PERSONAL NEWS #124
I took Friday, May 11th, off from work to join Kevin [fellow NYDoP member] in delivering pies and the DoP message to two Brooklyn congressional offices. Without further ado, here is the update on a delightful 1 1/2 hour visit to Congresswoman Velazquez office on Court Street in Brooklyn. We both brought pies ... Kevin had an apple crumb pie and I brought a raspberry almond tart from The Garden. Our overall perception of visit was receptive, cordial, positive and friendly. We met with Dan Wiley [Community Coordinator] and Diane Febus [Caseworker]. We "broke the ice" by talking about the affordable housing situation in Brooklyn. Plus the annual DoP campaign … "Peace wants a Piece of the Pie". Kevin gave Mr. Wiley a color printout from National on Dept of Peace campaign. We also mentioned who has co-sponsored in NYC & NY state. Kevin and I inquired with Mr. Wiley why the congresswoman hasn't co-sponsored the bill this time. As she had the past three times, the last being Feb 2006. Mr. Wiley commented that since Democrats took the majority in Congress back in November Velazquez has been more active. She has a new LD [Legislative Director] in her DC office and is chairperson of the Small Business Committee.

While Kevin and I prepared the pies, Dan Wiley called the LD in DC office and brought the bill [HR 808] to his attention. While eating the delicious pies, one of the points Mr. Wiley brought up was a possibility of incorporating a portion of DoP into the State Dept. To which we responded how domestic aspect of the bill wouldn't fit into State Dept. And that we'd relate the suggestion to National. We talked more about the domestic portion of the bill, which Mr. Wiley was very receptive to. We touched on many diverse topics and talked with Diane who's very savvy on immigrant issues. [Since then I’ve sent several faxes to Mr. Wiley and the LD in DC in hopes of keeping their thoughts on DoP.] Afterwards, Kevin and I headed back to his home for lunch and discuss the meeting. Kevin and his lovely wife Irene have a lovely home they share with their two adorable daughters. Then it was off to our next congressional meeting at Kevin’s congresswoman’s office. Yvette Clarke was in DC and heading back to NYC that afternoon. While waiting to speak with one of Clarke’s staff, we conversed in the waiting area. After an hour the Chief of Staff apologized to us, said a meeting was out of the question due to an office crisis. Kevin rescheduled to speak with her on Monday. I took car service home from Kevin’s place and zonked out for a 2 hour nap. The weather was very warm, plus sunny, that day and whacked me out abit. That evening, around 6pm, I volunteered with City Harvest at the farmers market in Union Square. It was just Phil and I that evening. Not much to pick up from the vendors and farmers. By the time City Harvest truck arrived it was almost 8pm and the vendor/farmers nearly gone for the evening. It had also cooled abit in the evening and I was glad I put on my hoodie jacket. Overall it was a terrific, productive day.

On Sunday, May 13th, I joined members from CodePink and Granny Peace Brigade in a Mothers Day Peace Parade. It was a nice, warm, sunny spring day in NYC and perfect for a parade. We all converged at the fountain next to Columbus Circle and Central Park entrance. Everyone was wearing some form of pink; whether it was clothing, hats, buttons, scarves or banners. I was given a lightweight CodePink banner to carry and actually tied it around my hips. Was pleasantly surprised to see Norman Siegel there in support of the parade. Learned that he’ll be running again in 2009 for NYC Public Advocate and I firmly believe he’d do a great job. Will definitely support his new campaign and volunteer like I did in 2005. Before the peace parade set off the Granny Peace Brigade sang some great protest songs. We set off from Columbus Circle, over to Lincoln Center and then up through a street fair on Broadway. We even had police escort to help with traffic while crossing intersections. They behaved quite nicely. Along the way we received applause and thumbs up from many pedestrians. I also got to chatting with Sharon and a friend of hers. Sharon had two of her cute, sweet, little dogs [ie: Daisy & Scruffy] with her. By the time we stopped at Central Park West and Museum of Natural History we had a group of 30+. At this spot we gathered for some speeches and five minutes of respectful silence to morn the 3000+ dead American soldiers. This war and occupation of Iraq has taken a toll on our American soldiers, as well as the citizens of Iraq. As we headed east through Central Park I helped Sharon carry Scruffy. Several in the parade were handing out flyers about bringing our troops home now. We ended the peace parade at steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Which happens to be one of my fav museums in NYC. The Granny Peace Brigade again sang their protest songs and as the people on the steps watched, we did another five minutes of silence to morn the dead. The only sound around us was that of the traffic going by on Fifth Avenue.

Tuesday, May 15th, I joined my friend BC in having drink and checking out a possible location for future NYC Kucinich Meetups. The 11th Street Bar is in the East Village and were NYC Kucinich meetups were held from Nov 2003 through Feb 2004. Obtained the bar managers contact info from bartender and phoned Roger a few days later. After hanging out with BC, I hopped on the subway home to catch the season finale of “Gilmore Girls” on TV.

Wednesday, May 16th, was the NYDoP Strategy evening workshop. Sadly, not many showed up for the workshop, but those of us [ie: 8 total] that attended accomplished a lot in 3 to 4 hours. Our main goal is in regards to the September Peace building event we’ve titled CHOOSE PEACE.

2008 Democrat Presidential Candidate – Congressman Kucinich – On Universal Healthcare … “We’re Note Gonna Take It!” … check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqOG9lHlJc

Climate Change Town Hall Event Via MoveOn.org
On Saturday, Dennis and the other candidates outlined their ideas about global climate change. You can go to: http://pol.moveon.org/townhall/climate/viewer/kucinich1.html to see why Dennis is the leading candidate on the issue of climate change. If you're not already a MoveOn.org member, just go to: http://pol.moveon.org/townhall/climate/townhall2.html and sign up.

Watch the Democratic Candidates Third Debate with DFNYC on Tuesday, July 23rd ... Join DFNYC [ www.dfnyc.org ], ACT NOW, and other local progressive groups as we watch the Third Democratic Primary Debate.

LATEST IN LIBERAL NEWS

Nobody Marched to Impeach Bill Clinton
Linda Milazzo Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/07/2385/

Sheehan Plans Run Against Pelosi Unless Bush Impeachment Sought
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/08/2386/

Live Earth Concerts: Pop Goes the Planet
Cole Moreton, Geoffrey Lean / The Independent
http://www.alternet.org/environment/56323/

UFPJ Says “Don’t Mend It, End It!”
Too many members of Congress may support a troop reduction but settle for a modified version of the U.S. occupation of Iraq. They may vote to bring "combat" troops home, but allow Bush to keep tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers in Iraq to "fight terrorism," protect U.S. installations and train Iraqi troops. And they are doing nothing to address the growing numbers of U.S. mercenaries involved in the occupation -- mercenaries now outnumber troops in Iraq. (Read this recent article in the Los Angeles Times for more details: http://www.latimes.com/business/local/la-na-private4jul04,1,7340256.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

UFPJ is concerned that many members of Congress will be willing to open the door to a permanent U.S. military presence in Iraq in exchange for the near-term withdrawal of some troops. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Defense Secretary Robert Gates and some allies in the Bush administration are seeking to build bipartisan political support for a long-term U.S. presence in Iraq by moving toward withdrawing significant numbers of troops from Iraq by the end of President Bush's term" (July 3, 2007). This is a dangerous development.

Call your senators and your representative TODAY! Tell them ... I know you will be faced with a number of votes on Iraq in the near future. I want you to support only measures that will bring all U.S. troops and military contractors home from Iraq immediately.

* Do not allow any troops to be left behind.
* Halfway measures to bring some troops home from Iraq are not acceptable
* A long-term U.S. troop presence in Iraq will only further destabilize the country and the region.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to the offices of your senators and representative. Find out who your members of Congress are here: http://capwiz.com/fconl/dbq/officials/ OR read up on UFPJ website at www.unitedforpeace.org/congress

'Supporting the Troops' Means Withdrawing Them
Gen. William Odom
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/06/7/2325

BlueCross Secret Memo Re: 'Sicko'
Michael Moore Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/06/244/

MORE NEWS ON THE POLICE REUNION TOUR

Reunion is Fun, but Copeland says There's More to Life Now
St Louis Post-Dispatch
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/music/story/9FCD44D00FF3FEA8862573090079F477?OpenDocument
The power trio reunited at the Grammys earlier this year, leading to a full-blast tour that plays Monday at Scottrade Center, is rock history in the making.



Every Little Thing They Did Was Magic
Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/poprock/450583,SHO-Sunday-police01-col.article
There were some rock groups I liked as a kid simply because they had cool videos or a fetching lead singer who looked good in tight leather pants. And then there were the Police, who, in the words of a philosophical groupie in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous," I loved so much it hurt.

Police Reunion Turmoil?
Dotmusic via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/dotmusic/20070702/ten-police-reunion-turmoil-31c8aba.html
The Police’s reunion is already in the balance, just a matter of months after they reformed, it has been claimed.

Pop Goes The Police
New Orleans Times-Picayune
http://www.nola.com/living/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-8/1183443162199440.xml&coll=1
The destructive dynamic that splintered the Police at the height of their popularity boiled down to a simple yet inescapable quandary: Sting was Sting, Stewart Copeland was not, and both of them knew it.

THIS SEPTEMBER “CHOOSE PEACE”
New Yorkers for a Department of Peace (NYDOP) announces the launch of CHOOSE PEACE, its second annual September peacebuilding event, and the companion website.



CHOOSE PEACE at www.nyc-dop.com/choose/

CHOOSE PEACE is a series of events coordinated by NYDOP and hosted around the world, honoring the 11 days of Global Unity from September 11-21, 2007. The CHOOSE PEACE campaign will raise awareness and funds for the Department of Peace campaign.

CHOOSE PEACE will consist of a musical event in New York City the weekend before September 11, 2007 that will launch 11 days of a Global Peace Film Fest. Building on last year’s Gandhi film festival, NYDOP asks participants around the world to organize house parties between September 11 and 21, the International Day of Peace, by watching a film of their choice, hosting discussions, raising awareness and funds for the Department of Peace campaign and engaging in postcard writing to key decision-makers in Washington, DC.

Visit www.nyc-dop.com/choose/ to find out more about CHOOSE PEACE, to attend or organize events, to obtain postcards, to support the event and to get more involved. Check back often as the website will be updated with new information regularly.

NYDOP appreciates the time and effort you spent organizing a Gandhi film screening last year and hopes you will consider participating this year in CHOOSE PEACE.

House Party Kits will be available (for a requested $25 donation) to assist you in having a successful event. Visit http://www.nyc-dop.com/choose for details.

For more information, visit the This September Choose Peace website at http://www.party2win.com/ny-dopeace

Sheffield United Lose Tevez Appeal
ITV.com News
http://www.itv.com/news/index_2b910a49d5dbe3f97b26e35838ee1e63.html



Actor Sean Bean to Receive Honorary Degree
University of Sheffield – Media Center
http://www.shef.ac.uk/mediacentre/2007/842.html
Internationally acclaimed actor Sean Bean will return to Sheffield this month to receive an honorary degree from the University of Sheffield. Sean’s achievements as an actor and his ongoing commitment to the City of Sheffield will be recognized in the degree ceremony on Friday, July 20th, when he will be become a Doctor of Letters.

Medicare: Why Are Conservatives Scared of Competition?
Dean Baker, Truthout Editorial
http://www.truthout.org/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi/64/22786

LATEST NEWS ON “KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT” IN 2008 CAMPAIGN

14 Congress Members for Impeachment
David Swanson, Scoop Independent News
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0707/S00036.htm

Considering Kucinich
Rufus Sanders, Register Columnist
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/07/02/viewpoints/register_viewpoints/328509.txt

“The Consumerist” Interviews Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Presidential Candidate
http://consumerist.com/consumer/politics/the-consumerist-interviews-congressman-dennis-kucinich-presidential-candidate-272385.php

[Duchess Note – Many thanks to Linda Z in TX for her contribution of DJK articles.]

Feminists: Women Don’t Trust Hillary
Newsmax.com
Hillary Clinton enjoyed staunch support from feminists when she was first lady, but now as a presidential candidate she’s being increasingly criticized by left-leaning women. "Women don’t trust Hillary. They see her as an opportunist. Many feel betrayed by her, Susan Douglas wrote in an In These Times article titled "Why Women Hate Hillary. Clinton does have strong support from women in general, with 42 percent of likely women voters in the Democratic primaries choosing Hillary in a recent Zogby poll, more than twice the 19 percent garnered by No. 2 candidate Barack Obama. But "Hillary has a feminist problem, and more so with those who lean left, an article in the liberal publication The Nation observes.

Here’s a sampling of what some feminists have been saying about Hillary, according to the Nation article, which also appeared on the liberal AlterNet Web site:

* Writer Nora Ephron, at one time a gushing admirer of Hillary, late last year wrote in the Huffington Post that she is among those who believe Hillary "will do anything to win, who believe she doesn’t really take a position unless it’s completely safe, who believe she has taken the concept of triangulation and pushed it to a geometric level never achieved by anyone including her own husband, who can’t stand her position on the war, who don’t trust her as far as you can spit.”
* Lisa Jervis, founder of Bitch magazine, wrote: "Having a woman in the White House won’t necessarily do a damn thing for progressive feminism.”
* Jen Moseley expressed a similar view on the blog Feministing: "As women sign up to work with anyone but Senator Clinton, of course, they’re being asked why, They’re all giving the same answer. Being a woman does not get you the automatic support of women.”
* Jaclyn Friedman, director of the Center For New Words program, wrote: "Hillary’s not my friend. She’s not actually progressive. The fact that she’s a woman is an unfortunate red herring.”

[Duchess Note – I so agree with what these ladies have to say about that individual. I’ve never trusted Slick Hill since her husband first came into office back in the early 1990s. She’s definitely NOT a progressive nor a liberal. Far from it! My vote during the primary will go to Kucinich and no one else. Many thanks to Judith in sharing the above article from Newsmax.]

Music Review: Pearl Jam – “Live at the Gorge” [CD Box Set]
Charlie Doherty / BC Blogcritics Magazine
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/06/30/203304.php

INTRODUCING DENNIS KUCINICH
Steve Cobble, After Downing Street
Dennis Kucinich was the first to stand up against invasion in February 2002, more than 5 years ago. Dennis didn’t just give a speech, or cast a vote—both of which were brave and unique in their own right—he led. He spearheaded the fight in the House in 2002 to deny President Bush his fig leaf of an authorization to go to war. He sued to block the war. He spoke at peace rallies, including in New York City on February 15, 2003, when the world said no to war. He challenged Bush’s war on the same night Bush launched it, when others ducked for cover.
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/23862

[Duchess Note: My first ever protest/rally was on Feb 15, 2003. I'd been feeling anger and frustration at the Bush Regime up till then. Wanted to become involved, wasn't sure how and a gym pal told me about the Feb 2003 peace rally. I attended the rally that cold wintery day and it was such an amazing experience. Awe inspiring and a real eye opener. Made connections with some folk; learned about WBAI, MoveOn.org and TrueMajority. That day in 2003 was a positive turning point in life. The path I've lead since then has been such a learning curve for me and I've met some fanastic people. Many whom are good friends. Thank you DJK for being you and an inspiration to us all. Be peace.........]

Congress Needs to Stop Playing in Bush’s Court
Dave Lindorff, Baltimore Chronicle & Sentinel
http://www.baltimorechronicle.com/2007/062907Lindorff.shtml

Kucinich Energizes PBS Forum by Relating Failures of US Foreign Policy to Series of Growing Domestic Problems
Kucinich Press Secretary
http://kucinich.us/node/4764

These are the Elements of the Kucinich 12-Point Plan for Iraq
http://kucinich.us/files/pdfs/12point_plan.pdf
1. The US announces it will end the occupation, close military bases and withdraw
2. US announces that it will use existing funds to bring the troops and necessary equipment home
3. Order a simultaneous return of all US contractors to the United States and turn over all contracting work to the Iraqi government
4. Convene a regional conference for the purpose of developing a security and stabilization force for Iraq
5. Prepare an international security and peacekeeping force to move in, replacing US troops who then return home
6. Develop and fund a process of national reconciliation
7. Reconstruction and Jobs
8. Reparations
9. Political Sovereignty
10. Iraq Economy
11. Economic Sovereignty
12. International Truth and Reconciliation

Capturing Every Breath the Police Took
Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times
Where the group went, so did guitarist Andy Summers’ camera. His images show what it was like during the band’s heyday.
http://www.calendarlive.com/music/la-et-summers27jun27,0,5560096.story?coll=cl-music-features

[Photo: Andy, Sting & Stewart on June 22nd at photography exhibit]

Andy Summers Photo Exhibit
Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/MainPages/DisplayArticleDetails.asp?eid=5808


[Duchess Note: New website listed under "Blog Websites" in lefthand column. Great blog/journal by my friend Cielito {ie: NYC Kucitizen} called "Loose Feet" and marathon running. Check it out today.]

Imperial Presidency Declared Null & Void
Sidney Blumenthal, Salon Magazine
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/ArticleID/7930

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson Slams His Friend Mitt Romney for “Flip-Flopping” on Abortion, Stem Cell Research, Torture in Attempt to Win GOP Presidential Nomination
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/06/25/1421228

A Look at Rudy Phonyani
Umar Lee
http://umarlee.com/2007/05/25/a-look-at-rudy-phonyani/

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

PERSONAL NEWS #123
Sunday, April 22nd, I did volunteer work at Cadman Plaza [Brooklyn] during the annual MS Walk. Volunteers had to be on site by 10am instead of the usual 12pm, which I thought abit odd. By the time car service dropped me off at the location, there were several volunteers already there and tables were set up. We were manning one of the three rest stops for the walk. The weather was nice, sunny and abit warm that spring day. Along with myself, there were about 15 volunteers, and two supervisors from MS. This year, for the first time, we had to pour bottled water into large plastic cups. Again abit odd and the walkers were not too happy with this arrangement. Plus it slowed everyone down with the process. Also, we were not informed that the walk route had been changed and that our rest stop was first of the three. Whoa … we sure got a lot of walkers! It didn’t take long for our rest stop to run out of bottled water and most of the donated goodies. All we had left were a few meager apples and oranges. Sadly, we had to turn some MS walkers away. Clean up progressed quickly and outta there between 1pm and 2pm. I started volunteering with MS Society in 1993. Two friends of mine in the UK, now deceased, both had MS for 20+ years. In memory of Pam and Gary I continue to do the volunteering.

On a rainy Wednesday evening, April 25th, I participated in a panel presentation [hosted by Peace Task Force] at the All Souls Church in Manhattan with members of New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace. Fellow NYDoP member Jade and I worked the DoP info table, as well as converse with attendees on peace activism and the Dept of Peace legislation. [I really enjoy this part of it & connecting with others.] Another NYDoP member, Susan, was MC for the evening and is also a chairperson with All Souls PTF. Joe, Marianne and Kevin [NYDoP board members] were part of the panel discussion, followed by a Q&A. Along with a wonderful National Dept of Peace [DoP] activist’s slideshow, which was shown before the discussion, we also showed clips of the Student Peace Alliance group at the recent DC conference in February. Attendance was okay, due to the weather, and those that attended asked the panel some great, in-depth questions. New volunteers were signed on and literature was given out. Overall it was a good evening.

Friday, April 27th, I did volunteer work for City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.

Saturday evening, April 28th, I invited my friend Jackie over to dine on Chinese takeout and watch two movies [ie: DaVinci Code & Vanity Fair] on DVD. We had a nice, relaxing evening. I also lent her two books on the Titanic disaster of 1912.

Thursday, May 3rd, was the first official NYC "Kucinich 2008" meetup in Manhattan. A chap from NJ was the original Meetup.org organizer and since beginning of June I’ve taken over as organizer. My friend BC, her hubby Andrew, along with baby Alex joined me at the meetup, as did Thomas. The three of us had done volunteer work on the 2003/2004 Kucinich presidential campaign. The others at the meetup [group that evening totaled 10] were new to this campaign.

I must say the chap from NJ was decent at organizing some stuff and not so swift at other things. Rumor has it there were "issues" with him in NJ meetup too. Anyhow, it was a decent meetup and many had some good ideas. Hope they stay onboard, so we can go forth with implementing those ideas for the NYC campaign. Afterwards, while walking to our respective subways in Times Square, Thomas and I walked past "Law & Order" actor Christopher Meloni on 8th Avenue and 50th Street. OMG! He’s so handsome in person and looked very sexy in a black suit. I felt like a giddy school girl and dear Thomas thought it all so amusing. At the Times Square subway station we stood talking about many diverse, interesting topics for almost an hour. Its great talking with him and he gives great hugs. Whoa!

Friday, May 4th, I met up with Cielito and her cousin Gloria for dessert and the Greek/Roman exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We started off the evening with delicious dessert in the Petrie Court Café and since it was around Cielito’s b-day, I gave her a pair of my bead style earrings. Afterwards we spent over an hour viewing the whole new Greek/Roman exhibit and making amusing commentary on male statuary buttocks. I highly recommend seeing this wonderful, beautifully displayed exhibit at the museum. The items on display span from 500 BC to 700 AD. A most enjoyable evening and good way to start off the weekend.

On Wednesday, May 9th, the NYDoP board members met for our monthly meeting in Bryant Park. Yep, we held it in the park, as the weather was really nice. Main topics of discussion were on finances, 501c4, two new NY state co-sponsors to HR808, surveys, September peacebuilding event and the "Piece of the Pie" campaign. Carol and Kevin worked on and presented new organization charts. They are great and very detailed. Also, Marianne and Karen worked hard on a plan/outline for our peacebuilding event, which they presented to the board. Very productive meeting, plus Joe and Karen brought some yummy goodies for us to nosh on.

The Police Get a Mixed Verdict from Fans
Orange County Register
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/abox/article_1741393.php
Readers who attended the Police's Anaheim show reveled in nostalgia, though some were underwhelmed.

Kucinich is ‘100% on board’ with Healthcare Reform Michael Moore tells Nurses Forum in New Hampshire
http://kucinich.us/node/4683
Submitted by DJK Press Secretary
Other candidates have taken more than $3 million in contributions from the health care industry

They'll Break the Bad News on 9/11
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/23939
By Frank Rich, New York Times

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda Z in TX for sending some of the above articles.]

Message From “The Progress Report” – A SiCKO America

Approximately 45 million Americans lack health insurance. Health care costs are increasing faster than wages, and six in ten insured Americans are "worried about being able to afford the cost of their health insurance over the next few years." But these high prices aren't buying the world's top care. Even while U.S. health spending per capita is higher than any other country, America is not necessarily the best country in which to get sick. Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore highlights the deficiencies in the U.S. system in his new movie, SiCKO, which opens nationwide on June 29. Moore travels to Great Britain, France, Canada, and Cuba, comparing the accessibility and costs of those systems with health care in the United States. He finds that his own country often comes up short for Americans who can't always afford high premiums. "Every American has a human right to know that when he gets sick, he can go to the doctor without worrying if he can afford it," Moore said. Moore recently spoke with Oprah about America's broken health care system, which you can view at link below, along with clips from the film. http://thinkprogress.org/2007/06/16/michael-moore-talks-health-care-crisis-with-oprah/

Moore and SiCKO Are a Hit at Congress
Brian Beutler, Media Consortium
http://www.alternet.org/movies/54898/

Michael Moore Attacks the Grotesque Profit Motive of the US Health Care System
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/54639/

Inside “SiCKO” - EMT with Role in film says: Health care system's gotta be cured
BY JOHN GRAHAM

Lost in all the talk about Cuba and the controversy surrounding my trip there as part of "Sicko" is what really matters in all of this - how we treat people in this country. I worked at Ground Zero on the days after 9/11 with thousands of other men and women from in and around New York. Many of us contracted debilitating illnesses because of our work there. When we asked for help, we were ignored by almost everyone - everyone except Michael Moore. So when people ask what I think of Michael's new film, and especially the man himself, one thing comes to mind: He's brave.

Time and again, he's exposed issues in a provocative manner. In addition to exposing facts about our health-care industry, "Sicko" is a call to action to break the industry's death-grip on our society. I think all of us can agree that the health- care system in this country is broken. We can also agree that it's not the government that broke it; it's the health insurance industry and the pharmaceutical companies. So when they come out and try to scare us about universal health care, it's nothing more than another dishonest attempt to keep raking in riches on the backs of the working people who make this country great.

I'm no filmmaker or film reviewer, but I can tell you that watching "Sicko" is an explosive experience. I know what I've gone through since 9/11 because I experienced it, but the rest of the film is almost unbelievable to me. How can we live in the richest country in the history of the world and simply ignore the tens of millions without health insurance? How can we live in a country where the care you receive is at the whim of pencil pushers at insurance companies whose bonuses are tied to the number of claims they deny? It just doesn't make sense.

More than that, though, is the fallacy that government health care won't work. Insurance companies and their lobbyists in Washington have gone through great pains for decades to save their own bottom lines, even at the expense of American lives. The fact is that if the government can provide police and fire protection, public libraries, the postal system and a host of other services that we all need, why can't it provide health care? If we take the profit out of the system, the only thing it will focus on is treating people. Isn't that what a health care system should be doing?

If you've ever been without health insurance, if you've ever had a claim for care questioned by someone at a desk, if you've ever watched a loved one suffer while your insurance company "decided" whether to cover them, or even if you've never had anything like this happen to you, it can. It does. And it might. And so you need to run to see "Sicko."

Kucinich Comes to Take Back America
David Swanson, After Downing Street
http://www.zmag.org/content/print_article.cfm?itemID=13121&sectionID=72

[Duchess Note – Many thanks to Linda Z in TX for sharing the article above and the poem below.]

MESSAGE FROM DL21C REGARDING WHITE HOUSE SERIES – Kucinich in NYC

The Hon. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) - Democratic Candidate for President with special guest Elizabeth Kucinich!

Monday, June 25th
7:00 pm
Iguana Bar & Lounge
240 W 54th Street
(b/t Broadway and 8th Avenue)
(212) 765-5454
Subways B/D/F/V/E to 7th Avenue, 1/A/C to 50th Street

Free for members, $7/non-members
RSVP on our website

For membership info, please visit www.dl21c.org ... for more information about Rep. Kucinich's campaign, please visit his campaign website http://kucinich.us

POEM OF THE MONTH

Terrorism on American Soil
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1022982

The thundering sounds of men on horseback
Awakening the village to the coming attack.
Women and children scurry to their tipis
Horses come storming out from the trees.

Warriors and the squaws cannot prepare,
Destruction descending igniting the air.
Dust quickly rises with agitated force,
The cavalry continues on their course.

Death is coming and will soon be near,
The women hold their children in fear.
No one in their tribe had ever dreamt,
Of the men on horses and their contempt.

For the life these people once led,
After today many will be dead.
Burning houses made from hide.
Their peaceful ways now subside.

No longer fishers and hunters are they,
The natives have a debt to repay.
Lost loved ones lie dying in the dirt,
Their lives filled with anger and hurt!

New, the concept, terror causing fearful dreams.
Innocent lives ripped apart at the seams.
Gone and forgotten or so it appears,
Memories like these slowly disappear.

[Duchess Note - Instead of white men on horseback terrorizing Indians in America, its now soldiers in tanks throughout Iraq. Innocent women and children live in fear. Many are maimed and killed. As are our soldiers. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was over land/resources ... now its for oil and domination. When will the violence end? Let's sit down together and work things out in a non violent, peaceful manner. It can be done. We need to do this for all the innocent children of the world and whats left of their precious future. Let's come together and make a difference today. Be peace.....]

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF "CHOOSE PEACE" WEBSITE

New Yorkers for a Department of Peace (NYDoP) announces the launch of CHOOSE PEACE, its second annual September peacebuilding event, and the companion website.

CHOOSE PEACE at www.nyc-dop.com/choose/

CHOOSE PEACE is a series of events coordinated by NYDoP and hosted around the world, honoring the 11 days of Global Unity from September 11-21, 2007. The CHOOSE PEACE campaign will raise awareness and funds for the Department of Peace campaign.

CHOOSE PEACE will consist of a musical event in New York City the weekend before September 11, 2007 that will launch 11 days of a Global Peace Film Fest. NYDoP asks participants around the world to organize house parties between September 11 and 21, the International Day of Peace, by watching a film of their choice, hosting discussions, raising awareness and funds for the Department of Peace campaign and engaging in postcard writing to key decision-makers in Washington, DC.

Visit www.nyc-dop.com/choose/ to find out more about CHOOSE PEACE, to attend or organize events, to obtain postcards, to support the event and to get more involved. Check back often as the website will be updated with new information regularly.

NYDoP looks forward to your participation in CHOOSE PEACE.

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DENNIS KUCINICH IN THE NEWS

HR333 for Impeachment Press Conference with Kucinich, Cindy Sheehan, CodePink & Others
Representative Dennis Kucinich holds a press conference to announce articles of impeachment against VP Dick Cheney. Speakers Daniel Ellsberg, Cindy Sheehan, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, activist Linda Boyd and others see it as a first step to impeach Bush and restoring constitutional liberties. CodePink Chorus joins in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kphMB2ZgepI

The Democrats YouTube Debate
Submit your own QUESTION! Just Go Here:
http://www.youtube.com/debates

This summer and fall, YouTube, CNN and a few engaged and engaging citizens will make political history by having the presidential candidates answer questions submitted via YouTube videos. The first debate will feature the Democratic candidates on July 23rd in Charleston, South Carolina. Submit your question for the Democrats between June 14 and July 22 (the earlier the better). The CNN political team will choose the most creative and compelling videos, and if yours is one of them, you may get the chance to fly to Charleston to watch the debate live and offer your reactions afterward on YouTube's political video blog, Citizentube. So if you've always wanted your voice to be heard, now's your chance -- grab a camera and get rolling.

Elizabeth Holtzman Calls for Impeachment of Bush & Cheney
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwiSylbeYjl

WELCOME TO THE WOMEN’S GLOBAL ROUNDTABLE! - Launching June 26

Be a part of inspiring, live weekly conference calls where you can hear and engage with women around the world. Peace X Peace invites you to call in every Tuesday evening at 8 PM Eastern/ 5 PM Central to listen to the stories and rich traditions of women from Iraq, Ethiopia, Belize, Palestine, and many other countries. Join us for the first conference call on June 26th at 8 pm EST/5 pm PST featuring Basma Fakri from Iraq. Visit our website for more information and to subscribe: http://www.peacexpeace.org/RoundTable.asp

[Duchess Note - Check out the Dennis Kucinich website to see his values, platform, videos and why he's the only choice for president. HE IS ELECTABLE! I'll be damned if some right wing corporation, media talking head or Wall Street windbag tell me how to vote and whom to vote for. No way! The choice is mine and I've done the research ... vote Kucinich during your states primary. If you live in NY state, the primary is in early February 2008. (Don't forget to register to vote.) To learn more about this compassionate, intelligent, decent, kind and hard working Congressman ... go to http://kucinich.us]

THEN AND NOW

[The Police … Rolling Stone magazine February 1981]


[The Police … Rolling Stone magazine June 2007]

Dennis Kucinich Speaks at the Harmony Festival on June 10, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3hXJpyN1Tk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wahi78rUGZ8

Press Conference with Dennis Kucinich & Maxine Waters Re: Cheney’s Impeachment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ9JkJb8XiY



http://blog.thehill.com/2007/06/13/cheney-should-still-be-impeached-rep-dennis-kucinich/

MESSAGE FROM PORTLAND INDYMEDIA
Indymedia readers will have heard about most of this, of course, but it's a great reminder of just how corrupt the corporate media has become. Share with skeptical friends who still think the NYT is a "liberal" paper worth reading. Read the below article…….

Blackout: Things Your Media Momma Didn't Tell You
Dave Lindorff
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2007/06/361007.shtml

A MIXED BAG OF MID WEEK NEWS

Jon Regen's “Let It Go” Available Now - Featuring Andy Summers of the Police, Martha Wainwright, & Other Special Guests!
All About Jazz
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=14158
Jon Regen's long-awaited new album LET IT GO is available online now.

Police Aren't Copping to Rumors of Discord
San Jose Mercury News
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6128568?source=rss
Stewart Copeland says that for 20 years, he resisted approaching Sting about getting their band back together.

Sean Bean’s Commons Fight
The Sun – UK
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007270240,00.html


British actor Sean Bean stands with Sheffield United supporters before leading a delegation to Parliament to protest the way Sheffield United football team were relegated from the Premiership, in central London, Wednesday June 13, 2007. Sheffield supporters said rivals West Ham United should have lost points and been relegated instead for using a player who was not properly registered. (AP Photo/Str)

Sean Bean Leads Football Protest
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/south_yorkshire/6747441.stm

Democratic Dinosaurs in DC Are Holding Us Back
Arianna Huffington
http://www.alternet.org/stories/53951/
While the rest of the country is dealing with the here and now -- exemplified by Bush's puny approval ratings and a new poll showing rural voters turning against the GOP's handling of Iraq -- the Beltway's Democratic dinosaurs are acting like it's 2002.

US Congress Urged to Support Permanent UN Forcehttp://www.democracyinaction.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=tUgL1zpfIYKPNblzDqMnH75%2BRxHvISTe

The Rich Are Making the Poor Poorer
Barbara Ehrenreich, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/53962/
A bloated overclass can drag down a society as surely as a swelling underclass. A great deal of the wealth at the top is built on the low-wage labor of the poor.

Good Riddance Attention Whore
Cindy Sheehan Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/29/1495/

[Duchess Note – Bravo Cindy! Tell it like it is and bring forth the truth. Apparently there are folk on the “left” can’t handle the truth and whine like many Republicans. Why can’t some people handle the truth, deal with it, and rise above it all to be better individuals?!?]

Video of Marshal Rosenberg - Using NVC in International Conflict
http://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/rosenberg/meet_marshall_rosenberg.htm
About 10 minutes … amazing, informative, inspiring and as a fellow member from NYDoP said “riveting!” Please, take a moment to watch this video and become more involved in nonviolent communication. Be peace………

LATEST NEWS ON THE POLICE REUNION TOUR

The Police Find Their Rhythm, but For How Long?
Doug Miller, MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19107664/
Despite one moment of tension, The Police set at Seattle’s Key Arena clicked as if they had never taken a day, let alone almost 25 years off.

Police Return for Better, Worse
Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6105452?source=rss
While The Police will never go down in the annals of great rock 'n' roll bands, they still created their own important niche in the history books.



[The Police rocking the house in Denver]



The Police
Bay Insider
http://www.ktvu.com/events/13477410/detail.html
Rock reunions have been all the rage in 2007, but none has been greeted with the excitement and interest surrounding the first tour by the Police since members Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers unofficially split to pursue solo careers in 1984. Though they first came together as a progressive-rock project led by former Gong musician Mike Howlett (the short-lived band Strontium 90).

The Police Saved Best for Last
Denver Daily News
http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/?page=details&id=5957
An incredible ending to an incredible evening. Playing two double encores that followed a set of classic songs, The Police pulled off its first night in Denver with smashing success Saturday night at The Pepsi Center.

"IF" by Steve Chase, a Kucinich Supporter...
If Congress had the wisdom of Dennis Kucinich, the war in Iraq would never have been started.

If Congress had the sense today to do what is right and passed HR 1234 the Iraq War today would now be over.

If Congress would enact Dennis Kucinich and John Conyers HR 676 we would have Medicare for all right now. We are already paying for universal health care, we just aren't getting it.

If Congress would act on H Res 333 Vice President Cheney would be IMPEACHED and removed from power.

If Congress would enact HR 808 we would have a Cabinet Level Department of Peace and Non violence paving the way for our nation to beat its weapons into plowshares and study war no more. Peace would become the organizing principle in our relations here and throughout the globe. A sustainable future could be so.

Not to mention the great strides we could have made toward defusing global warming, reducing reliance on foreign oil, incentivizing wind and solar energy production, restoration of civil liberties and recognizing work with living wages. The Patriot Act, WTO, NAFTA, GATT would be no more.

We cannot fail in 2008. I urge you to support the election of Dennis Kucinich as President of the Untied States. I invite you to the table!!

[Duchess Note - Contact the Dept of Peace national campaign at www.ThePeaceAlliance.org OR contact the NYC Dept of Peace campaign chapter at www.nyc-dop.com]

ANOTHER WEEKEND IS UPON US – WHAT’S IN THE NEWS

Declaration of New Patriotism
Throughout history every generation has a unique challenge that tests its collective mettle. For us, that challenge is global warming. Do your part today by signing the Declaration of New Patriotism that's awaiting signature by all Americans who are committed to stopping global warming. http://action.environmentaldefense.org/campaign/newpatriotism?rk=t1_qZfM13tfZW

Seven US Reps Support Cheney Impeachment
Matthew Cardinale, News Editor, Atlanta Progressive News
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0171.html

Lies, Sighs and Politics
Paul Krugman, NY Times
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/06/08/1728/
In Tuesday’s Republican presidential debate, Mitt Romney completely misrepresented how we ended up in Iraq. Later, Mike Huckabee mistakenly claimed that it was Ronald Reagan’s birthday. Guess which remark The Washington Post identified as the “gaffe of the night”? Folks, this is serious. If early campaign reporting is any guide, the bad media habits that helped install the worst president ever in the White House haven’t changed a bit. You may not remember the presidential debate of Oct. 3, 2000, or how it was covered, but you should. It was one of the worst moments in an election marked by news media failure as serious, in its way, as the later failure to question Bush administration claims about Iraq.

[Duchess Note – Regarding Krugman’s article, we need to send emails to this journalist and tell him that Kucinich had a terrific plan for Universal healthcare BEFORE Edwards ever came up with one. DJK still has a terrific plan! Krugman talks of "bad media habits", well, he's also employing “bad media habits” by NOT mentioning ALL eight of the Democrat candidates. Time to deluge these journalists with emails and letters about Congressman Kucinich and the fine job he’s doing. He is pro-peace and never ever pro-war like Clinton. Many thanks to Linda Z in sharing these articles. Be peace………]

Biden Gets A Brief Iraq Moment
Michael Falcone, The Caucus
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/07/biden-gets-a-brief-iraq-moment/
Although Senator Joe Biden took the lead weeks ago in calling for a 90-minute debate on Iraq among the presidential candidates, his plans to take part in a forum last night on that very topic were all but derailed by the Senate’s deliberation on the immigration bill.

[Duchess Note - Use the above link to go to the online NY Times article and select Dennis Kucinich's name in the 5th paragraph to see the video of Dennis Kucinich's remarks. Dennis begins by holding up a poster that says, "Peace, it's something we can create".]

Glitz, Shadows Play in Summers' Book
Rocky Mountain News
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/music/article/0,2792,DRMN_54_5575643,00.html Andy Summers' story is a great one just on its face - playing guitar with everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Neil Sedaka, going from last-dime poverty to international superstardom as the guitarist of The Police.

Police Reunited
Rocky Mountain News
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/music/article/0,2792,DRMN_54_5575642,00.html Shea Stadium, 1983. The Police are the biggest band in the world. Synchronicity caps a run of five classic albums, each more popular than the one before it. “Every Breath You Take” is already on the way to icon status. The Police sell out stadiums and get the greatest reviews of their career.

[Duchess Notes - Check out FOFF (Friends of Friday Forum) for new commentary and updates. The link is listed in the column on the left.]

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT – THE NEWS

Frameshop: CNN Crops Out Candidates
http://jeffrey-feldman.typepad.com/frameshop/2007/06/frameshop_shame.html#more

A quick glance at the Monday morning highlights of the Democratic candidate debate, last night, might lead one to think that there were only three Democrats running for President: Edwards, Clinton and Obama. In fact, there are eight (e.g., also Biden, Gravel, Kucinich, Richardson, Dodd), but it seems that CNN sought to stage the debates in such a way that the camera shot could frame the top three and crop out the rest.

This raises an interesting question about the ethics of media intrusion into America's electoral process. Whether or not a candidacy truly has the money, organization and charisma to win a nomination and be elected, should private media corporations have the right to weed out candidates they decide are not going to win? In other words, once a candidate fills out petitions, gets him/herself on the ballot and legally enters a campaign--presidential or otherwise--should a private corporation have the power to, effectively, cut that candidate out of a debate? Should editorial or business meetings in private boardrooms have the power to declare a candidacy over?

[Duchess Note - They have no right! Its up to WE THE PEOPLE to decide and vote. NOT some greedy, arrogant, overpaid thug in a boardroom. Stand up against corporate media, corporations, CEOs, etc. The decisions belong to the delegates and voters. Bring back our Constitution and democracy.]

Impeachment Momentum Grows: 4th Member of Congress Signs Impeachment Bill
http://mathaba.net/news/print15.shtml?cmd[40]=i-42-463d9dc716a72021d8585d649c471be8

The Democrats’ War
By David Vest
http://kucinich.us/node/4318
http://www.counterpunch.org/vest06052007.html

Congressman Kucinich Interviewed by Paula Zahn
June 4, 2007
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/pzn.01.html

[Duchess Note – Many thanks to Linda Z in TX for sharing these articles and links.]

Andy Summers: Police Guitarist Releases Two Arresting Books
Lee Valentine Smith, Creative Loafing
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=252450

PERSONAL NEWS #122
On Sunday, April 1st, I headed up to CT to visit my good friend Katherine. Took the Metro North train to Stratford station were Katherine picked me up and we drove to a very nice Red Lobster in Bridgeport. I was treating my good friend to lunch for her birthday. We’ve been going to Red Lobster every year since 1990 and it’s become tradition. We spent a nice, leisurely meal noshing on some good seafood and catching up on news/gossip. From there we went shopping at several stores looking for crafts, beads and fabric. Then we drove to South Norwalk to see the work being done on her old house. Her youngest daughter had been living there with a boyfriend and his mother. From the before pix, lets just say they darn near ruined the place. Since evicting them the long haul to renovation has taken awhile and several borrowed funds. The results, from what I could tell, are coming along really well and they hope to have it on the market this summer. Hope they get a good sale, because they sure could use the funds.

Wednesday evening, April 4th, I attended the monthly DFNYC meetup in Brooklyn. Josh was hosting and we had a nice turnout at Ozzies. Major topics of lengthy discussion were ways to become more energy efficient in our homes, office and environment. Such as:

Use compact fluorescent bulbs
Change the AC filter
Buy products locally
Use recycled paper
Buy organic food
Bring cloth bags to the market
Reduce garbage
Insulate your home
Plant a tree
Replace old appliances
Switch to double pane windows
Insulate your water heater
Inflate your tires
Buy a fuel efficient car
Use a push mower

Spent Easter weekend [April 6th thru 8th] with my parents in upstate NY, as well as my brother and his wife. Had a busy agenda for those 48 hours and before I knew it I was back on the bus for NYC.

After work on Thursday, April 12th, I volunteered with City Harvest to help with prep work for their next fundraiser. We were busy sticking special labels on small paper bags, talking about numerous topics and noshing on food provided by City Harvest. Volunteers ranged from 20 years olds to folk in their 60s … it was an interesting evening. We’re all there for a good cause and yah never know who you’ll meet.

Latest Interesting News on Congressman Kucinich – These are from the “Dennis Kucinich for President in 2008” MySpace website

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtX5jSW3yhE
Press conference with Rep. Dennis Kucinich, IPS Fellow Antonia Juhasz, and Denise Lombard from US Labor Against the War concerning the consequences of the privatization of Iraqi oil. The event was held as the House approved the supplemental Iraq war funding bill. This took place on May 24, 2007.

Dennis Kucinich on Bay News 9 @ 630PM on June 3rd
http://www.baynews9.com/BayNews9OnDemand.html

Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich's POST-debate interview right AFTER the Democratic Pres. Debate on Apr. 26, 2007. Elizabeth is introduced. It is noted by many people that Dennis speeches are ON FIRE when she is sitting within his eyeshot!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laWWgYYW8dY

Dennis Kucinich Wows the NH Democratic Convention – Here are Some Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh9yXaTPhts

Let's Get Dennis Kucinich's Numbers Way Up There!
At the moment, Dennis Kucinich is behind most of the other candidates on Facebook polls. He should be among the leaders among young voters, so please spread the word for those on Facebook to vote for Dennis at: http://www.voteonthebook.com/candidates/view/Dennis_Kucinich OR http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=2360172394

MORE PERSONAL NEWS
Saturday, April 14th, I attended a 3-hour [10am – 1pm] bead jewelry workshop at Fun2Bead in Manhattan. Due to last minute cancellations in the past month or so, I finally got to attend one of these workshops. So annoying when one arrives at the shop to learn the class has been cancelled. Twice this happened and their policy says they are to phone the attendees. I never received any phone calls. Twice I had “words” with the store manager. Not the way to treat a regular customer. The workshop is held in the basement of the bead shop on 6th Avenue and they usually teach 8 to 10 people at a time. My only gripe about the class was the choice of beads given to us to work with and definitely not my preference. I was there for the sole purpose of learning how to create a bracelet and necklace. [See photo below] During the three hours we ladies had a fun time and learned new techniques, which I’ve been utilizing since this class. Afterwards I met a fellow co-worker [Gloria] upstairs in the bead shop and we talked about beading. We’re both thinking of experimenting with “memory bracelets”. Gloria’s taken advanced classes and I’ve seen her necklaces … they are lovely and unique. She was taking the afternoon workshop on wire technique at 2pm. I also purchased products that I’d need to make necklaces. As I was heading for the Starbucks and the subway, I decided to take a shortcut through Bryant Park. I didn’t get far into the park, when part of the walkway decided to take a bite out of my sneaker and fling me to the ground. OUCH! Darn! My bags and sunglasses went flying to the ground as I used my hands to brace for the fall. Ouch! Next thing I know two men ran over from a park bench to help me to my feet and ask if I was okay. For the most part I felt okay, just shaken up and thankfully nothing was broken. I knew I’d be sore and bruised within 24 hours. I conveyed my appreciation to the two men and walked slowly out of the park. Never did go to Starbucks, but instead got a sandwich from Cosi and then headed home. Thankfully no bleeding, took a Tylenol and after a manicure appt, I went back home to lie down [delayed shock] with an ice pack on my left knee. Recovery took over a month [plus several ice packs] for my knee to fully heal and all the bruises to fade away.



Monday evening, April 16th, I attended the Brooklyn Peace Circle at Mary’s home in Park Slope. Gili, Mary, Joyce and Mary’s roommate were the other attendees. It was great seeing everyone and participating in the Peace Circle. It’s always a calm, reflective, joyful experience. I learned this is the last Peace Circle and this news greatly saddened me. We did talk about possibly starting it up again several months down the road, conversing via Yahoo Group and utilizing different apartment locations. I sure hope so, as I really enjoyed these Peace Circle evenings.

On Thursday evening, April 19th, I attended both NYDoP meetings [ie: Board & Core Team]. The board meeting was an hour long and we only got 3/4s of the agenda accomplished. We’re slowly making progress on certain topics and issues. Also, we’ll soon be a non-profit organization and all it entails. The second meeting, which was our monthly Core Team, hosted a congenial, intelligent, handsome guest speaker [Yonatan Shapira - Captain in the Israeli Air Force reserves and is also a Military refuser [http://www.combatantsforpeace.org/] and acquaintance of Marianne [ie: board member]. We had a nice turnout of Core Team members and what Yonatan had to convey intrigued and moved us all. It was a terrific, productive evening.

US Government Should Stop Faking Terror Attacks
Schuyler Thorpe, Author & Political Activist
http://politicalwhispers.blogspot.com/2007/06/us-government-should-stop-faking-terror.html

Caging Voters-Karl Rove's Felony In The 2004 Election Special
Greg Palast, BradBlog
http://www.coastalpost.com/07/06/03.html

War Veteran Lapping Capitol Building 3,400 Times
CBS31 Local News
http://cbs13.com/topstories/local_story_149190038.html

[Above poster signed by Congressman Kucinich ... Peace is the Way!]

Giuliani Does Flip-Flop on 9/11
By John Sanders, La Crosse

Rudy Giuliani has changed his story about 9/11. And if you bother to see the video on YouTube, Giuliani is not talking about World Trade Center No. 7. He firmly states he does not know its condition. Therefore, he was told before the collapse about the first two towers coming down. Why doesn’t America know that he was warned that the towers were going to collapse? Because the media are too busy with NASCAR and “American Idol” to care.

Consider this: On Tuesday, members of a 9/11 truth activist group confronted former Mayor Rudy Giuliani at a New York fundraiser about the fall of the World Trade Center. Giuliani’s politely phrased response, caught by WNBC news cameras filming the event, was, “I didn’t know that the towers were going to collapse.”

That response contradicts remarks the former New York City mayor made about being warned about the collapse during a phone interview with former ABC anchor Peter Jennings on Sept. 11, 2001, as shown in a transcript WNBC obtained from the Giuliani 2008 campaign. Giuliani told Jennings, “I — I went down to the scene, and we set up headquarters at 75 Barkley St., which was right there with the police commissioner, the fire commissioner, the head of emergency management, and we were operating out of there when we were told that the World Trade Center was going to collapse. And it did collapse before we could actually get out of the building, so we were trapped in the building for 10, 15 minutes, and finally found an exit and got out, walked north, and took a lot of people with us.”

Check it out at http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2007/06/03/opinion/letters/05letters0603.txt

Bad Man Walking
Andy Dougan, Stortford Citizen
http://www.bishopsstortfordcitizen.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1439421.mostviewed.bad_man_walking.php


[British actor Sean Bean in The Hitcher]

Don’t We Have A Constitution, Not A King?
Marjorie Cohn, AlterNet
Bush has issued a directive that would place all governmental powers in his hands in the case of a catastrophic emergency. If a terrorist attack happens before the 2008 election, could Bush and Cheney use this to avoid relinquishing power to a successor administration?
http://www.alternet.org/stories/52801/

[Duchess Note – Yah know, I wouldn’t put it past the Bush/Cheney Regime to “allow” another attack to happen, so they can pull off a full fascist dictatorship. They want total, absolute power. Say what you will, but I still firmly believe they were behind 9/11 and totally allowed it to happen. Do you honestly believe they care about the poor or middle class in this country?!? If you think they do care … whoa … get your head out of the sand and open your eyes. Do you think the Bush/Cheney Regime care about people around the world?!? Definitely not … just in stealing their precious resources and giving it to companies like Halliburton. Their treatment of our dead and maimed soldiers from Iraq is firm proof they don't care. We The People must stand up as one, raise our collective voices and become active in a nonviolent manner against this regime. Do it today … don’t wait for another 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina to happen. Be the change………..]

The Police Change For Outdoor Gigs
Jam! Showbiz
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/2007/06/01/4225802.html
The Police may have launched their highly anticipated 30th anniversary reunion tour on Monday night at GM Place in Vancouver -- with a hits-heavy, stripped-down production -- but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... So instead of loving what you think is peace, love other men and love God above all. And instead of hating the people you think are warmakers, hate the appetites and disorders in your own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed - but hate these things in yourself, not in another … Thomas Merton [New Seeds of Contemplation]

Are Media Out to Get John Edwards?
Jeff Cohen, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/52764/

NEWS FROM THE POLICE REUNION SUMMER TOUR

The Police Confess Comeback Conflict
ContactMusic
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/the%20police%20confess%20comeback%20conflict_1032106
THE POLICE reunion is suffering "heated discussions" but guitarist ANDY SUMMERS insists they're giving the band a positive "edge".

Reunited Police Thrive on Tension
Reuters via Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070525/music_nm/police_dc_1
The members of reunited rock band the Police are at war with each other -- and they couldn't be having more fun.

The Police Argue in Tour Rehearsals
Digital Spy
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a58294/the-police-argue-in-tour-rehearsals.html?rss
The Police star Andy Summers admits that the group have been arguing.

The Police a Force, Again
The Ottawa Sun
http://ottawasun.com/Showbiz/Music/2007/05/27/4211561-sun.html
30th anniversary reunion tour set to become biggest musical event of the summer.

Fans Ecstatic as Police Strut Their Stuff
Vancouver Province
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=c493d041-1fd3-4aa8-b2ce-d6235149dcdf&k=95924
Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland and Sting and are no longer young punks, but legions of Police fans outside their special preview concert in Vancouver last night couldn't have cared less.

Reunited Police Start World Tour
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/2/hi/entertainment/6697809.stm
Fans in Vancouver await the first concert on a five-month world tour by reunited rock group The Police.

Reunited Police Start World Tour
Moldova.org
http://music.moldova.org/stiri/eng/49907/
Reunited rock group The Police begin a five-month world tour in Vancouver on Monday, 21 years after their last large-scale concert appearance, informs BBC news. Singer Sting, drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers drifted apart in the mid-1980s but have been rehearsing together since March. They arrive in the UK on 8 September, playing at London's Twickenham Stadium.

The Police Play First Gig In Over 20 Years
ContactMusic
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/the%20police%20play%20first%20gig%20in%20over%2020%20years_1032375
Reformed rockers THE POLICE played their first concert in 21 years last night (27May07).

The Police Give Fans Preview Of Reunion Tour
ContactMusic
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/the%20police%20give%20fans%20preview%20of%20reunion%20tour_1032397
Reformed rockers THE POLICE wowed fans in Vancouver, Canada, last night (28May07) when they played a private show for their devotees on the eve of the world tour.

The Police kick off Reunion Tour
ITV.com
http://www.itv.com/news/entertainment_f64a89139f39fc9e1b13fba2e3829193.html
Reunited rockers The Police have kicked off their first world tour in more than 20 years. Opening in Vancouver, Canada at the GM Place, frontman Sting, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland delivered classics like Message in a Bottle and Roxanne.

Police Back on Duty for First Tour Since 1984
AFP via Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070529/ts_afp/entertainmentmusic_070529113200
Legendary rock band The Police on Monday staged their first major public concert since breaking up in 1984, kicking off a reunion tour and drawing fans screams from a bedazzled crowd.

Police Answer the Call
Vancouver Province
http://www.canada.com/cityguides/vancouver/story.html?id=81c63496-cb3b-4061-bfe6-3e9f10764a0c&k=45049
Lead singer Sting, lead guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland of the band The Police perform onstage to open their world tour at General Motors Place May 28, 2007 in Vancouver.


The Police in Vancouver on Monday, May 28th

First Look: The Police are Back!
rediff.com
http://www.rediff.com/rss/redirect.php?url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/29police.htm
Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers kick off The Police world tour in Vancouver.

An Open Letter to the Democratic Congress – Why I Am Leaving the Democratic Party
Commentary by Cindy Sheehan at CounterPunch
http://www.counterpunch.org/sheehan05282007.html

[Duchess Note - Bravo Cindy Sheehan! Well spoken ... truth must be heard loud and clear. Those in Congress and the Senate who continue to "supply" the Bush Regime have American soldiers and Iraqi blood on their hands. We voted these Democrats into office to do this to us?!? Mon dieu! Weak, spineless buggers! Cindy is right, they have betrayed us. Many, not all, of them obviously feel no pain nor shame. None!]

Campaigning for a Bargain
Evelyn Theiss, Plain Dealer Reporter
http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/other/1180514241194890.xml&coll=2&thispage=2

Rep. John Conyers Backs National Effort Calling for Impeachment of Bush/Cheney
By David Swanson
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/23088

Important Message from DFA on Impeachment
You've done it! Over 41,000 signatures in just two days! How long will it take us to get to 75,000? We need your help to do it. Please ask at least one more person you know to sign the petition today! Don't just rely on e-mail. Call them. Think of who in your social network would like to see the Bush administration held accountable. Who do you know that is sick of President Bush getting away with it? Be it family or friends, maybe a co-worker or neighbor, please reach out to them today, right now, and ask them to sign the petition. ttp://www.ImpeachGonzales.org

US Theft of Iraq's Oil: On House Floor Wednesday Morning
WASHINGTON DC - WEDNESDAY, MAY 23rd
At approximately 11:00 a.m. today, Congressman Dennis Kucinich will invoke a rarely used procedure to offer a privileged motion claiming one hour of time to speak on the floor of the House of Representatives about current legislative plans to privatize Iraq's oil. This will be the first time in Congress that there has been a full discussion of the covert efforts to accomplish privatization of Iraq's oil through the supplemental spending bill. As with all House sessions, this speech will be televised on C-Span. http://www.kucinich.us

BUMPER STICKER QUOTE ... That's OK, I Wasn't Using My Civil Liberties Anyway

Rep. Conyers to Participate in Impeachment Town Hall
Congressman John Conyers, Jr., is expected to take part in an impeachment town hall discussion in Detroit next Tuesday, May 29th at 5 pm at Central United Methodist Church, 23 E. Adams Ave., Detroit, MI 48226. The event will feature jazz great Spencer Barefield & Friends, and these panelists: Jack Lessenberry, Detroit Metro Times editorialist; Bill Goodman, Former Legal Director of Center for Constitutional Rights, local Detroit NLG attorney; JoAnn Watson, Detroit City Council Member; Maureen Taylor, State Chair of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization; Malik Rahim, Co-founder Common Ground, New Orleans, and Green Party Candidate for NO City Council in 2002, and former Black Panther Party member; Ann Wright, U.S. Army Colonel and diplomat who resigned in protest the day before the war began; Ray McGovern, Former CIA analyst who prepared the President's Daily Brief and chaired National Intelligence Estimates, Steering Group of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity member; Debra Sweet: National Coordinator, World Can't Wait! Drive Out the Bush Regime. http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/mi

Police Presence – Legendary Trio Improving ‘New Music’, Friendship for Reunion Tour
Dan Aquilante, NY Post
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05202007/entertainment/music/police_presence_music_dan_aquilante.htm

The Police Celebrate Their 30th Anniversary with the Release of "The Police"
Market Wire via Yahoo
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/070522/0255874.html
The Police will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their recording debut with their first double-disc CD "Best of" collection entitled "The Police", to be released June 5, 2007. The 28 songs bring together the biggest hits from the band's five original studio albums and include their very first single, 1977's "Fall Out.”


[Sting, Stewart & Andy at the Grammy Awards in February 2007]

Copeland Wants Police to Break Rules at Bonnaroo
Reuters via Yahoo! Music News
http://au.launch.yahoo.com/070522/11/18ux3.html
He may not be able to convince his bandmates, but Police drummer Stewart Copeland wants "the rules to be completely different" for the reunited trio at its upcoming Bonnaroo performance, including possible guest appearances from other artists.

Kucinich: While Washington Sleeps, Effort to Privatize Iraq’s Oil Continues
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=65420



Kucinich: United States Must Support Aid to the Palestinian Authority
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=65432

Essex Girl Fills White House Race With Lurve
Sarah Baxter, The Sunday Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1813550.ece
If Dennis were elected, they would make a great team, Elizabeth said. “Can you imagine what it would be like to have real love in the White House and a true union between the masculine and the feminine?” [photo below of the Congressman & his wife.]



Kucinich: Present & Accounted For
Paul Kane, Capital Briefing
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2007/05/kucinich_present_and_accounted_1.html

[Duchess Note – Following comment by Shirley in Michigan … “the media pretends he doesn't even exist. They refuse to give him the time of day, as they start every item with the words Clinton and Obama. The press thinks it's decided, and limited the race to, the nominees it feels will or should succeed. (Or not) The people I KNOW believe in Kucinich's message, in the appropriate reasoning of the man, and the reason we believe anyone but this man should not hold the office. Intrinsic honesty is no longer the measure of a candidate, it seems. There's nothing iffy about his always and present stance on the war, which is still the BIG REASON so many of us voted Democratic. It's a throw-the-Bums-OUT-time which is not recognized by the corporate media”. Bravo Shirley! We The People should not let corporate media decide our candidate. We The People are the ones who will decide. NY State primary is February 2008 … join me and other Democrats in voting for a candidate whose values/issues reflect ours. I am voting Kucinich all the way. Many thanks to Linda in TX for sharing so many wonderful articles on DJK.]

W Stands for Wisconsin Impeachment Summer
David Swanson
http://www.davidswanson.org/?q=node/824

Gore Blasts Bush in 'The Assault on Reason'
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/21/1331/

Maine Campaign to Impeach Bush Presses Case
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/21/1350/

Who's Afraid of Jimmy Carter? George Bush
John Nichols
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/21/1346/

[Duchess Note: Carter speaks the truth with such clarity, insight and intelligence. One should never apologize, especially to the friggin demented Bush Regime, in speaking the truth. Carter is by far more intelligent, hard-working, noble and honorable man than any in the Bush Regime.]

MESSAGE FROM DFA [Democracy for America] Regarding 2008 Presidential Candidate Congressman Kucinich

Democracy for America members have been keeping the pressure up on the candidates for President. Starting with a primary petition in January demanding a strong Iraq plan and then again in April calling for action on the climate crisis, many of the democratic candidates have been responding directly to you. Today, I'm excited to bring you two great responses from Representative Dennis Kucinich: http://www.DemocracyforAmerica.com/kucinich

First, Representative Kucinich details his comprehensive plan to fight climate change. Kucinich wants "to make everything in this country about energy conservation" including international policy and trade agreements. In the second video, Congressman Kucinich hits hard on Iraq: "I voted 100% of the time against funding this war, because I understood that – you fund this war – you reauthorize it all over again."

You won't hear responses like this at the primary debates or in a T.V. commercial. The mainstream media acts like it doesn't have time and won't pay attention to the specifics. But we will. http://www.DemocracyforAmerica.com/kucinich

There are many great candidates running for President. It is up to each of us to find the candidate that best represents our views and do everything we can to help them win. A healthy primary challenge will make our eventual nominee stronger and the progressive movement more powerful. That's why DFA brings these videos directly to you as an honest broker in your decision making process. This is NOT an endorsement of Representative Kucinich's campaign. However, if you like what you hear today, you can join his campaign at: http://kucinich.us Also check out: http://www.dfalink.com/kucinich.php

The Police to Perform at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey
PR Newswire via Yahoo!
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070518/nyf016.html?.v=97
The Police World Tour will come to Atlantic City, the city that is always turned on, this November, presented by Best Buy, in association with Trump Entertainment Resorts.

The Disturbing Truth About Doctors and Your Medical Safety
Atul Gawande, AlterNet
One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of hospital infections is also one of the most neglected.
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/51949/

American Corporations Getting Rich Abroad
Robert B. Reich, TomPaine.com
Bottom line: The Bush tax cuts have delivered for Wall Street but done zilch for America’s Main Streets.
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/51399/