in international affairs.
© Copyright 2008 The Red and Black
Monday, January 14, 2008
CAMPAIGNING OVER THE PAST WEEKEND - KUCINICH 2008 FOR PRESIDENT [And yes, he is still very much in the race. Don’t believe the lies of the corporate mainstream media.]
Many thanks to NYC Kucinich Team member, Amy C, for being “point person” on this project for January 12th. Sincere thanks to the NYC Kucinich Team members who came to Union Square to table, flyer and talk with New Yorkers about Kucinich's platform. It was a great day! Including Amy and I, we had a total of 11 volunteers canvassing the park. As you can see from the photos below, we had great signs, balloons and handed out hundreds of fliers. Lastly, Devery and I were interviewed on video by two different groups, one of which is “Farewell Mr President”. The NYC Kucinich Team will be doing this a lot over next 4 weeks leading up to “Super Tuesday” on Feb 5th. Also, we definitely out-shined the Obama volunteers on Saturday! We so rock! Hell yeah!
[Note: Linda and Devery with banner in Union Square on a sunny Saturday]
[Note: Duchess making a presence while campaigning for the congressman]
[Note: Devery and Amy spreading the Kucinich message]
Compassion and Fight: The Personality of Dennis Kucinich
Joel Wendland, Political Affairs.net
http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/6356/1/308/
Kucinich Says He’d Pull Out of Iraq In 3 Months
Sandra Armbruster, HometownLife
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/NEWS22/801130456/1039/rss15
Many thanks to NYC Kucinich Team member, Amy C, for being “point person” on this project for January 12th. Sincere thanks to the NYC Kucinich Team members who came to Union Square to table, flyer and talk with New Yorkers about Kucinich's platform. It was a great day! Including Amy and I, we had a total of 11 volunteers canvassing the park. As you can see from the photos below, we had great signs, balloons and handed out hundreds of fliers. Lastly, Devery and I were interviewed on video by two different groups, one of which is “Farewell Mr President”. The NYC Kucinich Team will be doing this a lot over next 4 weeks leading up to “Super Tuesday” on Feb 5th. Also, we definitely out-shined the Obama volunteers on Saturday! We so rock! Hell yeah!
[Note: Linda and Devery with banner in Union Square on a sunny Saturday]
[Note: Duchess making a presence while campaigning for the congressman]
[Note: Devery and Amy spreading the Kucinich message]
Compassion and Fight: The Personality of Dennis Kucinich
Joel Wendland, Political Affairs.net
http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/6356/1/308/
Kucinich Says He’d Pull Out of Iraq In 3 Months
Sandra Armbruster, HometownLife
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/NEWS22/801130456/1039/rss15
Friday, January 11, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Awesome, Powerful Video of Kucinich Speaking in New Hampshire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7niHh4QqP_s
[Duchess Note - He is electable and viable. I'm sure his platform totally resonates with many of your values. If DJK does, then vote during your states primary for him and send a strong message to the Democrat Party. Tell them you want a true progressive and not one who is imperialistic with corporation backing. We need to convey to DNC and Wash DC whom we want ... we want real change, we want a real Democrat, we want Kucinich. Also, go to "Friends of Friday Forum" and see some updated comments.]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7niHh4QqP_s
[Duchess Note - He is electable and viable. I'm sure his platform totally resonates with many of your values. If DJK does, then vote during your states primary for him and send a strong message to the Democrat Party. Tell them you want a true progressive and not one who is imperialistic with corporation backing. We need to convey to DNC and Wash DC whom we want ... we want real change, we want a real Democrat, we want Kucinich. Also, go to "Friends of Friday Forum" and see some updated comments.]
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
MORE IMPORTANT ARTICLES ON CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH'S 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Etheridge Misses Kucinich
Sarah Wheaton, NYT – The Caucus
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/05/etheridge-misses-kucinich
Melissa Etheridge Objects on Kucinich’s Behalf
Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080106/cm_thenation/45266583
Film Star Viggo Mortensen Campaigns with Dennis Kucinich in NH Today
American Chronicle Newswire Services
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=48124
"When a television network has the power to decide which candidates are 'worthy' of addressing the American people, it robs the American people of their most precious right to the free flow of information and dissenting points of view," Mortensen said. "I am an actor, but I am also a citizen and a voter who resents the control that big money, big media, and entrenched political interests have in deciding what I should see, what I should hear, and what I should be allowed to think."
In NH Angry Kucinich Fans Protest ABC
Christina Bellantoni, The Washington Times
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080105/NATION/504236468/1002
Kucinich Still The Best
Commentary by Daniel Geery, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=5452
Kucinich Believes Campaign Energized As Primary Approaches – Candidate Says Democrats Shouldn’t Shy Away From Voting for Him
WMUR Channel 9 New Hampshire
http://www.wmur.com/politics/14989759/detail.html?rss=man&psp=news
[Duchess Note - Only on the Internet, and through many blogs, plus word of mouth, will the American people and voters hear the truth. Truth about many issues, corporations, insurance companies, big pharma, etc. Real change must happen in this country, and that can be unsettling, but it must take place OR all we hold dear will be lost forever. It can be done and "big brother" can and will be overthrown forever. We can do it if we ALL pull together and make it happen. Join me and others in making it real. Let's tell "big brother" to go to hell. Also, many thanks to those who share the above articles with me. Your all awesome!]
Etheridge Misses Kucinich
Sarah Wheaton, NYT – The Caucus
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/05/etheridge-misses-kucinich
Melissa Etheridge Objects on Kucinich’s Behalf
Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080106/cm_thenation/45266583
Film Star Viggo Mortensen Campaigns with Dennis Kucinich in NH Today
American Chronicle Newswire Services
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=48124
"When a television network has the power to decide which candidates are 'worthy' of addressing the American people, it robs the American people of their most precious right to the free flow of information and dissenting points of view," Mortensen said. "I am an actor, but I am also a citizen and a voter who resents the control that big money, big media, and entrenched political interests have in deciding what I should see, what I should hear, and what I should be allowed to think."
In NH Angry Kucinich Fans Protest ABC
Christina Bellantoni, The Washington Times
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080105/NATION/504236468/1002
Kucinich Still The Best
Commentary by Daniel Geery, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=5452
Kucinich Believes Campaign Energized As Primary Approaches – Candidate Says Democrats Shouldn’t Shy Away From Voting for Him
WMUR Channel 9 New Hampshire
http://www.wmur.com/politics/14989759/detail.html?rss=man&psp=news
[Duchess Note - Only on the Internet, and through many blogs, plus word of mouth, will the American people and voters hear the truth. Truth about many issues, corporations, insurance companies, big pharma, etc. Real change must happen in this country, and that can be unsettling, but it must take place OR all we hold dear will be lost forever. It can be done and "big brother" can and will be overthrown forever. We can do it if we ALL pull together and make it happen. Join me and others in making it real. Let's tell "big brother" to go to hell. Also, many thanks to those who share the above articles with me. Your all awesome!]
Monday, January 07, 2008
URGENT WEEKEND UPDATE ON THE KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN
Great New Kucinich Commercial
http://www.usalone.com/kucinich_tv.php
Kucinich Contests Debate Exclusion by ABC News
Seattle Times News
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004108723_campdig05.html
Kucinich Forges Ahead
James Ridgeway, Guardian Unlimited
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/usa/2008/01/kucinich_forges_ahead.html
Green Democratic Alliance Endorses Kucinich
Burlington Free Press
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20080107&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=80107015&SectionCat=&Template=printart
Welcome to the United States of Disney – Why Was Dennis Kucinich Left Out of the ABC Democratic Debate
Best Syndication
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=010708_dennis_kucinich_democrat_debate.htm
Rep Mike Michaud Writes Strong Letter to Conyers Calling for Cheney Impeachment Hearings
Let’s Try Democracy, by David Swanson
http://www.davidswanson.org/?q=node/1041
Kucinich Protests Absence from Debate
Bryan Bender, Globe Staff
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/kucinich_protes.html
Kucinich Campaign: ABC is violating public interest and endorsing 'chosen' candidates
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=48054
Commentary from Doug Biviano [NY State Kucinich Coordinator] on Recent Events
I just heard Dennis on C-Span and he was asked this question. Dennis reiterated that his recommendation to his supporters caucusing in Iowa to go to Obama's table as a SECOND CHOICE ONLY IF THE 15 PERCENT THRESHOLD WAS NOT MET and was NOT AN ENDORSEMENT of Obama. He also said outright he was not competing in Iowa. He was shutout of the debates in Iowa.
He said instead, he was competing hard and fast in New Hampshire. Given his limited campaigning in Iowa and what he has said, I believe that his recommendation was nothing more than a strategic response to a requirement of the Iowa caucus process itself. If any candidate's caucus goers do not meet 15 percent of the total number of caucus goers in the meeting hall for that district at the end of the first round, the candidate's caucus supporters are ordered by the caucus chair to move to a different candidate's table. They must move to a different table.
Now I want to make this clear that it is my analysis that this was a strategy and a rather good one. I will explain why. Recently, I listened to Dennis speak on Air America Radio and incidentally I was also given a short segment after Dennis spoke. Richard Greene invited Dennis to a lengthy segment on his show "Clout" (which, by the way, is one of the best Air America Shows). Dennis was genuine and dynamic as usual. More specifically, Dennis was asked what does it mean that Obama won Iowa. Dennis responded that it simply meant that the race was wide open. Dennis also provided a little more insight on this today on C-Span saying that he did not believe that any Democratic candidate would obtain a majority of delegates by the time of the convention. Therefore, the race would remain wide open and the delegates that he wins as we move through each state would keep him very viable and significant.
Now if you think about this it makes a whole lot of sense. Obama needed to score near home and he did. Edwards is going to continue to pull well, especially in the south. Clinton is going to win some too. Therefore, the pot will be split many ways. Imagine if Dennis didn't send his supporters to Obama's table and Clinton won. Would she have headed for a Kerry 2004 style sweep of the primaries as Obama fell from grace? God forbid. My guess is that Dennis understands the politics as much as policy. I do not know this for sure but this is how I see it. And as the other candidates knock each other down, have inconvenient details of their policies exposed and lose momentum, Dennis will breakthrough and gain momentum.
Lets give Dennis the benefit of the doubt this time. And after the inexcusable exclusion of Dennis from the debates by ABC harping on his recommendation seems small potatoes. The decisions of ABC executives are what undermined and belittled the hard work of Dennis Kucinich supporters in their participation.
A Real Democrat Keeps Fighting – Message from the Kucinich Campaign Staff
We want to keep you updated with everything that is happening with the ABC situation. As you know, they have excluded Dennis from Saturday night’s debate. On Friday, the Kucinich for President Campaign filed an emergency complaint with the Federal Communications Commission claiming that the ABC television network is violating its obligation to operate in the public interest by excluding Ohio Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich from Saturday’s scheduled debate in Manchester, NH. The filing points out that Kucinich is the only Democratic presidential candidate who has qualified for Federal matching funds who is being excluded by
ABC. Further, the complaint charges, the televised event is not a true presidential primary debate without including all credible candidates, but instead is effectively an endorsement of the candidates selected by ABC.
Besides fighting this in court, we are fighting on the airwaves by purchasing TV and radio time.
Supporters gathered outside the location of the debate in Manchester, New Hampshire Saturday to hear Dennis speak. But he should have been inside at the debate. Mainstream America needs to hear about the one real Democrat - Dennis Kucinich. We need your support to get the word out that Dennis has the platform that America needs and wants. The mainstream media won't tell you. Did you know Dennis just won another straw poll? It was held by the Washington State Democratic Party, but you will have to look hard to find it!
Please contribute $25, $50, $100, or any amount you can so we can get our message to more Americans ...
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ct/2423514:2457073074:m:3:155700169:4F967333FB1367CDDD8F8DC6D0DE4DAE
Locked Out: Kucinich Excluded from NH Debate – Brilliant Protest in Manchester, NH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyQo5ZrYbSM
Great Message from NYC Kucinich Team Member – Thomas Gallagher – "The Times Square ABC Protest was GREAT!"
We had 5 REALLY LOUD and ENTHUSIASTIC people with Kucinich signs in front of the dark ABC studio. Amazing what a small group of voices can do to a cloak of silence. We got a lot of attention (people taking pictures from all over the square, people chiming in, giving the thumbs up, etc) chanting:
ABC can't stop the debate - Dennis Kucinich 2008!
ABC don't pick the President - You do! We do!
It's your vote's gonna pick the President - Dennis! Kucinich!
I led a chant calling out our platform with Phoebe, Charlene [Duchess], Barbara, and Aaron enthusiastically responding each time with - "You gotta vote Kucinich!"
You want real change? (You gotta vote Kucinich!)
You wanna end war?
You want health care?
Not for profit health care?
An end to Nafta?
Worker's rights?
Immigrant's rights?
You want Peace?
Alternative energy?
Impeach Dick Cheney?
And George Bush too?
You gotta make some noise!
You gotta get out and vote!
On February five!
It was great! I feel sooooooooo much better. Thanks for coming out and Being the Change.
P.S. The police were friendly, asking only how long we would be there (I told them until the Democratic Debate began at 8:45pm), and for us to stay close to the building (I told him we would not block the sidewalk). Two officers jokingly asked later, "You're not voting for Giuliani?" and then professed that they liked Kucinich.
In case you missed it here are two links to Dennis and supporters raising hell in New Hampshire ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyQo5ZrYbSM OR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB3JgbsddrQ
An Open Letter to ABC News
Kathryn Smith, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_kathryn__080106_an_open_letter_to_ab.htm
The Dennis Kucinich Interview
Rachel Dowd, The Advocate
http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2008/01/03/1
Dennis Kucinich: Strength Through Peace, A New National Security Doctrine
Hosted at 92nd Street Y in NYC & Interviewed by Amy Goodman of “Democracy Now”
http://www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T%2DLC5SE25
[Note: All tickets are $26]
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda, Thomas, and other NYC Kucinich Team members in contributing the above info and articles. People have the power! If you see some links or articles you wish to share with like-minded friends and family, please share the wealth. As Americans we must vote our ideas and conscious. We must vote for candidates that best represent our values and not those of the Corporate Mainstream Media. Listen to what your heart and soul tell you and make your choices based on knowledge, not fear. Strength through peace and justice.]
"THE POLICE" REUNION TOUR UPDATE
Got 'em Covered, says Police Man
The Australian
http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,23018249-16947,00.html?from=public_rss
When his band begins the Australian leg of its hugely reunion tour, Andy Summers will be exhibiting more than his guitar skills.
Meet Jeff Ament: Pearl Jam’s Ament Plays for Love of Game
John Heaney, The Missoulian
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/01/07/sports/sports05.txt
Great New Kucinich Commercial
http://www.usalone.com/kucinich_tv.php
Kucinich Contests Debate Exclusion by ABC News
Seattle Times News
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004108723_campdig05.html
Kucinich Forges Ahead
James Ridgeway, Guardian Unlimited
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/usa/2008/01/kucinich_forges_ahead.html
Green Democratic Alliance Endorses Kucinich
Burlington Free Press
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20080107&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=80107015&SectionCat=&Template=printart
Welcome to the United States of Disney – Why Was Dennis Kucinich Left Out of the ABC Democratic Debate
Best Syndication
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=010708_dennis_kucinich_democrat_debate.htm
Rep Mike Michaud Writes Strong Letter to Conyers Calling for Cheney Impeachment Hearings
Let’s Try Democracy, by David Swanson
http://www.davidswanson.org/?q=node/1041
Kucinich Protests Absence from Debate
Bryan Bender, Globe Staff
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/kucinich_protes.html
Kucinich Campaign: ABC is violating public interest and endorsing 'chosen' candidates
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=48054
Commentary from Doug Biviano [NY State Kucinich Coordinator] on Recent Events
I just heard Dennis on C-Span and he was asked this question. Dennis reiterated that his recommendation to his supporters caucusing in Iowa to go to Obama's table as a SECOND CHOICE ONLY IF THE 15 PERCENT THRESHOLD WAS NOT MET and was NOT AN ENDORSEMENT of Obama. He also said outright he was not competing in Iowa. He was shutout of the debates in Iowa.
He said instead, he was competing hard and fast in New Hampshire. Given his limited campaigning in Iowa and what he has said, I believe that his recommendation was nothing more than a strategic response to a requirement of the Iowa caucus process itself. If any candidate's caucus goers do not meet 15 percent of the total number of caucus goers in the meeting hall for that district at the end of the first round, the candidate's caucus supporters are ordered by the caucus chair to move to a different candidate's table. They must move to a different table.
Now I want to make this clear that it is my analysis that this was a strategy and a rather good one. I will explain why. Recently, I listened to Dennis speak on Air America Radio and incidentally I was also given a short segment after Dennis spoke. Richard Greene invited Dennis to a lengthy segment on his show "Clout" (which, by the way, is one of the best Air America Shows). Dennis was genuine and dynamic as usual. More specifically, Dennis was asked what does it mean that Obama won Iowa. Dennis responded that it simply meant that the race was wide open. Dennis also provided a little more insight on this today on C-Span saying that he did not believe that any Democratic candidate would obtain a majority of delegates by the time of the convention. Therefore, the race would remain wide open and the delegates that he wins as we move through each state would keep him very viable and significant.
Now if you think about this it makes a whole lot of sense. Obama needed to score near home and he did. Edwards is going to continue to pull well, especially in the south. Clinton is going to win some too. Therefore, the pot will be split many ways. Imagine if Dennis didn't send his supporters to Obama's table and Clinton won. Would she have headed for a Kerry 2004 style sweep of the primaries as Obama fell from grace? God forbid. My guess is that Dennis understands the politics as much as policy. I do not know this for sure but this is how I see it. And as the other candidates knock each other down, have inconvenient details of their policies exposed and lose momentum, Dennis will breakthrough and gain momentum.
Lets give Dennis the benefit of the doubt this time. And after the inexcusable exclusion of Dennis from the debates by ABC harping on his recommendation seems small potatoes. The decisions of ABC executives are what undermined and belittled the hard work of Dennis Kucinich supporters in their participation.
A Real Democrat Keeps Fighting – Message from the Kucinich Campaign Staff
We want to keep you updated with everything that is happening with the ABC situation. As you know, they have excluded Dennis from Saturday night’s debate. On Friday, the Kucinich for President Campaign filed an emergency complaint with the Federal Communications Commission claiming that the ABC television network is violating its obligation to operate in the public interest by excluding Ohio Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich from Saturday’s scheduled debate in Manchester, NH. The filing points out that Kucinich is the only Democratic presidential candidate who has qualified for Federal matching funds who is being excluded by
ABC. Further, the complaint charges, the televised event is not a true presidential primary debate without including all credible candidates, but instead is effectively an endorsement of the candidates selected by ABC.
Besides fighting this in court, we are fighting on the airwaves by purchasing TV and radio time.
Supporters gathered outside the location of the debate in Manchester, New Hampshire Saturday to hear Dennis speak. But he should have been inside at the debate. Mainstream America needs to hear about the one real Democrat - Dennis Kucinich. We need your support to get the word out that Dennis has the platform that America needs and wants. The mainstream media won't tell you. Did you know Dennis just won another straw poll? It was held by the Washington State Democratic Party, but you will have to look hard to find it!
Please contribute $25, $50, $100, or any amount you can so we can get our message to more Americans ...
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ct/2423514:2457073074:m:3:155700169:4F967333FB1367CDDD8F8DC6D0DE4DAE
Locked Out: Kucinich Excluded from NH Debate – Brilliant Protest in Manchester, NH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyQo5ZrYbSM
Great Message from NYC Kucinich Team Member – Thomas Gallagher – "The Times Square ABC Protest was GREAT!"
We had 5 REALLY LOUD and ENTHUSIASTIC people with Kucinich signs in front of the dark ABC studio. Amazing what a small group of voices can do to a cloak of silence. We got a lot of attention (people taking pictures from all over the square, people chiming in, giving the thumbs up, etc) chanting:
ABC can't stop the debate - Dennis Kucinich 2008!
ABC don't pick the President - You do! We do!
It's your vote's gonna pick the President - Dennis! Kucinich!
I led a chant calling out our platform with Phoebe, Charlene [Duchess], Barbara, and Aaron enthusiastically responding each time with - "You gotta vote Kucinich!"
You want real change? (You gotta vote Kucinich!)
You wanna end war?
You want health care?
Not for profit health care?
An end to Nafta?
Worker's rights?
Immigrant's rights?
You want Peace?
Alternative energy?
Impeach Dick Cheney?
And George Bush too?
You gotta make some noise!
You gotta get out and vote!
On February five!
It was great! I feel sooooooooo much better. Thanks for coming out and Being the Change.
P.S. The police were friendly, asking only how long we would be there (I told them until the Democratic Debate began at 8:45pm), and for us to stay close to the building (I told him we would not block the sidewalk). Two officers jokingly asked later, "You're not voting for Giuliani?" and then professed that they liked Kucinich.
In case you missed it here are two links to Dennis and supporters raising hell in New Hampshire ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyQo5ZrYbSM OR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB3JgbsddrQ
An Open Letter to ABC News
Kathryn Smith, OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_kathryn__080106_an_open_letter_to_ab.htm
The Dennis Kucinich Interview
Rachel Dowd, The Advocate
http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2008/01/03/1
Dennis Kucinich: Strength Through Peace, A New National Security Doctrine
Hosted at 92nd Street Y in NYC & Interviewed by Amy Goodman of “Democracy Now”
http://www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T%2DLC5SE25
[Note: All tickets are $26]
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda, Thomas, and other NYC Kucinich Team members in contributing the above info and articles. People have the power! If you see some links or articles you wish to share with like-minded friends and family, please share the wealth. As Americans we must vote our ideas and conscious. We must vote for candidates that best represent our values and not those of the Corporate Mainstream Media. Listen to what your heart and soul tell you and make your choices based on knowledge, not fear. Strength through peace and justice.]
"THE POLICE" REUNION TOUR UPDATE
Got 'em Covered, says Police Man
The Australian
http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,23018249-16947,00.html?from=public_rss
When his band begins the Australian leg of its hugely reunion tour, Andy Summers will be exhibiting more than his guitar skills.
Meet Jeff Ament: Pearl Jam’s Ament Plays for Love of Game
John Heaney, The Missoulian
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/01/07/sports/sports05.txt