From the Folk at “World Can’t Wait!” – Pictures & Video from the March on the Pentagon

Over 20 thousand people marched on the Pentagon Saturday, March 17, demanding an end to the war on Iraq, no war on Iran, and that Bush be impeached. The crowd included many students and youth, veterans of the current Iraq war and other wars, and many others from around the country. Saturday's protest came 40 years after the 1967 March on the Pentagon, which marked a turning point in the movement against the Vietnam war. Protests are being held all across the country and around the world this weekend to mark the 4th anniversary of the unjust war on Iraq. More reports will be coming soon from this important weekend of protest. For now, check out pictures and video at the following link http://www.worldcantwait.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3971&Itemid=223

Purple Hearts, Democrats Abroad & Kucinich
Democrats.com Unity
http://www.democrats.com/node/12284



Kucinich Urges Conversation about Impeachment
http://kucinich.us/node/3696/play

Wake Up America Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFqzukTJon8

Kucinich Has a Chance to Make a Historic Move & to Stand Out as a Presidential Hopeful
Dave Lindorff
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/03/16/18377460.php

Join Others Who Support Congressman Kucinich in His Presidential Campaign for 2008 – Find & Sign Up with a Meetup Group Today
http://www.wewantkucinich.com/connect/index.htm

Firemen Douse Rudy’s Image as 9/11 Hero – Union Bid to Halt White House Run
Sarah Baxter, NY Sunday Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1530535.ece

[Duchess Note - The real heroes on that horrific day in September 2001 were the firemen, police, volunteers and those tending the wounded. They are the heroes ... not Guilani. Like the Bush Regime, Guilani has used and abused 9/11 for his own personal gains. Like the Bush Regime, Rudy has no compassion nor consideration of the 9/11 families. I say "BRAVO" to the firemen and bring forth the truth.]



Check Out The Different Presidential Candidates for 2008
http://impact.myspace.com/

You call Yourself a Progressive, But You Still Eat Meat?
Kathy Freston
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/49188/

Halliburton: From Bush's Favorite to a National Disgrace
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0314-08.htm

Editorial Pages Call for Axing Attorney General
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0314-06.htm

Neocons in Cheney’s Office Fund al Qaeda-Tied Groups & No One Cares?!?
Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/49275/

Important Message From CodePink Organization
Today, Monday, March 19, marks four years of war in Iraq. We hope you attended one of the hundreds of actions this weekend against the continued bloodshed. Today you have another opportunity to attend rallies, call and visit your congressperson before they vote this week on the supplemental bill that would allocate another $100 billion for war. Tell them "No More Money for War." You also have an opportunity to pressure one of the largest on-line activist groups, MoveOn.org. MoveOn has not taken a stand against this Supplemental. It asked its members to take a vote on whether or not to support the Supplemental, but failed to explain how disastrous this inside-the-beltway compromise really is:

* It will keep the war going well into 2008;
* It omits Congresswoman Barbara Lee's amendment, which would have fully funded withdrawal by the end of the 2007;
* It gives the President the right to waive requirements that troops sent to Iraq must be properly trained, equipped and rested;
* The funds can be used for attacking Iran, since the final version removed language saying the president had to get authorization from Congress before attacking Iran.
* And finally, MoveOn neglects to tell its members how absurd it is to give George Bush another $100 billion for war when there is no military solution to the violence in Iraq.

The Democrat leadership says this is the "best bill" they can get passed, but admits that President Bush is likely to veto it anyway. We need to tell Congress to stop the political machinations and use its Constitutional authority to end war by cutting the funds. We need to tell MoveOn to join the rest of the peace movement with the clear, principled call to Congress: Vote No on the Supplemental. Don't Buy Bush's War. This week, your leadership is crucial. Call your member of Congress at 800-828-0498, and inspire your friends to do the same. Attend a MoveOn candlelight vigil tonight with the real message: No Money for War!

Message from Democrats.com Unity
Kucinich: "Impeachment May Well Be the Only Remedy"

Today Rep. Dennis Kucinich defied Speaker Nancy Pelosi and put the Impeachment of George W. Bush "on the table" where it urgently belongs. Kucinich said, "This week the House Appropriations committee removed language from the Iraq war funding bill requiring the Administration, under Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution, to seek permission before it launched an attack against Iran. Since war with Iran is an option of this Administration and since such war is patently illegal, then impeachment may well be the only remedy which remains to stop a war of aggression against Iran."

Of course speaking about impeachment is not the same as introducing Articles of Impeachment. But Kucinich is stepping into a firestorm of opposition from the corporate media and his own party's leadership - and needs our support to keep him going. Please thank Rep. Dennis Kucinich for speaking out on impeachment - and ask him to make his remarks real by introducing Articles of Impeachment: info@kucinich.us OR http://kucinich.us/contact

Read more of Kucinich's speech in "The Ides of March" by Cindy Sheehan:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/19708

On Wednesday night, Kucinich spoke with a group of citizens about Iran and impeachment. Here's video:http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/19680

We also highly recommend this new video of an impeachment workshop with Mimi Kennedy, John Nichols, Antonia Juhasz, David Swanson, and Tim Carpenter:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/19700

If Elected, Clinton Says Some G.I.s In Iraq Would Remain
Michael R. Gordon & Patrick Healy, NY Times
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0315-02.htm

[DUCHESS NOTE – Make your voices known and heard to ALL presidential candidates for 2008. All US troops out of Iraq by end of 2007! We don’t want a president in office who’ll keep our troops in the Middle East. The war and occupation of Iraq is inmoral and illegal. We want a true democracy in the US and not a fascist imperial regime bent on world domination. Support and vote for a presidential candidate who’s been against the war in Iraq from the beginning and wants to bring ALL our troops home. Vote for Kucinich … http://kucinich.us]

What We Need: Single Payer, a Single Plan
Lisa Nilles
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0315-24.htm

Congressman Kucinich Speaking on Iran
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oiYBZ2ykqc&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eafterdowningstreet%2Eorg%2F

Kucinich: 'Impeachment May Well be the Only Remedy Which Remains to Stop a War of Aggression Against Iran'
Ron Brynaert
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Kucinich_Impeachment_may_well_be_only_0315.html

[DUCHESS NOTE: Many thanks to Linda Z in TX for sharing some of the above articles.]

Liverpool: Peace Be With You
Posted on: 03/07/07
Written by: Sarah Hall, Liverpool Review
email: shall@cnylink.com

The weekend of Feb. 3, over 1,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C. to ask the federal government to consider creating a federal department of peace with a cabinet-level position. The attendees listened to speeches from such activists as Deepak Chopra and Michael Beckwith. In the audience was Liverpool resident Gay Montague, a former English teacher at Liverpool High School. Montague attended the conference with friend Danya Wellmon of East Syracuse. The two were the only Central New Yorkers in attendance. “It was really inspirational,” Montague said. “Almost every state was represented.” Montague is part of the Peace Alliance, a national organization committed to forming a department of peace. The organization was formed by motivational speaker Marianne Williamson, an author whose works include “Healing the Soul of America” and “The Gift of Change.” Montague has long been committed to creating a more peaceful world, and the Peace Alliance is a natural fit for her.

“It’s important for people to know that it’s not an antiwar or anti-military organization,” Montague said of the alliance. “It seeks to establish a federal department of peace with a cabinet-level appointment. We want to bring the idea of peace to the forefront. We put our energy into creating peace rather than being antiwar. There’s a difference.” Montague, with Wellmon’s aid, is trying to establish a chapter of the Peace Alliance in Central New York. She wants to educate people on the mission of the organization and to spark a different kind of thinking about conflict resolution. The creation of a federal peace department is part of that new thinking. A bill has been brought forth in Congress proposing a federal department (House Resolution 808), and 60 representatives have already agreed to cosponsor the bill. In addition, 19 major cities including Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta, some of the most violent places in the country, have put their support behind the proposal.

The Time Has Come
Montague said that the idea of a department of peace is not new. “It first came up in 1792,” she said. “It was proposed by Benjamin Banneker and Benjamin Rush when the country’s government was being set up. It’s come up several times since then. It’s an idea whose time has come.” While the idea of a department of peace may seem overly romantic to some, Montague pointed out that the proposal is also very practical. “Interpersonal violence costs $300 billion in one year in the U.S. according to the World Health Organization,” she said. “And that figure doesn’t include the costs of war. Violent crime is on the rise. It’s up 8 percent in the nation’s smaller cities, and the national murder rate is up for the first time in years. Something’s not working.” Montague said that the department of peace would work to create a new concept of conflict resolution and would teach nonviolent tactics in areas where violence is prevalent. The department would work internationally and locally to improve living conditions for people and to prevent outbreaks of violence.

“Studies have shown that we can identify where the next outbreak will be based on the conditions people are living in,” Montague said. “These include high child mortality rates, limited or no access to markets and people feeling like they have no voice in government. Peace department workers could step in in these situations to prevent the violence.” The department would also aid the military in the aftermath of war to rebuild infrastructure and bring about a return to normalcy in war-torn nations. “After the shock and awe of war, people need jobs,” Montague said. “There needs to be a good transition.” In addition, the department would undertake efforts here in the U.S. to limit violence, working with prisons to better rehabilitate violent criminals, presenting programs to schools and assisting victims of violence. It would provide an umbrella under which all peace programs could operate, allowing for increased awareness and better oversight. “It’s a rethinking to set up conditions for peaceful resolution,” Montague said.

The biggest part of that rethinking would be the establishment of a peace academy which would work in conjunction with the military academy to train people for nonviolent conflict resolution. The cost, Montague said, would be minimal; activists anticipate asking for a mere 2 percent of the budget for the Department of Defense. The cost is especially paltry when considering the potential benefits. Montague recognized that the idea will still have its naysayer’s, but she’s not discouraged. “Abolition was unthinkable at the time,” she pointed out. “Women’s suffrage was unthinkable at the time… I think people are beginning to realize that what we’re doing isn’t working. This is a viable path.” For more information about the Peace Alliance, visit www.ThePeaceAlliance.org OR www.nyc-dop.com

Kucinich Hires Critic of Israel for Hill Panel
Daniel reilly & Patrick O’Connor / The Politico
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=4D3193F2-3048-5C12-0066B32A6264B844

Whose Oil Is It, Anyway?
Antonia Juhasz, NY Times
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/19606

Kucinich: take Oil Out of Iraq Funds Bill
United Press International
http://www.upi.com/Energy/kucinich_take_oil_out_of_iraq_funds_bill/20070314-013542-9226r/

[DUCHESS NOTE - Many thanks to Linda Z in TX for sharing the above three articles.]

Message Outtake from “Center for American Progress Action Fund” in Regards to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales & Bush Regime
THE 'CLINTON DID IT TOO' DEFENSE FURTHER WEAKENED: Last week in Little Rock, Rove claimed the attorney firings were "normal and ordinary" because Clinton did the same thing when he replaced all 93 U.S. Attorneys in 1993. The difference, as former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta told The Progress Report, is that "the Clinton administration never fired federal prosecutors as pure political retribution." The Clinton administration, like the H.W. Bush and Reagan administrations before it, asked for all U.S. Attorneys to resign at the beginning of their respective presidential terms. As the Carpetbagger blog reports, replacing all the prosecutors is not "remotely unusual" -- "indeed, it’s how the process is designed." "The Congressional Research Service has confirmed how unprecedented these firings are. It found that of 486 U.S. attorneys confirmed since 1981, perhaps no more than three were forced out in similar ways, three in 25 years, compared with seven in recent months." The new emails show the Justice Department knew what they were doing had never been done before. "In recent memory, during the Reagan and Clinton Administrations, Presidents Reagan and Clinton did not seek to remove and replace U.S. Attorneys to serve indefinitely under the holdover provision," Samson wrote.

PERSONAL NEWS #116
On Thursday evening, January 18th, I attended the monthly NYDoP core team meeting. Those in attendance were Kevin, Dawn, Marianne and I. Turnout was low due to the cold, blustery weather and threats of snow. Despite that the four of us got much accomplished during the allotted time frame. Discussion on the upcoming Peace Conference in DC was an important topic. Also, from mid-2004 to the present, New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace [NYDoP] have held their meetings at many locations throughout Manhattan. In January 2006, many thanks to the kindness and generosity of Laura Miranda, we now have a “meeting space”. This month we celebrated the one year anniversary. May our group, and the peace movement, continue to grow and shine forth with great joy.

On Monday evening, January 22nd, I attended my third “Peace Circle” in Brooklyn. It was held at Mary’s apartment, which is situated in a lovely brownstone in Park Slope. Those in attendance that evening were Mary, Gili, Kim, Joyce and I. Was feeling abit agitated that day and the peaceful delightful atmosphere, with meditation, helped in a soothing way. Joyce offered to drive Gili and me to our respective homes, which was so sweet and thoughtful of her.

Saturday, January 27th, rally and protest in Washington DC review is posted on February 1st and photos on February 6th.

QUOTE OF THE DAY … Patriotism does not mean support for your government; it means support for your country … Mark Twain

Weekend of February 3rd and 4th at 4th Annual Peace Conference review & photos will be posted shortly, please stay tuned…………

On Wednesday evening, February 7th, I attended the monthly DFNYC meetup in Park Slope. About seven of us were in attendance and halfway through the meeting fellow Kucitizen, Paul B, showed up. I hadn’t seen him in months and always a pleasure to hangout with him. Dedicated to political campaigns, health issues and activism, plus he is such a nice man. Topics of discussion were Dave Pollack, Daily Gotham, New Democrat Majority [NDM], Public Advocate/City Council campaigns will be in 2009 and HR 455 legislation introduced by Congressman Nadler of NY. Also a brief discussion on Senator Kennedy’s S233 legislation to prohibit further funds for escalation of US military forces in Iraq. Meeting wrapped up around 8:50pm and I walked part way to my bus stop with Paul.

On Thursday evening, February 8th, I participated in the NYDoP conference call to “debrief” the recent 4th annual peace conference in DC. Many of us who attended the conference were on the call and it was great hearing everyone’s thoughts on the event. How do we proceed from point A to B and take the inspiring motivation from conference to new levels. In the upcoming month or so our group will be participating in Planning & Strategy for 2007/2008. It’ll be a busy, exciting time.

PEACE QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Peace hath higher tests of manhood, than battle ever knew. John Greenleaf Whittier



The Time for Action on Iraq – Message from Congressman Kucinich
Democratic leaders are poised to give President Bush another $120 billion ($120,000,000,000) for the war, more than enough money to keep out troops in Iraq through the end of his term and enough money to expand the war into Iran. Democratic leaders want to fund the war while saying they oppose the war. They are promising to use the war as a campaign issue against Republicans in 2008. We do not have time to discern whether the leaders who say they are for peace yet vote for war are motivated by sincerity, self-deception or duplicity. We need to mobilize now to contact Members of Congress to vote against further funding of the war. If the war is to be brought to an end, then Members of Congress must hear from you. Your efforts will make a difference.

Remember last year when Democrats ran TV commercials against Republicans attacking them for supporting the war? Democrats were brought to power in the House and the Senate because of the war. Now, in the first 100 days in a Democratic Congress; it is the Democrats who are raising the banner of war in the name of the troops, in the name of the Constitution, in the name of national security and in your name. Voila! The Democratic version of the war in Iraq. The Democratic Party is at a turning point. Either we take this nation out of Iraq by cutting off funds NOW or we will forfeit the trust and the confidence of the American people. There will be consequences for Democrats funding the war.

Please join the thousands of citizen activists who are coming to Washington in the next 10 days to meet with Members of Congress to demand an end to the war and a real plan for stabilizing Iraq. Tell them about my bill, HR 1234, the plan to end the Iraq war. HR 1234 is the plan that will end the occupation, close the bases, bring the troops home, make Halliburton and all contractors come home and stabilize Iraq with an international peace-keeping and security force. HR 1234 will restore Iraq’s sovereignty over its oil, control its food and energy prices and protect its financial integrity by ensuring Iraq will not be the target of World Bank and IMF structural adjustment policies.

Please read HR 1234 before you meet with Members of Congress. This bill, crafted with the consultation of senior UN advisors with expertise in international peace-keeping and security missions, military experts and principals of the international political community is the plan that will end the occupation, bring our troops home and stabilize Iraq. HR 1234 - Spread the word!

Hidden Costs of War: Long-Term Price of Providing Veterans Medical Care Could Reach $660 Billion
http://kucinich.us/node/2613

Congressman Kucinich & 2008 Presidential Candidate – Prayer for America Video
August 14, 2006
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8528466337443301416&q=kucinich&hl=en

America Needs A Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich “Unity Ticket”
By Jay Esbe, OpEdNews
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_jay_esbe_070312_america_needs_a_ron_.htm

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

Just Call Me Mike: a Journey from Actor to Activist
Mike Farrell, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/48993/

Times Square Anti-war Vigil Starts
Article & Photos by Justin Rocket Silverman, amNew York Staff Writer
As the U.S. closes in on its fourth year in Iraq, the Granny Peace Brigade Sunday ramped up its protest of the war with a week-long vigil honoring the soldiers killed since fighting began in March 2003. The Grannys will spend six days, from dawn till dusk, at the Times Square military recruiting center reading the names of the more than 7,700 Americans, coalition soldiers and journalists killed since fighting began in March 2003.
http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-grannies0312,0,3288282.story?coll=am-topheadlines


[Photo Note: Duchess at event yesterday holding the banner]


[Photo Note: Duchess friend, Linda G, at event ringing chimes after each name is spoken]

WHAT WAS IN THE NEWS THIS PAST WEEKEND

World Water Day
Face it: Clean tap water is something you take for granted. The thing is, other people, lots of them actually, aren't so lucky. As a matter of fact, the lack of clean drinking water is one of the most urgent health crises facing the planet today. The Tap Project lets you do something about that. But don't worry, it's easy: all you have to do is have a glass of water. On March 22, 2007 the United Nations' World Water Day, hundreds of restaurants in New York City, home to some the best tap water on the planet, will invite their patrons to pay $1 for something they normally get for free. The funds collected will support UNICEF water programs, which provide safe drinking water to children around the world. Go to: http://www.tapproject.org

Police Tour Add Shows
http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/070312/340/h1hm6.html&e=l_news_dm
The Police have announced details of a series of new dates in the UK, after the original shows quickly sold out

Meet the Candidates 2008: Kucinich runs again
John Beaudoin, Publisher
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18051053&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555131&rfi=6

Vermont: 36 Towns Call For Impeachment Probe of President
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0307-01.htm

Vermont Votes to Impeach Bush/Cheney
John Nichols
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0307-22.htm

Limited Options and Endless Possibilities
Ted Rall
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0307-21.htm

Harry Belafonte, The Lion at 80
Amy Goodman, King Features Syndicate
http://www.alternet.org/stories/48942/

Big News from MoveOn.org - The Democratic Party of Nevada is dropping Fox as the host of its presidential debate!

We accomplished this together ... More than 265,000 of us signed the petition saying "Fox is a mouthpiece for the Republican Party" and asking Nevada Democrats to drop Fox.

1] Over 3,000 of us called and emailed Nevada Democrats. Robert Greenwald's new film Fox Attacks: Obama generated over 300,000 views on YouTube.
2] John Edwards showed real courage by announcing he would not attend the Fox debate.
3] Nevada bloggers like LasVegasGleaner.com and RenoDiscontent.com—and national blogs like MyDD.com and DailyKos.com—kept up the heat.
4] Nevada MoveOn member Danny Coyle got the Carson City Democratic Central Committee (in Nevada's capitol) to overwhelmingly pass a resolution urging that Fox be dropped.
5] The Drudge Report, Fox's partner in the right-wing smear machine, says our defeat of Fox means "war"—that's fine, our side is ready for battle.
6] Film director Robert Greenwald will continue making his Fox Attacks online videos exposing Fox's smears—and we'll keep working with him to achieve big victories.

Can you chip in to help Robert Greenwald's Brave New Films continue their Fox Attacks videos exposing Fox? Every donation makes a big difference. To contribute, and to see the most recent video, click here: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2414&id=9998-2148547-SfoYT3&t=3

We could feel our momentum growing on Thursday when Nevada Senator Harry Reid told bloggers, "I don't like Fox."

7] That night, Fox President Roger Ailes proved why—making remarks that associated Barack Obama with Osama Bin Laden.
8] This was the final straw—Nevada Democrats sent Fox a letter Friday saying, "We cannot, as good Democrats, put our party in a position to defend such comments."
9] Hopefully, this sets a precedent for all Democrats: Fox should be treated as a right-wing misinformation network, not legitimized as a neutral source of news. All the media coverage of this fight has certainly reminded the public and the media that we can't trust Fox.
10] We couldn't have dealt such a defeat to Fox without Outfoxed director Robert Greenwald's powerful online video Fox Attacks: Obama—which exposed Fox's smears. This video was viewed over 300,000 times on YouTube and was very effective in recruiting thousands of new people into our fight against Fox in Nevada. Robert's videos will be vital to future fights against Fox.

Air America 2.0 Begins Today
Mark Green, HuffingtonPost
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/48880/

America’s Veterans Left in the Lurch
Jeanine Plant, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/48894/

Making Women’s Health an International Priority
Lucinda Marshall
http://www.alternet.org/rights/48933/

Challenging the Workplace Dictatorship
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/49008/
Barbara Ehrenreich

The 5-Minute Interview with actor Sean Bean
The Independent [UK]
http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article2341313.ece


[Photo of Sean Bean from “Outlaw”]

OUTLAW – Sean Bean Interview
IndieLondon
http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Film-Review/outlaw-sean-bean-interview


http://www.librarything.com/

POLICE Tour Tickets Sell Out In Minutes
London Reuters
http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/070309/5/54n.html

[The Police at the recent Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, were they performed "Roxanne". Media goes on and on about Sting, which is such a bore. The Police is a 3-piece band, not one person. Get with it! Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are equally vital as the trio. Only reason I'd see the reunion tour is for the music & those two great musicians.]

Not Ready to Make Nice
By Dixie Chicks

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still made as hell and;
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
Cause I’m made as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I know you said can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin

It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said,
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin that I better shut up and sing,
Or my life will be over

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still made as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
Cause I’m made as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

[DUCHESS NOTE - Check out the latest in views, reflection and opinions by friends and acquaintances of the Duchess over at FRIENDS OF FRIDAY FORUM. Click on this link ... http://friendsoffridayforum.blogspot.com/]

Kucinich: Bush Has No Backup Plan for Iraq, Forfeits Right To Lead
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=59635
Congress must end the war, HR 1234 is the Backup Plan

Libbygate: Now Let’s Get to the Real Story
Dave Lindorff
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0306-38.htm
So Scooter Libby has taken the fall. Three and a half years and a long bloody war after he and a gang of war-mongers in the White House and Blair House, including President Bush and Vice President Cheney, set out to undermine and trash the reputation of an Iraq war critic, former ambassador Joseph Wilson, Libby has been found guilty of perjury, lying to the FBI and obstruction of justice by a Washington jury. Now maybe special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald and what passes for journalists in the mainstream media can get down to the real business of finding out just why the entire White House smear operation was unleashed upon a minor state department official and why they went so far as to violate federal law and expose his CIA-operative wife, Valerie Plame, in the process destroying her entire network of contacts for monitoring the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East. Because that's what this whole Libby story is really about.

LIVE FROM NYC - ITS THE NEWS

Law of Attraction for World Peace
James Twyman, Debbie Ford & Jean Houston
http://www.passalongwebsites.com/secretcall/jeandebbie/

Why Can’t We Talk About Peace in Public?
Matt Taibbi, RollingStone.com
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/48601/

Rotten Tomatoes UK Sits Down for a Chat with One of Britain's Finest Actors; Sean Bean
Interview by Joe Utichi
http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-10006593/reviews.php?rid=1604030

Drinking and Rape: The Rest of the Story
Jaclyn Friedman, Women’s eNews
http://www.alternet.org/stories/48835/
Blasting women with warnings about getting drunk in public does little to help them and sidesteps men’s responsibility for sexual assault.

Sean Bean Interview on Steve Wright Show on BBC2 Radio
http://www.hopkinsfan.net/multimedia/BBCRadio2OutlawInterview.mp3

One Bite at a Time: A Beginner’s Guide to Vegetarianism
Kathy Freston, HuffingtonPost.com
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/48633/

Hersh: Bush Funneling Money to Al Qaeda Related Groups
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/022607A.shtml

U.S. Imperialist Maneuvers Target Iran
By: Mazda Majidi
http://www.pslweb.org/site/News2?JServSessionIdr001=g3pwistxd1.app13a&page=NewsArticle&id=6491&news_iv_ctrl=1261
Tactics may change, goals remain. On Feb. 27, the U.S. government announced that it would attend a meeting of Iraq's neighbors discussing ways to stabilize the country.

60,000 Marriages Broken by Iraq, Including Mine
Stacy Bannerman, The Progressive
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/48788/

Hollywood Keeps Dissing Documentaries At The Oscars
Danny Schechter, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/48801/
[Duchess Note - Those Hollywood folk should be praising documentaries, not dissing them. Many of the documentaries over last 5 to 10 year are far superior to the majority of over priced, hyped garbage that comes out of Hollywood. Yes, you heard me, over priced garbage! Occasionally one gets a well acted treasure. If you want good acting, well, look no further than the British. American actors who are true to the "acting profession" are few and far between. Give me an actor of quality; not some over priced, hyped up star.]

Most Support US Guarantee of Health Care
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0302-06.htm

The Stolen Election of 2004
Michael Parenti
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0302-21.htm

The Jet Blue Blues
Barbara Ehrenreich, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/rights/48417/

Kucinich Introduces Legislation to Immediately End Iraq War
Please Take a Moment to Contact Your Congressional Representative to Support It
Nadia Goodenu
http://www.opednews.com/articles/genera_nadia_go_070301_kucinich_introduces_htm



PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DENNIS KUCINICH IN NJ
Lewis Candura, Morris County Democratic Chairman will host Congressman Dennis Kucinich at Morris County Democratic Headquarters

11 Washington Street in Morristown on Sunday, March 4, 2007. The HQ doors will open at 3:30 PM and everyone is invited.

Free parking (on Sunday) is available one block south at the parking garage on the corner of Schuyler Pl. and Anne Street. This is a great chance to meet with the one Presidential candidate who was NOT "tricked, deceived or misled" by Bush lies as the other candidates admitted they were. If they were so easily duped, perhaps they are NOT Presidential material. Dennis is also the candidate who has a solid, progressive published position on all the issues. Check all his positions at http://kucinich.us/ and sign up for the Kucinich Campaign. Contributions are alsowelcome and encouraged.

Collision Course With Iran
Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Global Research, The Nation
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=KUC20070301&articleId=4973

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to fellow Kucitizen, Linda Z, in sending this info.]

Media Action Alert From The Peace Alliance - PLEASE CONTACT THE NATION MAGAZINE TODAY!



In the latest Peace Alliance & Dept of Peace campaign e-Newsletter, we told you about Congressman Jim McDermott's (D-WA 7th) recent op-ed published February 26, 2007 in the Seattle Times discussing why he supports HR 808.

Yesterday, the Nation's editor, Katrina Vanden Heuvel, in an on-line article posted in the Legislation Watch section, wrote favorably about the legislation and referenced the McDermott op-ed while praising Dennis Kucinich for championing this bill. She writes:

"In 2001, Representative Dennis Kucinich introduced legislation to create a Department of Peace and Nonviolence to "not only make nonviolence an organizing principle in our society, but to make war archaic," as he told Studs Terkel in an article for The Nation in 2002. Six years later, H.R. 808 has 59 co-sponsors; including Rep. Jim McDermott, who writes that the bill "embodies the dreams and aspirations of Americans to live in a nation that uses its great strength to support the cooperative efforts of people throughout the world to create peace." The legislation calls for $8 billion in annual funding, less than one month of spending on the Iraq War and in stark contrast to the $439 billion allocated to the military in the recent Bush budget."

TAKE ACTION TODAY!

1. CONTACT THE NATION & write a letter to the editor at: http://www.thenation.com/contact/lett

For tips on how to write a good letter to the editor, go to: http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/blogcategory/36/45/

For Talking Points, please go to http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/288/68/ and remember that letters in your own words are best. You will also find blog entries following the article, many of which oppose the concept, but a few are supportive. We encourage you to register and post a positive and polite comment. Please let us know if you've responded and if your letter is published by sending an email to press@thepeacealliance.org

2. CONTACT REPRESENTATIVE JIM MCDERMOTT. Many of you have already done this after reading about this op-ed in our e-Newsletter, but in case you haven't, please contact Representative Jim McDermott at 202.224.3106 (Washington, DC) or 206.553.7170 (Washington State) or email him through the web form found at Congress.org, and thank him for raising awareness of this legislation. Please contact The Nation and Congressman McDermott today and forward this email quickly and widely!

Kucinich Electrifies California

Read some fantastic articles about Dennis Kucinich's visit to Southern California this past weekend at http://kucinich.us/node/3156

'It’s Called Heart’ Newsweek article about Dennis Kucinich. With Vilsack out, there's one less dark horse in the running. Can Dennis Kucinich capitalize? The pride of Cleveland on how his anti-war politics went mainstream, what he's got on Obama and Hillary, and what makes him run. Read more here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17348970/site/newsweek/

Check out Dennis Kucinich for President at: http://www.myspace.com/kucinich2008


http://www.lucasgray.com/video/peacetrain.html

[Duchess Note: We need to give peace a chance, use diplomacy, communication and not bomb countries to kill, steal land and/or oil. It's terribly wrong and will only bring about more hatred. We need to learn and utilize nonviolent communication and action like Gandhi taught. As Gandhi once said, "an eye or an eye only leaves the world blind". Bring about peace, truth, love and justice for the generations to come.]

Great Video of Congressman Dennis Kucinich during His Presidential Campaign in NV
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_hpqkN1FXpc



[Duchess Note: I firmly support Congressman Kucinich’s 2008 presidential campaign. At the link above on YouTube are other terrific videos on DJK. Kucinich is the one, true candidate for the American People. DJK will not allow Special Interest Groups and/or Lobbyists, industry and corporations to control or buy his favors. This is the opposite of Slick Hillary who apparently can be easily bought. So why don't you hear more about DJK? Kucinich only accepts individual donations to his campaign. He wants to break up big media and they are scared of him. Vote for Kucinich during the primaries. A President for the People and no strings attached!!! To learn more about the Kucinich campaign, go to http://kucinich.us]

THE PEOPLE V. RICHARD CHENEY
GQ, March 2007
http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_5402
Resolved, that Richard B. Cheney, vice president of the United States, should be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and that these articles of impeachment be submitted to the American people

NEWS ON RECENT DEPT OF PEACE CONFERENCE & OTHER ARTICLES

Congressman Wynn [MD-4] at the 2007 Dept of Peace Conference in Wash DC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNvATccNYxQ

[Duchess Note: The congressman's appearance and speech was abit of a surprise for us at the conference. An awesome surprise as well. Its a great video at YouTube and there are others from the DoP conference. Check them out and share with others. Spread the love of peace, joy, justice and harmony with friends, family and co-workers. To learn more about DoP go to ... http://www.ThePeaceAlliance.org OR visit http://www.nyc-dop.com]

Texans for Peace – Latest Newsletter
http://www.texansforpeace.org/NewsLastWeek.htm

An Interview with Dennis Kucinich
Share Guide – Holistic Health Magazine & Resource Directory
http://www.shareguide.com/Kucinich.html

From Resolution 63 to War with Iran – Kucinich Explains It
Katchen, Daily KOS
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/2/16/81540/7442

Crossing the Rubicon – Simplifying the Case Against Dick Cheney
Michael Kane
http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/011805_simplify_case.shtml

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

Dennis Kucinich on 9/11 ... Dennis asks a rep from Scholars for Truth to present their information directly to him. He says he doesn't have a problem with a public hearing based on fact. http://youtube.com/watch?y=kALg2VptE-g

Deepak Chopra – Recitation from the Soul of Healing
2007 Dept of Peace Conference, Wash DC, Feb 3rd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O4E6xaBz0o

Once the Most Beloved Country in the World, the US is Now the Most Hated
Jan Morris
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0214-22.htm

Ex-aide Says Rice Misled Congress on Iran
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0215-01.htm

Jimmy Demers Sings “America the Beautiful” at Recent Dept of Peace Conference in DC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wstsyxLPWF8

2007 Dept of Peace Conference Finale with Joaquin Phoenix & Steven Tyler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWmALRyiG5c

Dixie Chicks Among Esteemed Outlaws
Ashley Sayeau
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0216-21.htm

Report: Rove Received Iran Peace Offer in 2003
From Democracy Now!
Feb 10, 2007

Meanwhile, a former Congressional aide has revealed that President Bush's chief advisor Karl Rove personally received a copy of a secret offer from the Iranian government to hold negotiations four years ago. The Bush administration decided to ignore the grand bargain offer. Last week Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice claimed she had never even seen the document. At the time Iran said it would consider far-reaching compromises on its nuclear program, relations with Hezbollah and Hamas and support for a Palestinian peace agreement with Israel. Rove's involvement was first reported by the Inter Press Service.

Mystery: How Wealth Creates Poverty in the World
Michael Parenti
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0216-30.htm

One Great Big Plastic Hassle
Jane Akre, Conscious Choice
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/47849/

Kucinich Looks for Boost in Maine
Ann S. Kim, Associated Press
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/070203kucinich.html

Why Love Is Our Most Powerful, Lasting Form of Activism
Courtney Martin, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/sex/47779/

Fool Us Twice? From Iraq to Iran
Marjorie Cohn, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/47994/

Report: Cheney to Snub Japan Defense Minister for Calling Iraq War 'Mistake'
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0212-08.htm

[Duchess Note: Bravo to the Japanese Defense Minister in speaking the truth. I hope he doesn’t cave into Darth Cheney’s arrogant snubs and apologize. Please sir, don’t do it, and stand by your convictions. This horrible war and occupation of Iraq is a huge illegal mistake. We cannot let the Bush Regime do it again to any other country. Who has one or more quantities of WMDs? Why it’s the USA. Who’s threatening the USA? Well, no one country really, with the exception of the US government and Bush Regime. What do fascist/imperial regimes do to those who speak the truth, speak of peace and back it up with legit proof? Well, they’ll bomb your country, put you in prison without a trial, wire tap your phone, read your mail and a whole slew of things and not in that order. Hum, sure does sound like the good ole US of A government under the Bush Regime.]

BUMPER STICKER QUOTE … If men could get pregnant, abortion would be legal, ethical and federally funded

Minimum Wage Raise Is Good for Business
Holly Sklar
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0212-20.htm

Discovering What Democracy Means
Bill Moyers
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0212-31.htm

The 2007 Valentine Peace Project

From the Poem “The Gift”
By Hafiz

How did the Rose ever open its Heart
And give to this World all its Beauty?
It felt the encouragement of Light against its Being
Otherwise, we all remain too frightened.

Be involved in Peace and join www.valentinepeaceproject.org

Congressman Dennis Kucinich on 9/11
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kALg2VptE-g
Dennis asks a rep from Scholars for Truth to present their information directly to him. He says he doesn't have a problem with a public hearing based on fact.

Rock Trio, The Police, Announce Plans for Reunion Tour
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=entertainment&id=5026754

[L to R – Stewart Copeland, Sting & Andy Summers promo photo for upcoming world tour]

WKSU’s Kevin Niedermeir Reports on US Department of Peace Campaign
http://www.wksu.org/news/story/20456

Cleveland Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is making another attempt to convince Congress that the nation and the world needs a Department of Peace. The idea is again generating both criticism and support. Kucinich first pushed the idea in 2001 after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, and it was part of his 2004 presidential bid. In 2005 he introduced an un-successful House Bill to authorize a cabinet level Department of Peace. Recently, he re-introduced that bill.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Dr. Wayne Dyer

PERSONAL NEWS #115
On Sunday, January 7th, I attended the New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace “Reflection Day Part 2” event. This was a continuation of part one from November 2006, as certain issues needed to be addressed. Personally, I was abit disappointed that not as many “core team” members attended this event, as were at the first one. [Those in attendance were Carol, Joe, Kevin, Norma, Susan, Karen, Eileen, Liz and I.] Dian Killan was moderator during the first 1 ½ hours of the event and helping with the “issues”. Happily they were resolved and we all moved on to the next stage of the agenda. Must get a book that Kevin mentioned and seems many others have; it’s called “Practicing Peace in Times of War”. A friend of Carol, whose name I cannot recall, was there to walk us threw a learning process and provide us with tools on becoming a better “core team”. First we were paired in two’s and discuss what conflict, nonviolence and dept of peace mean to us. I was paired with Liz and it’s always a joy talking about anything with her. She is such an inspiring, caring individual. One of my comments that Liz agreed with me on was … “in dealing with conflict that there has to be love, honor and respect from each other”. Then we worked on a project called “Your Thinking Profile” by FourSight. After answering questions, it basically tells what ones strengths are, plus how it relates to others. Mine said I am an “Implementer” and an “Integrator”. It was determined that our “core team” had a suitable amount of the four preferences; which are clarifiers, ideators, developers and implementers. Overall, it was a most productive day for NYDoP.

On Tuesday evening, January 9th; I participated at the “People for an American Way” town hall meeting at their office on Fifth Avenue. A good turnout of about 30+ folk and some I’ve seen over the last 2 to 3 years at rallies, protests, campaigns and meetings with other organizations. Some of the main concerns were “election reform & accountability”. Other topics of intense discussion were independent judiciary, separation of church/state, impeachment, Constitution, civil liberties, schools and action campaigns. There followed a Q&A segment with attendees asking detailed questions of PFAW staff. I did not stay for the social part of the evening, but had to rush home and jump on a Dept of Peace NY State CDTL conference call at 9pm. This call was being hosted by Kevin, our NYDoP vice chair. Most of the discussion was on the upcoming 4th Annual Peace conference in DC. There was also mention of a website at www.3Dsecurity.org

On Thursday evening, January 11th, I joined fellow NYC Kucitizen [Stephanie] at Broadway and West 96th Street intersection to participate with other activists in the UFPJ “America Says NO” demonstration. There were dozens of these demonstrations going on in NYC and throughout the US. Three years ago many of the responses from pedestrians to these demonstrations would have been quite negative, but now it’s a different kettle of fish. Many folk on foot and in vehicles took flyers, plus sign petitions. Many gave us the thumbs up or honked their horns regarding our activism. As with the November 2006 elections, more Americans are expressing their desire for change in this country and demanding no more war. It’s up to us to continually contact Congress and Senate. Let them know we don’t want war, we want peace and we demand that situations/issues be resolved here.

Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

Early Saturday afternoon, January 13th, I headed up to Yonkers to do my usual volunteer work at the Ferret Shelter. Weather is finally behaving like winter and turned colder. Always great seeing Joanne and catching up on news. Many new ferrets at the shelter and sadly, very few adoptions since my last visit in early November. I took care of my duties in the shelter and the grooming of the adorable furballs. I also brought with me two paper bags from my grocery store. A few days before my visit, I kept some of my dirty socks wrapped inside them. Ferrets love the smell of dirty socks and romping inside boxes or paper bags. The combination of the two was a treat for them and they so enjoyed “exploring & sniffing” the bags. Their antics were so amusing to behold and a form of therapy or detoxification.

On Tuesday, January 16th, I participated in another “New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace” congressional district team leader [CDTL] conference call regarding the upcoming 4th Annual Peace Conference in Washington DC. Of which I’m so looking forward to attending. Afterwards I received a terrific phone call from Walter and we had such an interesting two hour chat with much humor.

[Duchess Note: Regarding the above paragraph, Dr Kirshenbaum explains in detail in her wonderful book "Everything Happens for a Reason". When I typed the above "personal news" recently, I knew in my heart that the wonderful, long phone calls with Walter were now at an end. Is anyone to blame? No, not really, and things really do happen for a reason. It saddens me that our brief friendship is at a demise. Within the short time we had conversed over the phone; I found moments of joy, laughter, understanding, reflection and commonalities. My only wish, is that his days will be blessed and that his future endeavors are successful. I send you one last spiritual hug & many thanks.]

THE POLICE GET THE GRAMMY CROWD GOING
Moldovia.org
The 49th Grammy Awards opened with huge applause in Los Angeles as The Police, reunited for the occasion, proclaimed: We are The Police and we are back. Opening the awards ceremony with Roxanne, The Police received a standing ovation as members Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers bowed in unison and left the stage. The performance was the bands first in more than 20 years. Keep it going, keep it going for The Police now, Jamie Foxx encouraged the audience as he presented the first award of the night. Come on and get with it and make some noise. Foxx referred to the collaboration of The Police when he announced the winner of Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder for For Once in My Life.


[Duchess Note: From L to R … Sting, Stewart Copeland & Andy Summers of the Police … my fav band from the 1980s & I can’t wait to see them tour. It’ll be so friggin exciting.]

The Police Lay Down the Law at Grammy’s
http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_5206232?source=rss

The Police Return for Grammy Awards
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/12022007/344/police-return-grammy-awards.html
There was a rare moment of British glory at the Grammy Awards when The Police reunited to open the show with a rendition of breakthrough hit Roxanne 23 years after splitting up.

Police Reunion Tour Announced
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/2007/02/12/3596271.html
LOS ANGELES -- The Police 30th Anniversary reunion world tour will kick off May 28 at Vancouver's GM Place and travel through North America until early August, Sun Media has exclusively learned.

QUOTE ON RELATIONSHIPS ... “Relationships are like crystals, you don't realize how much you love it until it breaks.”

Some People
A Poem by Robert Bly
Some people ascend out of our life,
some people enter our life, uninvited and sit down,
some people calmly walk by,
some people give you a rose, or buy you a new car,
some people stand so close to you,
some people you've entirely forgotten
some people are actually you,
some people you've never seen at all,
some people eat asparagus,
some people are children,
some people climb up on the roof, sit down at table,
lie around in hammocks, take walks with their red umbrella,
some people look at you,
some people have never noticed you at all,
some people want to take your hand,
some people die during the night,
some people are other people,
some people are you,
some people don't exist,
some people do.

Police Expected to Announce Tour Monday
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2007/02/08/police-tour.html

Change in the Weather
Dean Kuipers
http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/article.php?id=4294&IssueNum=58
Progressive Democrat Dennis Kucinich takes over a new House subcommittee, signaling shifts in national drug policy.



Police Want You!
UK Music
http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/070209/340/gyo9e.html&e=l_news_dm

A World That Works for Everybody
Robert Koehler, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-koehler/a-world-that-works-for-ev_b_40694.html

Groups Drive to Curb Violence Gains Strength
Eugene Mulero, AZCentral.com
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0205peace0205.html



Kucinich: Give Department of Peace a Chance
Schott Shewfelt, Peace Journalism
http://peacejournalism.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=15346

US Dept of Peace: A Long Overdue Idea
Beyond Chron, Tommi Avicolli Mecca
http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/U_S_Dept_of_Peace_A_Long_Overdue_Idea_4173.html

Congresswoman David Calls for Creation of Peace & Nonviolence
Charles Davis, KPBS News
http://www.kpbs.org/news/local?id=7286

PERSONAL NEWS #114
On Wednesday, December 20th, I had another dinner date with Jerry. Since he is relatively new to the NYC area, I suggested visiting Chinatown and Little Italy. This was met with warm enthusiasm. After work we headed down to Chinatown, via subway, for a delicious leisurely meal at a restaurant on Mott Street. Due to the cold weather, we walked briskly over to Little Italy for dessert. On the way, we stopped by a street vendor so I could purchase Xmas gifts for my brother and sister-in-law. Wasn’t sure on style or color of scarf for Michelle, and so Jerry kindly lent me his cell phone for a brief call to Mom. He is such a nice gentlemen. Once that was taken care of we headed over to Ferrara’s for a yummy hot chocolate. Had an enjoyable evening and we discussed numerous, diverse topics. At the subway we shared a hug and then it was off to our respective transportation.

The following evening, December 21st, was the annual NYDoP holiday celebration and this time we held it at the Village Natural. Headed down after work and joined everyone at 6pm. Those that could attend were Karen, Ellen, Larry, Susan, Dawn, Carol, Gary, Joe, Marie, Maria, Howard, Marianne, Priscilla, Liz and I. After ordering and partaking of delicious, fresh vegetarian food we did the exchanging of holiday gifts. We don’t do store bought gifts, but instead give something from our homes. The gifts were a variety of books, poems, jewelry, figurines, etc. It’s all so enjoyable and fun. Throughout the 2 ½ hour evening we engaged in many conversations on numerous topics. Gary strongly recommended the recent film/documentary on Robert Kennedy, who was brother of President Kennedy. Overall a great evening with fabulous peacemakers.

[Duchess Note – Members from NYDoP so rock the house of peace]

Next morning, December 22nd, I took a Trailways bus to upstate NY, where Dad picked me up at the bus terminal. Weather wasn’t that cold and sadly no snow on the ground. I spent a nice, relaxing long holiday weekend with my parents, brother and sister-in-law. Did some shopping, purchased beads, reading, watch cable TV; help Mom around the house and errands. On Xmas Eve, on our way to my brother’s place, we stopped to view a “Miniature Victorian Village” exhibit in an elderly folk’s basement near Hoosick Falls. This exhibit was free to the public during the month of December. From the photo below you only see part of this lovely exhibit with over 400 houses, other miniature items and even Xmas dolls. We learned that this couple starts putting it all together in August and takes months to complete. It’s a work of love and brings smiles to all who see it. That evening I drove Michelle and Duane around their large neighborhood to see all the Xmas displays on people’s homes. Such a beautiful sight to behold, then on Xmas morning we exchanged gifts before I headed back to NYC. Wanted to walk around my neighborhood that evening to see the Xmas lights, but had to put it off due to rainy weather. While at Mom’s I finished reading a memoir by Andy Summers called “One Train Later”, which I highly recommend. Andy is a brilliant guitarist and member of the rock group POLICE. Then I started reading “Holy Blood, Holy Grail”, which I had borrowed from a fellow NYC Kucitizen. [Thanks BC!] Overall it was a great holiday weekend.



Police Reunion Lineup Set
Jane Stevenson, Sun Media
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/2007/02/08/3558761.html

On Saturday, December 30th, I joined my friend Jackie in going to see the film ERAGON. The film was pretty decent, dragon was cool and I adore Jeremy Irons. He has such a rich, lovely voice and is a wonderful British actor. Afterwards we headed down to Greenwich Village to check out the health food store LifeThyme. Jackie’s been here before and it was my first time visiting this awesome store. Like many good health food places the prices are slightly high, but the quality of selection and service makes up for it. Not far from LifeThyme is Rivera Café were Jackie and I headed for a leisure dinner. We talked about numerous topics and some odd encounters with an acquaintance [Carole] from our Tolkien/LOTRs group.

On Sunday evening, December 31st, I had a delightful, enjoyable and interesting three-hour phone conversation with Walter. A fascinating gent I met via Yahoo Personals and a great way to bring in the New Year. Merci beaucoup mon chere ami.

Andy Summers of the Police to Appear on Jon Regen’s Upcoming CD “Let It Go”
All About Jazz website
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=12552

Thursday, January 4th, I attended along with other NYDoP board members a meeting at Kevin’s office in midtown Manhattan. The day before I awoke with Laryngitis and wasn’t able to speak above a whisper. Before we [ie: Liz, Joe, Carol, Dawn, Kevin, Marianne & I] started the meeting they presented me with a mini cassette recorder to utilize. I’d been meaning to get one of these items, so as to make my secretarial duties for NYDoP abit easier. Sadly, my skills at shorthand are deplorable. I utilized the “new toy’ right away for our meeting and applying it toward meeting minutes. Main topics of discussion during the meeting were on becoming incorporated and going over bylaws. Overall the meeting was productive, congenial and excellent, even though all I could do was whisper.

On Saturday, January 6th, my workout session at gym with personal trainer was rescheduled and that evening Walter called and we engaged in another long, delightful phone conversation. I’m so enjoying these calls and love the sound of his voice. Also, he is very much involved with animal rights activism and loves dogs. Sounds like my kind of guy.

Police ‘Set to Reveal World Tour’
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6342255.stm

Important Message from MoveOn.org Civic Action Team - Save NPR and PBS Once and for All
President Bush just proposed drastic cuts to NPR and PBS. We've stopped similar cuts in the past, but enough is enough: With the new Congress, we can make sure this never happens again. We need Congress to save NPR and PBS once and for all. Can you help out by signing this petition to Congress? It's really easy—just click the link below:

http://civic.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/?referring_id=-4703541-fv0M1ArCOW6U4S4errv2og

LIVE FROM NYC – SOME LIBERAL NEWS

Bush Slashes Aid to Poor to Boost Iraq War Chest
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0206-04.htm

Vegetarian Is The New Prius
Kathy Freston, HuffingtonPost.com
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/47668/

Making an Example of Ehren Watada
Norman Solomon
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0206-32.htm

Dems Had Better Listen to the Public’s Anger Over Our Failed Trade Policy
Deborah James, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/47416/

Dept of Peace Bill Off to A Rocky Start, Again
Jonathan Kaplan, The Hill News
http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/020707/peace.html

[Duchess Note: The re-introduction of this important legislation already has 50+ co-sponsors. We need more co-sponsors AND to keep up the dialog with our representatives about the Dept of Peace bill (HR 808). More Americans want peace and the end of war. We need to continually let Congress and Senate know how we feel. Contact them several times a week via phone, email and fax. Remember they work for us, not the other way around. Now is not a time for complaining, its a time for action. Make it happen today! Thank you ... peace is the only way.]

Molly Ivins: America's Jericho Voice
Maya Angelou
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0206-22.htm

Living the American Dream – In A One-Bedroom Apartment
Andrew Lam, New America Media
http://www.alternet.org/stories/47708/

The Dangers of Depleted Uranium
CNN Video
http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?pmmsid=1837030

Will They Have No Shame
NY Daily News Editorial – Feb 7th
http://www.nydailynews.com
See if you recall the budget described by this American President: "Excellent schools, quality health care, a secure retirement, a cleaner environment, a stronger defense - these are all important needs, and we fund them." The President was George W. Bush, presenting his first spending plan in 2001, in those compassionate conservative days of his administration. But something intervened: a little thing called reality. The Sept. 11 attacks, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, spiraling deficits, gas and health care prices rising through the roof and plenty of other things falling through the floor. Through it all, Bush remained wedded, beyond rhyme or reason or risk, to tax cuts skewed heavily toward the wealthy.

Which is how we've arrived at the latest federal budget - an inevitable, unacceptable statement of his priorities. Yes, of course, it extends tax cuts that so far have diverted $1 trillion from the federal treasury. And keeping the cuts means many things have to give. Like homeland security grants, slashed by 22%. Like Medicare and Medicaid, which means a hefty hospital hit of about $2.7 billion in New York State alone? Like the vital centerpiece of the Bush education reform agenda, No Child Left Behind, under funded as it has been from the start. Those cuts will hurt long after Bush is gone.

KUCINICH MAKES STOP IN DOVER
Jeremiah Rood, Democrat Staff Writer
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070205/FOSTERS01/102050114

Time For An Encore
Jim Farber, Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/495042p-417083c.html

The Police Reunite For Grammys
http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=6044288

Announcing A New Dennis Kucinich Meetup Group! Check out the First Event on April 5th
The New York City Dennis Kucinich Meetup Group is dedicated to the principles of non-violence, justice and compassion in our world. We also have the goal of getting Congressman Dennis Kucinich elected as the President of the United States in 2008 as a means of furthering our broader goals. People interested in the Kucinich campaign can find out more about it by visiting www.kucinich.us OR go to http://denniskucinich.meetup.com/326/calendar/5452878/?gj=ej1-181_plus

QUOTE OF THE DAY … We need a more peaceful world, growing out of more peaceful families and neighborhoods and communities. To secure and cultivate such peace, we must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends. Howard W. Hunter

Ralph Nader on Why He Might Run In 2008, the Iraq War & the New Documentary "An Unreasonable Man"
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/05/1532248
Consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader says he will decide later this year whether to run for president in 2008. Today he also looks back at his childhood and his new book "Seventeen Traditions." In addition, film director Henriette Mantel joins us to talk about "An Unreasonable Man.”

Cheshire TV Interview with Congressman Kucinich
http://kucinich.us/node/2564/play

Republicans Block Senate Debate On Iraq
David Espo, AP Special Correspondent
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070205/ap_on_co/us_iraq

[Duchess Note: So much for a Democrat majority in the Senate. This madness must stop now. We Americans must call, email and fax our Senators and get them to open this debate. It is vitally important. Not only for our soldiers, but also the welfare of everyone in the US and around the world.]

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE JANUARY 27TH RALLY AND MARCH IN WASHINGTON DC

Local Activists Hope to Create Peace Department
By Stacia Glenn and George Watson - Article Launched: 02/03/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_5149376

The alliance has chapters in all 50 states and has converged on Washington, D.C., this weekend to exchange ideas and prepare for meetings with senators and congressmen. A bill to create a Department of Peace and Nonviolence, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, is currently before the House. It has been pitched nearly 90 times since 1955, but those involved hope the response will be different now that Democrats are in charge.

[Duchess Note: Along with hundreds of other passionate, peaceful activists; I too was at this amazing, inspiring and awesome 4th annual peace conference on Saturday and Sunday. I also participated in the 3rd annual peace conference back in September 2005. We had about 450 in attendance then and this weekend it was up to 685. The times are changing and more people are standing up demanding peace, not war nor violence. To learn more, go to www.thepeacealliance.org OR if you live in NYC, go to www.nyc-dop.com AND if you wish to support, volunteer or donate to the Kucinich for President Campaign, go to www.kucinich.us As Gandhi said “we must be the change we wish to see in the world”]

News from the 2007 - Annual Peace Alliance Conference - Greetings from the Annual Peace Alliance Conference in Washington, DC!



All of us here wanted to let those of you that couldn't join us, to know you are in our thoughts. This conference is already a huge success. Sold out and standing room only for some events. More requests from the media than we've ever had in the past. And it couldn't have happened without all of the work everyone has done over the past year. Those who were able to make it to the conference and all of those who couldn't join us in person. We know you are here in spirit and that it is our work and energy together that continues to nourish this movement.

For all of those who have been writing to tell us you wish you were here and sending your best wishes, we will try to bring some of the conference to you via a new blog section on the website and through some informal reporting on our forum. We'll have posts from our participants, as well as a special youth and student section with updates on their program. Kerrie W., we will try to stream you in. We set up a YouTube account and will post links in the forum and blog if we can get the equipment to cooperate and let us get some video posted.

Here are the links to Peace Conference blog:
Blog http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/blogsection/19/178/
Conference Forum http://www.thepeacealliance.org/forum/index.php?f=391

Breaking news: we now have 9 Members of Congress confirmed to join us at the Conference Finale on Monday night and that, thanks to you, we already have 41 congressional co-sponsors for the re-introduction of the bill. If you have not yet called your representative, we urge you to do so. Right now, at least 210 meetings with Representatives and Senators have been scheduled by our citizen lobbyists supporting the Department of Peace legislation. The Gift of Peace play proved to be a most excellent way to kick off the Conference. As tired as everyone was having traveled all day to get here, over 400 chose to attend the play. The audience laughed and there were some tears spotted as emotions danced up and down the scale. Yet the main message of personal empowerment was not lost and no doubt it's what energized the frequent, "right on's" and cheering.

QUOTE OF THE DAY … True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. Martin Luther King

Surge for Peace
Liza Featherstone
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0202-22.htm

Remembering Molly
Bill Moyers
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0202-28.htm

Dems Indicate They Will Do Little to Stop Bush Troop Surge
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0202-04.htm

[Duchess Note: I strongly urge you to contact (ie: fax, email & call) your Congressperson and Senator. Tell them to do MORE in stopping Bush Regime’s troop surge. It won’t help anything and only escalate more deaths of our soldiers. I don’t want to see more death, destruction and maiming. Do you?!? These people in DC work for the American people, not the other way around. It’s time to put their feet to the fire and make them dance to truth, justice and peace. Make that call today. Thank you.]

ACTION ALERT - Call your Members of Congress today! Department of Peace bill Re-introduction

Today, February 5th, legislation to establish a U.S. Department of Peace will re-introduced into the House of Representatives. (The new bill number will be sent to you tomorrow, February 6th). Nearly 700 of us are in D.C. as part of our national conference. We will be visiting our members of Congress all day today and tomorrow. You can increase the impact of our visits! Simply contact your Representative (and Senators) today as we arrive on Capitol Hill. We need your support to help make this bill law call, fax and/or email your Representative and also spread the word to everyone you know (you can copy this alert and forward to your email address book.) Nothing you can do will have as much impact as contacting your member of Congress. Further instructions are given below.

TAKE ACTION NOW! *** CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ***

Contact your Representative at the U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121. To find your Representative, visit http://www.congress.org Tell the staffer who answers your call that you want your Representative to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Department of Peace legislation. Request a written response explaining your member's position and the reasoning behind it. (You can call your local office as well.) It is most effective if you call the D.C. office first, then follow-up with a fax or email. Inform them a bill number will be available on the 6th (reference bill number HR3760 from the last, 109th, Congress)

To write your Representative, click below to get started. This will allow you to send a fax and email to your congressperson. http://www.thepeacealliance.org/action

Please contact your Senators as well. There is no bill number as legislation has yet to be re-introduced into the Senate. Urge your Senator to be an initial sponsor in the Senate (reference bill number S.1756 from the last Congress).

ABOUT THE LEGISLATION

There is currently a bill before the Houses of Representatives to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. This landmark measure will augment our current problem-solving options, providing practical, nonviolent solutions to the problems of domestic and international conflict.

Domestically, the Department of Peace will develop policies and allocate resources to effectively reduce the levels of domestic and gang violence, child abuse, and various other forms of societal discord. Internationally, the Department will advise the President and Congress on the most sophisticated ideas and techniques regarding peace-creation among nations. Learn more at The Peace Alliance website: http://www.thepeacealliance.org/

Join us now. Create a Department of Peace. Help make history. Together, we can do this.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE Dept of Peace LEGISLATION:
Provide much-needed assistance to efforts by city, county, and state governments in coordinating existing programs; as well as develop new programs based on best practices nationally

• Teach violence prevention and mediation to America's school children
• Effectively treat and dismantle gang psychology
• Rehabilitate the prison population
• Build peace-making efforts among conflicting cultures both here and abroad
• Support our military with complementary approaches to peace-building
• Create and administer a U.S. Peace Academy, acting as a sister organization to the U.S. Military Academy.

The Police Reunion tour May Stop At Fenway Park
WBZ Boston
http://wbztv.com/local/local_story_036132508.html

Secret Police On The Move
Darren Parkman, Sun Media
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/2007/02/05/3531833-sun.html

[Duchess Note: I hardly ever watch the Grammy Awards, but this Sunday I AM watching it to see and hear my beloved POLICE sound. Oh gosh, hell no, Sting is not my fav. Its guitarist Andy Summers and I've been following his solo music career since the mid-1980s.]

Molly Ivins, 1944-2007: Legendary Texas Journalist Dies After Long Bout With Breast Cancer
Thursday, February 1st, 2007
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/01/1529226
The syndicated columnist and best-selling author Molly Ivins passed away last week following a long bout with breast cancer. Her weekly column appeared in over 400 newspapers making her the most widely read progressive columnist in the country.