THE HONORING OF OUR FALLEN SHOULD NOT BE CENSORED


"Just look at these people. Look at their names. And look at their ages. Consider what they've done for you. Honor them. I truly believe that people will take away from this program the reflection of what they bring to it.'' Quote by Ted Koppel

Commentary Below By Jude at iddybud Blog. Well said girlfriend and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Many of you may not be aware of my Honor Roll website/blog. I went there today to add what I consider to be a shameful headline: Sinclair Broadcasting refuses to air Nightline reading of the list of our fallen. I applaud any network that would devote its time and effort to honor the men and women who gave their lives for the cause and commitment they made for this nation, regardless of politics.

Whatever brought Sinclair Broadcasting to this decision..I don't understand it, but silencing mention of our dead is f*cking shameful! Those men and women fought for American values and freedoms that are being stepped on by the likes of Sinclair. Jane Bright of Military Families Speak Out is the mother of Sgt. Evan Ashcraft, who died July 24, 2003, near Mosul, Iraq. She said: "The Sinclair Broadcast Group is trying to undermine the lives of our soldiers killed in Iraq. By censoring Nightline they want to hide the toll the war on Iraq is having on thousands of soldiers and their families, like mine."

Sinclair's soft money political contributions will probably tell you exactly what they're afraid of. The hard money tells the same sordid tale. I'm right on this. I know it clearly. Our soldiers know it. Their families know it. If we cannot distinguish public mourning from making statements against a war, then we have failed as a free and civil people. We are no longer beholding of the American ideals on which our nation was founded.

Never Say Die
CITY PAPER BEAT
by Daryl Gale
http://citypaper.net/articles/current/cb5.shtml

On a roll, Kucinich lets loose when asked about the war's connection to terrorism. "We know that the war on Iraq was planned prior to 9/11," he says. "War creates a redistribution of wealth, and that's precisely what the current administration had in mind. They claim to be saving us from terrorism, but who's going to save us from the people who create terrorism by bombing other countries for their oil? Bush is both the fireman and the arsonist at the same time. He creates terrorism in order to save us from terrorism." It's time to reawaken the Democratic Party and take it back to its liberal roots, says Kucinich, who claims Democrats have knuckled under to pressure from Republicans on domestic issues. "We need the government to challenge the terror of unemployment, homelessness and substandard education right here at home," says the energetic congressman from Ohio. "We need to challenge the terror of the Patriot Act, not just accept the erosion of our liberties. True patriots don't give up their rights without a fight."

[Cherry Blossoms in the lovely, peaceful Brooklyn Botanical Gardens in early Spring.]

Message From True Majority On Voting Machines

We're making waves and the tide is turning. The last week has been a big one for the Computer Ate My Vote campaign and I wanted to share with you some of the progress we've been making. In California, 50 TrueMajority members filled a Sacramento sidewalk last week calling for accountability from paperless electronic voting terminals. It was a fun event -- our "hungry computer" prowled around for votes to eat and TrueMajority balladeer Laramie Crocker sang his ode to paperless voting, "Little Black Box," while the crowd urged state officials to dump California's unverified voting machines. The very next day California's Voting Systems and Procedures Panel said that's exactly what should be done. The panel recommended to California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley that he revoke the certification of the model TSx paperless electronic voting machine, made by Diebold Election Systems.

This is big news. California is the biggest market for election equipment in America. A rejection of paperless electronic voting terminals there will have ripple effects throughout the country, and we expect California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley to issue that decertification any day. We continue to work in California to extend the decertification of the Diebold TSx machines to *all* paperless electronic voting machinies. On the day of the California announcement, TrueMajority members in Canton, Ohio gathered outside the annual shareholders' meeting of Diebold Corporation. Ironically, Ohio is considering buying the very same Diebold TSx machines recommended for decertification in California.

A banner reading "Diebold Devours Democracy" floated from three helium-filled weather balloons outside the auditorium where Diebold CEO Walden O'Dell addressed shareholders and media. Activists gathered around a smoking, flashing mock-up of a malfunctioning Diebold voting terminal as TrueMajority organizers detailed the long list of failures by Diebold's machines in states across the nation. The event made news not only in Ohio newspapers and on Ohio television and radio but also throughout the country due to coverage by the national wire services.

Our work continues in Ohio, where the legislature is still debating a bill to require a paper trail (a TrueMajority organizer testified in favor of it). The bill doesn't go as far as we'd like -- some counties would still be able to purchase paperless machines this year, and retrofit them later -- but it's still a turnaround for a state which had been on the verge of locking *every* county into paperless voting for the foreseeable future. Diebold, meanwhile, seems to be changing it's tune. nstead of claiming that paper trails are difficult to produce, as they did at the beginning of our campaign, company spokespeople said last week they'd be happy to make paper-capable machines for states who want them.

We reported to you earlier that eight states have required paper trails for their electronic voting terminals. Here's more good news -- Maine just joined the club April 22, when Governor Baldacci signed LD1759 into law. State Rep. Hannah Pingree, the chief sponsor of the Maine bill, tells us that your messages to the secretary of state there softened the ground and were important in getting the law passed. We're not stopping there, though. In addition to pushing on in Ohio and California, we'll soon be taking on the new federal Election Assistance Commission. That's the new board tasked with writing the standards for electronic voting machines. We'll be asking them to write "voter verified paper trail" into the federal standards, so all those states who are waiting until next year to buy voting machines will buy the right ones.


[The Duchess at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY back in 2000]

HERE NOW ... THE LATEST NEWS ON KUCINICH

Dennis Kucinich Still Running
NEWTOWN ADVANCE
by Patricia Guth
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11400630

Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich: We Need Peace Now!
THE NEWBERG GRAPHIC
by Gary Allen
http://www.newberggraphic.com/news/index.htm



American Hero
ALTERNET
by Don Hazen
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18537

On Thursday, April 29, the innovative, progressive Los Angeles community foundation Liberty Hill is honoring Tom Hayden for his 40 years of dedication to social change. As an effective leader and long distance runner for progress who has never let up in the struggle to make our country and world better, Tom Hayden may very well be the best we have.

NYC Denies Permit For Huge Anti-War Rally During GOP Convention
ASSOCIATED PRESS
by Sara Kugler
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0429-01.htm

Support For War Is Down Sharply, Poll Concludes
NEW YORK TIMES
by R.W.Stevenson & J.Elder
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0429-02.htm

This Just In From Blog ... Daily KOS

This is an interesting catch by David Sirota ... The White House today announced it will be spending another $18 million of taxpayer money on television ads promoting its new Medicare bill. Not only was the last round of ads criticized by government regulators as misleading, but the White House is on track to spend more Medicare money on television ads ($80 million) than its own FDA commissioner says is necessary to create a safe system to import cheaper, FDA-approved prescription medicines from abroad ($58 million). Of course, the ads aren't designed to help seniors understand the new Medicare law. They are designed to aid the Bush/Cheney'04 campaign.

Kucinich Spreads Message
STATESMAN JOURNAL
by Shawn Day
http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=79362



Medals Of Honor
NEW YORK TIMES
by Wesley Clark
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/28/opinion/28CLAR.html

Important Message From NARAL Pro-Choice America

The White House tried as hard as it could to denigrate the March for Women's Lives. Dick Cheney's top advisor, Mary Matalin, said it was "Out of touch and irrelevant." President Bush's closest confidante, Karen Hughes, compared pro-choice Americans to terrorists. When asked by CNN about the March, she responded: "I think that after September 11, the American people are valuing life more and we need policies to value the dignity and worth of every life....Really, the fundamental issue between us and the terror network we fight is that we value every life."

But even George Bush can't ignore it when 1.15 million pro-choice Americans walk past his front yard. Yesterday, he had his Justice Department withdraw its outrageous demand that thousands of women who'd had abortions turn over their private medical records for John Ashcroft's perusal. Everyone who marched, or sent a message to the marchers, or contributed to help make it happen should feel enormously proud. You helped stop Bush and Ashcroft! Now, it's time to turn the pressure up another notch. They've retreated on one front, but they're still pressing forward with the rest of their anti-choice agenda. That's why we need you to take these two important steps today:

1] First, sign up to be one of the first of the 250,000 pro-choice precinct captains we need to recruit this year, to work online and in your community to keep spreading the word about how to protect our right to choose - click here: http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/pcpc_count_me_in/b7e33uraje36wm

2] Second, make a special donation today to keep the pro-choice momentum alive click here: https://secure.ga3.org/02/doj_subpeona_lifted/nh1qUhrF1Uj8K

The March has already brought us one important victory, the withdrawal of the intrusive subpoena for abortion records. If we keep our movement growing and active, we can keep government out of our private decisions for the next generation. We think Karen Hughes' comments are pretty outrageous. For a touch of humor, see how Jon Stewart summed it up. Click here to hear audio clips at Americablog: http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/i1qUhrF1dBRb/



Message From ACT FOR CHANGE - President Bush: Don't Destroy Iraq in Order to Liberate It

Heavy fighting has begun again in Fallujah and the Shiite holy city of Najaf. The fighting is likely to be so brutal that we will destroy the cities in order to save them. And it seems certain that hundreds of American soldiers will die and thousands of Iraqis -- both insurgents and civilian bystanders -- will die uncounted. Lakhdar Brahimi, the U.N. Special Envoy to Iraq, is hard at work attempting to piece together a coalition government that can take sovereignty from the United States. He has argued that this is not possible if American troops go on the offensive again. There must be a political solution, and the negotiations now under way must be given sufficient time to succeed. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYo70FFlNw0Kt50mN20A7

The attacks on Najaf and Fallujah will serve no one except the most extreme elements, cost lives unnecessarily, and work against the Bush Administration's stated goal of transferring power to an interim government on June 30th. Click below to tell President Bush to stand down the troops and leave Iraq's holy sites and mosques alone. http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYo70FFlNw0Kt50mN20A7

[Duchess Note ... Special thanks to Rob, Harry & Felix for banner & group photo assistance. You fella's are fantastic! The group photo was taken at small fundraiser gathering at Rob Jereski's home April 23rd. Rob is wearing a blue shirt, his father is to the left and the Duchess is wearing a pink turtleneck on the right. Smile and say Progressive Democrat! More news on the Jereski campaign to follow over next few days. Stay tuned...............]

What Do We Do Now?
THE PROGRESSIVE
by Howard Zinn
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0426-06.htm

The suggestion that we simply withdraw from Iraq is met with laments: "We mustn't cut and run. . . . We must stay the course. . . . Our reputation will be ruined. . . ." That is exactly what we heard when, at the start of the Vietnam escalation, some of us called for immediate withdrawal. The result of staying the course was 58,000 Americans and several million Vietnamese dead. "We can't leave a vacuum there." I think it was John Kerry who said that. What arrogance to think that when the United States leaves a place there's nothing there! The same kind of thinking saw the enormous expanse of the American West as "empty territory" waiting for us to occupy it, when hundreds of thousands of Indians lived there already. The history of military occupations of Third World countries is that they bring neither democracy nor security. The long U.S. occupation of the Philippines, following a bloody war in which American troops finally subdued the Filipino independence movement, did not lead to democracy, but rather to a succession of dictatorships, ending with Fernando Marcos.

Making Videos On Their Own Terms

APPLE
by Bija Gutoff
http://www.apple.com/pro/video/pearljam/



MESSAGES FROM THE KUCINICH PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

You can also help the campaign by ordering ORIGINAL CAMPAIGN MEMORABILIA such as cups, travel mugs, t-shirts, and buttons and in the Official Campaign Store: http://www.kucinich.us/store.php These designs are limited stock; once these quantities are gone they will be no longer available.

SIGN PETITIONS: We will be delivering signed petitions to the Democratic Party Platform committee before the National Convention in Boston this July. The petitions focus on the critical issues this campaign has stood for. Petitions to end the war in Iraq, repeal critical sections of the PATRIOT Act, and to establish a cabinet-level Department of Peace are among those available. You can sign the petitions online right now, or print and circulate them. Deadline for getting them back to us is June 1st, so please don't delay. Get the petitions here: http://kucinich.us/VolunteerAction/petitions.php

Democratic National Convention News is here: http://www.kucinich.us/convention.php

"DENNIS TALKS ABOUT" is a series of 2 to 5 minute reports of Dennis on the campaign trail. In these clips, Dennis discusses in detail his current thoughts on specific issues. You can watch the video online, hear the audio, or read the text transcript on each of the issues.

The Environment: http://www.kucinich.us/talksabout/environment-talksabout.php
PATRIOT Act: http://kucinich.us/talksabout/PATRIOTact-talksabout.php
Oil and U.S. Politics: http://kucinich.us/talksabout/oil-talksabout.php
Military Draft: http://kucinich.us/talksabout/draft-talksabout.php
Affordable Housing: http://kucinich.us/talksabout/housing-talksabout.php

WHY THE MARCH FOR WOMEN'S LIVES IS JUST THE BEGINNING -- From NARAL Pro-Choice America
It was truly amazing. By our counts over a MILLION pro-choice Americans marched in Washington on Sunday. It was the biggest march -- for choice, for equal rights, for ANY cause at all -- in U.S. HISTORY. Whether you were marching with us in body or in spirit, we want to say thank you for all you did to help make the March for Women's Lives a reality. Sunday was about getting the pro-choice movement energized and organized. We're counting on you to help us tackle our next challenge: mobilizing citizens across the country to elect a pro-choice president. The Presidential election is winner take all, with a woman's right to choose at stake. The effort of the 31 years since Roe v. Wade can be undone if we lose in November. Here's what we need you to do:

BE A PRO-CHOICE LEADER AND ACTIVATE 10 FRIENDS!
If there was ever a time to turn the energy of the March into action, now is it. Set up your own pro-choice webpage to get your friends and family involved in the pro-choice movement for the long haul! Share your March stories and energy and ask 10 friends to take action on the latest campaigns to protect our right to choose. Check it out here: http://prochoiceaction.org/can/join.html?community=t

REGISTER TO VOTE!
More than anything, we need EVERY pro-choice voter to be out at the polls in November. Make sure you -- and everyone you know -- is registered to vote: http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/ZpqUhrF1sjp-/?

[Hundreds of thousands rally on the Mall in Washington on April 25th for Abortion-Rights Rally & March]

Massive Protest Decries Bush Abortion Policies
REUTERS
BY Deborah Zabarenko
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0425-01.htm

It's Personal
ALTERNET
by Skye Perryman
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18508

Pro-Choice March Largest In History
WOMEN'S ENEWS
by Allison Stevens
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18507


[With the US Capital in the background, hundreds of thousands of pro-choice supporters take part in the "March for Women's Lives"]

Pennsylvania Senator Jim Ferlo extends the ultimate "olive branch" to Congressman & Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich....an autographed Pittsburgh Steelers football. Pittsburgh and Cleveland, Dennis' home town, have a long-standing football rivalry. The presentation over the weekend was done in front of an audience of hundreds at the Iron City Brewery in Pittsburgh.



Personal News - Part XVIII

Yesterday was a big day for women's rights and pro-choice here in the US. Reading on the Internet about the huge turnout down in Washington DC of the "March for Women's Rights". Some time ago I'd planned on going down for the rally, but due to shortage of funds for transportation, I unfortunately had to pass. Sigh!

However, here in NYC, I did participate in a worth while charity walk [ie: 7 miles] with my fellow E&Y co-workers and thousands of other good folk. It was in support of the "March of Dimes" organization and one of their long time supporters is legendary NY Jets football player Joe Namath. I arrived at the general meetup location in the Lincoln Center area at about 8:35am Sunday morning. Found my E&Y co-workers at a table near the main stage. Weather was abit cool, some sun and clouds. Not as nice as the day before which was a lovely Spring day. At one point we had a company group shot and I hope to have that pix up online sometime soon. Then the "ceremonies" began and barfy bitch Rosanna Scotto from Fox News was the MC. Everytime Fox News was mentioned I boo'd loudly and naturally cheered, plus flash the peace sign, when my own company was announced. The "walk" itself finally started just before 9:30am. Overall it took me two hours to walk the seven miles and this included two bathroom pitstops. The walk route takes one thru Central Park and it was great seeing all the lovely greenery sprouting forth. Down Lexington Avenue to Madison Square Park, back up Madison Avenue, across 53rd Street to 10th Avenue and finishing at 64th Street behind Lincoln Center. Along the way we were given some freebies, some of which were edible, plus more freebies at the finish line. Even tho E&Y group started out "together" ... at some point in Central Park we broke up into smaller groups or venture on our own. As for this gal, I ventured on my own and listened to Pearl Jam tunes on my walkman. Yeah baby ... keep on walking in the free world!

Abortion Activists On The March
Thousands of activists from the US and some 60 other countries have arrived in Washington for a rally to try to ensure that abortion remains legal in the US.
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3657527.stm

When Kerry Was Liberal
THE PROGRESSIVE
by Ruth Conniff
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0423-14.htm



Racism & Reoproductive Rights
THE NATION
by Ginger Adams
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18501



KUCINICH CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF ELECTRONIC VOTING

Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, who has been sounding warning alarms regarding electronic voting systems since he began his campaign last year, today called on federal, state and local election officials to suspend immediately the implementation of any voting systems that do not provide a 100 percent reliable paper-trail back-up to corroborate results. A decision yesterday by the eight-member California Voting Systems and Procedures Panel that 15,000 electronic voting machines in four counties be banned in the November election because of glitches in the March primary election is more than enough evidence that these systems could undermine the integrity and affect the results of November's general election, Kucinich said.

Especially in terms of the Presidential election, Kucinich said, we cannot entrust the future of our country to technologies that are flawed, suspect, and proven to have failed, especially when those technologies have been developed by companies that have their own political agendas. Diebold Election Systems, which came under the harshest criticism from the California elections panel, is headed by Chief Executive Officer Walden O'Dell, who last year became active in the re-election effort of President Bush, even attending a strategy meeting with wealthy Bush benefactors at the President's private ranch in Texas. Soon after, O'Dell wrote a fundraising letter where he said he was "committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the president next year." Contribute now to help Dennis take the message to the Democratic National Convention that we will not accept electronic voting machines with no auditable paper trail.

Although Diebold is the most embattled voting equipment company, Newsday reported that paperless systems made by Sequoia Voting Systems Inc. and other competitors also expose elections to malicious attack, software glitches and mechanical errors that could delete or alter millions of ballots. The story went on to report a variety of other problems in Indiana, Maryland, and other states. According to Newsday, Because votes that only exist in electronic form can be altered or deleted, Oregon, New Hampshire and Illinois require paper ballots; and California, Missouri and Nevada will require paper backups on touchscreen terminals by 2006. The newspaper also reported that Secretaries of state in Washington and West Virginia are calling for paper trails, while Ohio is reconsidering the switch to new machines.

Kucinich said he will take his challenges to the newly created federal agency charged with overseeing electronic voting, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, established in January, which will conduct a May 5 public hearing in Washington, D.C. on May 5. The technological problems are real, Kucinich said, and the potential for further problems, mischief, and outright fraud is equally real, and far more dangerous.

A Controversial Choice For The Position Of Archivist Of The United States: Part Of The Bush Administration's Secrecy Strategy?
FIND LAW'S WRIT
by John Dean
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0423-03.htm



Is Military Draft In The Works?
CHICAGO SUN TIMES
by Andrew Greeley
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0423-04.htm

Personal News - Part XVII

What a gorgeous, sunny, breezy spring day here in Brooklyn. The flowers are blooming, grass is growing and the trees are sprouting their soft little green leaves. Its all so delightfully precious to gaze upon ... but lord it do wreck havoc on the allergies and sinus. Right now I have the windows wide open to let in the fresh spring air and clean out the stale air of winter. This morning I went to the Farmers Market again and picked up another plant. [Plus other errands.] Spring and Autumn are my favorite times of the year. I'm lovin it!

After a slow day at office Monday and Tuesday ... rest of the work week was busy and productive. Yesterday I was taken out to lunch by one of the Senior Managers I support in recognition of Administrative Professional Day. Debra and I went to Arno's on West 38th Street [fine Italian dining]. We spent 1 1/2 hours dining on delicious cuisine and talking about all sorts of topics. During her freshman year in college she backpacked throughout Europe with college buddies. [I had a tuna fillet with a yummy dijon mustard sauce, green salad & glass of white wine.] Several other E&Y employees come to this restaurant and several were there entertaining their admins.

Yesterday evening was Rob Jereski's friend and fundraiser party in Tudor City [Manhattan]. Even tho I was tired after a long, busy, productive week I couldn't miss out on the party. I had a wonderful time and engaged in fascinating conversations with those who attended. [I also brought my homemade hummus and chocolate chip cookies.] I'd say about 25 showed up [even Rob's father] for the event and everyone made contributions. Group shots were taken by Harry with his digital camera and these will be shown eventually on Jereski for Congress website. Halfway thru the evening [party started at 7pm] there was some terrific poetry reading and Rob made a long speech, plus answer questions, regarding his campaign. Finally I had to leave around 10:45pm, as I was just too tired. Some folk had left at this point, but others were showing up and I'm sure the party continued until midnight. Naturally the subways don't run regularly at that time of night, so I didn't get home until 11:45pm. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going outdoors to enjoy somemore of this great weather. Peace & Solidarity!

KUCINICH STILL RESISTING THE PATRIOT ACT

In the last week, the Bush Administration has launched a public relations blitz in an attempt to improve the image of the widely-detested PATRIOT Act, arguing the act is necessary to protect American in the war on terror. Fortunately, the American people know better and the civil liberties-shredding legislation has been met with impressive resistance. Providing an excellent example of what citizens can do to better their government, resolutions opposing the PATRIOT Act have been passed in 291 communities, in 39 states, including four state-wide resolutions; representing 49.8 million people. Despite this resistance, few Democratic leaders have insisted on repealing the legislation. Kucinich, campaigning in Oregon, said "It's unmistakably clear" from his travels across the nation "that there is an almost universal rejection of the PATRIOT Act. He called on his own Party to end its silence, "show some backbone," and call for the law's repeal. Read press release: http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_041704.php

PETITION THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Join us in our campaign to petition the Democratic Party on the PATRIOT Act and other key issues! To help align the party platform with the values of most Democratic voters, we are collecting signatures for 5 petitions, reflecting our most urgent national priorities:

Iraq
Health Care
The PATRIOT Act (Civil Rights)
Jobs/Trade (NAFTA/WTO)
A Department of Peace and Non-Violence
All at http://www.kucinich.us/VolunteerAction/petitions.php

Our goal is to present a million signatures to the Democratic Party Platform Committee when they meet at the end of June, as a complement to our efforts on the ground at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. As a Democratic candidate, Dennis Kucinich is in a unique position to be a voice for these issues inside the Convention, when they might otherwise only be seen in protest zones outside. Help us reach one million signatures! Click here to sign or download these petitions and to learn more about our petition campaign. http://www.kucinich.us/VolunteerAction/petitions.php

KUCINICH: SEPARATE BUT EQUAL, HAS ALWAYS PROVEN TO BE UNEQUAL

Congressman Kucinich has also been outspoken in his opposition to new legislation in Oregon that places a ban on gay marriage. Kucinich recently attended the wedding of Bonnie Tinker and Sara Graham in Oregon. The newly married couple said: "As one of the few lesbian couples in this country whose marriage is legally recognized, we urge you to support Dennis in carrying this vision to voters." For more info and pictures from the wedding click here: http://www.kucinich.us/lgbt/

NORTH CAROLINA AND COLORADO RESULTS ARE IN

Kucinich had an impressive showing in Colorado, garnering between 31% and 35% in Boulder, Larimer, and El Paso counties. A large percentage of the county level delegates are uncommitted and final results are not yet in, but Kucinich is expected to pull delegates. [Hurray!] In North Carolina, Kucinich beat both Senator Kerry and North Carolina's own Sen. John Edwards in three counties: Watauga, Orange, and Buncombe. In Watauga County, Kucinich received just over 50 percent of the votes, easily outpacing Kerry, who had 20.6 percent and Edwards, who had 21.2 percent. Kucinich is likely to pick up three convention delegates from North Carolina. Read press release:
http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_041704a.php

"I would make the argument that trying to hide the photos of these people who gave everything for their country is actually dishonoring them. They went over there in all of our names and died, and then when they come back home, they're hidden behind a curtain. I think that's wrong." Quote by Russ Kick @ The Memory Hole website

[Duchess Note ... Thanks to Shaun at "Upper Left" blog]

Humiliating Our Friends
TOMPAINE.COM
by Marc Lynch
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0422-11.htm

Ducking Responsibility
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
by Ruth Rosen
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0422-05.htm

Images Of US Soldiers' Coffins Released
Pictures given to activist under freedom-of-information laws
TORONTO STAR
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1082671307006&call_pageid=1045739058633&col=1045739057805


[Duchess Note ... Its photos like this that the goddamn US Government, Shrub the Lesser & his corrupt administration (empire) don't want Americans to see. We should see them! To remind us of this illegal occupation of Iraq, which had no WMD or connections to Al-Qaeda. NONE!!!! This administration doesn't give a damn about America's sons and daughters. If Bushie cared he'd attend ALL the funerals of those fallen in combat. He hasn't attended one funeral ... he'd rather be in Crawford, TX fishing for bass. What a moron! Now the government is planning to set up the draft, which will go into effect next year and take all our sons and daughters to fight illegal wars. Oh, don't worry, the government won't draft rich bastards brats, just the poor and middle class. Stop the Bushies from getting elected in November. Come out and vote for Democrats all the way. Take back our country and make it a true democracy.]

Comments From Blog "iddybud" On Saudis, Bushie & 9/11

Regarding Bob Woodward's book about the inner sanctum of the Bush war council, Marie Cocco [link to article listed below] states:

I want more pages, but not from Woodward. Twenty-eight of them, to be exact........after 9/11, we learned of another part of the unspoken pact: We are supposed to avert our eyes from the Saudi nurturing of radical Islamists and the royal family's slush funds for terror. Congressional investigators wanted a hard look and wrote a chapter with their initial findings. The president says we can't see it.

Since when does the President have the uncheckable right to tell the people that they can't see or know anything about these 28 pages? Even the Saudi government long ago asked Bush to declassify the 28 pages and Bush continues to refuse. He obviously has something he needs to keep in the shadows...he can't be proud of whatever lies in those pages. Perhaps the information runs against the interests of the American people. Perhaps it shows allegiance to Saudi Arabia over the United States. After all, we now know that Bush gave his country's trusted secrets to Prince Bandar before his own cabinet members. If this is looked at too closely, I think the President will know he will be (appropriately) impeached. The 28 pages are all about CYA. America is not securely in the hands of the American citizenry where it has always been meant to belong.

[Thanks Jude!]

Open 28 Secret Pages On Saudis
NY NEWSDAY
by Marie Cocco
http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-vpcoc223767930apr22,0,5476330.column?coll=ny-news-columnists

Personal News - Part XVI

Sit down for a spell you all ... cause its been busy for this gal in the work/social/volunteer commitments. I'll do my best to recap it all for you and try not to leave out any tidbits.

Back on Monday, April 19th, it was a slow day at the office so I was able to catch up on personal stuff. I also got a phone call from BC [ie: NYC Kucitizen] and she was wondering if I wanted to hangout after work before heading to Kucinich General Meeting. Absolutely! A much better plan than staying at work and killing time before going to meeting. We hooked up outside my office building at 5:30pm and walked across 42nd Street to Grand Central Station area. After debating where to hangout, we finally decided to crash at Tequilaville on Vanderbilt. We had a drink or two ... talked about politics, movies, women’s issues and religion. Fascinating and fun chatting with her. Before we knew it ... it was 6:55pm and we had to haul ass to the general meeting [ie: 777 UN Plaza], which started at 7pm. Naturally we were late and abit tipsy.

The meeting was in the middle of introductions when we arrived. The following Kucitizens were there ... Efram, Thomas, Cielito, Rob, Paul, Mike, Jessica, Stephanie, Bill, Beth, Linda, James, Ken, Gregory, Helen, Seth, Eric, Kim, Ellen, George, BC, myself and Frank Barbaro who is running for Staten Island congressional district. Then Rob Jereski spoke about his congressional campaign and flyers were distributed, plus he announced the fundraiser for Friday, April 23rd, at his place. Next up Thomas spoke on several Democratic issues, one of which was regarding August 29th protests at Republican Convention here in NYC. Several Kucitizens brought up the topic of setting up a Candlelight Vigil during August for military families and those who protest the Iraq war/occupation. Much discussion on how to proceed with organizing a vigil or something along those lines. The subject of working with Deanies on Democratic Platform was also discussed. Both Kucinich and Dean are on same wavelength right now when it comes to Iraq/healthcare/environment. Then Jessica Flagg gave a passionate speech on why she's campaigning for congress in Congressional District 17. There is a weekend event [ie: May 14th & 15th] being sponsored by THE NATION, check out their website for more details and tix are $33. [Thru all this I mostly listened and a few times voiced some brief input.] Some of the final discussions, before we broke up meeting at 9:30pm, was possibly setting up a debate forum between Dean/Kucinich/Nader/Sharpton. The next general meeting was announced for May 10th at 7pm, which is a few days after a Kucinich meetup. Afterwards we broke up into smaller groups for different discussions. I spoke with Bill, Cielito, Thomas, Paul and Stephanie. BC had to leave meeting about 1/2 way through and Rob left early after making his pitch for congressional campaign. Outside the building more discussions were going on and I chatted with Stephanie/Mike about their recent trip to Italy & Slovakia. They both looked great, tanned and relaxed. Some folk headed off to their cars and I joined a smaller group who strolled towards 42nd Street and 3rd Avenue. One of the chaps I was chatting with was James, who bears a somewhat close resemblance to John Kerry. Took two subways to get home and arrived around 11pm.

On Tuesday, April 20th, I attended a "Tea Meetup" down in Greenwich Village at Saint's Alp Teahouse on Bleecker Street [#170]. I highly recommend this restaurant ... great atmosphere, good service, food is delicious, tea is lovely and prices aren't too bad. Was expecting several people to show up, but it was just I and a very nice lady named Jill. We got along very well, talked about all sorts of topics and partook of a lovely food. I had a strawberry black iced tea with tea eggs, crisp veggie dumplings and spring rolls. Hopefully next meetup will yield more folk. The weather on both Monday and Tuesday were lovely, warm, sunny spring days.

On Wednesday, April 21st, it was Administrative Assistant Day in the workforce. So far I received a few lovely items from E&Y and co-workers. The company gave us Admins a $25 gift certificate to shop of our choice. I can't decide if I should go to Barnes & Noble or Linen & Things. Plus E&Y also gave us special, no spill coffee/tea mugs. Mitch and Donna from TAS Group gave me a charming oriental tray with three votive candles to go with it. And finally from a Senior Manager that my co-worker Barbara handles [and whom I've helped on a few occasions in the past] gave us both pretty tins filled with Neuhaus cookies. I tried one or two and they are divine! This morning I heard from two other senior managers I cover and they want to take me out to lunch at place of my choice. Oh yeah!

Finally, on the evening of April 21st at 7pm, I attended a Democrat Party Meetup in Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn. About 11 people showed up ... some of the names I gleaned were David, Matt and Eric. In comparing a Democrat Party meetup to one for Kucinich ... well ... these folk on April 21st aren't as vocal or passionate. I'm thinking ... where is the enthusiasm et al. Also, whenever I mentioned anything that hinted of Liberalism or Progressive, the vibe I got was kind of distancing themselves. Anyhow ... topics of discussion were on Kerry [naturally], New York Times abysmal coverage, Democrat base in NYC, Elliott Spritzer running for Governor in 2006, voter registration [ie: youth & poor folk], swing states and religion in politics. Two of the meetup attendees were once Independent before switching to Democrat. The meeting broke up at 8:30pm and I came home on the G subway. I bumped into my good friend Larry when I got off subway and we talked for abit. He was in the 'hood to attend a co-op board meeting. And there you have it ... the latest and greatest.



George Bush, Self-Deluded Messiah
THE NATION
by David Corn
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18455

INVITATION TO A FUND & FRIENDRAISER THIS FRIDAY - APRIL 23rd

Some of the Rob Jereski exploratory committee members were out in force today lobbying the City Council to challenge the cuts in the Parks Department budget and supporting the DC 37 unionized workers employed to maintain parks and keep them safe. We enjoyed meeting with some of you there and hope you will join our efforts. The Jereski campaign is mobilizing for peace, the defense of our Constitutional Democracy, jobs at a living wage, universal health care, investments in housing and education (including after-school music and arts programs), and environmental sustainability. We are working to advance a thoughtful and progressive agenda on behalf of the 14th Congressional District and the U.S.A.!

You are invited to Rob Jereski's Exploratory Committee Fund & Friendraiser on April 23rd, Friday, at 7 p.m. $25 Contribution - (Or what you can afford) WHERE ... 2 Tudor City Place, Apt. 9AS (East 41st Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue). Potluck food - Bring a healthy dish to share. Please send this invitation on to your friends and R.S.V.P. by calling 212.973.1782 for more information OR writing to mutualaid@earthlink.net

If you are unable to attend, please write a check for $10, $15, $25, and $250 or $2000 (federal law prohibits donations of more than $2000 per donor). You can make it out to the "Exploratory Committee to Elect Robert Jereski to Congress" and send it to ... 2 Tudor City Place, Apt. 9AS, New York, NY 10017. Please join our efforts to explore winning a Congressional seat and help us advance our thoughtful and progressive ... in peace and solidarity.

Shifty Tax Cuts
ALTERNET
by Sean Gonsalves
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18483

Amazingly, in 2002, Americans in the bottom 20 percent of households paid 11.4 percent of their income in state and local taxes, while those in the top 1 percent paid only 5.2 percent of their income in state and local taxes – less than half the rate of the poorest fifth.

NYC KUCITIZEN SUPPORTERS & VOLUNTEERS STRENGTHEN THE PARTY

Many thanks to all of you for helping to inspire and create the Kucinich Campaign for President. Our nationwide efforts are still energizing Americans in support of the Kucinich vision of a stronger, healthier, and more secure country. Yes, the direction of the nomination was decided months ago, but, as we begin to rally behind the nominee, the direction of the Democratic Party Platform remains to be determined. Dennis Kucinich has continued on the presidential campaign trail to give voice to those who want a new policy in Iraq which will result in bringing our troops home, a new health care policy which will result in a national health care plan that covers every citizen, a new trade policy which will stop the loss of millions of jobs, and the repeal of the Patriot Act without jeopardizing our national security.

All over America, Democrats are expressing gratitude to Dennis and the campaign for keeping these critical issues in the debate as we move on to the Democratic National Convention in Boston this July. The campaign is working hard to strengthen our party by demonstrating an inclusiveness that attracts young Americans, progressive Democrats, Greens, Natural Law Partymembers, Libertarians and Reform Party members. This is the way to unify the Democratic Party and win in November. Dennis continues to represent a progressive message that must be carried to Boston. Visit the Kucinich
convention pages:

http://www.kucinich.us/convention.php

Nearly two months have passed since our primary, and many of us are still working steadfastly in New York with the Kucinich campaign to support our vision of a transformed nation! Our commitment to major change in November compels us to ask for your help and input to maintain a foundation in New York from which to continue our national organizational efforts. Please join us in gathering petition signatures on the major issues facing this nation as we continue to work to get the US out of Iraq, restore our constitutional rights and civil liberties, create universal health care for all, and utilize our resources to ensure jobs and basic services for our families and communities. Please sign our petitions online, refer your friends, and download PDF petitions to print hard copies for signatures in your community. Here is a link to our
petition page: http://www.kucinich.us/VolunteerAction/petitions.php

The Nation Institute is co-sponsoring a two-day conference WHAT WE STAND FOR: IDEAS and VALUES TO TAKE BACK AMERICA

Friday, MAY 14 and Saturday, MAY 15 at New York Universities SKIRBALL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NYC

This event, being presented by the New Democracy Project, is a two-day gathering of advocates to lay out a "program of progressive patriotism." Participants include Katrina vanden Heuvel, Paul Krugman, Sandy Berger, Gary Hart, Barbara Ehrenreich, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., Kevin Phillips, Robert Reich, Joe Trippi and many others. A complete conference schedule is available at: www.newdemocracyproject.org

TICKETS: $33 ... This includes admission on both days, lunch on Saturday and copies of two new books ... What We Stand For: A Program for Progressive Patriotism (Newmarket Press) AND Taking Back America - And Taking Down the Radical Right (Nation Books). To order tickets, visit www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu OR call Ticketweb (866) 468-7619.

[Its these types of photos that a lying and thoroughly corrupt Bushie Empire doesn't want Americans to see.]

Rows Of Coffins
ALTERNET
by Lakshmi
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/2004/04/001904.html

An Important Message From MoveOn.org On Bush Empire Wanting To Cut Low Salary American's Overtime

Yesterday the Bush administration is formally introducing new rules that will make millions of people ineligible for overtime protection when they work more than 40 hours per week. This change has been in the works for months, and thousands of MoveOn members have called on Congress to oppose the new rules. Congress has responded -- bipartisan majorities in both houses have voted against rolling back overtime. Bush is feeling the heat, but his corporate-CEO backers are determined to fatten their profits by shortchanging working people, so the White House is pushing ahead with the new rules, accompanied by an aggressive spin campaign. Already, stories in the AP and the Washington Post have suggested that Bush had a last-minute change of heart, and acted to extend overtime protections to more people, rather than gutting them.

Don't be fooled. The rules introduced today would in fact take away overtime pay from workers earning as little as $23,660 a year. This would be a huge pay cut for potentially millions of working Americans and their families. It's urgent that we get the real story out. You can help, by sending a letter to the editor of your newspaper today? Writing a letter takes only a few minutes, and we've made it easy with tips and talking points, below. Please take a few minutes to send a letter to your editor today.

RESOURCES FOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

1] Tips on how to get your letter published. Your own words, written from the heart, are always best. Brevity is the soul of wit. The key to publication is to pounce on something specific you've seen in the newspaper -- an article like the AP's, falling for the Bush spin, is perfect. Be sure to include your name and address, and especially your phone number when submitting your letter. Editors need to call you to verify authorship before they can print your letter. They don't print your phone number. Your newspaper's letters page should give you an email address or fax number to use, or you can try this website: Click here: http://congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/

Democratic National Party Announcement On Ole Shrub The Lesser

Journalist Bob Woodward has revealed that President Bush has a secret deal with the Saudi royal family to influence the November election by manipulating gas prices. Once again we see that President Bush and the Republicans will say or do anything to win the election in November -- even strike secret deals with foreign governments. [Duchess Note - Reagan pulled similiar crap like this in regards to the hostages in Iran 24 years ago. And tried to make Carter look like the fall guy, which he wasn't.] Bush also revealed secret Iraq war plans to the Saudi government before he told his own Secretary of State. Take Action! Click the link below to help us spread the word about the latest Bush outrage by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper. Click here: http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002Q100gxE0001D

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM TRUEMAJORITY

EPA Plans to Reduce Air Pollution Controls - Have Your Voice Heard

Does this make sense? The government agency that looks out for food safety urges that we limit how much fish we eat because of mercury contamination. Meanwhile, another agency responsible for preventing mercury from getting into the fish (and the rest of the environment) proposes relaxing controls on releases of the poison. Mercury is known to damage the brains of children growing in the womb. This heavy metal comes out of smokestacks at coal-fired plants, falling back to earth and poisoning its creatures. Like other toxic materials that don't break down, mercury concentrates up the food chain. Because high levels of mercury are now found in many fish, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning this month advising pregnant women and children to stay away from swordfish and to limit the amount of "chunk white" canned tuna they eat to no more than six ounces per week.

Yet just as the FDA urges people to eat less otherwise-healthy food, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes delaying the regulation of mercury in coal-plant emissions - the largest source of mercury contamination, but the only one unregulated by our government. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set limits on power-plant pollution such as mercury, taking into account what can be done using current technology. The EPA said it could require a 90 percent reduction in mercury emissions by 2008 using current technology. But instead, the Bush administration proposed dragging out the process until 2018, and even then cleaning up only 70% of mercury emissions. To weaken the current standards, the EPA will have to change its own rules.

This is where you come in. The EPA is required to accept public comments on this proposed rule change. TrueMajority is joining the Environmental Working Group, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Council of Churches, the Mercury Policy Project, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Health Care Without Harm to oppose these changes. To tell the Bush Administration's EPA that you want mercury out of our environment so we can feed fish again safely to our children Click here: http://action.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=552

Rural North Carolina Sets Example for Nation
By David Swanson - April 19, 2004

Senator Kerry has the Democratic nomination wrapped up. I and many others for whom he was not the first choice are now working as hard as we can to win him votes. So is Dennis Kucinich. While most people never knew Kucinich was in the race, those who follow progressive politics closely know that he is STILL in it, pushing to make Kerry's platform more progressive. What many progressives understand is that this is the politically smart move for the Democratic party. Surveys suggest that the number of people who will register and vote for a candidate who takes a clear position for any one of the following outweighs the number who will be drawn away from Bush by quasi-Republican equivocating:

1. Ending the occupation through UN involvement and a halt to war profiteering,
2. Creating universal single-payer health care,
3. Repealing the "PATRIOT Act,"
4. Replacing NAFTA and the WTO with fair trade agreements,
5. Taxing corporations more and working people less, or
6. Creating free preschool and college.

If Kucinich can push Kerry to one or more of those positions, he will have done Kerry a tremendous favor. Kucinich can't do that alone. He needs the help of people who understand our political system. This means not just refusing to treat the general election like a primary by voting for Nader or another third party candidate, but also refusing to treat the primaries (as most Americans have already done) like a general election by voting for whoever won the previous primary in order to show a united front. Primaries – and there are still primaries to be held, still states where people have not had a chance to speak – are the time for voting for the strongest platform. A vote for Kerry in the remaining primaries means nothing. A vote for Kucinich sends Kerry a message.

Rural North Carolina this weekend sent a message to Kerry and to those in Oregon and other states that have not yet had their say. Kucinich won Saturday's caucus in Orange, Buncombe, and Watauga Counties, N.C. Statewide, according to unofficial early reports, Senator Edwards won his home state, followed by Kerry, Kucinich, Dean, and Sharpton. Kerry received 27 percent, but 73 percent of North Carolinian primary voters seized the opportunity to say something else. Most of those 73 percent will probably back Kerry from now on. Many of them want to also do what they can to make sure they are backing a winning candidate. The Democratic Party is not the you're-with-me-or-you're-with-the-terrorists party. This is the party in which people's voices must be heard.

The Ashville Citizen-Times reports:

"Buncombe County Democrats participating in the state's first presidential caucus Saturday came out big for Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Kucinich won 643 votes, while Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina garnered 507 votes and presumptive presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts took 257. Vermont Gov. Howard Dean won 149 votes, while 15 went to the Rev. Al Sharpton of New York….Buncombe County Democratic Party Chairman Max Haner said 1,577 voters filled out paper ballots at four caucus sites, where people were waiting at the doors when they opened at 8 a.m. 'It's never stopped the whole day,' said volunteer poll worker Robin McConnell. 'I've been very pleasantly surprised.' Lines were out the doors at some sites, as voters ignored the fact Kerry will be the nominee and exercised their right to have their issues represented by other candidates at the national convention this summer in Boston.

'There's a party plank to be made, and we want to be heard,' said Robin Clark, a carpenter and builder who was stumping for Kucinich at the West Asheville Library caucus site. 'We're hoping to get a percentage (of the caucus vote) so we can get a delegate or two at the convention.' Kucinich's win in Buncombe came on the heels of a visit he made to Asheville two weeks ago, drawing some 500 supporters to City-County Plaza. None of the other major candidates visited the region during the primary campaign." To my knowledge that is the first newspaper article during the entire campaign that has referred to Kucinich as one of the "major candidates."

Don't forget that Thursday, April 22nd, is Earth Day! A day chosen annually to focus attention on the state of our environment and on ways we can ALL pitch in to improve it. The Earth Day tradition was begun in 1970, and is still going strong today, with activities throughout the world involving thousands of people. Check out Earth Day activities in your neighborhood, town or city and get involved.

Kucinich Cinches Local Democrat Nomination
WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
by Scott Nicholson
http://www.wataugademocrat.com/topic.php?tid=7&sid=3921

Interesting News & Stats From Blog "iddybud"

If you've wondered just how few peace-keeping soldiers the Iraq coalition-supporting nations have sent, read this brief article. [Multinational Peacekeepers In Iraq Scramble To Deal With Spanish Announcement Of Pullout] http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGALVY4Z8TD.html I have to admit even I was surprised. The U.S. has 130,000 troops. This article contains the following info:

Poland- 2,400
Albania- 71
Honduras- 370 (soon to pull out?)
Italy- 2,700
Ukraine- 1,650
Slovakia- 105
Portugal- 128 (rumors of pullout)
Great Britain- 12,000

According to a web-based not-for-profit project based in Melbourne, Australia titled Perspectives on World History and Current Events, the statistics read as follows:

Iraq Troop numbers March 2004

1 USA 130,000
2 United Kingdom 9,000
3 Italy 3,000
4 Poland 2,460
5 Ukraine 1,600
6 Spain * 1,300
7 Netherlands 1,100
8 Australia 800
9 Romania 700
10 Bulgaria 480
11 Thailand 440
12 Denmark 420
13 Honduras 368
14 El Salvador 361
15 Dominican Republic 302
16 Hungary 300
17 Japan 240
18 Norway 179
19 Mongolia 160
20 Azerbaijan 150
21 Portugal 128
22 Latvia 120
23 Lithuania 118
24 Slovakia 102
25 Czech Republic 80
26 Philippines 80
27 Albania 70
28 Georgia 70
29 New Zealand 61
30 Moldova 50
31 Macedonia 37
32 Estonia 31
33 Canada 31
34 Kazakhstan 25

*Spain is pulling its troops out within next 3 to 6 weeks.

Recent Commentary From Blog "onegoodmove" On "60 Minutes in 30 Seconds"
Bush takes money Congress has approved from a supplemental appropriation for the Afghan War and uses $700 million for planning the Iraq war without informing congress. Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia then gets a detailed briefing on the coming war including "Top secret No foreign" maps detailing the plan of attack. And this happens before the President even tells the Secretary of State. Bandar promises the president that Saudi Arabia will lower oil prices in the months before the election - to ensure the U.S. economy is strong on election day. Grounds for impeachment? You'd better believe it. [Reference link below from CBS News.]

Woodward Shares War Secrets
CBS NEWS
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/15/60minutes/main612067.shtml

Show Me The Jobs
ALTERNET
by Judith Gorman
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18438



'Lawrence of Arabia' Redux
NEW YORK TIMES
by Frank Rich
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/18/arts/18RICH.html

Bush Losing Ground In Rural America
LOS ANGELES TIMES
by John Glionna
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0419-03.htm

Voters in struggling outlying areas tend to identify with his values, but economic concerns are alienating some lifelong Republicans.

Duchess Note ... As always the Bush Administration [ie: thoroughly corrupt empire] is lying through their teeth [AGAIN & AGAIN] in many of their campaign statements. The true facts are located on a very reliable website called "Annenberg Political Fact Check". Below is the latest:

Treasury Tax Expert To Bush ... Clinton's Increase WASN'T The Biggest! Study published by Bush's Treasury Department contradicts Bush's campaign.
ANNENBERG POLITICAL FACT CHECK
http://www.factcheck.org/article.aspx?docID=173

Now comes a thorough study of every tax bill enacted since 1940, showing that the Clinton tax increase was indeed large, but not the largest. A tax increase in 1942 boosted federal revenues by 71%, for example, as the US geared up for war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Measured in inflation-adjusted 1992 dollars, Roosevelt's wartime increase amounted to $73 billion a year, while Clinton's increase averaged $35 billion a year (average for the first two years.)

The study said that inflation-adjusted "constant dollars" is probably only the second -best measure of the size of a tax increase. "The single best measure for most purposes is probably the revenue effect as a percentage of GDP." That's Gross Domestic Product, the way we gauge the size of the economy. Clinton's tax increase isn't the biggest by that "best" measure, either. In the period since 1968, the study said, "the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 was the biggest increase." That was the tax increase signed by Ronald Reagan, rescinding some of the effects of his huge tax cut passed the year before. That 1982 tax increase only slightly exceeded Clinton's in inflation-adjusted dollars ($37 billion a year vs.. $32 billion) but it was much bigger in relation to the size of the economy. The '82 increase amounted to 4.6% of GDP (average for the first two years) while Clinton's was 2.7%.

Personal News - Part XV

Yesterday was the annual MS Walk in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The weather was a lovely, sunny, warm spring day. [Tho it did get abit breezy at times.] I didn't even need to wear the sweatshirt I brought ... just a t-shirt with jeans and sneakers. Lovely! [I've been participating and volunteering with MS Society since 1993.] Over last 6 years or so for NYC MS Society, instead of doing the actual walk, I volunteer my time and collect pledges for this worthy cause. [Two acquaintances of mine in the UK have had MS for last 20 years.] It may not seem like much, but so far I've collected about $185 from co-workers and my goal was for $200. Which I may obtain and hopefully surpass, as the pledges don't have to be submitted until end of May.

As in the past 6 years, I volunteer at the 3rd rest stop area, which is located in Brooklyn Heights at Cadman Plaza. Got there just before 12 noon yesterday and the truck with supplies was waiting. A few folk were standing around trying to get info via the walkie-talkies when I strolled up. The two people [ie: Lynn & a chap who's name I can't recall] "in charge" were new to all this and had no idea about setup or certain procedures. When I told them I'd volunteered at this "rest stop" many times in the past, they asked me to supervise. Sure ... you betcha! More volunteers [ie: high school seniors] showed up and we opened the truck. Setup took no time at all, collected everyones volunteer cards, hand out MS volunteer vests [pink] and then waited for the "walkers". The walkers started showing up around 12:30pm and the last scragglers ambled along at 3:30pm. Clean up took no time at all and there were leftover supplies [ie: water, oranges, raisins, chips & power bars]. We all took our share of goodies, plus received a free MS Walk t-shirt and other items. I left around 4pm, took two subways back to my 'hood, stopped by Internet Cafe to briefly check emails et al online and waltzed home around 4:50pm. Its still nice, sunny outdoors and I have my windows open to air out the apartment. Overall it was a good day. I hope everyone enjoyed this lovely spring day and please donate to the national MS Society. Thanks!

Personal News - Part XIV

Back on Wednesday, April 14th, was the fourth exploratory committee meeting at Rob Jereski's place in midtown Manhattan and it was very productive. I arrived shortly after 6:30pm and Harry greeted me at the door. Always a pleasure seeing him and he was in the process of whipping up vegetarian goodies in the kitchen. Those that showed up were Glenn, Anne, Carol, Barry, Ed, Jesse, Harry and of course Rob. Two new ladies [ie: Carol & Anne] I'd seen before at Kucinich meetings. We started the actual meeting around 6:50pm ... did brief introductions and then discussed what had been accomplished in the past week. Much has been accomplished; such as infrastructure, web work, endorsements, research, handing out of flyers, scheduler, announcment of first fundraiser, bank account, etc. I'm helping out with endorsement database, sending emails out to Kucinich folk and helping out with flyer edits.

We then discussed all the many different topics that need to be accomplished over next few weeks. Connecting with folk in Astoria area and Ed talked about demographic research neighborhood by neighborhood [60/40 manhattan/queens]. Need web designer person or team ... [I contacted a few people I know who'd be good in this area]. Links to many web sites or bloggers and I made some inquiries with groovy folk that I'm acquainted with. I also volunteered to upload images to web site as I compile them and create endorsement form. Rob provided numbers of Community Boards in Queens that he wants me to attend and get a feel of whats "hot or cold". When main meeting was done we broke to partake of the delicious food that Harry had prepared in the kitchen. Yummers! Barry and I worked on an endorsement form, plus Harry took some group photos for the future website. I left around 10pm.

FRIEND & FUNDRAISER AT ROB JERESKI'S
To be held on Friday, April 23rd, at 7pm. Located at 2 Tudor City Place, Apt. 9AS. Please come and bring a friend or two. There will be good food and some entertainment. Please RSVP with Rob Jereski at mutualaid@earthlink.net. See you there! Peace & Solidarity!

Between yesterday and today we here in NYC are finally getting some awesome, sunny springtime weather. Seems like all of NYC is out and about. Very crowded at the two Farmers Markets I shop at ... the bigger of the two is situated down at 14th Street in Union Square. I picked up a lavender plant and some goat cheese. Then went into Barnes & Noble to look for that new John Dean book [Worse Than Watergate]. FOUND IT!! WooHoo!! Well people ... I'll be heading back out into the warm sunshine very shortly. Remember to keep on rockin in the free world!

DENNIS TALKS ABOUT OIL AND U.S. POLITICS
Speaking to students in a philosophy class at Oregon State University yesterday, Congressman Kucinich discussed the potential in new sustainable industries for strengthening our economy by creating new jobs, improving our health, and lessening oil's impact on politics. Reducing dependency on oil could also result in fewer military conflicts, says Kucinich. "As we develop the sustainable energy, we diminish the impact that oil has on our politics." Watch the video, hear the audio or read the text transcript: http://www.kucinich.us/talksabout/oil-talksabout.php

NEXT STEPS / POST PRIMARY/CAUCUS DISCUSSION
Progressive voters have voiced their support for Dennis Kucinich in their primaries and caucuses across the country and continue to work in and with states that have not yet voted. For the states that have voted, let's talk about STAYING TOGETHER WITH THE MESSAGE AND INTENT! Click at the following link to join discussions on our Forum! http://us.denniskucinich.us/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=73

CONTINUE ORGANIZING LOCALLY--KUCINICH MEETUP THURSDAY, MAY 6
Dennis Kucinich continues to give voice to issues important to us such as the war in Iraq, universal health care, fair trade, and civil liberties within the Democratic Party. Even if your state has already held its primary or caucus, there is still plenty you can do to help this campaign in coming months. Connect with other Kucinich supporters in your area and plan local action to help promote these issues locally. Visit the MeetUp Aenda Page for examples of activities that you can engage in. Click on the following link: http://www.kucinich.us/meetup/meetup-agenda.php

KUCINICH GETTING GREAT MEDIA COVERAGE
Though not always perfect, the media is finally beginning to give Kucinich the respect he deserves. On a national level, Kucinich is getting recognition for the wisdom of his positions and being asked to debate Republican leaders on major network programs. Likewise, Kucinich is receiving great media coverage on a local level, thanks in large part to a strong network of hard-working supporters on the ground. Check out these rcent articles from North Carolina, Oregon, and Colorado:

The Mountain Times Boone, NC 4/08:
http://www.mountaintimes.com/mtweekly/2004/0408/kucinichwords.php3

Newport News Times Newport, Oregon 4/14:
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2004/04/14/news/news05.txt

The Daily Camera Boulder, CO 4/10:
http://www.bouldernews.com/bdc/city_news/article/0,1713,BDC_2422_2797482,00.html

MORE NEWS ON KUCINICH & SHRUB THE LESSER

Candidate Puts Issues Above Win
STATESMAN JOURNAL
by Beth Casper
http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=78723
Rep. Kucinich sees Oregon primary as an opportunity to influence the party.

Sorry Mr President, It Is Imperialism
CAPITAL TIMES
by John Nichols
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0416-04.htm

Kucinich Lesson - Activism
GAZETTE-TIMES
by Jesse Sowa
http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2004/04/16/news/community/fri02.txt
Presidential candidate tells CHS students to pursue interests.

Hear No Evil, Read No Evil, Speak Drivel
GUARDIAN/UK
by Sidney Blumenthal
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0415-05.htm

On April 21 1961, President Kennedy held a press conference to answer questions on the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles that he had approved. "There's an old saying," he said, "that victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan ... I am the responsible officer of the government and that is quite obvious."

On Wednesday, President Bush held only his third press conference and was asked three times whether he accepted responsibility for failing to act on warning before September 11. "I'm sure something will pop into my head here in the midst of this press conference with all the pressure of trying to come up with an answer, but it hadn't [sic] yet," he said. "I just haven't - you just put me under the spot here and maybe I'm not quick - as quick on my feet as I should be in coming up with one."

[Duchess comment on above two presidents ... Kennedy always came across as an intelligent, responible, sophisticated man. Which he was and a wonderful Democrat too. Then there is Shrub the Lesser ... who always comes across as uncultured, uncouth, irresponsible, spoiled and is a stupid ass.]

"Fear Has Covered this Country"
THE WORLD
by Daniel Schreiber
http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2004/04/14/news/news01.txt

A Sanctuary For Dissent
ALTERNET
by Amy & David Goodman
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18429

The following is excerpted from "The Exception to the Rulers: Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers and the Media That Love Them" ... for more info visit DEMOCRACY NOW website.

How The "NewsHour" Changed History
COMMONDREAMS
by Norman Solomon
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0415-09.htm

Lehrer's refusal to correct his evident error is especially striking because he had emphasized his incorrect statement on the air by immediately adding: "I just want to get that on the record." (My request to a NewsHour spokesperson for a direct comment from Lehrer did not yield any statement from him.) When I asked whether a decision had been made, one way or the other, about doing a correction on the NewsHour to set the factual record straight, the last piece of stone in the damage-control wall moved into place. I got the message: "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer stands behind the 'Iraq: What Now?' discussion segment from April 7 and will not be making a correction." Journalists should scrutinize U.S. government spin, not contribute to it. Here we have what some people believe to be the nation's most credible news program compounding a factual error by refusing to make a correction. First-rate journalists change history. But not this way.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. PATCH FOR KUCINICH

I am thrilled to be putting up another message for Dennis Kucinich. I've had the wonderful opportunity this year to go around the country and not so much speak for Dennis, but for what Dennis represents. I never did this before. The idea that a candidate runs on the peace ticket, and getting out of the WTO and NAFTA, and is for Universal Coverage Single Payer health care, and to really try to derail the vulgar greed and power-hungry corporate world. I'm there for Dennis in every way, and I entreat anyone who wants a country by the people, for the people and of the people to vote for Dennis. Contribute by calling 866-413-3664 or online at: https://www.kucinich.us/contribute.php

You can also support the campaign by ordering original campaign items from our Official Campaign Store - we have a limited stock of t-shirts, buttons, books and more: http://www.kucinich.us/store.php

Personal Voices: Setting The Record Straight
ALTERNET
by Michael Moore
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18423

Important Message From ACT FOR CHANGE Activism

End Insurance Discrimination -- Pass the Wellstone Mental Health Parity Bill Contributed by Wellstone Action

The Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act would close loopholes in federal law by requiring group health plans to stop using arbitrary limits on mental health parity benefits different from those used with medical and surgical benefits. With 69 co-sponsors, this legislation is sure to pass if brought to a vote, but Senate leaders have reneged on their commitment and are blocking the bill from a vote on the floor of the Senate. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYbO0FFlNw0KkY0lyT0A1

It's up to us to keep the pressure on those key senators that have the power to allow a vote. Ask your senators to contact Senators Gregg and Frist and tell them to bring the Wellstone legislation to a vote.

No More Corporate Tax Holidays -- Make Corporations Pay Their Fair Share

While April 15 is no tax holiday for millions of individual American taxpayers scrambling to get their returns in, it might as well be for many U.S. corporations. At a time of exploding Federal deficits and unmet public needs, we cannot afford corporate tax evasion. Recent reports from the General Accounting Office show that more than 60% of large U.S. corporations paid NO federal taxes from 1996 through 2000, and in today's weaker economy, tax receipts from companies have fallen even steeper -- corporate taxes now account for a mere 7.5% of overall federal tax receipts, the lowest rate since 1983. For a comparison, during WWII corporate taxes accounted for about 40% of federal tax receipts. Fortunately, there are two easy solutions that do not even involve raising tax rates -- better enforcement and closing loopholes. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYbO0FFlNw0KkY0lyV0A3

The IRS estimates that the U.S. Treasury may be losing billions of dollars each year due to aggressive tax avoidance, and it's time to make corporations pay up. Individuals shouldn't be the only ones to get a tax bill due this April 15. Urge your representatives to get tough on corporate tax cheats and close the "Bermuda Triangle loophole" by supporting the Corporate Patriot Enforcement Act (HR 737) and increasing the funding and authority of the IRS to get tough with corporate tax cheats through a substantial increase in audits and other enforcement measures.

An Important Message From Democrat Candidate Dennis Kucinich

Hi everyone ... this is Dennis ... there is a lot at stake at this moment. The President has said that he intends to stay the course in Iraq. That course is one, which will increase the number of deaths and injuries, not only to our troops but also to many innocent people in Iraq, ultimately making Americans less safe at home and less welcome around the world. If we continue on this course, spending upwards of $200 billion in Iraq, America will continue to sacrifice a domestic agenda that is already failing to provide sufficient funding for education, health care, housing, job creation, veterans, and environmental protection. People ask me why I continue to run for president when the nomination's already been decided. Someone has to be offering alternatives to keep our troops in Iraq from an indefinite future. Someone has to say that the Democratic Party must offer a course of action, which will enable America to connect with the world community, stop the waste of our precious tax resources, stabilize Iraq, and bring our troops home. Someone has to be the voice for universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health care so universally supported, and so desperately needed.

Someone has to say that NAFTA and the WTO must be replaced by trade structures, which enshrine ethical principles of workers rights, human rights, and environmental protection. Someone has to say the PATRIOT Act must go. The nomination's been decided. Now we must decide what we stand for as a party. If we offer real choices, real alternatives, show how people will really win something when they vote Democrat, we will win in November. I'm pledged to that outcome. We cannot, and we must not, let our party sink into indecision and indifference on matters of war and peace, as we prepare for the November elections. That is why I will continue on this campaign, and that is why you are needed too. I can continue doing what I'm doing as long as I have your help. Our campaign has had amazing success over the last year in keeping alive hopes of millions for peace, for health care, for fair trade, for renewal of our civil liberties. We recently once again made our fundraising goal for the 4th consecutive quarter.

Help keep alive the debate about Iraq. Help keep alive the hopes of people for a single-payer, national health care system. Help keep alive workers' rights, human rights, and environmental quality principles and trade agreements. Help keep alive the efforts to repeal the PATRIOT Act. Help keep alive the progressive movement inside the Democratic Party. The next few weeks are crucial, as we wind up the primaries and caucuses, draft a Democratic Party platform, and prepare for the convention. There is a lot at stake in this moment. Please help us bring forth the best that is in all of us. Thank you so much.

Voters Need Quality News to Make Informed Decisions in a Democracy Tell the FCC to Require Broadcasters to Air Election News

A coalition of citizens' groups, including Common Cause, Alliance for Better Campaigns, Media for Democracy, and MediaChannel.org, has been formed to request that the Federal Communications Commission ensure that TV broadcasters better fulfill their obligation to serve citizens by offering at least three hours per week of programming about important local issues, candidates, campaigns, and elections. This may not sound like much, but it's actually an eternity in the world of broadcast television, where mayhem and fluff dominate and issue-based news is neglected. And stations would not be allowed to relegate this programming to the middle of the night. Broadcasters, with their eyes on maximizing profit at the expense of democracy, will fight this proposal with an army of lobbyists. They want to continue serving news consumers a diet of mayhem and fluff; even at election time, when getting real news about our communities matters most. What broadcasters have forgotten is that they're broadcasting for free over publicly owned airwaves. It's a broadcast spectrum that's worth tens of billions of dollars. And they're getting to use it for free, courtesy of you and me, the American taxpayers. It's time we got something in return. If you want to send the FCC a fax or you'd like to customize the message to the FCC, click here: http://action.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=499

The Ballad Of G.W.Bush - Sung to the tune of The Beverly Hillbillies

Come and listen to my story
'bout a boy named Bush.
His IQ was zero and
his head was up his tush.
He drank like a fish
while he drove all about.
But that didn't matter
'cuz his daddy bailed him out.

DUI, that is.
Criminal record.
Cover-up.

Well, the first thing you know
little Georgie goes to Yale.
He can't spell his name
but they never let him fail.
He spends all his time
hangin' out with student folk.
And that's when he learns
how to snort a line of coke.

Blow, that is.
White gold.
Nose candy.

The next thing you know
there's a war in Vietnam.
Kin folks say,
"George, stay at home with Mom."
Let the common people
get all maimed and scarred.
We'll buy you a spot
in the Texas Air Guard.

Cushy, that is.
Country clubs.
Nose candy.

Twenty years later
George gets a little bored.
He trades in the booze,
says that Jesus is his Lord.
He said, "Now the White House
is the place I wanna be."
So he called his daddy's friends
and they called the GOP.

Gun owners, that is.
Falwell.
Jesse Helms.

Come November 7,
the election ran late.
Kin folks said "Jeb,
give the boy your state!"
"Don't let those colored folks
get into the polls."
So they put up barricades so
they couldn't punch their holes.

Chads, that is.
Duval County.
Miami-Dade.

Before the votes were counted
five Supremes stepped in.
Told all the voters "Hey,
we want George to win."
"Stop counting votes!"
was their solemn invocation.
And that's how George
finally got his coronation.

Rigged, that is.
Illegitimate.
No moral authority.

Y'all come vote now. Ya hear?

[Photo taken Friday, April 9th, at the IMPACT Awards Show in Seattle. From left to right ... Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Matt Cameron, two unknowns and Eddie Vedder. Go Pearl Jam Go ... Rock On Dudes!!!]

Trust, Don't Verify - Bush's Incredible Definition Of Credibility
SLATE
by William Saletan
http://slate.msn.com/id/2098810/

My First War Protest: The Perspective Of The Girl Photographed By Reuters
COMMON DREAMS
by Christine Brozyna
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0413-13.htm


[Christine is the blonde holding "Money for Jobs" sign]

CAMPAIGNING IN THE REMAINING US PRIMARIES PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DENNIS KUCINICH SAYS BUSH FAILED TO ANSWER THE #1 QUESTION ON THE MINDS OF MOST AMERICANS!

APRIL 13TH 2004 ... President Bush failed again to answer the one most crucial question that is on the minds of most Americans: "When will our troops come home from Iraq?" Ohio Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich says Bush promised more of the same no-end-in-sight vision that has marked this unjustified and illegitimate war from the beginning. "The President's answers to questions about how long our forces will remain were as vague as ever and wholly predictable," Kucinich emphasized. The President's statements that, "We'll stay the course. We'll complete the job. We must not waiver. The United States will continue to occupy – his word – Iraq as long as necessary," makes it clear that this election is about world leadership and who is telling the truth to the American people. "It is not George W. Bush," says the Democratic Presidential challenger.

"Bush is prepared to escalate American involvement in the region," says Kucinich. "This administration is going to sacrifice the lives of our soldiers." The statements made by this President are alarming. "If more troops are needed," Bush said. "He will send them. Any concession or retreat," he went on, "will embolden the enemy." Kucinich has some questions for the President. "When will Bush realize that our very presence in Iraq has become a lightning rod for increased hostility and increased violence?" The economic impact is profound. "We can't afford to stay the course. We need a new course – a reasoned and responsible way out, not a political rationalization for keeping our troops at risk indefinitely, and sending even more troops into harm's way."

"Given the President's unhesitating willingness to send more and more of our young men and women to a war that was launched on lies and exaggerations, how long will it be before he resorts to a reinstatement of the draft to feed the demands of a thoroughly flawed and totally failed foreign policy?" The Ohio Congressman who lead the vote against the invasion is emphatic, "We went to war for the wrong reasons. We continue to be at war for the wrong reasons. And it's time to ask the United Nations to assume responsibility so our troops can come home! This can only come about when the US takes an entirely new direction, reconnecting with the world community through the United Nations, letting go of ambitions to control the oil and the contracts, trying to privatize Iraq, and run the government by remote control."

Important Message From MoveOn.Org

The effort to stabilize Iraq is out of control. It's time to face the facts squarely, and recognize that America, acting alone, is no longer capable of reaching the hearts and minds of Iraqis. We've got to transfer management authority over Iraq to the United Nations, to enable a real transition to peaceful Iraqi self-rule. Join us in calling for this change, at:

http://www.moveon.org/unauthority/?id=2618-145901-ANIP5VFmvwEmnxevoXIANA

60 Americans and reportedly hundreds of Iraqis have been killed in just the past week; 677 Americans have died in Iraq since the war began. A religious leader hostile to the United States now controls two cities, and has sparked uprisings in two others. Dozens of foreigners have been taken hostage. The growing opposition to American rule among the Iraqi population "probably runs in the tens of thousands", consisting of people who "have jobs in vegetable shops, offices, garages, and schools." These are the very people who should comprise the civil society we're hoping to build as the basis for peaceful Iraqi self-rule. Instead, they're arming themselves and awaiting the call to attack Americans.

Our troops in Iraq are stretched thin -- many reservists have been serving there for more than a year, with no end in sight. U.S. commanders are asking for more troops, and Senate leaders like John McCain share the concern that our current troop levels are inadequate. There's talk of a draft, perhaps to be announced just after our November elections. But instead of simply redoubling our commitment to the present course, we should support our soldiers by taking the bull's-eye off their backs. At its core, the challenge our troops face in Iraq is about legitimacy:

Iraqis see us increasingly as an occupying power, not a liberating one. To send a credible message of stewardship and transition to self-rule, we need a truly international coalition, including key Arab nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. As Thomas Friedman put it, "If it is America alone against the Iraqi street, we lose. If it is the world against the Iraqi street, we have a chance." Of course, transferring control to the U.N. would also enable many other nations to share the logistical and financial burdens of helping Iraq transition to peaceful self-rule. This isn't a partisan issue. "In both parties, members are concerned," according to Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) "There's not abject panic, but there's deep concern, and there should be."

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT ... HOT OFF THE PRESS

Off The Ticket
THE NATION
by John Nichols
http://www.thenation.com/thebeat/index.mhtml?bid=1&pid=1367

Unfortunately for Rice, however, her testimony will be remembered for a single exchange. Commissioner Richard Ben-Veniste asked Rice if she could recall the title of President Bush's daily briefing document for August 6, 2001, which crossed her desk more than a month before operatives associated with Osama bin Laden's al-Queda network attacked the world Trade Center and the Pentagon. After several inept attempts to avoid the question, Rice finally answered, "I believe the title was, 'Bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States." Rice knew she was in trouble; she claimed immediately that the August 6 briefing paper was a speculative document, not a real warning. The administration's defenders then spent the rest of the day trying to convince Americans that they had not heard what they had, in fact, heard. But, as 9/11 widow Lorie Van Auken correctly noted after the title was revealed, "That pretty much says it all."

New Reports On US Planting WMDs In Iraq
TEHRAN TIMES
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=4/13/2004&Cat=4&Num=013

An Autopsy Of A Failed Occupation
ALTERNET
by Christian Parenti
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18397

Arrogance, incompetence and homicidal racism are becoming the signature aspects of U.S. military rule in Iraq. Exhibit one is the siege of Fallujah, where more than 600 hundred have died within the past week. A British commander told The Telegraph, "My view and the view of the British chain of command is that the Americans' use of violence is not proportionate and is over-responsive to the threat they are facing. They don't see the Iraqi people the way we see them. They view them as untermenschen." (The phrase "untermenschen" was used by Adolf Hitler in "Mein Kampf," to describe "inferior" peoples such as Jews.)

Administration Hides Reality Of War
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCE
by Rabbi Daniel Weiner
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/159186_weiner04.html

O Canada: Oy Vey United States
ALTERNET
by David Morris
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18381

Decoding The PDB
TOM PAINE.COMMON SENSE
by Larry Johnson
http://tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/10224

Progressive Democrats for Congress & Update On Exploratory Committee to Elect Robert Jereski

Weekly Meeting Wednesday - Our Committee and other volunteers will hold our weekly district-wide meeting on Wednesday, April 14th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at 2 Tudor City Place, 9AS on 41st street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. Please feel free to bring something healthy for folks to share while we continue to work on our outreach efforts for the months ahead. Contact Rob Jereski at mutualaid@earthlink.net to confirm attendence. Thank you. Peace & Solidarity!

Glorifying the Fight for Slavery in Texas -- Forget the Alamo!
COUNTER PUNCH
By Don Santina
April 8, 2004
http://counterpunch.org/santina04092004.html

Actress & Kucinich Supporter Mimi Kennedy With A Wonderful Message From The Progressive Democrats Campaign Trail -- Please Share It With Others -- Remember What Kucinich Said "Fear Ends & Hope Begins

I was lucky enough to catch up with Dennis and the campaign in Colorado. It was a surprise - I had been there so my daughter could see Colorado College, but there was Dennis speaking at the IBEW Union Hall in a very, very moving gathering because it included a lot of military personnel and retired military. A General Lentz introduced Dennis and spoke of how he has seen young soldiers coming to his church food donation program looking for free food so their families can make it through the month. This general absolutely endorsed Dennis' Department of Peace idea and truly understands that support for the troops means the things Dennis Kucinich is talking about. A decent wage for those who put their lives on the line for their country, and support for them meaning that political negotiations must be part of this nation's plan to live in the international community and be worthy of the sacrifice that we call upon our young people and military personnel to stand ready to make.

When Dennis spoke, you could see the room embracing him, embracing his ideas. In Colorado Springs it's very well known, it's a very conservative community, living cheek-by-jowl with progressive people. And at the end during the question period, a young man with a shaved head, Dennis called on him and he stepped forward, and in kind of a trembling but strong voice, he thanked Dennis. He said he had just returned from fighting in Iraq. And he thanked Dennis for himself and on behalf of all of his buddies that were still over there fighting, because Dennis was keeping the message of peace alive in the campaign and bringing it to the Democratic party.

I saw a lot of heads nodding around that hall and I almost wept when at the end, this young man put his hand on his heart and nodded his head. Because I read somewhere that the soldiers in Iraq are beginning to adopt this gesture, which is part of Muslim greeting, which says "My greeting comes not just in my words from my lips, but I greet you with my heart." So Dennis is keeping this message alive. The national media is relegating a lot of the debate, a lot of what the nominee John Kerry is saying to the back pages, even as the guns of war blaze on the front pages. It's easy to feel helpless. DON'T! We can help by supporting Dennis' message. He's campaigning in 16 states where voters are debating the issue of this war, where the local media is debating this issue of the war, because the primary is still to come. And we can send a message to the Democratic Party and really make this party come alive and make it be the hope of the world from July into November.

From 2002 the Democrats stood for this war with the leadership and for not much of anything else that the voters could make out. And that resulted in tremendous losses for the Democratic Party. Dennis' campaign is bringing to the Democratic Party the new life and the new blood of the peace movement and even of the military personnel who understand that there needs to be a political component to their sacrifice. And it belongs in the Democratic Party and it belongs especially with our nominee Vietnam Veteran John Kerry.

Thank God Dennis' campaign is still alive. Make the media cover it - we heard him on Bob Edwards this morning [http://www.npr.org/rundowns/segment.php?wfId=1833332] - and Bob, who hadn't shown a lot of respect for Dennis' candidacy, understands it now. Because as Dennis reminded us all, men and women are dying in the field. For some this war will never be over, they've already lost someone. But it can be over, we can redirect our national wealth to health care, to education, to the environment, to jobs. That's the message Dennis is bringing. Help him bring it between now and July at Democratic convention in Boston.

Manufacturing job loss has been one of the biggest disasters of the failed Bush economic policies. The Bush administration continues to praise companies for sending jobs overseas while millions of Americans are unemployed or underemployed.




Kucinich Rails Against Bush's Iraq Policies
Democratic congressman says he's still in presidential race to address hot issues.
DENVER POST
by Mike McPhee
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E29805%7E2074746,00.html?search=filter

PEARL JAM AT IMPACT AWARDS SHOW ON APRIL 9th IN SEATTLE

Commentary by L.Hester From BUGSNEWS
Three people introduced Pearl Jam … Ajan Brown & Jazmin Williams-Kelly [students] whom Pearl Jam gave scholarships too and also Robert Glaser, CEO of RealNetworks. Robert Glaser of RealNetworks said, "Since the head of ticket master couldn't be here, I'm standing in for corporate America.” All of the Pearl Jam band members had suits on. They did an electric set with Last Soldier, Down & Half Full. Mike McCready sang backup on Last Soldier and Stone Gossard rocking in his suit. Lots of charities mentioned that they have contributed to that the public are not aware of. Jeff Ament very tanned. Stone Gossard gave the acceptance speech. Lots of Pearl Jam fans at Impact Awards, with 2 to 4 at every table. Ms Hester sat at first row of tables, on Stone Gossards side with unobstructed view. She saw Kris Novoselic, Mark Arm and Kim Thayil. Tribute to Pearl Jam, with Neil and Pegi Young, and people from many different kinds of organizations, which they've benefited over the years. No cameras allowed, so no pictures, but there was an official photographer taking pictures and we have a code to access all the pictures taken that night to purchase. Look for them soon on the Synergy or here on the Duchess blogger.


[Mike McCready & Eddie Vedder At IMPACT Awards Show]

Further Commentary From Red Mosquito Forum
Well, the whole ceremony was great! I just have to tell yah the important stuff right now. Stone Gossard accepted the award and everyone got a Grammy. Boom Gaspar was not there. The speech Stone gave was so sweet and he was the only one who wanted to talk. Mike McCready was the only one in a tie, although they all clean up nice & wore suits. Within 3 minutes of them getting the award they returned to the stage to play. DOWN is my all time fav track from 2003, so I was thrilled to hear it, and Mike rocked. The guys had a good time and the room was mellow. Eddie Vedder said they're really enjoying the freedom they have now, but I can honestly tell you ... there is no record in the works. Ed especially needs a break from recording right now for personal reasons. But Mike is getting back into the studio soon to record some new material with Rockford’s! Jeff Ament will not be doing anything with “Three Fish”. He just got back from climbing 'some big ass mountain!', and Matt Cameron is going to stay creative and busy with WWC. They are always (individually) working on PJ material for the next LP, but there is no recording planned as of now, or even plans to track for at least 6 months or longer.

Dressed-up Pearl Jam Honored With NW Impact Award
THE SEATTLE TIMES
By Charles Cross
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2001901162_impact12.html

Pearl Jam! Live At The Westin Hotel Grand Ballroom!
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
By Gene Stout
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/168617_pearljam10ww.html

[Duchess Note: Special thanks to Josee L for providing some of the Pearl Jam info.]

From The VOTE TO IMPEACH BUSH Website - More News

Click here: http://www.VoteToImpeach.org

1] More Death in Iraq; Bush Vacations
2] Lying for the President: C. Rice and J. Dean

1] Having sent thousands of people to their death in Iraq, it is a disgrace that George W. Bush can retreat in the face of the growing conflagration to the safety and privilege of his expansive ranch in Crawford, TX. Here is a leader who opted for war, with all of its attendant misery and suffering, not as a last resort, but as a first choice. Throughout history such leaders have been held accountable by those whose lives were treated as nothing other than cannon fodder.

April 9th is the first anniversary of the fall of Baghdad. Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld know they were lying about weapons of mass destruction and about Saddam Hussein's purported links to September 11 and to Al Qaida when they launched their blitzkrieg-type invasion. They were betting on the fact that they could roll over Iraq, proclaim victory and create a functional U.S dictatorship in Iraq -- one that would quickly be able to find an Iraqi face as a diplomatic cover. One year later, the number of people being killed in Iraq has not subsided but on the contrary is growing at an alarming rate. Tens of thousands of Iraqis have been killed. Soon there will be 700 young men and women in the U.S. armed forces who will have died in Iraq as a consequence of this criminal endeavor.

The crimes of the Bush administration and their long term repercussions make Watergate seem like a very minor episode in comparison. In fact, John Dean, the White House counsel to Nixon, has stated in his new book "Worse than Watergate: the Secret Presidency of George W. Bush," that Bush must be impeached. Dean served prison time for his role in the Watergate affair in the early 1970s. Dean agreed to testify that Nixon was guilty of lying to Congress about Watergate, even though he knew that testimony would lead to his own imprisonment.

2] This past week we have all witnessed the performance of Condoleezza Rice embracing her role as the voice of the administration, openly carrying forward the lies and recalcitrance of the Bush administration as she testified before the September 11 Commission. But even the Commission is looking the other way regarding the Bush administration's lies about the war in Iraq and its ongoing campaign of deceit designed to mislead and convince the U.S. public that Iraq had something to do with September 11. In advance of the war, Rice filled the airwaves warning of the impending "mushroom cloud" that would be unleashed by Iraq if the U.S. government did not immediately attack and bomb that hobbled and impoverished country. What can be done about an administration that is this criminal in its nature and conduct? It is clear that the force for change will not come from appointed commissions, nor from looking away and swapping in alternate "leadership" that backs the same policies. The real force for true accountability is coming from people demanding the one Constitutional mechanism for dealing with criminal conduct committed by those who obtain the highest offices in the U.S. -- demanding impeachment.

News On Kucinich From Official Campaign Headquarters In Ohio

KUCINICH TUGGING DEMOCRATS IN THE DIRECTION OF PEACE
This past week, Congressman Dennis Kucinich could be seen on national TV debating Republican leaders on the war in Iraq. Since last fall, Kucinich has been the leading voice among Democrats in offering a plan to get U.S. troops out of Iraq, bring in U.N. peacekeepers and begin on a path towards peace.

On Wednesday, Kucinich debated Republican Deputy Majority Whip Mark Foley on CNN's Wolf Blitzer Reports. Kucinich warned that the arguments used for keeping American troops in Iraq are the same kind of arguments used to keep us in Vietnam. "We're getting into this deeper when we should be constructing a plan to bring the United Nations peacekeeping forces in because the UN is the only way out. We could be in a war which could last ten or twelve years. The Democrats should be taking a position challenging this administration for taking this country into this war!"

Earlier this week Kucinich debated California Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher on MSNBC urging the Democratic Party to take a stand against the continued occupation of Iraq. "My position in this race; I'm like a little tugboat that's trying to pull a big liner called the Democratic Party to get it out to sea so it can sail successfully to victory. I don't think it can do that if it's staying in the harbor quibbling about whether to take a position on the war or not."

The Democratic Party leadership seems to be feeling the pull. In the last week, presumptive nominee John Kerry has made more and more statements advocating internationalizing the Iraq effort, calling for the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority to hand over responsibility for reconstruction and establishing a new government to "a legitimate international entity." To read Press Release, go to: http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_040804.php

To Sign Kucinich petition to "Bring the U.N. in and get the U.S. out", go to: http://www.kucinich.us/petition_iraq1.php

I STAND WITH DENNIS
Do you stand with Dennis on the issues? Then by all means state why you do ... click here: http://kucinich.us/standsfor_form.php Then read why others stand with Dennis, click here: http://resources.kucinich.us/tiki-view_forum_thread.php?comments_parentId=1367&forumId=7

Latest News From Democratic Party Website

* The Bush record -- exposed! Learn Bush's top 10 lies, his disastrous economic record, and everything you need to know about how President Bush's policies hurt your family and the nation. Click here: http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002PP00gRu0001G

* Check out political cartoons and graphs that tell the story of why it's so important to win. Click here: http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002PP00gRu0001H and also here: http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002PP00gRu0001I

TAKE ACTION ON THE NEW DEMOCRATS.ORG: STOP THE BUSH 9/11 STONEWALL

Today, we heard the public testimony of Bush's national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, in front of the commission investigating the attacks of September 11. As we've come to expect from this White House, the main themes of Rice's testimony were assigning blame and avoiding responsibility. According to Rice, the administrations of the last 20 years all bear the responsibility of the September 11 attacks, while the Bush administration is in the clear. But in a shocking revelation, we learned that on August 6, 2001, President Bush received a briefing titled, "Bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States." But Bush spent the month of August on vacation at his ranch. No wonder this administration has done everything to delay, obstruct, and dismiss the work of the 9/11 commission.

WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
So put our new grassroots tools to use right now. You can help stop the Bush 9/11 stonewall. Send a letter to the editor of your local paper demanding that President Bush and his administration cooperate fully with the commission and answer the questions that all Americans deserve to have answered. Click the link to take action now! http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002PP00gRu0001N

Kucinich In His Own Words
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES
by Kathleen McFadden
http://www.mountaintimes.com/mtweekly/2004/0408/kucinichwords.php3

Thinking Unthinkable Thoughts
Theologian Charges White House Complicity In 9/11 Attack
SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT
by Nick Welsh
http://independent.com/news/news906.htm

Personal News - Part XIII

Happy Easter Everyone! Hope your able to spend it with family and friends. My parents and I just finished a nice dinner at my brother and sister-in-laws home, plus we colored eggs for Easter morning consumption. Quick report on weather before I go into other news ... yesterday and today was sunny, 50 degrees, some clouds and lots of wind.

Okay, here now the news ... back on April 6th was the third Exploratory Committee meeting for Rob Jereski's congressional campaign in NYC. I arrived at 6:30pm to find out not only was I on time, but the first to show up. That's novel! The others [ie: Rob, Michael, BC, Andrew, Carol & Ed] showed up and we commenced with the meeting at 7pm. [I also provided some homemade cookies & they were warmly received. Hadn't seen BC since early March Kucinich Meetup. We caught up on news.] Getting down to business ... we reviewed the Agenda, discussed what had been accomplished since the previous meeting [ie: endorsements from Dorsey & Donovan] and we worked on items that need to be accomplished [ie: logo, postcards & website]. Much discussion on several items, especially postcards for handing out to congressional district constituents. Key roles were discussed within committee, plus upcoming opportunities [ie: Dean Meetups] and the first official fundraiser is April 23rd [7pm] at Rob's place. If you or someone you know would be interested in attending, contact Rob at mutualaid@earthlink.net. We also learned that the congressional NYC primaries is set for September 17th. After several folk left around 9pm ... Michael, Rob and I discussed other topics like the endorsement database, etc. Stay tuned for news on next meeting........

Brief Note ... Well, so much for picking up and continuing to read THE GUNS OF AUGUST by B.Tuchman. [I will finish it sometime this year.] Yesterday I purchased a book I'd been looking for called "Mark Twain - On the Damned Human Race" edited by Janet Smith and originally released back in early 1960s. My interest was peaked again regarding Twain after seeing Bill Moyer's interview actor Hal Holbrook on NOW [PBS station - Friday nights]. Holbrook has been doing a one-man show on the famous American writer for last 40 to 50 years.

W's Second Term: If You Think The First Is Bad......
AMERICAN PROSPECT
by Robert Reich
Musings about a second Bush term typically assume another four years of the same right-wing policies we've had to date. But it'd likely be far worse. So far, the Bush administration has had to govern with the expectation of facing American voters again in 2004. But suppose George W. Bush wins a second term. The constraint of a re-election contest will be gone. Knowing that voters can no longer turn them out, and that this will be their last shot at remaking America, the radical conservatives will be unleashed. A friend who specializes in foreign policy and hobnobs with subcabinet officials in the Defense and State departments told me that the only thing that's stopped the Bushies from storming into Iran and North Korea is the upcoming election. If Bush is re-elected, "[Dick] Cheney and [Donald] Rumsfeld are out of the box," he said. "They'll take Bush's re-election as a mandate to wage the 'war on terror' everywhere and anywhere." Click on Link to Read More: http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0407-12.htm

[Duchess Note ... The thought of this possibly happening is so damn scary. Those bastards in the Bush Regime are totally insane and will destroy ALL in their path. More of our sons and daughters [ie: army, marines, etc] will lose their lives and for what. Oil? Power? Destruction? Not In My Name! WE THE PEOPLE cannot let this happen to our country or what it'll do to the rest of the world. Please, I beg of you dear Americans, vote out this corrupt Imperial/Fascist regime and go Democrat. DO THE RIGHT THING IN NOVEMBER & BRING FRIENDS WITH YOU TO INCREASE THE VOTE FOR DEMOCRAT. Eventually we need to bring true democracy back to our beloved land and we're making progress. What's been happening via grassroots efforts over past year is a heart-warming sign. Keep the movement going and remove Shrub the Lesser. Do it for the sake of your childrens future or they won't have a future. Peace & Solidarity!]

Latest News From "Political Alerts"
1. Abortion ban is in the courts: Protect choice
2. Keep cars and trucks out of our forests!
3. Bush packs courts with anti-environment judges
4. Doctor: Abortion ban would have broad impact

_______________________________________
1. Abortion ban is in the courts: Protect choice ... sign the petition: http://www.care2.com/go/z/13073

The first lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the late term abortion ban began last week. But the Bush administration has been slowly chipping away at the right to choose for the past three years. We can't keep depending on the courts to preserve our increasingly limited rights. Sign this petition to ask your Senators to support the Freedom of Choice Act - your rights depend on it!

_______________________________________
2. Keep cars and trucks out of our forests! Sign the Petition: http://www.care2.com/go/z/13069

We as a nation submitted over 2.5 million public comments to ensure that our last wild forests will continue to provide clean drinking water for millions of Americans, wildlife habitat, and endless recreational opportunities. These protections could be lost forever. Bush administration officials are planning to allow governors in the Lower 48 states to seek exemptions for national forests in their states, paving the way, quite literally, for opening pristine wilderness to logging and habitat fragmentation. It's already started - on Dec. 23, at the behest of powerful timber companies, the Bush administration exempted our largest national forest, Alaska's Tongass Rainforest, from the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

_______________________________________
3. Bush packs courts with anti-environment judges ... Read Article: http://www.care2.com/go/z/13077

Litigation has become an essential tool for environmentalists, and the past 30 years have produced a number of landmark regulations and laws protecting the environment, from the Clean Air Act to the Endangered Species Act and more. That could all change. When the Bush administration took office in 2001, there were more than 100 federal court vacancies.

_______________________________________
4. Doctor: Abortion ban would have broad impact ... Read Article: http://www.care2.com/go/z/13079

Dr. Leroy Carhart led the fight in 2000 to strike down Nebraska's ban on a controversial late-term abortion procedure. Testifying before a U.S. District Judge this week, Dr. Carhart stated that the similar federal law being debated now would affect nearly all abortions performed after the first trimester. This ban could have a dramatic impact on genetic testing, which is mostly performed in the second trimester.

Dennis Kucinich Will Be Interviewed On AIR AMERICA's "Majority Report" Friday, April 9th, at 10pm. So Tune In All You Groovy Kucitizens!

Kucinich Decries Violence, US Policy In Iraq
THE OREGONIAN
by Dan Hortsch
The Democrat remains in the presidental race and will speak and attend fund-raisers in Portland yesterday.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1081252861257210.xml



TODAY'S POST FROM "Upper Left" BLOGGER ON NEW [?] JOBS

Lies, Damn Lies And Bushco Employment Statistics
In a long post with a lot of worthwhile discussion of the relative merits of Democratic and Republican communication styles, The Left Coaster's pessimist points out that "... the increase in jobs was not due to 300,000 citizens getting full time jobs, but because 300,000 citizens took part time jobs because they could not get full time jobs. The number of people who worked part time for economic reasons rose to 4.7 million in March, up from 4.4 million the previous month (According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics)." So, by the time you take out the statistical inflation they got from including the returning grocery strikers in California, and the seasonal bump in construction employment, it looks like the big March job numbers actually conceal a significant drop in full time, year round employment. You know, real jobs. That's why they call people like me Discouraged Workers, I guess...time to bring out the beggar's bowl again...

LATEST NEWS FROM GREEN PARTY ALERTS

1. Ralph Nader to meet with John Kerry this month
2. 50,000 public comments needed to end SUV loopholes
3. Who really spoiled the 2000 election?
_____________________________________________
1. Ralph Nader to meet with John Kerry this month

Ralph Nader has announced that he will be meeting with John Kerry sometime this month to discuss their "common objective" of defeating George Bush in 2004. Read more: http://www.care2.com/go/z/13007

_____________________________________________
2. 50,000 public comments needed to end SUV loopholes

Are you concerned about global warming, foreign oil dependence, and rising gas prices? Then take a moment to be part of the solution! The technology exists to put safer, more fuel-efficient SUVs on our roads today, but instead we're given gas-guzzlers, foreign oil dependence, and global warming pollution. Find out how SUVs could be helping to solve today's oil security and environmental problems instead of causing them and send a letter for cleaner cars and a healthier planet!
http://www.care2.com/go/z/13005

_____________________________________________
3. Who Really Spoiled the 2000 Election?

Find out what really happened, according to the Green Party: http://www.care2.com/go/z/13009

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ... IT'S ... MONTY PYTHONS FLYING CIRCUS ... BUT SERIOUSLY ... HERE NOW THE NEWS!!

Wal-Mart's Power Begins To Frighten America
LE MONDE
by Eric Leser
http://truthout.org/docs_04/040604H.shtml

China Fears Bachelor Future
BBC NEWS
By Louisa Lim
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3601281.stm

Kucinich Makes Boone Stop
WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
by Scott Nicholson
http://www.wataugademocrat.com/topic.php?tid=7&sid=3861

U.S. Could've Stopped 9/11 Attacks, Panel Chief Says
NEW YORK TIMES
by Kirk Semple
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/040504A.shtml

Taking On The Shi'ites: How America Is Creating A Powerful New Enemy
COMMON DREAMS
by Lawrence Pintak
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0405-11.htm

Kucinich Has His Day
THE DAILY TAR HEEL
by Sarah Hancox
http://www.dailytarheel.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/04/05/40715dedf1341

Hiding In The White House
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
by Leon Wofsy
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0405-04.htm

Carrboro Celebrates Dennis Kucinich Day
NEWS OBSERVER
by Ann Kim
http://newsobserver.com/news/story/3478874p-3090617c.html

Bush & Blair Made Secret Pact For Iraq War 9 Days After 9/11
THE OBSERVER
by David Rose
http://truthout.org/docs_04/040604B.shtml

Nader Fails To Make Oregon Ballot
ASSOCIATED PRESS
by Brad Cain
http://news_yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040406/ap_on_el_pr/nader

Cheney Tax Plan From 1986 Would Have Raised Gas Prices
NEW YORK TIMES
by Richard Oppel Jr.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/06/politics/06CHEN.html

In Face Of New Wave Of Iraqi Violence, Kucinich Challenges Democratic Party To Save American Lives, Bring Our Troops Home
Press Release for Monday, April 5th
http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_040404.php

THE WHO!!
Rolling Stone April 15th Issue
by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam

The WHO began as spectacle. They became spectacular. Early on, the band was in pure demolition mode; later, on albums like Tommy and Quadrophenia, they coupled that raw energy with precision and desire to complete musical experiments on a grand scale. They asked, “What were the limits of rock & roll? Could the power of music actually change the way you feel?” Pete Townsend allowed that there be spiritual value in music. They were an incredible band whose main songwriter happened to be on a quest for reason and harmony in his life. He shared that journey with the listener, becoming an inspiration for others to seek out their own path - this while being in the Guinness book of world records as the worlds loudest band.

Presumptuously I speak for all WHO fans when I say being a fan of the WHO has incalculably enriched my life. What disturbs me about the WHO is the way they smashed through every door of rock & roll, leaving rubble and not much else for the rest of us to lay claim to. In the beginning they took on an arrogance when, as Pete says, “We were actually a very ordinary group.” As they became accomplished, this attitude stuck. Therein lies the thread to future punks. They wanted to be louder, so they had Jim Marshall invent the 100-watt amp. Needed more volume, so they began stacking them. It is said that the first guitar feedback ever to make it to record was on “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere,” in 1965. The WHO told stories within the confines of a song and, over the course of an entire album, pushed boundaries. How big of a story could be told? And how would it transmit (pre-video screens, etc.) to a large crowd? Smash the instruments? Keith Moon said they wanted to grab the audience by the balls. Pete countered that like the German autodestruct movement, where they made sculpture that would collapse and buildings that would explode, it was high art.

I was around nine when a babysitter snuck WHO’s Next onto the turntable. The >parents were gone. The windows shook. The shelves were rattling. Rock & roll. That began an exploration into music that had soul, rebellion, aggression, and affection. Destruction. And this was all WHO music. There was the mid-Sixties maximum R&B period: mini-operas, Woodstock, solo records. Imagine, as a kid, stumbling upon the locomotive that is Live at Leeds. “Hi, my name is Eddie. I’m ten years old and I’m getting my fucking mind blown!” The WHO on record were dynamic. Roger Daltrey’s delivery allowed vulnerability without weakness; doubt and confusion, but no plea for sympathy. (You should hear Roger’s vocal on a song called Lubie [Come Back Home],” a bonus track from the My Generation re-issue. It’s top-gear.)

The WHO quite possibly remain the greatest live band ever. Even the list-driven punk legend and music historian Johnny Ramone agrees with me on this. You can’t explain Keith Moon or his playing. John Entwhistle was an enigma unto himself, another virtuoso musical oddity. Roger turned his mike into a weapon, seemingly in self-defense. All the while, Pete was leaping into the rafters wielding a Seventies Gibson Les Paul, which happens to be a stunningly heavy guitar. As a live group, they created momentum, and they seemed to be released by the ritual of their playing. (Check out “A Quick One,” from The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.”)

In Chicago recently, I saw Pete wring notes out of his guitar like a mechanic squeezing oil from a rag. I watched as the guitar became a living being, one getting its body bashed and its neck strangled. As Pete set it down, I swear I sensed relief coming from that guitar. A Stratocaster with sweat on it … the guitar’s sweat. John and Keith made the WHO what they were. Now they’re different, but still the WHO. Roger’s a rock. And at this point Pete has been through and survived more than anyone in rock royalty. Perhaps even beyond Keith Richards, WHO was actually guilty of most things he was accused of. Drummer Zak Starkey played me a new song a while back, “Real Good Looking Boy.” It was beyond moving.

The songwriter-listener relationship grows deeper after all the years. Pete saw that “a celebrity in rock is charged by the audience with a function, like, ‘You stand there and we will know ourselves.’ Not ‘You stand there and we will pay you loads of money to keep us entertained as we eat our oysters.’ “ He saw the connection could be profound. He also realized the audience may say, “When we’re finished with you, we’ll replace you with somebody else.” For myself and so many others (including shopkeepers, foremen, professionals, bellboys, gravediggers, directors, musicians), they won’t be replaced. Yes, Pete, music can change you.

Personal News - Part XII

Sincere apologies to all on delay ... this gal has been busy with work and becoming [quite content] abit more involved in politics and volunteering. I finally finished reading the whole "Forsyte Saga" by John Galsworthy and its damn good. After watching the "Masterpiece Theater" series via PBS a few months ago, I knew I had to read the book. Glad I did and I highly recommend it to all. While going through the "Forsyte Saga" ... I endeavored to keep up-to-date on my weekly subscription to THE NATION ... plus listen to WBAI and Air America. After completing Mr Galsworthy's book I'll take up Ms Tuchman's book on WW1 [1/2 way] and then get back to that bio on Teddy Roosevelt. But then after seeing "Bill Moyers NOW" program Friday night [excellent, as always] ... I'd very much like to purchase and read John Dean's new book called "Worse Than Watergate".

As John Cleese used to say on the "Monty Python's Flying Circus" TV series . . . . . . . "And now for something completely different". [THE LARCH]

Back on Wednesday, March 31st, was the Second Exploratory Committee Meeting for Rob Jereski's CD 14th Congressional campaign held in Tudor City Place. Not as many people as last time, but it was still a productive inspiring meeting. Those that attended [along with myself] were ... Harry, Michael, Barry, Aditi, Ahmad, Ed, Jesse and of course Rob. I was abit late for the meeting as I had to run home first from work to attend some errands, so I missed the Agenda Review. [Later that evening, after returning home from meeting, I listened to new Liberal radio station AIR AMERICA until 11:30pm. Loved it!] Okay, back to the meeting at Rob's. We all discussed what we'd done for the campaign over the past week. Highlights of which were by Michael [endorsers], Rob [bank acct, lawyers, etc] and Ed [expenditure & district 14 stats]. As to that latter bit ... Congressional District 14 has over 66% white, 11% Asian and around 5% African-American, plus the income varies from 57K to 150K. Rob's campaign is in need of a Campaign Manager, so if you live in NYC and read this and want to become involved, please write to Rob at: mutualaid@earthlink.net. [Or if you know someone who'd be interested, please contact Rob.] Other areas of discussion was campaign management, administration, materials, outreach, fundraising [ie: event planning], endorsements, upcoming events and future meetings. Most likely future meetings will be held outside of Rob's home and nothing is concrete yet. Stay tuned on that. Evening ended close to 9pm, as a few of them wanted to go tap into a Dean Meetup downtown and spread the word.


[Kucinich & Jereski at Peace Rally on March 20, 2004]
The Exploratory Committee [congressional district 14] for Rob Jereski is a thoughtful pro-peace, pro-civil liberties and pro-fair trade progressive campaign (among other issues) and against a pro-Iraq war, pro-Patriot Act, and pro-free trade Congresswoman.

The following evening [April 1st] ... after a really good one-hour session with Personal Trainer at the gym. I headed down to Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn for the Kucinich Meetup at Village 247 restaurant/bar on Smith Street. [About 5 blocks south of Carroll Street "F" train stop.] Its a really cool joint and Paul mentioned he had dinner there before meetup. Said the food and service were pretty decent. Due to my session at gym and a slight mess-up with trains, I arrived about 20 minutes late. Even tho the turnout was small [ie: Paul, Bill, Ellen, Linda, Seth, myself & a new chap] we had a enthusiastic, productive and inspiring meetup. Many ideas were generated that will be brought to attention of our fellow Kucitizens for upcoming April 19th general meeting. Paul hosted the meetup [he did a fine job] until he left at 9pm. He also brought to our attention the Democratic congressional campaign of Frank Borbora in Brooklyn and I also pitched Rob's Progressive campaign. Both were received with enthusiasm. Much discussion on world and political topics ... plus reflections on 9/11 ... as well as our long term commitment to Dennis Kucinich. It was great discussing and/or listening to my fellow Kucitizens, when before I knew it, it was 10pm. Whoa! Came home and listened to AIR AMERICA on the radio before going to bed around midnight.






Several days ago, my good friends Josee and Michelle told me about a photography exhibit opening up here in NYC at a place called "The PowerHouse Gallery" down in the Greenwich Village/Tribeca area. The photographer is Charles Peterson and he has a new book out called "Touch Me I'm Sick". Its photographs of the famous Seattle Grunge scene, which took place from late 1980s to mid 1990s. Two well-known bands from that era are Nirvana and my beloved Pearl Jam. I checked out the exhibit yesterday afternoon down at the gallery on Charlton Street. [Take 1 or 9 train to Houston Street stop & walk 2 blocks south.] Only 25 photos on display, but they were really wicked B&W shots and many of them of the late Kurt Cobain. Damn, its been 10 years since he took his own life [April 5, 1994]. Anyhow, the PowerHouse Gallery shows new exhibits all the time and this current one is on display until May 1st. Definitely check it out, then walk east on Charlton Street [which becomes Prince Street] into the heart of SoHo. Awesome funky area and full of people, shops, galleries, street vendors, cafes, etc.

MoveOn.Org Message & Al Franken Contest

Al Franken and others are launching a major new progressive radio network this week. It's a big and exciting development, so before we get to a message from him, we want to share the details. If you're in LA, Portland, New York, or Chicago, you'll be able to hear Air America programming starting this minute. (The station codes are at the bottom of this email.) And the daily lineup is pretty juicy: three hours of Al Franken on "The O'Franken Factor," plus Janeane Garofalo, Chuck D, Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the weekends. Air America's got big plans for expansion, but for now if you're not in one of those areas, you can listen in on the web at: http://www.airamericaradio.com

One of the big aims of this new radio network is to counter the claims of right-wing politicians and media figures. When a major right-wing figure says something misleading or something so full of holes it can only be described as dumb, Al Franken and other Air America hosts will call them out on it. A great example is Donald Rumsfeld claiming that he never used the phrase "immediate threat" to describe Iraq -- and then getting caught on national television. That footage is online at: http://www.moveon.org/censure/caughtonvideo/

We can help them out. We're teaming up with Franken on a contest to find the stupidest or most clearly false (or preferably both) statement by a major right-wing figure or Bush administration official. Over the next week, any stupid or misleading comment you hear on the radio or see on TV is fair game as an entry. If your comment is selected by Al Franken as the winner, you'll receive a personalized and autographed copy of Al Franken's book "Lies and the Lying Liars that Tell Them," and you'll be recognized on-air. You can read the complete rules and submit as many quotes as you like at: http://www.moveon.org/franken/

But enough details. Here's Al:

"It's my honor to team up with MoveOn.org, which I am told has made use of the Internet to great effect. While I myself do not have an Internet, my son does, and he says you guys are terrific. Here's the deal. My job is rhetorical jiu-jitsu: I take the words of right-wing jerks, and I use those words to heap scorn and ridicule upon them. It's what I do. And I need your help. These guys say so many stupid and dishonest things every day that no one man possibly can sift through all of them. I need you to be my eyes and ears, so that no right-wing ideologue can ever again safely traffic in distortion and calumny. Yea, I say unto thee. Let the flaming sword of justice rain down blows upon them, that they may rue the day when this contest was announced. The future of our nation rests in your hands. Good luck! Al Franken

You can hear Air America on the air at:

New York, NY: WLIB (AM 1190)
Chicago, IL: WNTD (AM 950)
Los Angeles, CA: KBLA (AM 1580)
Portland, OR: KPOJ (AM 620)
Inland Empire, CA: KCAA (AM 1050)
Minneapolis, MN: WMNN (AM 1330)
San Francisco: TBA (SF call letters will be announced 4/7 and the station will begin broadcasting 4/15)
XM Satellite Radio: Channel 167

BROUGHT TO LIVE FROM NYC ... ITS THE NEWS!

This National Park Is Brought To You By...............
ALTERNET
by Bill Berkowitz
http://alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18302

"I Saw Papers That Show US Knew al-Qa'ida Would Attack Cities With Airplanes"
Whistleblower the White House wants to silence speaks to The Independent
THE INDEPENDENT [UK]
by Andrew Buncombe
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0402-01.htm

Duped By Wal-Mart
LA WEEKLY
by Erin Aubry
http://alernet.org/story.html?StoryID=18304

A Redundant, Abundant America
COMMON DREAMS
by Joyce Marcel
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0401-12.htm

Why Kucinich Came
THE REGISTER GUARD
Editorial
http://www.registerguard.com/news/2004/03/31/ed.edit.kucinich.0331.html

Smoking Dope With Thomas Pynchon: A Sixties Memoir
by Andrew Gordon
http://web.clas.ufl.edu/users/agordon/pynchon.htm

ACT FOR CHANGE ACTIVISM BULLETIN

*FEATURED ACTION: Draft the Bush Twins First!
*ACTIVISM OPPORTUNITY: Appoint Mayor McCheese Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing
*ACTIVISM OPPORTUNITY: Starbucks, "Tall" is not Small

Draft the Bush Twins First!
Would our elected representatives be so quick to go to war if there was a legitimate chance their own children would be the Americans to pay the ultimate price? The Pentagon recently requested that the Selective Service System draw up plans for a targeted military draft of Americans with "special skills" such as computer programming or knowledge of certain foreign languages. It's time to stand up to the Bush administration and chickenhawks in Congress and call for a targeted draft of Americans with "special skills" for avoiding sacrifice in a time of war: the children of warmongering politicians. Tell your senators and representatives: Draft the Bush twins first! If politicians are going to conscript Americans and put their lives on the line for the Bush administration's foolhardy foreign policy, they must start by sending their own sons and daughters to Iraq. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYMt0FFlNw0KbH0lb50Aw

Appoint Mayor McCheese as Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing
Now that the Bush administration wants to reclassify fast-food restaurant jobs from service to manufacturing jobs, it's time to let the expert take control and shift us into a recovery filled with new jobs for the more than 8 million Americans currently unemployed. Thankfully, there is a great candidate for the newly created Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing position who knows all about creating "manufacturing" jobs -- at least as newly defined by the Bush administration -- The Honorable Mayor McCheese. Mayor McCheese has overseen an empire that creates jobs in 25 different manufacturing positions, from manufacturing fries to burgers to nuggets to salads. Urge President Bush to immediately appoint Mayor McCheese as Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYMt0FFlNw0KbH0lb60Ax

Starbucks, "Tall" is Not Small
Activists have successfully pressured Starbucks to offer fair trade coffee via a powerful grassroots campaign, but we can't stop the pressure just yet. There is another battle to be won -- ending the abusive practice of forcing customers to use pretentious pseudo euro-speak when ordering a simple cup of coffee. Don't let Starbucks be the boss of you. Tell them to stop using the pretentious "tall, grande and venti" labels for the sizes of their drinks and use "small, medium and large." Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYMt0FFlNw0KbH0lb70Ay

A MESSAGE FROM DENNIS KUCINICH RECORDED ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 31, 2004
Hi everyone, this is Dennis. Well, we're at the end of another fundraising quarter, and what's been remarkable about this quarter is that even though there's 8 candidates who have left the presidential race, I stand alone to carry the message that the Democratic Party has to stand for something. We know the direction of the nomination is pretty much concluded. But what remains to be determined: what's the direction of our Party? We need to stand for peace. It's time that we continue to insist to get out of Iraq, to bring in U.N. Peacekeepers, to bring our troops home. I'm keeping that message alive with your help. We must continue to insist on a health care plan that covers all Americans. A universal, not-for-profit plan. With your help, I'm keeping that message alive.

And, we have to insist on fair trade. I mean, haven't we lost enough jobs, millions of jobs, before someone questions it? When will the Democratic Party take a stand for fair trade? So we can stop the loss of jobs, repeal NAFTA and the WTO, and go back to trade conditioned on workers' rights, human rights, and environmental quality principles. With your help, I'm keeping that message alive. And finally on civil liberties, wherever I go in this country there's a great deal of concern about what we've lost with regards to civil liberties. A good example is the Patriot Act, and how we need to repeal it. You are helping me keep that message alive on the campaign trail.

Oh yes, the direction of the nomination is pretty much decided. But the direction of our party will be decided in the next few months. With your help, we're going to take the Democratic Party in the direction of peace, of health care, of fair trade, and of respect for and protection of civil liberties. So I want to thank you for everything that you've done for us. And so as we face the next 16 primaries and caucuses, we can continue to get this message out - a message of determination, a message of hope, and a message of confidence that Democrats can win in November if we demonstrate the capacity to stand for something. So thank you once again for everything you've been doing, for everything you will do, and let's move on throughout the next few months so that it's not just about victory being in sight, but a new America and a new world.

Message From MoveOn.Org Regarding "March For Women's Lives On April 25th"
In 2000, when candidate Bush stated that he would unite us, we had no idea how effective he'd be. Progressives are united as never before. On April 25th, MORE THAN A THOUSAND groups are co-sponsoring the biggest women's march in more than a decade -- the March for Women's Lives. Will you join us at the march? To participate, or show your support, go to: https://www.marchforwomen.org/users/userinfomo.php?source=8

See the note below from the organizers for more details:

Dear Friend,

The months ahead will be a pivotal time for our nation as we speak out for democracy and against intolerance and discrimination. On April 25, over 1,000 women's rights, civil rights, and health care organizations are leading an historic "March for Women's Lives" in Washington, DC. Women -- not the government -- should have the right to make the most deeply personal decisions about their health and their lives. Government's role should be to ensure -- not deny -- women's access to the full range of reproductive health services. Yet all these rights are under unrelenting attack. Help us Make History! Join the hundreds of thousands who will march to protect our right to birth control, emergency contraception, abortion, and all reproductive health services as well as our right to have children and plan our own families according to our own personal, religious and moral beliefs not those of a tyrannical minority. We will never go back to the days before Roe v. Wade when women died from illegal abortions or were forcibly sterilized. The March is not just for girls and women who have the option of choice, but also for those who live with the fears and devastation of poverty, war, intolerance and sexual violence that threatens their very being and for the men who care about us.

Thank you for speaking out and taking action! The March is being organized jointly by seven organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Black Women's Health Imperative, Feminist Majority Foundation, NARAL Pro-Choice America, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, National Organization for Women and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. More than 1000 organizations have signed on as co-sponsors.

Pearl Jam To Perform At IMPACT Awards AND Honored For Philanthropy

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Pearl Jam will be performing at the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Impact Awards show on April 9th. Please visit N.A.R.A.S. Click on this link for more information: http://www.grammy.com/pacificnw.aspx

Bio On My Beloved Pearl Jam Via N.A.R.A.S.
Pearl Jam’s 13-year history reveals a unique tale of success coupled with a passionate dedication to music, politics, and philanthropy. With nearly 56 million records sold worldwide and numerous awards and accolades, Pearl Jam continues to break new ground musically and to lead the way with countless innovative business and technology “firsts.” Known as much for their integrity and generosity as for their musical success, Pearl Jam has been dubbed Rock’s Robin Hoods. From the beginning, they sought to make sure the world’s quieter voices were heard through the chatter in their notorious efforts to support the “Davids” in their fights against the “Goliaths.” While many words could be spent describing the nature of Pearl Jam’s philanthropy, the simplest way to convey the band’s activism and commitment lies in a partial list of organizations to which they have lent their support, both in the form of service and monetary contributions: scholarships for economically disadvantaged at the Northwest School, Spruce Street School, Seattle public school libraries, Bailey Boushay House, Chicken Soup Brigade, NW Aids Alliance, Home Alive, Red Feather Development Group, Bridge School Benefit, Sweet Relief, Apache Survival Coalition, Rock for Choice, Voters for Choice, Choice USA, Tibetan Freedom Concert, Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, Hope House, CARE, Doctors Without Borders, Musician’s Assistance Program, Green Party, West Memphis Three Defense Fund, Teenage Cancer Trust, Arts Corps, Major League Baseball charities, United Nations’ FAO TeleFood, Artscorps, Seattle Center Arts Academy, September 11 Fund, Recording Artists Coalition, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Louis Warschaw Prostate Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai, YouthCare, Rock & Roll Camp for Girls, Seattle and Montana Skateboard Parks, Conservation International … the list goes on. Through their music and their actions, the members of Pearl Jam have consistently used their opportunities and successes to better the lives of others, and there’s no sign of them slowing down on either front.

Passionate Democrat
Dennis Kucinich visits Roseburg: Presidential nomination is clinched, but former Cleveland mayor still pressing ideas.
THE NEWS-REVIEW
by John Sowell
http://www.newsreview.info/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040329/NEWS/103290033

Commentary From Blogger Site BUTTERMILK & MOLASSES - "The Four Women Of September"
If you think you should thank your President or Senator for investigating the events that allowed terrorist to attack the United States on September 11, 2001, think again. You should really be thanking four women whose husbands never came home from work that day, and other family members of September 11 victims. Below is an excerpt from NY TIMES article about these four amazing women:

Three of them were married to men who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald, but the women were strangers until after the attacks. Ms. Breitweiser, 33, and Ms. Casazza, 43, voted for Mr. Bush in 2000. Ms. Van Auken, 49, and Ms. Kleinberg, 42, voted for Al Gore. All insist they had no political agenda, then or now. But they had a burning question. "We simply wanted to know why our husbands were killed," Ms. Breitweiser said, "why they went to work one day and didn't come back.

The full NY TIMES article [9/11 Widows Skillfully Applied The Power Of A Question: Why?] can be viewed here: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/01/national/01FAMI.html?hp