LATEST IN THE NEWS

Whistleblower: America's Hidden Health Nightmare
http://www.truthout.org/072609R?n
Paul Harris, The Observer: "Wendell Potter can remember exactly when he took the first steps on his journey to becoming a whistleblower and turning against one of the most powerful industries in America. It was July 2007 and Potter, a senior executive at giant US healthcare firm Cigna, was visiting relatives in the poverty-ridden mountain districts of northeast Tennessee. He saw an advert in a local paper for a touring free medical clinic at a fairground just across the state border in Wise County, Virginia."

Waxman: Talks "Back From the Brink"
http://www.truthout.org/072509C?n
Patrick O'Connor and Glenn Thrush, The Politico: "Late Friday, Democrats stepped back from the precipice of intra-party war – and back to the health care bargaining table – hours after a bitter verbal spat between top Blue Dog Democrats and Henry Waxman, the liberal chairman of House Energy and Commerce Committee."

Rich Have Highest Wealth, Lowest Taxes Since 1929
http://www.truthout.org/072509D?n
David Sirota, Coloradaoan.com: "Here's a truism: The wealthiest 1 percent have never had it so good. According to government figures, 1 percenters' share of America's total income is the highest it's been since 1929, and their tax rates are the lowest they've faced in two decades."

The Great Tax Con Job
http://www.truthout.org/072509Z?n
Thom Hartmann, OpEdNews.com: "A very small niche of America's uber-wealthy have pulled off what may well be the biggest con job in the history of our republic, and they did it in a startlingly brief 30 or so years. True, they spent over three billion dollars to make it happen, but the reward to them was in the hundreds of billions - and will continue to be."

Kucinich Wins Amendment to Increase Access to Early Education Programs for All
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=138505

Minimum Wage, Health Care, And April Greer
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/24/757272/-Minimum-Wage,-Health-Care,-And-April-Greer

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in TX in sharing some of the above interesting and informative articles. Please feel free in sharing them with others.]

Words Are Windows [or They’re Walls]
By Ruth Bebermeyer

[Duchess Note: This poem is from a M.B.Rosenberg book on NVC (nonviolent communication). The poem brings to mind conversations I’ve had with friends, acquaintances, family and individuals from the past. This poem really speaks it all quite clearly for me.]

I feel so sentenced by your words,
I feel so judged and sent away,
Before I go I’ve got to know,
Is that what you mean to say?

Before I rise to my defense,
Before I speak in hurt or fear,
Before I build that wall of words,
Tell me, did I really hear?

Words are windows, or they’re walls,
They sentence us, or set us free.
When I speak and when I hear,
Let the love light shine through me.

There are things I need to say,
Things that mean so much to me,
If my words don’t make me clear,
Will you help me to be free?

If I seemed to put you down,
If you felt I didn’t care,
Try to listen through my words,
To the feelings that we share.

LATEST NEWS ON CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH

Kucinich – “Troop Movement Should Not be Confused with a Troop Withdrawal from Iraq”
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=135061

Kucinich Opening Statement to Committee on America’s Affordable Health Choices Act
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=137573

A Real Win for Single-Payer Advocates
John Nichols, The Nation
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/452493/a_real_win_for_single_payer_advocates

Kucinich Secures Congressional Victory for States’ Single Payer Drive
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=138052

Kucinich Statement on the Passing of Walter Cronkite
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=138091

[Duchess Note – Many thanks to Linda in TX in sharing these articles.]

LATEST IN INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC NEWS

Regarding the Late, Great Walter Cronkite - Thank you Walter Cronkite for your endorsement and public support for a U.S. Department of Peace [HR808]
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBIRE7g5ybo

‘Blowout Profits’ for Goldman Sachs? Capitalism Ain’t Supposed to be Like This
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/141295/%27blowout_profits%27_for_goldman_sachs_capitalism_ain%27t_supposed_to_be_like_this/

Obama’s Midwest Blunder
Michael Lind, The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-17/obamas-green-economy-folly/p

Obama Charges Backward on Health Care
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=print/content/obama-charges-backward-health-care

‘The Dump the Sick to Satisfy Investors’: Insurance Exec Turned Whistleblower Wendell Potter Speaks Out Against Healthcare Industry
Democracy Now!
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/7/16/former_insurance_exec_wendell_porter

Obama’s Health Care Charade
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/obama%E2%80%99s-health-care-charade

Walter Cronkite Dies
http://www.truthout.org/071709Z?n
Greg Kandra, CBS News: "Walter Cronkite, who personified television journalism for more than a generation as anchor and managing editor of the 'CBS Evening News,' has died Friday night in New York. He was 92."

Foreclosures at Record High in First Half 2009 Despite Aid
http://www.truthout.org/071609A?n
Lynn Adler, Reuters: "U.S. home foreclosure activity galloped to a record in the first half of the year, overwhelming broad efforts to remedy failing loans while job losses escalated."

Obama’s Emerging Legacy: Wars, Bankers and For-Profit Healthcare
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=print/content/obama%E2%80%99s-emerging-legacy-wars-bankers-and-profit-healthcare

“Watch What We Do, Not What We Say”
Alexander Cockburn, Counter Punch Diary
http://www.counterpunch.com/cockburn07172009.html

Now Can We Investigate?
http://www.truthout.org/071309A?n
William Rivers Pitt, Truthout: "President Obama is in the process of losing what may be the most important argument of his young administration. The argument is not about health care, bank bailouts, the economy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, the environment or the auto industry, though arguments on these issues are indeed ongoing and hanging in the balance. No, the Obama administration is losing the argument about the past being less important than the future."

Linda McQuaig Rich Cause the Crisis, Workers Get the Blame
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/07/14-4

Is Obama Continuing the Bush/Cheney Assassination Program?http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/07/14-6

The Democrats' Selective Amnesia on Assassination: Clinton Did It and Obama Does It Too
http://www.truthout.org/071609D?n
Jeremy Scahill, Rebel Reports: "Members of Congress have expressed outrage over the 'secret' CIA assassination program that former vice president Dick Cheney allegedly ordered concealed from Congress. But this program - and the media descriptions of it - sounds a lot like the assassination policy implemented by President Bill Clinton, particularly during his second term in office."

Honoring Paul Wellstone's Legacy: Fighting Like Hell for Health Care Reform
http://www.truthout.org/071609E?n
Mike Elk, The Huffington Post: "Last week, Al Franken, a friend of Paul's who had been inspired to run for office by Paul's death, took back Paul's old seat from Republican Norm Coleman ... I thought about how Paul would be down on the floor of the Senate to talk about the 20,000 people that die every year due to a lack of health coverage, or to talk about how his access to quality health care as a United States senator allowed him to continue having a productive life despite his semi-debilitating multiple sclerosis."

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Judith and Carol for sharing articles on latest developments around the US and the World.]

MESSAGE FROM THE PEACE ALLIANCE - Youth PROMISE ACT Congressional Hearing - A Historic Success!

On Wednesday members of "The Peace Alliance" attended the Crime subcommittee congressional hearing on the Youth PROMISE Act (HR 1064). The room was PACKED with people. Attendees were sitting on the floor just for the opportunity to support the legislation or learn more about bill. The powerful witnesses at the hearing explained the need for the YPA, the effectiveness of prevention programs, and how the Youth PROMISE Act would pay for itself through the cost-savings of prevention initiatives. The attending members of Congress all engaged the panelists with questions and comments, including two Republicans that did not co-sponsor the bill but appeared to give serious consideration to the legislation.

As they sat in the hearing room, members of The Peace Alliance felt that they were watching history unfold. This one piece of legislation represents a transformational approach to how Congress handles violence in America: from an emphasis on being tough on crime to being smart on crime, from a focus on suppression to a focus on prevention. The room was alive with interest as the hearing came to a close, leading to great excitement about the possible next steps for the Youth PROMISE Act. After the hearing members of The Peace Alliance connected with the panelists and approached Bobby Scott to personally thank him for his commitment to this work.

Before the hearing Representative Scott's office held a press conference on Youth PROMISE Act that was also very successful and well attended. Scott's office requested that The Peace Alliance give a short speech at the press conference. Scott's staffers were so impressed with Aaron's words that they have requested he submit his speech to go on record for the Subcommittee hearing itself.

The Peace Alliance will continue to update everyone with all the exciting developments from Washington D.C. Thanks for all of your support and stay tuned for more great opportunities to support this incredible piece of legislation!

LATEST IN DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Normon Solomon Escalation Scam: Troops in Afghanistan
http://www.truthout.org/070909R?n
Norman Solomon, Truthout: "The president has set a limit on the number of US troops in Afghanistan. For now. That's how escalation works. Ceilings become floors. Gradually. A few times since last fall, the Obama team has floated rising numbers for how many additional US soldiers will be sent to Afghanistan. Now, deployment of 21,000 more is a done deal, with a new total cap of 68,000 US troops in that country."

Thousands Protest in Iran, Defying Crackdown Vow
http://www.truthout.org/070909S?n
Nasser Karimi, The Associated Press: "Thousands of protesters streamed down avenues of the capital Thursday, chanting 'death to the dictator' and defying security forces who fired tear gas and charged with batons, witnesses said. The first opposition foray into the streets in 11 days aimed to revive mass demonstrations that were crushed in Iran's post-election turmoil."

Chris Hedges: The Crooks Get Cash While the Poor Get Screwed
http://www.truthout.org/070609E?n
Chris Hedges, Truthdig: "Tearyan Brown became a father when he was 16. He did what a lot of inner-city kids desperate to make money do. He sold drugs. He was arrested and sent to jail three years later for dealing marijuana and PCP on the streets of Trenton, N.J., mostly to white kids driving in from the suburbs. It was a job which saw him robbed at gunpoint and stabbed in the chest. But it made him about $1,400 a week."

Dahr Jamail: US Occupation of Iraq Continues Unabated
http://www.truthout.org/070609J?n
Dahr Jamail, Truthout: "We have passed the June 30 deadline that, according to a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between US Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on November 17, 2008, was the date all US forces were to have been withdrawn from all of Iraq's cities. Today, however, there are at least 134,000 US soldiers in Iraq - a number barely lower than the number that were there in 2003. The SOFA is a sieve, and the number of US military personnel in Iraq is remaining largely intact for now."

Jim Hightower: July 4th, Rebel and Agitate for Change
http://www.truthout.org/070409A?n
Jim Hightower, AlterNet: "Agitators created America, and it's their feisty spirit and outright rebelliousness that we celebrate on our national holiday. I don't merely refer to the Founders, either. Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, Ben Franklin and the rest certainly were derring-do agitators when they wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, creating the framework for a democratic republic."

Scott Tucker: The Age of Paine
http://www.truthout.org/070409B?n
Scott Tucker, Truthdig: "Thomas Paine was born Jan. 29, 1737, in Thetford, England, and died on June 8, 1809, in Greenwich Village, New York. He was an active participant in the American and French revolutions, and once said to George Washington, 'a share in two revolutions is living to some purpose.' Through his writings he also left a lasting legacy in the British working-class movement. During his life, his books and pamphlets became instant best-sellers, since he was a pioneer in addressing a wide public in plain language."

Made of Lies
William Rivers Pitt, Truthout
http://www.truthout.org/063009R?n
It began more than six years ago with a lie, followed by another lie, and another lie, and then two more, ten more, a hundred, a thousand, an avalanche of lies from heads of state and hatchet men and well-fed media types more interested in getting the interview than in getting the facts.

[Duchess Note – Yes, quite true, that our soldiers are being deployed “out” of the cities, but in reality it proves nothing. There continue to be many “occupied” US bases “outside the cities”. Maliki is the current dictator puppet for the US government. He says one thing, but means something else entirely, as does the US government. The US military and mercenaries are still there and it’ll continue to be business as usual. We are not leaving Iraq! Never! Thousands of American soldiers could die, or be maimed, over there and the US will not leave, and that applies to Afghanistan as well. The truth is there is too much money to be made by the mercenaries, contractors, arms merchants, and Big Oil. Once the current dictator is no longer an asset for the US, they will simply find another puppet and another and another.]

Kucinich: “Troop movement should not be confused with a troop withdrawal from Iraq”
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=135061

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement regarding the announcement that U.S. troops have left the cities and towns of Iraq and turned over formal security to Iraqi security forces.

“The withdrawal of some U.S. combat troops from Iraq’s cities is welcome and long overdue news. However, it is important to remember that this is not the same as a withdrawal of U.S. troops and contractors from Iraq.

“U.S. troop combat missions throughout Iraq are not scheduled to end until more than a year from now in August of 2010. In addition, U.S. troops are not scheduled for a complete withdrawal for another two and a half years on December 31, 2011. Rather, U.S. troops are leaving Iraqi cities for military bases in Iraq. They are still in Iraq, and they can be summoned back at any time.

“This is not a great victory for peace. On May 19, the Christian Science Monitor reported that Iraqi and U.S. military officials virtually redrew the city limits of Baghdad in order to consider the Army’s Forward Operating Base Falcon as outside the city, despite every map of Baghdad clearly showing it with in city limits. In fact, according to Section 24.3 of the “SOFA” U.S. troops can remain at any agreed upon facility. The reported reason for this decision is to ensure U.S. troops are able to ‘help maintain security in south Baghdad along what were the fault lines in the sectarian war.’

“This troop movement should not be confused with a troop withdrawal from Iraq. In reality, this is a small step toward Iraqi sovereignty as Iraqi security forces begin assuming greater control over security operations, but it is a long way from independence and a withdrawal of the U.S. military presence.”

PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH IN THE NEWS

Kucinich: “We Cannot Afford These Wars”
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=131683
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement against the war supplemental on the House floor:
“Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction, had no intention or capability of attacking United States, had nothing to do with Al-Qaida’s role in 9/11, and each and every statement made by the previous administration in support of going to war turned out to be false. Yet here we are. A new administration and the same old war, with an expansion of the war in Afghanistan. We cannot afford these wars. We cannot afford these wars spiritually. They are wars of aggression and they are based on lies. We cannot afford these wars financially. They add trillions to our national debt and destroy our domestic agenda. We cannot afford the human cost of these wars, the loss of lives of our beloved troops and the deaths of innocent civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. So, why do we do this? Why do we keep funding wars when they are so obviously against truth and justice and when they undermine our military? These are matters of heart and conscience, which must be explored. Our ability to bring an end to these wars will be the real test of our power.”

Kucinich: Fed Deserves Audit First, New Authority Second
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=133014

U.S. Congressmen oppose Obama proposal to fund IMF
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200906121111.htm
Washington (PTI): Two Democrat Congressmen on Thursday appealed to their colleagues in the U.S. Congress to oppose the Obama Administration's proposal to fund $108 billion to the International Monetary Fund.

In a "dear colleague" letter, the two Democrats argued that giving such a huge amount to the IMF to bail out the third world countries from their current economic crisis is not going to work because of restrictive policies enforced by it in the countries where it provides such aid.

The letter was written by Congressmen Dennis J.Kucinich from Ohio and Bob Filner, Democrat, from California.

"In fact, while the G20 states that this funding is intended for global stimulus, the IMF has imposed budget deficit targets, tax hikes, pension and wage freezes, and high interest rates on loan recipients," the two Congressmen said.

"The IMF has a long history of placing economic conditions on countries receiving loans that have actually damaged, rather than stimulated, those economies, and its policies have not changed enough to warrant support," they said.

Referring to media reports in Europe, they apprehended that the IMF funding would be used to bail out private European banks with U.S. taxpayer money.

"Recently, Iceland entered into an agreement with the IMF in which the IMF required the government of Iceland to guarantee private sector debt. Why? Because the U.S. would not support the IMF loan without the provision because of British interests in Iceland's private sector debt," the Congressmen asked.

"Our country and thus body cannot afford to spend American tax payer dollars to bail out private European banks. Please oppose the war supplemental and the funding for the IMF," they said in the letter.

Kucinich: “It is Time to reevaluate our use of Force in Afghanistan”
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=133561

Kucinich: Made in America – War
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=132487
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement against the war supplemental on the House floor:

“We are destroying our nation’s moral and fiscal integrity with this war supplemental. Instead of ending wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan now by appropriating only enough money to bring our troops home, Congress abdicates its constitutional authority, defers to the president, and asks for a report. That’s right; all we are asking for is a report on when the president will end the war. “There is also money for the IMF, presumably to bail out private European banks. Billions for the IMF so they can force low and middle income nations to cut jobs, wages, health care and retirement security, just like corporate America does to our constituents. “And there’s money to incentivize the purchase of more cars, not necessarily from U.S. manufacturers because a ‘Buy America’ mandate was not allowed. “Another $106 billion dollars and all we get is a lousy war. Pretty soon that is going to be about the only thing made in America – war.

Kucinich: Will Increased CO2 Emissions be our Gift to the Next Generation?
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=133863

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda, in Texas, in sharing these wonderfully informative articles. Bravo Kucinich is being there for the American people.]

“Childhood Memories”
[Written by the Duchess]

Where does one begin sifting through the memories from one’s youth in a town like Pound Ridge? What stands out the most, as one gazes down a long dimly lit corridor, with doors leading off to a multitude of reminiscence? These thoughts could be triggered by the scent of newly cut green grass, maybe a song from one’s youth, and then the door quietly opens. . . . . . .

Being the daughter of a terrific though restless carpenter, I must confess that my family moved around Pound Ridge a lot before I ventured forth on my own at age twenty-one. I have many fond memories of our family home on Old Stone Hill Road, were we lived for eight years. Most of the homes along this winding road had two or more acres with lots of lovely trees.

What comes immediately to my mind was the large, hilly field beyond the backyard of our home. The field was owned and maintained by the Marshall family. The Marshalls, Ernie and Nancy, were good friends of my parents, Bill and Loretta. I played out there with friends throughout the four seasons. During the chill of snowy winters we’d go sledding down those hills, shrieking with joy, and feel the wind tingle our faces. When the pond had been deemed worthy by our parents, we’d go ice skating for hours. Upon arriving home we’d get warm bowls of tasty soup, as well as steaming cups of hot chocolate. One cold, sunny winter day stands out in particular, when the pond was frozen solid. Down onto the ice rode the adults [i.e.: parents] on two snowmobiles with toboggans being dragged behind. This treat was courtesy of the Marshalls. Round and round the pond we’d go, being pulled on those toboggans, occasionally clinging to an adult on a snowmobile, with snow and bits of ice flying all over. That day was so much fun and quite a memorable occasion for me.

During the warmth of the summer months, my friends and I would be out in the field playing with our Barbie’s, Kiddles and Trolls. We would share in a simple picnic lunch packed by our Moms. There were times we’d even try our hand at fishing at the pond, but we gave up quickly, as we were a bit squeamish about using worms as bait. At other times my beloved dog Angel and I would scamper around the field, nothing particular in mind, just a sense of quiet peace. I loved climbing the trees, which bordered the crumbling stonewalls of our property, and creating adventures in my mind. As I climbed higher and higher, my dear Angel would watch from below, waiting for when I’d finally descend and give her cuddles.

During my childhood, we never required parental supervision as we rode our bikes along country roads. Life seemed safer then like something out of the early 20th Century; not like the 21st Century, full of paranoia, fear, excessiveness, and lack of trust and over protectiveness. As I strive every day to be a compassionate and dedicated peace activist, at times I find it difficult in keeping cynicism on the backburner. Then I reflect on my childhood perspective, and the 1960s seemed like a terrific time; full of hope and a world were anything was possible. What was it like for the adults, who lived through this time of the Vietnam War, riots, the Kennedys, Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights, LSD, the Beatles and flower power? From time to time I have wondered and even speculated on that era. Answers always hovering beneath the surface, but what comes to mind are the lyrics to Bucky Covington’s song “A Different World” . . . . . . . . . . . ”Rode bikes with no helmets and still here we are, still here we are, we got daddy’s belt when we misbehaved, had three TV channels you got up to change” . . . . . . . . . . Yes, we are still here, and with a desire for a world were anything is possible.

PERSONAL NEWS #164

Tuesday evening, June 3rd, I participated in a NYDoP CCR conference call. This call is a follow-up to faxing specific City Councilmember’s on Friday, May 29th, regarding R627.

Thursday evening, June 4th, I attended an inspiring, moving event called “Inspiration” at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. My friend Eileen was one of the several speakers on the topic of dealing with cancer. It was great seeing her again and catching up on “news”. Afterwards she introduced me to her brother, his wife and TJ Glenn. The latter I’d seen, as well as “noticed”, over past few years at the Fort Tryon Park Medieval festivals. We enjoyed a terrific conversation on diverse topics, and our political leanings are very similar. Very much attracted to the tall TJ and we exchanged phone #s.

Friday evening, June 5th, I attended the Friday Nite Knits in Brooklyn at “The Oak & Iris”.

Sunday afternoon, June 7th, I went to “petition training” at Josh Skaller’s city council campaign headquarters in Park Slope.

Thursday evening, June 11th, I rented the DVD “Robots” … it was enjoyable.

Friday evening, June 12th, I watched a DVD I’d purchased the day before called “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”. Excellent film, wonderful acting and the visuals were stunning. I highly recommend this film.

Saturday, June 13th, I joined many others at the Brooklyn library in Grand Army Plaza for the annual “World Wide Knit Day” event from 10am to 1pm. It was great fun and the weather held up while we sat outside the library. Tables were set up to teach folk how to knit, demonstration on spinning, charity projects, etc. There was even a raffle with assorted prizes, and I won a book [Knitting for Good! by Betsy Greer] on knitting and activism. Afterwards I walked down to 4th Avenue along Carroll Street, as I thought some of the Skaller Campaign volunteers would be there petitioning. They weren’t and later learned they had been there, but in the morning. Anyhow, I headed over to Ozzie’s on 5th Avenue for a light lunch and use of the internet. Called Skaller Campaign central, spoke with Dan and then walked to the campaign office on 8th Avenue near 12th Street. Definitely getting a workout today, but its not over yet, I went out petitioning in the Fort Hamilton area with another volunteer [Charlie] from 3-6pm. We traipsed up 3 short street blocks, knocked on people’s doors and got 12 signatures for 3 hours of work. Many people were not home or weren’t interested. Then it rained abit throughout all this and I had to protect the signatures on the clipboard. Every signature is precious to the campaign. Jumped on a bus and headed back to campaign headquarters to return petitions. By the time I arrived home with a rented movie [X-Men], my feet and calves were screaming.

Next day, June 14th, I joined my friend Gail in going to northern end of Greenpoint to an awesome ice cream shop, plus check out the area, and then leisurely strolled back along Franklin Street. This street has developed a lot over the past 8 years with many boutiques, cafes, stores, etc.

Tuesday evening, June 16th, I attended the NYDoP speaker event at HealthyBody and Carol Hillson gave a wonderful lecture on “Restorative Circles”.

Wednesday evening, June 17th, I headed down to Brooklyn Heights and talked with Doug Biviano at his City Council campaign headquarters on Montague Street. To learn more about his campaign, go to http://www.bivforbrooklyn.com/ . Afterwards I got a tour of charming Grace Court, and the awesome roof garden views of Doug’s apartment building.

Thursday morning, June 18th, I had an emergency appointment with my foot doctor in lower Manhattan regarding serious pain on top of my left foot. Yep, the same foot that in October / November 2007 gave me troubles with Plantar Fascia. After an examination, X-rays and two painful shots into my foot, I learned that I have Neuroma [ie: inflammation of nerves].

Early Sunday afternoon, June 21st, I joined Doug Biviano in petitioning for signatures in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. He needs 900+ signatures to get on the ballot for the NYC primary on September 15th.

Wednesday evening, June 24th, I attended a panel discussion and forum on Afghanistan’s, which was hosted by “Brooklyn for Peace”. The guest speakers were Elizabeth Gould and Paul Fitzgerald, who’ve written a book called “Invisible History: Afghanistan’s Untold Story”. The authors have traveled to and reported on Afghanistan for over 30 years. The evening’s discussion was regarding this war which is destroying the lives of thousands in that country, undermining domestic reform in the USA, and may yet become the next Vietnam. The Q&A segment was very lively and at times passionate in discussion.

LATEST IN NATIONAL NEWS

Interview with Cynthia McKinney Regarding Obama Administration – Bushism without Bush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eQN_3rn9Cy

Moyers Interviews Robert Reich on "Who Runs Government"
http://www.truthout.org/061509A
Bill Moyers, PBS: "Despite the speech President Obama made at a Wisconsin Town Hall meeting this week, the question now is will he push back against the profiteers of health care? A powerful coalition has emerged to keep the profit in sickness and disease - the Business Roundtable, the Chamber of Commerce, the big drug companies, the insurance giants, Rupert Murdoch's media empire, all of them opposed to what my guest says is real health care reform."

Obama and Anti-War Democrats
Norman Solomon
http://www.truthout.org/061809A
Norman Solomon, Truthout: "As a close vote neared on a supplemental funding bill for more war in Iraq and Afghanistan, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that 'the White House has threatened to pull support from Democratic freshmen who vote no.' In effect, it was so important to President Obama to get the war funds that he was willing to paint a political target on the backs of some of the gutsiest new progressives in Congress."

Senators Held Stock in Bailed-Out Banks
R.Wilson & K.Bogardus, Focus
http://www.truthout.org/061309Z
Reid Wilson and Kevin Bogardus, The Hill: "Senators who oversee the $700 billion Wall Street rescue package held stocks in many of the banks bailed out towards the end of last year, according to financial disclosure reports released Friday."

The American Empire Is Bankrupt
Chris Hedges
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/06/15-0

Obama’s New Economic Plan: The Good, the Bad and the Weak
Nomi Prins, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/140770/obama's_new_economic_plan:_the_good,_the_bad_and_the_weak/

Obama’s Emerging Legacy: Wars, Bankers and For-Profit Healthcare
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/obama%E2%80%99s-emerging-legacy-wars-bankers-and-profit-healthcare

ObamaCare: A Non-Existent Health Plan That Begins with Cuts
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/obamacare-non-existent-health-plan-begins-cuts

Pearl Jam’s New Album ‘Backspacer’ Slated for September Release
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/pearl-jams-new-album-backspacer-slated-for-sept-release_100199979.html

Petraeus Is a Failure – Why Do We Pretend He’s Been a Success?
Fred Branfman, Truthdig
http://www.alternet.org/world/140827/petraeus_is_a_failure_--_why_do_we_pretend_he's_been_a_success/

US and Kyrgyzstan Sign New Air Base Deal: MP
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/06/23-2

Obama Running Scared
Helen Thomas
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/06/23

Come Meet Team Biv!
Come and meet the team this week at our brand new Campaign Headquarters (89 Montague St in Brooklyn Heights, corner of Hicks St. and just a couple blocks from the beautiful Brooklyn Heights Promenade in NYC). Team Biv will be hosting back-to-back fundraising events this Thursday, June 18th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM and Friday, June 19th from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. For a suggested donation of $10 come have some cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and meet and greet with Doug Biviano and his brand new staff. Speaking of whom, we are very excited to introduce:

Campaign Strategist, Wilson Karaman, (978) 578-2786
Campaign Manager, Henry McCaslin, (513) 646-2240
Public Relations Consultant, Frank Lentini, (917) 699-5450
and The real life version of the Incredibles

Kick it with us on the stoop, Brooklyn Style! And bring the kids - we've got plenty of fun activities for the whole family!

RSVP appreciated but not required.

If you can't attend our events ... We really need your help volunteering for ballot petitioning -- it's vital for us to get on the ballot. Even an hour or two of your time can make a huge different in helping us secure a place on the ballot. Also, the best part about making a campaign contribution? Doug Biviano is participating in the public financing system the first $175 of any donation by a NYC resident is matched 6:1 by the city!

So please put the word out via email, facebook, twitter and even good ol' fashion word of mouth! And for every contribution, I'll toast to restoring our local economy by fighting for healthcare reform, standing up for our schools and public parks, and a greener New York!

Doug Biviano - Candidate for NYC City Council
Brooklyn's 33rd District
www.bivforbrooklyn.com

Kucinich on Supplemental: “Cash for Clunkers and Bunkers”
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=131451

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today [June 9th] made the following statement against the war supplemental on the House floor:

“It is good that our Administration is reaching out to the Muslim world. It is bad to spend another $100 billion to keep wars going which will kill innocent Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“It is good that we try to create an incentive for people to buy efficient cars. It is bad that the car vouchers will not be expressly for the purchase of cars made in America. It is even worse that we tie such an incentive to a war funding bill. Cash for clunkers and bunkers in the same bill!

“Cash for more war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Cash to help China sell its cars to Americans. Meanwhile, back in the U.S. of A., factories and auto dealers are closing, people are losing their businesses, their jobs, their homes, their health care, their investments, their retirement security."

“Who are these people who keep coming up with these innovative ideas to keep wars going and to move jobs out of America? Who are these people?”

[Duchess Note - While all this has been going on since Sept 2008, its taking away the focus on "Goldman Sachs", who continue their "rape of America" with the aid of the Bush/Cheney, and now the Obama Regime.]

Taxing Grandma to Subsidize Goldman Sachs - Sacrifices of American retirees are helping pay off Wall Street’s losses
Peter Morici, Business Week
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30229503/

PERSONAL NEWS #163
Saturday, May 2nd, I took MetroNorth up to Stratford, CT for an afternoon visit with my good friend Katherine. We snacked on a tasty meal at a local Red Lobster and caught up on lots of news. Afterwards we stopped by her home to enjoy a visit with her hubby and grandson. From there we travelled down to Norwalk, CT to do some shopping at several of our favorite shops, and then it was back on MetroNorth bound for NYC.

Sunday, May 3rd, I attended a Josh Skaller City Council Campaign Party, which was hosted at Marjorie and Alan’s home in Brooklyn Heights. Nice turnout at the party and I ran into an acquaintance of mine [P.Brown], whom I hadn’t seen in 1 ½ years. After the fundraiser bit; Josh talked about Gowanus Canal, Atlantic Yards, education, condos, Mayor Bloomberg, MTA, homeless issues, being transparent and he’s for “less testing”. Josh also recommends that NYDoP CCR Team contact Yetta Kurland and Brooklyn Democrat Clubs about R627. I’ll bring up this info at next CCR Team conference call.

Thursday, May 7th, I attended TGTSNBN meetup at Café Metro. This meetup was called “Witch & Stitch” and about 15 to 20 of us showed up to knit, crochet or do needlework. Marci showed us a lovely, long scarf she’d finished recently with the Ravenclaw house colors. Had a fun time, chatting with other members and mostly sat with Deborah and Deanna with our knitting.

Saturday afternoon, May 9th, I joined my friend Jackie in taking one of the tours at “Lower Eastside Tenement Museum” on Orchard Street in Manhattan. I’ve never walked around this part of Manhattan and it’s a fascinating area, along with its history over last 150+ years. Jackie and I took a tour regarding an Irish family from the 1860s who lived on Orchard Street. Walking through some of the tenements made me realize that my Brooklyn apartment isn’t small. These tenements had no utilities or other amenities that we take for granted these days. Just a basic apartment with a small parlor, kitchen and bedroom; plus the tour was very informative and even provided us with a slideshow. I really liked the gift shop and if had some extra funds would have picked up books on NYC during the 19th century. Afterwards Jackie and I strolled up Orchard Street to have a nice brunch at an outdoor café. [Weather was slightly overcast and abit muggy.] Then we were off for our own walking tour through lower Eastside, Chinatown and Little Italy. Stopped for ice cream along the way near Columbus Park and then parted company on Canal Street. Very enjoyable outing with Jackie.

Sunday evening, May 10th, I participated in a NYDoP CCR conference call to prep for our “meetings” with City Council members on Monday, May 11th. All part of the “Peace wants a Piece of the Pie” campaign.

Wednesday evening, May 13th, I watched the season finale of LOST. It started at 8pm and on through 11pm … it was amazing, intense and we finally got to see Jacob.

Friday evening, May 15th, I attended the Friday Nite Knits meetup in Brooklyn at “The Oak & Iris”. Hadn’t been to this particular meetup for many months and it was lovely hanging out with the gals.

Saturday evening, May 16th, I joined my friend Jackie in seeing the new Star Trek movie, which we both enjoyed a lot. I went in with some reservations about this film, but was surprised on how good it was, as well as funny. I highly recommend it and the visuals were awesome. Afterwards we jumped on the E train for Greenwich Village and had leisurely dinner at Fiddlesticks on Greenwich Avenue.

Tuesday, May 19th, I participated in the NYDoP board meeting at a new location near Madison Square Park. Really good meeting, allot accomplished, most of the board members attended and also one of our interns [Claire].

Thursday, May 21st, I participated with other NYDoP CCR Committee members in our first “in person” meeting, which we held in Bryant Park, as the weather was very nice out. It was a good, productive meeting, plus one of the interns [Claire] attended.

Friday, May 22nd, I volunteered with City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market.

May 23rd through 26th – I spent a nice, long Memorial Day weekend visiting my parents in upstate NY. Weather was pretty decent most of the time and got outdoors a lot. Helped Dad with yard work and I attended some yard sales with Mom. I visited the gals at “Over the Moon” bead/gift shop and as always we get talking about national/local politics. I took my parents out the breakfast at the “Country Gal Café” and enjoyed some tasty fixins. I also visited Cambridge cemetery, Memorial Day parade, farmers market, shopping, hair salon, bike riding, cable TV and just plain ole relaxing by the fire pit. Overall a good weekend.

Saturday evening, May 30th, I joined my friend Linda in seeing the film “Angel & Demons” in the Sheepshead Bay area of Brooklyn. Huge cinaplex in that area near the water and a lot of people on lines to see Disney’s UP and “Night at the Museum”. We both enjoyed the new Ron Howard film, though I have to admit the “DaVinci Code” was a slightly better movie.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND – Upstate NY

[Duchess family homestead in upstate NY]


[My parents garden and landscaping is quite lovely]


[I adore the deep, lush purple shade of Lilacs & the scent is lovely]


[Views of the cemetery in Cambridge]


[More lovely views of the Cambridge cemetery]


[Dad participating in the Memorial Day parade in upstate NY]

MESSAGE FROM JIM DEAN AT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA – Josh Skaller for NY City Council

If you are an active DFA member in New York, you probably know about Josh Skaller. He's a long-time DFA activist and has served as a director of the local volunteer DFA group, Democracy for New York City, for the last 4 years. Now he's running for a City Council seat in Brooklyn's 39th District.

After years of activism, Josh is fed up. The plea for good government reform continues to fall on the deaf ears of entrenched politicians -- particularly in New York City. When Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council overruled the voice of NYC voters to extend term limits, it was the final straw.

Josh Skaller is the only DFA-endorsed candidate in the race for District 39.

On the New York City Council, Josh Skaller will work with fellow reform-minded leaders to affect real, lasting changes in the way the city conducts its business and relates to its citizens. At a time when billionaire Mayor Bloomberg dominates city politics, Josh Skaller will use his position to empower like-minded local community groups and organizers and give them a strong voice at City Hall.

Josh Skaller knows New York is a place where true progressive leadership is really needed and where it has the potential to take hold and set the tone for the country. His goals fall under five agenda points:

Revitalize New York's economy
Protect Brooklyn's neighborhoods
Enforce accountability and transparency in all areas of city government
Improve the lives of all New Yorkers
Build a sustainable and prosperous future

Josh has been working with you to move this country forward. Now it's up to us to work with him. Please volunteer, make a contribution, call a friend in the District ... support Josh Skaller any way you can. Thank you for everything you do.

[Duchess Note: I am a proud supporter and volunteer on the J.Skaller campaign. We need more true progressives like Josh, not only in NYC, but around the country. His campaign is funded by "we the people" and doesn't take a dime from Corporate Lobbyists.]

Ten Questions For Everyone Who Supported Obama
by Stewart Browne

Dear Supporters of Barack Obama,

You presented Mr. Obama as the candidate of change. You attached that word to his face and plastered it across the country. Change We Can Believe In. Change From Day 1. The Candidate of Change. It's time for Change in America.

On election night, you announced to the world that Change has come to America . You hijacked Google so that the first search result for Change led to Obama's change.gov web site.

America responded. Clearly, the country was in the mood for change. Bush left office with dismal polling numbers, some of the worst ever, and Obama's victory was decisive. Not only did your guy win the White House, but his party locked in a solid majority in both houses of Congress. The first quarter of Obama's first fiscal year is now closing...

1. How much change has Obama brought to America?

His first major decision was announced before he was sworn in. The country was in the throes of the worst economic firestorm in a century, and the markets demanded to know who would be the new Treasury secretary.

The candidate of change chose the man who constructed all the corporate bailouts of the Bush Administration.

2. Who might McCain have chosen as his Treasury secretary?

and...

3. If Bush were given a third term, what role might Timothy Geithner have played in it?

4. Were you expecting Obama's financial rescue program to be the same one proposed by the Bush Administration last fall?

5. When you voted for him, did you think Obama would propose and oversee the biggest piece of fascist corporatism in American history?

Your guy just gave a trillion dollar gift to the bankers who drove their companies off the cliff and took the global economy with them. He put together a complicated scheme where the taxpayer ensures that neither the stakeholders in the insolvent banks nor the wealthiest institutional investors have to take a loss.

6. Why is Obama giving even better deals to the financial tycoons than they got under Bush?

All this makes me wonder...

7. Is the Obama Administration in the pockets of the big banks, or are they just getting rolled?

8. Are you sad that Obama is escalating our wars overseas?

Hidden in his super mammoth budget is a huge increase in defense spending. Obama wants to spend 2 percent more in the next fiscal year than President Bush allocated, and 9 percent more than we spent last year.

The bulk of this increase is in Afghanistan, where even Time Magazine can't help but notice that the Obama plan is very reminiscent of something else we've heard.

9. Are you excited that Obama has initiated a Surge of his own?

Shortly after taking office, Obama announced he'd add 17,000 troops to the 36,000 already in Afghanistan . A few weeks later, he made a surprise second announcement that he was sending 17,000 more.

And more troops is just what he announced. In addition to the soldiers and civilians, Obama is also overseeing enormous growth in the number of private military contractors set to operate in Afghanistan.

An army of mercenaries, a quagmire of a war with no exit strategy, even a Surge -- it doesn't sound terribly different from what we've been getting. Gee...

10. Who is Obama's Defense Secretary?

Oh yeah, the same one who served under Bush.

Letter to the President on Healthcare

Mr. President,

With all due respect, I do not believe that your rhetoric matches the reality. You are afraid to challenge the status quo as represented by the insurance industry.

I support single payer health care, HR 676, which you do not. You do not speak for me, nor other Americans, on health care reform.

On this issue, it seems that you prefer to compromise with the Republicans in Congress in name of achieving some form of consensus.

Don't count me in. I dissent from your plan.

I support single payer. Medicare should be extended to ALL Americans. "We the People" demand it! It works for the elderly. And single payer works in Europe and Canada.

It is time to be a leader instead of letting the Republicans set the national agenda once again.

Respectfully, Ms C of B

LATEST NEWS TO ROCK THE US

Kucinich Introduces Legislation to Audit Federal Reserve’s Response to Economic Crisis
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=126981

Changing Obama’s Mindset
Howard Zinn, Common Dreams
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/05/16-0

Our President, Our War?
Steve Weissman, Truth Out
http://www.truthout.org/051709A?n
Obama campaigned vigorously in favor of fighting an aggressive war in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He chose as his National Security Adviser Gen. Jim Jones, one of the leading advocates of a major American push in Afghanistan and Pakistan. And the entire administration has endlessly repeated that they intend to stay in the region for the long haul. Yet, 51 Democrats in the House stood up against the insiders and refused to go along.

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda Z and Judith for their contributions.]

PERSONAL NEWS #162
Wednesday afternoon, April 1st, I attended a one-hour BSC meeting with our manager. That evening I participated in the NYDoP CCR Committee conference call regarding recent Community Board meetings, and a new agenda to focus our efforts on for R627.

Thursday evening, April 2nd, I joined others from TGTSNBN at Café Metro for the monthly HP meetup. The evening was in celebration of the Weasley twins [Fred & George] birthday and any other member who was born on April Fools Day. It was very enjoyable and some members did comic sketches that were HP themed.

Saturday, April 4th, I joined many members from TGTSNBN at Riverside Park for Quidditch. Afterwards we trekked over to TOAST for a delicious, warm brunch and lively conversation. Then I joined a few members [ie: Elaine, Pam, Deanna, Christian and Lisa] in going to the Scottish Tartan Day parade on 6th Avenue. From there I headed up to B&N on the Westside to purchase more of Lynn Kurland’s wonderful time-travel romance novels.

Tuesday evening, April 7th, I participated in the monthly Peace Alliance “all call” at 9pm. Lynn McMullen was the host and the guest speaker was Juan Pacheco; who currently volunteers as the East Coast Representative for Barrios Unidos–Virginia Chapter. Barrios Unidos is a youth violence prevention / intervention and community awareness organization. The uniqueness of Barrios Unidos, Inc. lies in its transformational approach. Barrios Unidos offers hope by exposing youth to the power of resiliency through utilizing adults and older youth who have themselves experienced and overcome the challenges young people face. Barrios Unidos believes that drawing upon the resources of adults and older youth that have made it out of the “street life,” assists youth in choosing life-affirming behavior, positive self-esteem, constructive goals, supportive community, and cultural pride. Mr. Pacheco provides many motivational speeches and presentations, as well as running educational and recreational youth groups. He founded the Kids Club/Computer Lab program, in addition to organizing many community activities. Juan was also a guest speaker at the recent 5th Annual Peace Conference in Washington DC, which I attended with other members of NYDoP.

Wednesday evening, April 8th, I attended the NYC LOST meetup at the Irish Rogue pub. Also joining me was fellow TGTSNBN member, Deborah. We had a great time and it was awesome chatting with other LOST fans about the show, and our “theories” on certain storylines.

Easter weekend, April 10th through 12th, I visited my parents, plus my brother and sister-in-law, in upstate New York. Activities over the holiday weekend included … ride my bike, yard work with Dad, hair salon appt, brunch at Country Gals Café, shopping at “Over the Moon” bead shop, cable TV, etc.

Saturday evening, April 18th, I joined my friend Cielito in a Landmark Forum event, which was followed by a Sock Hop.

Sunday, April 19th, I volunteered with others at the annual MS Walk, and we were stationed at Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn. That evening I joined my friend Linda in attending a “talk” regarding Night Hawk Minerals. It was at someone's cool, funky apartment in the Union Square/Chelsea area of Manhattan. Jay Gutierrez spoke with clarity, passion, intelligence and charm about his business ... Night Hawk Minerals. He's been committed for 20 years in helping people to wellness via these “Stone & Radiation Hormesis”. I purchased one of the items, a charming necklace, which I’ve been wearing since Monday. One of these days I want to purchase the “kit”, but for now the necklace will suffice. Check out more on this topic at www.nighthawkminerals.com

Tuesday evening, April 21st, I participated in the New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace “training” meeting, which was hosted by Marianne and Kevin.

Early Tuesday evening, April 23rd, I joined Kevin in attending Community Board Manhattan #2 meeting down on the Greenwich Village & Chelsea border. We’ve been plugging DoP HR 808 and of course New York City Council Resolution 627.

Tuesday, April 28th, I joined Kevin and Howard in attending Community Board Brooklyn #15 meeting out at Kingsborough Community College. Howard and I met up at Kevin’s home in Windsor Terrace neighborhood in Brooklyn, and then drove out to the college near Brighton Beach. It was a really good meeting with some interesting interaction among the CB members. Afterwards the three of us talked briefly with Councilmember Fidler and a news reporter from Brooklyn’s own News 12.

Thursday evening, April 30th, I participated in the NYDoP CCR committee conference call.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT – NEWS DURING APRIL AND MAY ON CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH – One of the Few True Progressives in DC Today

Kucinich Asks AIG Why It’s Denying Claims From Injured Contractors in Iraq
T.Christian Miller, Herald de Paris
http://www.heralddeparis.com/kucinich-asks-aig-why-it%e2%80%99s-denying-claims-from-injured-contractors-in-iraq-3/33828

Kucinich to Geithner: Deny Citigroup Bonus Request
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=124538

Why Are Bankers Still Being Treated as Beltway Royalty?
Arianna Huffington
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/why-are-bankers-still-bei_b_194242.html

Kucinich on Budget Resolution: I Simply Cannot Endorse a Budget or a Plan that Authorizes the Expansion of Way
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=117716

Congressman Asks SEC to Investigate BofA Bonuses
Ellie Behling, Plan Adviser
http://www.planadviser.com/compliance/article.php/4059

Kucinich: Federal Reserve No More “Federal” than Federal Express
http://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/2009/01/10/kucinich-federal-reserve-no-more-federal-than-federal-express/

The Ed Show: Representative Kucinich says we are getting deeper into Afghanistan and will vote against the funding of the war, like other progressive Democrats
http://www.bigeddieradio.com/archive/theedshow/

Kucinich Asks ‘Are Banks’ Profits Inflated by FASB Ruling?
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspex?DocumentID=12269

Cabinet Department Would Give Peace a Chance
Lewis Diuguid, Kansas City Star
http://www.kansascity.com/278/story/1163646.html

Obama’s Iraq: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Jeremy Scahill, Common Dreams
While the US tries to present a new face, the ugliness of the occupation continues. Now it seems combat troops won’t exactly withdraw from Iraqi cities on June 30th.
http://www.commondreams.org/print/41344

Mortgaging the White House
Bill Moyers & Michael Winship, TruthOut
http://www.truthout.org/050209Z

[Duchess Note – Many thanks to Carol and Linda for the many interesting and informative articles they continue to send my way. So that I can continue to share a wealth of news and facts with my many readers. Let's come together and bring about real peace non-violently.]

Reaffirming Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Vision
Shared by "Network of Spiritual Progressives"

Julia Ward Howe offered her Mother's Day Proclamation to the world in 1870. Her dream was the establishment of an international Mothers' Day Festival dedicated to the cause of nonviolent resolution of conflict and international solidarity among all women. Her pacifist consciousness had been provoked by the bloodshed of the Franco-Prussian War. Her activism was cultivated in the struggles for abolition of slavery and the quest for women's suffrage. She had the proclamation translated into French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Swedish, working for the establishment of Mother's Day in concert with women internationally celebrating peace and women's empowerment.

Howe died in 1910, four years before President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the day in 1914 in response to the burgeoning success of the movement she inspired. But Wilson avoided any mention of the thrust of Howe's cause in his declaration, instead emphasizing only the nurturing "home and hearth" dimension of motherhood. He also spurned the internationalist concern that was central to Howe's consciousness, distorting this into American nationalism. Howe's central concerns, the universality of motherhood and its natural expression in anti-war sentiment, was excised from the official meaning of the day.

President Wilson proclaimed: "Now, therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the said Joint Resolution, do hereby direct the government officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings and do invite the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places on the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country."

Compare this to Howe's far more high minded vision, still so desperately needed in this suffering divided world. Here is the text of her 1870 Mother's Day Proclamation, so prescient in its understanding, so courageous in its call, so plaintiff in its currency nearly a century and a half later.

Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe our dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace...
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God -
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

This is by Jonathan Klate who resides in Amherst, Massachusetts where he writes frequently about spirituality, compassionate politics, and the relationship between these two. Please feel welcome to forward.

Update on General Dept of Peace News

New HR808 Co-Sponsor[s]
Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO), Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Bobby Rush (D-IL) have become our co-sponsors of HR 808, the legislation to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. That brings the total of co-sponsors up to 68. Awesome news!

Gentle Reminder … Friday, May 8th, is “Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie” day. This is the Friday before Mother’s Day were Dept of Peace chapters around the USA bring pie to their Congressional reps local office and talk about HR808. Make an appointment today with your Congressional reps office and bring some pie on the 8th.

5th Annual Peace Conference
Washington DC - March 20th through 23rd
The Peace Alliance’s Photo Gallery ... http://picasaweb.google.com/peacealliancetech

2009 National Conference Blog ... http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/blogcategory/112/674/

NO MORE EXCUSES
Message from Ralph Nader

There are no more excuses for the Democrats.
The Democrats now admit that they control the procedure in Congress and can pass whatever health care reform they want. Without one Republican vote. And President Obama can sign it. What should they do? They should pass single payer.

Everybody in. Nobody out.
For prevention and treatment. For free choice of doctors and hospitals. No more premiums, deductibles, exclusions, co-pays, in-network, out-of-network rigmarole. No more family medical bankruptcies.

No more pay or die.
No more pay or become sicker. Single payer is the only system that will work. It's the most efficient. Single payer will cut out literally hundreds of billions in administrative fat, billing fraud and unconscionable profits. These savings will be used instead to insure the 50 million uninsured and the millions more underinsured. This will save lives. Starting with the more than 21,000 Americans who die every year from lack of health insurance. According to recent polls, the majority of the American people want single payer. So do the majority of doctors, nurses, and health economists.

So, what will the Democrat leadership do? They will keep single payer OFF the table.
Because they fear the insurance industry and the pharmaceutical industry, and want their campaign money, more than they fear the American people.

Or as Speaker of the House Pelosi told reporters last week:

"Over and over again, we hear single payer, single payer, and single payer. Well, it's not going to be a single payer."

Who is Nancy Pelosi speaking for? Not for the American people! Not for those who will die or get sicker month after month. How are we to respond? Focus our collective creative energy on Congressional offices around the country -- offices of all 435 members of the House and 100 members of the Senate. That's why we have set up Single Payer Action.

Less than two months old and already Single Payer Action is making waves.
In front of Congressional offices from Martinsburg, West Virginia to Seattle, Washington. On Capitol Hill, standing up to the corporate lobbyists and their lackeys in Congress. And on the web, challenging the corporate controlled media to put single payer back on the table of public debate. There is support in Congress for single payer. Already, 76 House members support HR 676 - the single payer bill in the House.

But the Democratic leadership in Washington has taken single payer OFF the table.

They meet regularly behind closed doors with insurance and drug industry lobbyists, to thwart single payer.

Time to turn up the heat and get the word out to the American people. We can make it happen; “we the people” can make this happen in our life time.

List of Books I’m Very Interested In Reading
All the Shahs Men – S.Kinzer
The Real Age Makeover – Roizin
Thomas Paine & Promise of America – Harvey Kay
Persian Mirrors – Elaine Sciolino
The Ayatollah Begs to Differ
Crimes against Nature – Robert Kennedy Jr
Simply In Season – Mary Beth Lind
Ethics for New Millennium – Dalai Lama
Fortunate Son – Hatfield
Best Democracy Money Can Buy – Greg Palast
The Pale Blue Dot – Carl Sagan
Shock Doctrine – Naomi Klein
No Debate – George Farah
The 12 Caesars – Seutonis
The Image – Daniel Boorstin
Moyers on America/A Journalist & His Times – Bill Moyers
What’s Wrong with Kansas? – Thomas Frank
Perfectly Legal – David Gate Johnson
Jesus Before Christianity – Albert Nolan
The Church before Christianity – Wes Howard-Brook
The Last Algonquin – T.L. Kazimiroff
Fog Facts – Larry Biner
Fooling with Words – Bill Moyers
Radical Simplicity – Jim Merkel
Fingerprints of the Gods – Graham Hancock
The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
The Red Tent – Anita Diamant

President Fix
Dennis Perrin's weblog

The vanilla tumult over torture and "brutal interrogation," as the New York Times puts it, is a never-ending source of raw amusement, the kind that sears your gut and makes you cough blood. Obama, ever the evenhanded manager, now says that he won't stand in the way should someone else bring criminal charges against the previous regime.

Wow. What courage. Is there anything our Father Leader can't equivocate? At least he still speaks better than Bush. (Liberal APPLAUSE sign flashing.) Am I right? Ladies, you know it's true!

The day that senior Bush officials, like Bush and Cheney themselves, take the perp walk in chains and orange jumpsuits is the day I publicly register as a Democrat, don an Obama t-shirt, and burn a stack of "Savage Mules." Of course, for justice to be seriously administered, many leading Dems would also have to be charged, not only for supporting or silently tolerating torture and rendition, but for beating the war drums over Iraq, the broken, bloody stage where much of this official "concern" originated with the Abu Ghraib photo sessions. This would naturally include the Vice President and Secretary of State, whose firing, arrest, and prosecution would show just how impartial American justice truly is, a shining counterexample to those lawless states that allow piracy to go unpunished.

But none of this is gonna happen. In American politics, talking and posturing about "justice" is about as good as it gets. Oh, maybe some lower echelon cog will be sacrificed to keep the charade going, but the real crime lords will avoid any jail time or serious censure as Obama urges us to "get past" this "aberration" to our noble system of governance. His slow motion pose about not impeding criminal investigations is simply more imperial pantomime -- chum bait for the rubes.

No matter what he does or doesn't do, Obama will not face a liberal mutiny, and he knows it. While a few Democrats like Glenn Greenwald are making critical noises against Obama's obfuscation, it remains a minority view. The liberal overreaction to the pitiful teabag demonstrations showed their true, loyal colors. That many of the teabaggers hold fantastic concepts of Obama helps his lib admirers, as it diverts attention away from his actual positions, giving Dem mouthpieces like Janeane Garofalo room to rant about idiot crackers who dare protest a black president, something you won't see Garofalo and kindred ideologues ever do, not with the energy and anger they protested Bush.

There are rare moments when the American Fix is so blatant, so obvious, that speaking against it merely reinforces its power and reach. This is one of those moments. Admire it, fellow peasants. You have nothing to lose but your CHANGE.

Youth PROMISE Act - Message from The Peace Alliance

Now is the chance to test out the social networks you've been building! The announcement from Lynn McMullen earlier today about TPA support for the Youth PROMISE Act meshes well with a posting put up on Change.org yesterday re: school violence. This afternoon, I added a companion letter writing action on Change.org to let Reps and Senators know we want their support of Youth PROMISE. See the article and action at:
http://www.change.org/ideas/2028/view_blog/american_schools_get_a_d_in_violence_prevention

Please sign the letter then send the action invitation to your friends and networks, on Change.org and off. There are links at the bottom of the action to post on Twitter and Facebook. Spread the word and let's see what kind of an impact we can have!

HEAR YE, HEAR YE, CATCH THE LATEST NEWS

Pearl Jam Makes Surprise Visit to Atlanta Film Festival
By MARCUS K. GARNER, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Pearl Jam, a rock band born from the ’90s “grunge” movement, made a surprise visit Thursday to opening night of the Atlanta Film Festival. The quintet made a low-key entrance to the festival — avoiding the red carpet — to see lead singer Eddie Vedder’s appearance in the Tony Sacco film, “The People Speak,” festival executive director Gabriel Wardell said.

The film, based on writings by Howard Zinn, features a cast of celebrities reading letters and memoirs by people who spoke up for their rights. “One thing about this film, and seeing it tonight, you can’t help but be inspired by these people who fought and died for their rights,” Vedder said. Actors Josh Brolin and Jasmine Guy and rocker Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes also appear in the film and attended the festival’s opening night.

The group debuted in 1991 with the chart-topping album “Ten,” and followed with consecutive Billboard No. 1 albums “Vs.,” “Vitalogy,” and “No Code.” Pearl Jam won their only Grammy in 1995 for the record “Spin the Black Circle.” Wardell said the group was in town making a new album with Atlanta producer Brendan O’Brien, the mastermind behind several of Pearl Jam’s hit albums and Bruce Springstein’s Grammy-winning Best Rock album “The Rising,” and latest work, “Working on a Dream.”

Media Focus on Minor Violence; Ignore Peaceful Protests at Global Summit
Maria Margaronia, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/134613/media_focus_on_minor_violence%3B_ignore_peaceful_protests_at_global_summit/

Tax Day: You Pay Your Taxes – Why Don’t the Rich Pay Their Share?
Chuck Collins & Sam Pizzigati, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/136592/tax_day%3A_you_pay_your_taxes_--_why_don%27t_the_rich_pay_their_share/

First Black President Defeats U.S. Antiwar Movement
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/first-black-president-defeats-us-antiwar-movement

How Many Democrats will Stand up to Obama’s Bloated Military Budget and $75 Billion More in War Spending?
Jeremy Scahill, RebelReports
http://rebelreports.com/post/94406620/how-many-democrats-will-stand-up-to-obamas-bloated

Unemployment is Hitting Men Particularly Hard and Both Sexes are Losing Out
Betsy Reed, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/reproductivejustice/135521/unemployment_is_hitting_men_particularly_hard_--_and_both_sexes_are_losing_out/

The Unfolding of the Obama Fraud
Michael Dawson, Dissident Voice
http://dissidentvoice.org/2009/04/the-unfolding-of-the-obama-fraud/

Obama Administration Quietly Expands Bush’s Legal Defence of Warrantless Wiretapping
John Byrne, Raw Story
http://www.alternet.org/rights/135605/obama_administration_quietly_expands_bush%27s_legal_defense_of_warrantless_wiretapping/

Freedom Rider: No Better Off with the Democrats
Margaret Kimberley, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/freedom-rider-no-better-democrats-0

Why the London Protesters Are on the Right Side of History
Johann Hari, Huffington Post
There will be far more sympathy in the future for those who took to the streets and rioted outside the G20 than for people who stayed home.
http://www.alternet.org/environment/135201/why_the_london_protesters_are_on_the_right_side_of_history/

Eshu’s Blues: First Black President of the American Empire
Michael Hureaux Perez, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/eshus-blues-first-black-president-american-empire

Jonathan Steele Obama Should Listen to Iraqis, Not Lecture Them
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/04/08-1

Bill Moyers and Michael Winship Changing the Rules of the Blame Game
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/04/08

Sarah van Gelder A Plea To President Obama: Don't Bankrupt America
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/04/10-3

Ted Rall Barack Obama, Torture Enabler http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/04/10-6

[Duchess Note: More "news" coming soon on Kucinich and the Peace movement. Many thanks to Carol in NYC for some of the above informative articles.]

Update on General Dept of Peace News

New HR808 Co-Sponsor
Congratulations to volunteers in Colorado's District 2!
Congressman Jared Polis (D CO-02) has become our 66th cosponsor of HR 808, the legislation to establish a U.S. Department of Peace.

Gentle Reminder … Friday, May 8th, is “Peace wants a Piece of the Pie” day. This is the Friday before Mother’s Day were Dept of Peace chapters around the USA bring pie to their Congressional reps local office and talk about HR808. Make an appointment today with your Congressional reps office and bring some pie on the 8th.

5th Annual Peace Conference, Washington DC
March 20th through 23rd
Peace Alliance’s Photo Gallery
http://picasaweb.google.com/peacealliancetech

2009 National Conference Blog
http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/blogcategory/112/674/

The Natural Order
Dennis Perrin’s weblog, April 6th

Obama's response to North Korea's fizzled rocket test was no different from what Bush would've said, for that's the imperial manager's function: reminding weaker nations who's allowed to own the big sticks. Comes with the gig. The notion that North Korea is an ominous threat to the world is another imperial talking point, taken seriously by Serious People, who speak of dangerous end games, the globe on the brink, and related dramatic rhetoric.

It's all BS, aimed at keeping We The Servants afraid and beholden to our owners. You'd be hard pressed to find any media commentator mentioning the millions of Koreans the US massacred from 1950-53, primarily in the North, where entire villages were erased and cities reduced to rubble. Massive destruction that was perhaps a step or two shy of an actual nuclear assault, though that too was under serious consideration among Truman's advisers. In the end, despite the mad Douglas MacArthur's raving about hitting the North with 30 nukes, it was felt that conventional dismemberment was more than enough, which it pretty much was.

Of course, the smoldering rubble and open mass graves did not seriously affect North Korea's perceptions of the US, just as if the roles were reversed, we wouldn't hold any grudge against a larger country that flattened numerous American cities and towns, killing tens of millions. And the idea that we would seek some kind of defense or deterrent against a future attack is ludicrous, which further shows just how crazy and paranoid North Korea remains.

So, a la Bush, Obama laid down the "rules," as he put it, bellowing about perilous threats and the rest. But whereas Bush would add that the US seeks only freedom, peace, and unconditional love, Obama took it to the next level, calling for a nuclear-free world.

A planet free of nukes. Wow. Awesome. Like Miss America praying for world peace and lots of hugs. The beauty of this approach is that no one can really disagree with Obama. Who wouldn't want nukes dismantled, other than lunatics and terrorists (i.e. North Korea and Iran)? That Obama admitted that such a state would probably not be seen in his lifetime, making his rhetoric even emptier, matters little to the faithful. The point is, Bush wouldn't have said it, or he wouldn't have said it as well. To countless liberals, that's all that really matters.

My old pub pal Juan Cole not only found Obama's nuke-free spiel "visionary," "pivotal" and "epochal" (beware of liberals clutching thesauri), he also says:

"The speech does not refer to the Middle East, but it has potentially big implications for that region. The logical conclusion is that Obama not only wants Iran to cease its nuclear enrichment program (which may not now be aimed at making a bomb, but could one day be used for that purpose), but he also wants Israel to give up its nuclear arsenal of 150 warheads."

Really, Juan? And just how, politically and militarily, will Obama convince Israel to go nuke-free? For this to actually work, Obama would have to insist that Israel undergo the same inspections forced on Saddam's regime. I mean, to achieve a post-nuclear world, all nations holding bombs must be treated equally, right? So not only Israel, but India, Pakistan, Russia, China, England, France, and of course the US would have to submit to inspectors and outside enforcers. I'm not sure who would enforce the dismantling of all these weapons (unless one thinks that the nuke nations would unilaterally disarm), but Obama's speech was so elevating, so life-changing, petty details like that are junk food for cynics and non-believers.

Kucinich on Budget Resolution: I Simply Cannot Endorse a Budget or a Plan that Authorizes the Expansion of War

Washington D.C. ( April 2, 2009) – Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today issued the following statement after voting against H.Con.Res 85, setting forth the Congressional Budget for the fiscal year 2010:

“I am committed to doing everything I can to put our community and our nation on the path to economic stability. I led opposition to the bank bailout program TARP, I worked vigorously in favor of the stimulus package, and I have worked to save the automotive, steel and aerospace industries in America. “This budget is a statement of principles for the upcoming year, and I cannot accept it in its entirety. I will not vote for a budget that ties military spending to the operational funding of our government. This year, the budget includes $130 billion for war funding. The Washington Post reports today another 10,000 troops may be sent to Afghanistan, bringing our total number of troops there to as much as 78,000 by 2010 – a more than 100% increase from today’s troop levels. This budget is a plan that authorizes the expansion of the war. I simply cannot endorse a budget or a plan that sends more of our brave men and women to Afghanistan, a conflict which has the potential to become this generation’s Vietnam.”

Read more, go to ... http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=117716

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Out of the crooked timber of humanity, nothing entirely straight can be built. Immanuel Kant

PERSONAL NEWS #161
Sunday, February 22nd, afternoon I headed into the city to attend a panel discussion at All Souls Church called “Current Climate in Iran”. There were four speakers and they were part of a non-violent delegation to Iran in Nov/Dec 2008. Some of their commentary … “Iranians want peace, also the world see the U.S. differently then we see the U.S. and we are not faithfully represented by our respective governments”. The Peace Task Force was hosting this event, and the discussions, along with slideshow, were very interesting and informative. To learn more, go to http://www.4peace.net/

Monday, February 23rd, evening I visited my friend Larry and treated him to Chinese take-out while he worked on my tax return for 2008. As always, I owe the friggin Federal government [worthless, greedy buggers] a few buckos, and I’ll get some funds back from NY State.

Tuesday, February 24th, evening I participated in the NYDoP CCR Committee conference call and our main focus was prep work for upcoming Community Board meetings in Manhattan.

Wednesday, February 25th, I worked most of the day at AIG copying tax returns. Today is also the first day of LENT; I gave up chocolate, bread, bagels and muffins until Easter Sunday.

Thursday, February 26th, evening I joined several members of the Park Slope Knit meetup at Sweet Melissa’s and had an enjoyable time.

Sunday, March 1st, I attended a fascinating and interesting lecture by Marc Sussman at the Community Church on East 35th Street. He also has a radio program on Air America on finances. He talked about emotional and spiritual recovery, and that we live in a nation of addicts. Said we are in an economic crisis, a global depression, worse than the 1930s. Plus, he also talked about “The CA Lesson”, renewable energy, water and geothermal.

Sunday, March 8th, I attended CodePinks “International Women’s Day” film screening [ie: Afghan Women: A History of Struggle], panel discussion and craft sale. Those on the panel were Kathleen Foster [director of the documentary we viewed], Fahima Vorgetts, and Fawzia Afzal-Khan. The latter writes for CounterPunch online. It mostly centered on the women and children of Afghanistan from the 1950s to present. There was mention of BANU Foundation and the following website http://www.womenforafghanwomen.org/ I ran into Stephanie and Alice, both of whom worked with me on the 2007/2008 Kucinich presidential campaign.

Monday, March 9th, I worked all day at AIG helping with copying tax returns. Afterwards I had an appointment for treatment with my foot doctor.

Thursday, March 12th, was a busy day, not only at work, but afterwards at a Community Board meeting in Manhattan that I attended with Kevin and Joe. Went very well and we talked with Councilmember Mendez, as well as hand out all of our flyers. Afterwards the three of us went out for drinks and dinner; plus discuss upcoming peace conference, the CB meeting and current events.

Friday, March 13th, I took ½ a personal day to take care of things around Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Sunday, March 15th, I was invited by my friend Cielito to participate in a free event at Matrix on Hudson Street. Matrix was trying out new hair care products on ladies who dye their hair. Afterwards I had a late lunch with Cielito at a funky pizza place in Greenwich Village.

Tuesday, March 17th, I participated in the NYDoP “working” meeting at the HealthyBody location. Kevin, Dawn and I presided over it. We had three new people [ie: Chris, Nick & James] attending, who were interested in DoP. Afterwards Kevin and I had a drink, plus nosh on French fries, at an Irish pub in the neighborhood. St Patrick’s Day was still be “celebrated” in noisy, full swing.

Thursday afternoon, March 19th, I joined Stephanie and many other anti-war protests at Union Square around 1pm. This is the sixth anniversary of the US invasion and occupation of Iraq. Sadly, not much of a turnout due to the “wet” weather, but those of us that were there peacefully protested with enthusiasm.

March 20th through 22nd – 5th Annual Peace Conference in Washington DC … a full report on this weekend will be posted soon on the Duchess blog, along with photos.


[Kevin, Pat and Chris during lunch at the 5th Annual Peace Conference]


[Marie, Joe, Carol & Karen heading back to NYC from DC Peace Conference]

Wednesday, March 25th, I headed out to Coney Island hospital and joined Howard for a Community Board meeting. This area is part of Councilmember Recchia’s district and his is chairman of the Cultural Affairs committee where Resolution 627 is waiting for a hearing. I got home to watch last 45 minutes of LOST on the telly.

Thursday, March 26th, I took ½ a personal day from work to prep for Tolkien Reading Day, which was being held at my humble abode in Brooklyn.


[Some members of the NE Tolkien Society at recent Tolkien Reading Day]