Wednesday, November 05, 2008
An Open Letter From Alice Walker
Nov. 5, 2008
Dear Brother Obama,
You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.
A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker
Dear Brother Obama,
You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.
A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
This is Interesting
Dick Cheney's hometown newspaper endorses Barack Obama. Everybody get out the vote for Obama!
From Barbra
John McCain has declared from swing state to swing state, "I am a Teddy Roosevelt Republican…” Does McCain realize that President Roosevelt advocated for progressive taxation…just like Senator Obama. McCain has labeled Obama a socialist for his position on taxes. However, in his own words Roosevelt stated: “We grudge no man a fortune in civil life if it is honorably obtained and well used. We should permit it to be gained only so long as the gaining represents benefit to the community. This, I know, implies a policy of a far more active governmental interference with social and economic conditions in this country than we have yet had, but I think we have got to face the fact that such an increase in governmental control is now necessary.”
Roosevelt also created the Progressive Party, was known as a “trust buster” and firmly believed in the separation of church and state.
And John McCain must not have realized that Teddy Roosevelt was a serious environmentalist who believed in conservation. He created five National Parks, four Big Game Refuges, fifty-one National bird Reservations and the National Forest Service. Roosevelt advocated for the sustainable use of the nation's natural resources, the protection and management of wild game, and the preservation of wild spaces. McCain, who has received a zero rating from the League of Conservation Voters, has yet to provide any details about how he will preserve our dwindling natural resources or how he will tackle global warming…aside from his running mate’s chant of “drill baby, drill.”
The problem with John McCain comparing himself to Teddy Roosevelt is that McCain’s policies and political views bear no resemblance to that of the former President…and the Republican party of today doesn’t look or sound much like the Republican party of Roosevelt’s era. But then again, McCain in 2008 bears no resemblance to McCain in 2000. In the last few months the “Straight Talk Express” has devolved into a series of desperate hail marys that have included name-calling, mudslinging and downright lies about Barack Obama. And no amount of channeling Teddy Roosevelt will clean up the mess that McCain has created for himself.
Roosevelt also created the Progressive Party, was known as a “trust buster” and firmly believed in the separation of church and state.
And John McCain must not have realized that Teddy Roosevelt was a serious environmentalist who believed in conservation. He created five National Parks, four Big Game Refuges, fifty-one National bird Reservations and the National Forest Service. Roosevelt advocated for the sustainable use of the nation's natural resources, the protection and management of wild game, and the preservation of wild spaces. McCain, who has received a zero rating from the League of Conservation Voters, has yet to provide any details about how he will preserve our dwindling natural resources or how he will tackle global warming…aside from his running mate’s chant of “drill baby, drill.”
The problem with John McCain comparing himself to Teddy Roosevelt is that McCain’s policies and political views bear no resemblance to that of the former President…and the Republican party of today doesn’t look or sound much like the Republican party of Roosevelt’s era. But then again, McCain in 2008 bears no resemblance to McCain in 2000. In the last few months the “Straight Talk Express” has devolved into a series of desperate hail marys that have included name-calling, mudslinging and downright lies about Barack Obama. And no amount of channeling Teddy Roosevelt will clean up the mess that McCain has created for himself.
GOP Obama Ads
I just saw an ad from the GOP against Barack Obama which they really really need to be called on.
Great Stuff From O Columnist Lisa Kogan
I just thought this was wonderful and wanted to share.
Lisa Kogan Tells All: How You (Yes, You!) Should Live Your Life
By Lisa Kogan
In 1977, my friend Brenda and I went for dinner at a little Chinese restaurant called Empress Garden. She had the lemon chicken, I had the shrimp har kow, and we each had an egg roll because in 1977 you could eat sugar and fat and deep-fried everything without its signifying that the apocalypse is at hand. Our waiter placed the entrèes in front of us and ceremoniously lifted the shiny silver domes. Brenda's chicken was crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside, lemony all over, and I knew in an instant that I'd made a hideous error in judgment—I should've gone with the chicken.
I tell you this story to illustrate my willingness to admit when I've made a mistake. In fact, I've rarely ordered a breakfast, lunch, or dinner I didn't regret; at this very moment I'm wishing I had an iced tea instead of a Diet Coke. But aside from the food thing and one very adorable guy in the early '80s who was all you'd want in a man except for the fact that he was also looking for all you'd want in a man, I am never, ever wrong.
Now I'm not saying I always take my own advice or trust my own instincts. I'm merely suggesting that the world would be a much better place if everyone else were to do exactly what I tell them to do. Arrogant? You bet. Narcissistic? I suppose. But c'mon, admit it, you've had the very same thought kicking around for years. Still, I'm the one with the column—so now without further ado…
Everything I know about the world and how you (yes, you!) should live your life:
1. If you can't get a babysitter, for the love of God, stay home! I don't want to be sitting next to little Charlotte and Duncan as they fight over a Raisinet at the midnight screening of Atonement. You wanted kids, so suck it up, walk it off, subscribe to Netflix.
2. If your outgoing phone message is longer than, let's say, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian of the Year segment of the Oscars, it's time to rerecord.
3. Calling to let your friend know you're running late does not excuse your constantly running late.
4. I'd like to say a few words to every crabby traveler who responds with disgust whenever a baby cries on an airplane. Perhaps you don't know how babies work, but there's been a study, and it turns out that giving a 4-month-old the stink eye doesn't actually accomplish anything. Either have a little compassion or a little Ambien.
5. Here's something for any gentleman who may be reading this: If you look good in a Speedo, you will look even better in virtually any other kind of swimsuit.
6. I am a cynic. I am a pessimist. I came of age with the Watergate hearings playing on the tiny TV in our avocado green kitchen. But every four years I wrestle my apathy into submission, read up on the issues, and cast my ballot. You must vote. I don't care who you vote for (that's not really true—I think you should be penciling in my name), but you've gotta get in the game.
7. One word: Floss.
8. Any man who begins a conversation with, "I don't want to hurt your feelings…" is about to hurt your feelings. It's the kind of phrase that's never followed by, "…but I just don't think you're eating enough. Please have more lasagna while I get you a brownie." Other opening gambits that pretty much scream duck-and-cover include: "Don't take this the wrong way…," "You can feel free to say no…," and the always popular "Look…"
9. Enough with celeb gossip. The problems of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears should not be competing for the headline space in our brains. We have to be smarter than that, and if we're not, we have to pretend that we are.
10. Get so excellent at something (long division, friendship, Parcheesi, removing cranberry juice stains, decoupage—it doesn't matter what) that your genius will be impossible to ignore and your legendary expertise at removing cranberry juice stains while dividing six-digit numbers by 37 will either bring you glory beyond your wildest dreams or, at the very least, help you feel vaguely competent as you make your way through the world.
11. Allow me to demystify the entire real estate market for you: Gracious means ridiculously small. Quaint means a total wreck and ridiculously small. Spacious, airy, luxurious, and grand all mean ridiculously small.
12. I like a plastic bag and a bottle of water as much as the next self-involved me monkey, but it takes 430,000 gallons of oil to manufacture 100 million grocery bags, and if I were capable of doing even the most basic arithmetic I'd say—well, who are we kidding? I'm not capable of doing even the most basic arithmetic—just know that we're in great danger of making Al Gore really, really mad.
13. Words matter. It's time to stop prettifying the ugly stuff. Spousal abuse means wife beating. Global warming means the Earth is toast. Enhanced interrogation means torture. And here's a bit of trivia for you: The Bush administration did not coin the phrase enhanced interrogation. Nor did it come from Jack Bauer on 24. Nope, it was the Gestapo that originated that little bon mot back in 1937.
14. To quote Elmer Fudd, "Be bwave, widdoe wabbit." Take a chance, wear your heart on your sleeve, ask the most attractive man in the room to dance, say what you want, demand what you're entitled to. There's a pretty decent chance that you won't get it, but who will you be if you never even try? Note: Only attempt the dance invitation if there's actual music playing.
15. Sometimes I worry that we've all become workaholics—because getting through life can be really hard work. But (with apologies to the fine people who pay my salary every week here at the fabulous Hearst Corporation) we need to log off, go home, and remember what it is to have dinner, conversation, and sex…not necessarily in that order.
Lisa Kogan Tells All: How You (Yes, You!) Should Live Your Life
By Lisa Kogan
In 1977, my friend Brenda and I went for dinner at a little Chinese restaurant called Empress Garden. She had the lemon chicken, I had the shrimp har kow, and we each had an egg roll because in 1977 you could eat sugar and fat and deep-fried everything without its signifying that the apocalypse is at hand. Our waiter placed the entrèes in front of us and ceremoniously lifted the shiny silver domes. Brenda's chicken was crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside, lemony all over, and I knew in an instant that I'd made a hideous error in judgment—I should've gone with the chicken.
I tell you this story to illustrate my willingness to admit when I've made a mistake. In fact, I've rarely ordered a breakfast, lunch, or dinner I didn't regret; at this very moment I'm wishing I had an iced tea instead of a Diet Coke. But aside from the food thing and one very adorable guy in the early '80s who was all you'd want in a man except for the fact that he was also looking for all you'd want in a man, I am never, ever wrong.
Now I'm not saying I always take my own advice or trust my own instincts. I'm merely suggesting that the world would be a much better place if everyone else were to do exactly what I tell them to do. Arrogant? You bet. Narcissistic? I suppose. But c'mon, admit it, you've had the very same thought kicking around for years. Still, I'm the one with the column—so now without further ado…
Everything I know about the world and how you (yes, you!) should live your life:
1. If you can't get a babysitter, for the love of God, stay home! I don't want to be sitting next to little Charlotte and Duncan as they fight over a Raisinet at the midnight screening of Atonement. You wanted kids, so suck it up, walk it off, subscribe to Netflix.
2. If your outgoing phone message is longer than, let's say, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian of the Year segment of the Oscars, it's time to rerecord.
3. Calling to let your friend know you're running late does not excuse your constantly running late.
4. I'd like to say a few words to every crabby traveler who responds with disgust whenever a baby cries on an airplane. Perhaps you don't know how babies work, but there's been a study, and it turns out that giving a 4-month-old the stink eye doesn't actually accomplish anything. Either have a little compassion or a little Ambien.
5. Here's something for any gentleman who may be reading this: If you look good in a Speedo, you will look even better in virtually any other kind of swimsuit.
6. I am a cynic. I am a pessimist. I came of age with the Watergate hearings playing on the tiny TV in our avocado green kitchen. But every four years I wrestle my apathy into submission, read up on the issues, and cast my ballot. You must vote. I don't care who you vote for (that's not really true—I think you should be penciling in my name), but you've gotta get in the game.
7. One word: Floss.
8. Any man who begins a conversation with, "I don't want to hurt your feelings…" is about to hurt your feelings. It's the kind of phrase that's never followed by, "…but I just don't think you're eating enough. Please have more lasagna while I get you a brownie." Other opening gambits that pretty much scream duck-and-cover include: "Don't take this the wrong way…," "You can feel free to say no…," and the always popular "Look…"
9. Enough with celeb gossip. The problems of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears should not be competing for the headline space in our brains. We have to be smarter than that, and if we're not, we have to pretend that we are.
10. Get so excellent at something (long division, friendship, Parcheesi, removing cranberry juice stains, decoupage—it doesn't matter what) that your genius will be impossible to ignore and your legendary expertise at removing cranberry juice stains while dividing six-digit numbers by 37 will either bring you glory beyond your wildest dreams or, at the very least, help you feel vaguely competent as you make your way through the world.
11. Allow me to demystify the entire real estate market for you: Gracious means ridiculously small. Quaint means a total wreck and ridiculously small. Spacious, airy, luxurious, and grand all mean ridiculously small.
12. I like a plastic bag and a bottle of water as much as the next self-involved me monkey, but it takes 430,000 gallons of oil to manufacture 100 million grocery bags, and if I were capable of doing even the most basic arithmetic I'd say—well, who are we kidding? I'm not capable of doing even the most basic arithmetic—just know that we're in great danger of making Al Gore really, really mad.
13. Words matter. It's time to stop prettifying the ugly stuff. Spousal abuse means wife beating. Global warming means the Earth is toast. Enhanced interrogation means torture. And here's a bit of trivia for you: The Bush administration did not coin the phrase enhanced interrogation. Nor did it come from Jack Bauer on 24. Nope, it was the Gestapo that originated that little bon mot back in 1937.
14. To quote Elmer Fudd, "Be bwave, widdoe wabbit." Take a chance, wear your heart on your sleeve, ask the most attractive man in the room to dance, say what you want, demand what you're entitled to. There's a pretty decent chance that you won't get it, but who will you be if you never even try? Note: Only attempt the dance invitation if there's actual music playing.
15. Sometimes I worry that we've all become workaholics—because getting through life can be really hard work. But (with apologies to the fine people who pay my salary every week here at the fabulous Hearst Corporation) we need to log off, go home, and remember what it is to have dinner, conversation, and sex…not necessarily in that order.
Deregulation in the Last Days of the Bush Administration
From Democracy Now
.
Bush Admin in Frantic Deregulation Rush Before January Exit
The Bush administration is making a final push for deregulation in its remaining months in office. The White House is seeking to do away with government safeguards protecting consumers and the environment. Some of the provisions the White House wants to ease or undo include standards on drinking water, emissions of global warming-causing pollutants, commercial fishing and mountaintop coal removal. The Washington Post says the move amounts to “the most controversial deregulatory steps of the Bush era.”
.
Bush Admin in Frantic Deregulation Rush Before January Exit
The Bush administration is making a final push for deregulation in its remaining months in office. The White House is seeking to do away with government safeguards protecting consumers and the environment. Some of the provisions the White House wants to ease or undo include standards on drinking water, emissions of global warming-causing pollutants, commercial fishing and mountaintop coal removal. The Washington Post says the move amounts to “the most controversial deregulatory steps of the Bush era.”
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Girl Put Your Records On
Three little birds, sat on my window.
And they told me I don't need to worry.
Summer came like cinnamon
So sweet,
Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.
Maybe sometimes, we've got it wrong, but it's alright
The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same
Oh, don't you hesitate.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
Blue as the sky, sunburnt and lonely,
Sipping tea in the bar by the roadside,
(just relax, just relax)
Don't you let those other boys fool you,
Got to love that afro hair do.
Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright
The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change.
Don't you think it's strange?
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
'Twas more than I could take, pity for pity's sake
Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger
When you gonna realise, that you don't even have to try any longer?
Do what you want to.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
And they told me I don't need to worry.
Summer came like cinnamon
So sweet,
Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.
Maybe sometimes, we've got it wrong, but it's alright
The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same
Oh, don't you hesitate.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
Blue as the sky, sunburnt and lonely,
Sipping tea in the bar by the roadside,
(just relax, just relax)
Don't you let those other boys fool you,
Got to love that afro hair do.
Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright
The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change.
Don't you think it's strange?
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
'Twas more than I could take, pity for pity's sake
Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger
When you gonna realise, that you don't even have to try any longer?
Do what you want to.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
Friday, October 31, 2008
You'd Better Love Me
Lena Horne
You'd better love me while you may
Tomorrow I may fly away
I want your gentle touch
Your continental touch
Your elemental touch
You want me too
Oh, I know that you do
You'd better love me while I'm here
I have been known to disappear
So, don't let this miracle melt away
The clock ticks fast above me
If you think fondly of me
You'd better love me while you may
(Musical Break)
I want your gentle touch
Your continental touch
Your elemental touch
You want me too
Oh, I know that you do
You'd better love me while I'm here
I have been known to disappear
So, don't let this miracle melt away
The clock ticks fast above me
If you think fondly of me
You'd better love me while you may
You'd better love me while you may
Tomorrow I may fly away
I want your gentle touch
Your continental touch
Your elemental touch
You want me too
Oh, I know that you do
You'd better love me while I'm here
I have been known to disappear
So, don't let this miracle melt away
The clock ticks fast above me
If you think fondly of me
You'd better love me while you may
(Musical Break)
I want your gentle touch
Your continental touch
Your elemental touch
You want me too
Oh, I know that you do
You'd better love me while I'm here
I have been known to disappear
So, don't let this miracle melt away
The clock ticks fast above me
If you think fondly of me
You'd better love me while you may
Bolivia: From Portside
Bolivia: Unprecedented Alliance Defeats Right-Wing Assault
By Federico Fuentes
The B u l l e t
Socialist Project - E-Bulletin No. 150, October 30, 2008
http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/bullet150.html#continue
LA PAZ: After three months of intense class struggle, there
can be no doubt that the U.S.-backed right-wing opposition to
the government of President Evo Morales has suffered three
important defeats. The right's offensive to topple Morales,
which climaxed with the September 11-12 "civic coup" attempt,
has been decisively rolled back by the combined action of the
government and social movements.
The government secured a historic vote in its favour with
more than 67% endorsing Morales' mandate in a referendum in
August that also revoked the mandate of two opposition
prefects. Another opposition prefect was arrested for his
role in the coup. And now Morales has secured a referendum
for the new draft Constitution to "refound Bolivia" on the
basis of justice for the indigenous majority.
More importantly, a strengthened Morales government now
counts on an unprecedented alliance of indigenous, peasants'
and workers' organizations determined to defend their
government and the Morales-led "democratic and cultural
revolution."
Third wave of struggle
With the turn of the century, Bolivia's social movements --
united behind Bolivia's powerful indigenous peasant movement
-- began to rise up in opposition to neoliberalism and
indigenous oppression, overthrowing two presidents and paving
the way for the victory of the Morales-led Movement Towards
Socialism (MAS) in early general elections in 2005.
On assuming the presidency, Morales moved to nationalize
Bolivia's gas reserves and convoke a constituent assembly to
draft a new Constitution -- the two central demands of the
mass movement.
A concerted campaign led by reactionary forces grouped around
the prefects of the "half moon" -- the eastern departments of
Pando, Beni, Santa Cruz and Tarija -- to wear down government
support in order to pave the way for Morales' downfall,
succeeded in stopping the advance of this process for most of
2007.
Mistakes by the government and a relative demobilization of
the movements also contributed.
With their ability to mobilize an important social base
against the government in the east around defense of
"regional autonomy" and to stall the constituent assembly
around the demand for a two-thirds majority vote on the new
Constitution, these forces spread their support outside of
the half moon to the central departments of Cochabamba, where
violent clashes occurred in January 2007, and then
Chuquisaca.
Racist attacks against indigenous people and the assembly
delegates in Chiquisaca's capital Sucre forced the assembly
to reconvene, first in a military barrack and afterwards in a
different state -- without the opposition -- to approve the
final text.
Bolivia appeared to be approaching the abyss, as regional and
ethnic tensions deeply divided the country.
Victory at the ballot box
Believing that the time was right to move to get rid of
Morales, the right-wing Podemos party (which controls the
Senate) approved a law for recall referendums on Morales and
the prefects.
This was also partly an attempt by Podemos to seize the
initiative within the opposition from the half moon
opposition prefects.
The opposition prefects, now grouped together in the National
Democratic Coalition (CONALDE), initially opposed the
referendums. However, following a series of meetings with
U.S. ambassador Phillip Goldberg, they agreed to accept the
challenge.
A June by-election resulted in an anti-MAS prefect replacing
the MAS predecessor in Chuquisaca, further lifting the
right's hopes.
But the results of the August 10 vote demonstrated a totally
different reality. Morales' mandate was endorsed with an
historic 67.4% of the vote.
Morales also won in Pando, tied in Tarija and got over 40% in
Beni and Santa Cruz, with the opposition's support base
isolated to the main cities, encircled by MAS-aligned rural
areas.
In the majority of rural electorates Morales scored over 90%,
while in poor urban areas like El Alto in the west and Plan
3000 in Santa Cruz his support was above 80%.
Opposition prefects were also recalled in Cochabamba and La
Paz.
Together with social programs that had begun to change the
lives of millions, the deep connection felt with a president
"just like us" that exists among the indigenous and poor
urban sectors helps explain this result.
Continue reading:
http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/bullet150.html#continue
By Federico Fuentes
The B u l l e t
Socialist Project - E-Bulletin No. 150, October 30, 2008
http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/bullet150.html#continue
LA PAZ: After three months of intense class struggle, there
can be no doubt that the U.S.-backed right-wing opposition to
the government of President Evo Morales has suffered three
important defeats. The right's offensive to topple Morales,
which climaxed with the September 11-12 "civic coup" attempt,
has been decisively rolled back by the combined action of the
government and social movements.
The government secured a historic vote in its favour with
more than 67% endorsing Morales' mandate in a referendum in
August that also revoked the mandate of two opposition
prefects. Another opposition prefect was arrested for his
role in the coup. And now Morales has secured a referendum
for the new draft Constitution to "refound Bolivia" on the
basis of justice for the indigenous majority.
More importantly, a strengthened Morales government now
counts on an unprecedented alliance of indigenous, peasants'
and workers' organizations determined to defend their
government and the Morales-led "democratic and cultural
revolution."
Third wave of struggle
With the turn of the century, Bolivia's social movements --
united behind Bolivia's powerful indigenous peasant movement
-- began to rise up in opposition to neoliberalism and
indigenous oppression, overthrowing two presidents and paving
the way for the victory of the Morales-led Movement Towards
Socialism (MAS) in early general elections in 2005.
On assuming the presidency, Morales moved to nationalize
Bolivia's gas reserves and convoke a constituent assembly to
draft a new Constitution -- the two central demands of the
mass movement.
A concerted campaign led by reactionary forces grouped around
the prefects of the "half moon" -- the eastern departments of
Pando, Beni, Santa Cruz and Tarija -- to wear down government
support in order to pave the way for Morales' downfall,
succeeded in stopping the advance of this process for most of
2007.
Mistakes by the government and a relative demobilization of
the movements also contributed.
With their ability to mobilize an important social base
against the government in the east around defense of
"regional autonomy" and to stall the constituent assembly
around the demand for a two-thirds majority vote on the new
Constitution, these forces spread their support outside of
the half moon to the central departments of Cochabamba, where
violent clashes occurred in January 2007, and then
Chuquisaca.
Racist attacks against indigenous people and the assembly
delegates in Chiquisaca's capital Sucre forced the assembly
to reconvene, first in a military barrack and afterwards in a
different state -- without the opposition -- to approve the
final text.
Bolivia appeared to be approaching the abyss, as regional and
ethnic tensions deeply divided the country.
Victory at the ballot box
Believing that the time was right to move to get rid of
Morales, the right-wing Podemos party (which controls the
Senate) approved a law for recall referendums on Morales and
the prefects.
This was also partly an attempt by Podemos to seize the
initiative within the opposition from the half moon
opposition prefects.
The opposition prefects, now grouped together in the National
Democratic Coalition (CONALDE), initially opposed the
referendums. However, following a series of meetings with
U.S. ambassador Phillip Goldberg, they agreed to accept the
challenge.
A June by-election resulted in an anti-MAS prefect replacing
the MAS predecessor in Chuquisaca, further lifting the
right's hopes.
But the results of the August 10 vote demonstrated a totally
different reality. Morales' mandate was endorsed with an
historic 67.4% of the vote.
Morales also won in Pando, tied in Tarija and got over 40% in
Beni and Santa Cruz, with the opposition's support base
isolated to the main cities, encircled by MAS-aligned rural
areas.
In the majority of rural electorates Morales scored over 90%,
while in poor urban areas like El Alto in the west and Plan
3000 in Santa Cruz his support was above 80%.
Opposition prefects were also recalled in Cochabamba and La
Paz.
Together with social programs that had begun to change the
lives of millions, the deep connection felt with a president
"just like us" that exists among the indigenous and poor
urban sectors helps explain this result.
Continue reading:
http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/bullet150.html#continue
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A Biblical Story(That Pisses My Grandmother to High Holy Hell)
Jesus was the son of a teenage unwed mother. She and her husband Joseph proceeded to have other children. Among their children were two daughters, both named Josephine: the Empress Josephine and Josephine Baker. France had two Josephines, the Empress Josephine and Josephine Baker, both of them fabulous women of color. Both are Goddesses.
Barack Obama's Television Special
Barack Obama's television special last night was equivalent to Barbra Streisand's television specials.....it was definitely a winner.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Interview With Rosa Clemente, Vice Presidential Candidate for the Green Party
In this history-making election season, there is definitely a lot to serve as inspiration. Not only the prospect of change after eight years of George W. Bush in the White House, but it is also quite exciting and encouraging that in 2008, forty years after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr, we have two women of color vying for the presidency on a major party ticket-a ticket that just eight years ago played a vital role in the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Never before in history have there been a Black man and a Black woman as serious contenders for the presidency of the United States. Never before have two women of color occupied a major party ticket as presidential and vice presidential candidates. Former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and her running mate, Hip-Hop activist, Rosa Clemente are pioneers in their presidential bid. Ms. McKinney, having served twelve years as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Georgia, has one of the most progressive records in Congress. An opponent to the war in Iraq from the start, she was also one of the few members of Congress to call for an investigation of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. She was also one of the first members of Congress to call for the impeachment of George W. Bush.
Ms. McKinney's running mate, Rosa Clemente,is a community organizer and Hip-Hop activist. She is also one of the cofounders of the National Hip-Hop Political Convention. Inaugurated in 2004, the National Hip-Hop Political Convention has helped to bring the Hip-Hop generation into political movement, building progressive grassroots coalitions among American youth around issues of social justice. In the spirit of solidarity, and in an effort to understand the issues behind this historic run, I sought an interview with the Green Party Vice Presidential candidate. After securing a phone interview with Ms. Clemente, this is what transpired.
1. It is quite an exciting time—we have two African-Americans running for the office of the president at the same time-a Black man and a Black woman. We have three women running on important party tickets. What were your reasons for accepting the Green Party nomination for vice president?
I have been a member of the Green Party since 2000. I voted for Ralph Nader and David Cobb in their bids for the presidency. I have also been an organizer for fifteen years. In 2004, I was one of the founders of the National Hip-Hop political Convention, the aims of which was to bring about grassroots organizing around public policy issues and holding elected officials responsible to the people. I have been one of the few women who have been able to bring the Green Party platform into grassroots movement. I was very honored when I was asked to be Cynthia McKinney’s running mate.
2. Considering the historic precedents established in this election season- two serious female candidates for the highest elected office in the land as well as two people of African descent, and two female vice presidential candidates- what would you say is the debt that you, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Barack Obama owe to the legacy of Shirley Chisolm and her 1972 bid for the presidency?
She’s the only reason any of us are running for the presidency. I am from Shirley Chisholm’s district in New York and I know her legacy. It is shameful that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have not done more to pay homage to that legacy. If it weren’t for her, none of us would be here. Cynthia McKinney mirrors Shirley Chisolm. Mrs. Chisholm was hated during her time. At first she was hated and now she is seen as a historic figure. Cynthia McKinney and I have always invoked the name of Shirley Chisholm in our campaign. We owe a lot not only to her legacy, but also to the movements of the 1960s and 70s— the Black and Brown Power movements, the anti-war movement, and the women’s movement.
3. What are some of the most pressing issues that you will champion in your campaign?
We are calling for an end to the war. Pulling occupying troops out of other countries is a major priority. We are also calling for a guaranteed living wage, free higher education, an end to the death penalty, and an establishment of a Department of Peace. We want to put an end to NAFTA, CAFTA, and the Bush taxcuts. In terms of immigration, we are calling for nothing short of amnesty for all immigrants. Human Rights are a very big part of our agenda. We believe that people have, as basic human rights, a right to affordable housing, food, healthcare, and work. We spend $10 billion a month in Iraq. That money could fund healthcare for all Americans, free education, and building the public infrastructure. The environment is also one of our major priorities. We are definitely interested in building around the movements championed by people like Marjorie Harris Carr and Van Jones.
4. What are your thoughts on the 700 billion dollar bailout that has been passed by congress and signed into law?
Congress just basically spent $750 billion—soon it will be $2 trillion to bail out Wall Street and none of it will go to average Americans in terms of cash or something that will help them stay in their homes or put food on the table. It has nothing to do with bailing out people.
5. In light of the arrests of hundreds of journalists at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul and other recent incidents, how far do you think the United States has moved in the direction of becoming a police state?
Yes, we have become a police state. I was there when Amy Goodman got arrested. I was involved in a separate incident in which officers used tear gas and chemical agents against us. For people of color, of course, we have always lived in a police state. Children of color learn by the time they are five years old to fear the police. So, we people of color have historically lived in a police state in this country. The police in this country are becoming more militarized though. In Minneapolis we had not just the police, but the Secret Service, the National Guard and the CIA. This country is becoming more militarized as well. It was reported in the Army Times that the army has deployed internal troops within U.S. borders to prepare for possible domestic disturbances before or after the election. With the government spending $50 and $80 million dollars on security at the Democratic and Republican conventions, it is clear that we live in a police state.
6. In terms of domestic policy and civil liberties, would you agree that the Patriot Act is virtually a legalization of COINTELPRO?
Absolutely. I worked with the ACLU and got a chance to review a lot of material concerning the Patriot Act and COINTELPRO. In the sense that we now have open spying and infiltration of organizations, it is definitely a legalization of COINTELPRO and very much a change from the 1970s. In the 70s, we fought back. Now, it is accepted. Another major difference between now and the 1960s and 70s is that they haven’t used such tactics as assassinations as they did against the Black Panther Party and other progressive groups.
7. As vice president, what policies would you help implement towards the island of Puerto Rico?
As Vice President, I would absolutely champion Puerto Rico’s right to self determination. I believe in independence for the island. Under the U.N. Charter, colonization is illegal and Puerto Rico remains a colony of the U.S. There has been massive FBI infiltration of the independence movement in Puerto Rico and some of the leaders have been assassinated. Puerto Rico deserves to be decolonized.
Thanks Ms. Clemente, it was a pleasure speaking to you.
Ms. McKinney's running mate, Rosa Clemente,is a community organizer and Hip-Hop activist. She is also one of the cofounders of the National Hip-Hop Political Convention. Inaugurated in 2004, the National Hip-Hop Political Convention has helped to bring the Hip-Hop generation into political movement, building progressive grassroots coalitions among American youth around issues of social justice. In the spirit of solidarity, and in an effort to understand the issues behind this historic run, I sought an interview with the Green Party Vice Presidential candidate. After securing a phone interview with Ms. Clemente, this is what transpired.
1. It is quite an exciting time—we have two African-Americans running for the office of the president at the same time-a Black man and a Black woman. We have three women running on important party tickets. What were your reasons for accepting the Green Party nomination for vice president?
I have been a member of the Green Party since 2000. I voted for Ralph Nader and David Cobb in their bids for the presidency. I have also been an organizer for fifteen years. In 2004, I was one of the founders of the National Hip-Hop political Convention, the aims of which was to bring about grassroots organizing around public policy issues and holding elected officials responsible to the people. I have been one of the few women who have been able to bring the Green Party platform into grassroots movement. I was very honored when I was asked to be Cynthia McKinney’s running mate.
2. Considering the historic precedents established in this election season- two serious female candidates for the highest elected office in the land as well as two people of African descent, and two female vice presidential candidates- what would you say is the debt that you, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Barack Obama owe to the legacy of Shirley Chisolm and her 1972 bid for the presidency?
She’s the only reason any of us are running for the presidency. I am from Shirley Chisholm’s district in New York and I know her legacy. It is shameful that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have not done more to pay homage to that legacy. If it weren’t for her, none of us would be here. Cynthia McKinney mirrors Shirley Chisolm. Mrs. Chisholm was hated during her time. At first she was hated and now she is seen as a historic figure. Cynthia McKinney and I have always invoked the name of Shirley Chisholm in our campaign. We owe a lot not only to her legacy, but also to the movements of the 1960s and 70s— the Black and Brown Power movements, the anti-war movement, and the women’s movement.
3. What are some of the most pressing issues that you will champion in your campaign?
We are calling for an end to the war. Pulling occupying troops out of other countries is a major priority. We are also calling for a guaranteed living wage, free higher education, an end to the death penalty, and an establishment of a Department of Peace. We want to put an end to NAFTA, CAFTA, and the Bush taxcuts. In terms of immigration, we are calling for nothing short of amnesty for all immigrants. Human Rights are a very big part of our agenda. We believe that people have, as basic human rights, a right to affordable housing, food, healthcare, and work. We spend $10 billion a month in Iraq. That money could fund healthcare for all Americans, free education, and building the public infrastructure. The environment is also one of our major priorities. We are definitely interested in building around the movements championed by people like Marjorie Harris Carr and Van Jones.
4. What are your thoughts on the 700 billion dollar bailout that has been passed by congress and signed into law?
Congress just basically spent $750 billion—soon it will be $2 trillion to bail out Wall Street and none of it will go to average Americans in terms of cash or something that will help them stay in their homes or put food on the table. It has nothing to do with bailing out people.
5. In light of the arrests of hundreds of journalists at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul and other recent incidents, how far do you think the United States has moved in the direction of becoming a police state?
Yes, we have become a police state. I was there when Amy Goodman got arrested. I was involved in a separate incident in which officers used tear gas and chemical agents against us. For people of color, of course, we have always lived in a police state. Children of color learn by the time they are five years old to fear the police. So, we people of color have historically lived in a police state in this country. The police in this country are becoming more militarized though. In Minneapolis we had not just the police, but the Secret Service, the National Guard and the CIA. This country is becoming more militarized as well. It was reported in the Army Times that the army has deployed internal troops within U.S. borders to prepare for possible domestic disturbances before or after the election. With the government spending $50 and $80 million dollars on security at the Democratic and Republican conventions, it is clear that we live in a police state.
6. In terms of domestic policy and civil liberties, would you agree that the Patriot Act is virtually a legalization of COINTELPRO?
Absolutely. I worked with the ACLU and got a chance to review a lot of material concerning the Patriot Act and COINTELPRO. In the sense that we now have open spying and infiltration of organizations, it is definitely a legalization of COINTELPRO and very much a change from the 1970s. In the 70s, we fought back. Now, it is accepted. Another major difference between now and the 1960s and 70s is that they haven’t used such tactics as assassinations as they did against the Black Panther Party and other progressive groups.
7. As vice president, what policies would you help implement towards the island of Puerto Rico?
As Vice President, I would absolutely champion Puerto Rico’s right to self determination. I believe in independence for the island. Under the U.N. Charter, colonization is illegal and Puerto Rico remains a colony of the U.S. There has been massive FBI infiltration of the independence movement in Puerto Rico and some of the leaders have been assassinated. Puerto Rico deserves to be decolonized.
Thanks Ms. Clemente, it was a pleasure speaking to you.
Something to Keep
“Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead. It is a loop--an obsessive, debilitating closed system that causes you to get stuck in the details of what you are writing or painting or making and to lose sight of the whole. Instead of creating freely and allowing errors to reveal themselves later as insights, we often get mired in getting the details right. We correct our originality into a uniformity that lacks passion and spontaneity.”
Forgiving yourself means concentrating on the insights gained from mistakes, and to let go of the rest. Um. Good luck with that.
Forgiving yourself means concentrating on the insights gained from mistakes, and to let go of the rest. Um. Good luck with that.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
From Barbra
Protect Your Vote
Since voter fraud and voter suppression is still very much an issue in the upcoming election, I wanted to post a section on some of the best articles written by experts on this complex issue and provide information on who to contact if you experience voting problems. It’s so important that Americans are aware and educated so they can insure that their votes are properly counted.
VIDEO: “Protecting Your Vote” Mark Crispin Miller on Bill Moyers
http://www.pbs.org/
Transcript of Mark Crispin’s interview with Bill Moyers.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers
Thousands Face Mix-Ups In Voter Registrations In New Databases, Many
Are Wrongly Flagged as Ineligible
http://www.washingtonpost.com
Block the Vote - Will the GOP's campaign to deter new voters and
discard Democratic ballots determine the next president?
http://www.rollingstone.com/
USA Today cited "accusations of voter fraud and voter suppression" but
omitted examples of voter suppression
http://mediamatters.org/
States' Attempts to Clean up Voting Lists Result in Unlawful Voter
Purging and Suppression
http://www.civilrights.org/
Treasure Coast officials calling residents on 'no match, no vote' list
http://www.tcpalm.com/
Judge Rules Michigan Voter Purging Program Illegal
http://www.ombwatch.org/
Ohio GOP loses fight to contest new voters, The Supreme Court on
Friday threw out a lawsuit brought by the Ohio Republican Party that
could have made it easier to challenge tens of...
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
The Real Issue Isn't Voter Fraud, Its Vote Suppression (Joe
Rothstein's Commentary)
http://uspolitics.einnews.com/
Here are some articles on voting machine glitches and the wise move away from electronic-ballot voting systems that are discernibly switching votes in West Virginia in early voting
Did Washington waste millions on faulty voting machines?
http://www.bnd.com/
Some early W.Va. voters angry over switched votes
Jackson County touch-screens switched votes, 3 residents say
http://wvgazette.com/
While flagging illegal practices, don't overlook machine error
http://www.pennlive.com/
Day before early voting, glitch found with machines
http://www.dailymail.com
Vote Count Error Caught in New Mexico Machines
By Kim Zetter EmailOctober 07, 2008
http://blog.wired.com/
Officials find, fix glitch in New Mexico voting machine
http://www.rep-am.com
Places to Report Any Voting Problems You Experience
Unfortunately most states do *not* yet require that local election
officials record or make public voting problems that occur and could
be used to evaluate and improve election systems
YouTube Asks Voters to Record Poll Problems
http://newteevee.com
Problems Voting in the General Election? Report Your Issue Here
http://popmartian.com
1-866-OUR-VOTE; 1-866-MY-VOTE1
GoVote.org Launches: Next Generation in Voter Support
http://www.marketwatch.com/
Since voter fraud and voter suppression is still very much an issue in the upcoming election, I wanted to post a section on some of the best articles written by experts on this complex issue and provide information on who to contact if you experience voting problems. It’s so important that Americans are aware and educated so they can insure that their votes are properly counted.
VIDEO: “Protecting Your Vote” Mark Crispin Miller on Bill Moyers
http://www.pbs.org/
Transcript of Mark Crispin’s interview with Bill Moyers.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers
Thousands Face Mix-Ups In Voter Registrations In New Databases, Many
Are Wrongly Flagged as Ineligible
http://www.washingtonpost.com
Block the Vote - Will the GOP's campaign to deter new voters and
discard Democratic ballots determine the next president?
http://www.rollingstone.com/
USA Today cited "accusations of voter fraud and voter suppression" but
omitted examples of voter suppression
http://mediamatters.org/
States' Attempts to Clean up Voting Lists Result in Unlawful Voter
Purging and Suppression
http://www.civilrights.org/
Treasure Coast officials calling residents on 'no match, no vote' list
http://www.tcpalm.com/
Judge Rules Michigan Voter Purging Program Illegal
http://www.ombwatch.org/
Ohio GOP loses fight to contest new voters, The Supreme Court on
Friday threw out a lawsuit brought by the Ohio Republican Party that
could have made it easier to challenge tens of...
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
The Real Issue Isn't Voter Fraud, Its Vote Suppression (Joe
Rothstein's Commentary)
http://uspolitics.einnews.com/
Here are some articles on voting machine glitches and the wise move away from electronic-ballot voting systems that are discernibly switching votes in West Virginia in early voting
Did Washington waste millions on faulty voting machines?
http://www.bnd.com/
Some early W.Va. voters angry over switched votes
Jackson County touch-screens switched votes, 3 residents say
http://wvgazette.com/
While flagging illegal practices, don't overlook machine error
http://www.pennlive.com/
Day before early voting, glitch found with machines
http://www.dailymail.com
Vote Count Error Caught in New Mexico Machines
By Kim Zetter EmailOctober 07, 2008
http://blog.wired.com/
Officials find, fix glitch in New Mexico voting machine
http://www.rep-am.com
Places to Report Any Voting Problems You Experience
Unfortunately most states do *not* yet require that local election
officials record or make public voting problems that occur and could
be used to evaluate and improve election systems
YouTube Asks Voters to Record Poll Problems
http://newteevee.com
Problems Voting in the General Election? Report Your Issue Here
http://popmartian.com
1-866-OUR-VOTE; 1-866-MY-VOTE1
GoVote.org Launches: Next Generation in Voter Support
http://www.marketwatch.com/
This From Barbra
Americans can’t take anything for granted on Tues November 4th. In the 2000 and 2004 elections, voter fraud, voter suppression and voter intimidation were rampant, especially in the critical swing states Florida and Ohio. This year, we are likely to break voter turnout records. Hundreds of thousands of voters have lined up to vote early around the country, and we have already heard numerous accounts of electronic voting machine glitches, registration and ballot issues and long lines. The information posted below is from Michael Scherer’s Time Magazine cover story ”7 things that can go wrong on Election Day” explaining what voters can do to insure that their voices are heard and their votes are counted.
On Nov. 4, the overwhelming majority of Americans will cast ballots without a hitch. But for some, troubles will occur. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your vote counts:
* Before going to the polls, check to make sure your registration is in proper order by contacting your local registrar or going to canivote.org. (There is still time to fix problems.)
* Polling places can change. Make certain you know your proper polling location and the ID requirements for your state, especially if you are a first-time voter.
* Once at the polls, don’t take no for an answer. You should not leave a polling place without casting some sort of ballot.
* If you encounter problems, request an emergency paper ballot or, as a last resort, a provisional ballot. (Provisional ballots should be avoided whenever possible because they are less likely to be counted. If you must cast a provisional ballot, ask polling officials what steps you can take to ensure your vote is counted.)
* If you still have questions about polling-place locations or ID requirements, or if you encounter any problems at the polls, call Election Protection (866-OUR-VOTE), the nation’s largest coalition of poll watchers and lawyers. The nonpartisan call center will be staffed through Election Day.
Here is the link to the whole article, which is also posted in the “Articles of Interest” section:
"7 Things That Could Go Wrong on Election Day" by Michael Scherer, TIME Magazine
Send to a friend
On Nov. 4, the overwhelming majority of Americans will cast ballots without a hitch. But for some, troubles will occur. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your vote counts:
* Before going to the polls, check to make sure your registration is in proper order by contacting your local registrar or going to canivote.org. (There is still time to fix problems.)
* Polling places can change. Make certain you know your proper polling location and the ID requirements for your state, especially if you are a first-time voter.
* Once at the polls, don’t take no for an answer. You should not leave a polling place without casting some sort of ballot.
* If you encounter problems, request an emergency paper ballot or, as a last resort, a provisional ballot. (Provisional ballots should be avoided whenever possible because they are less likely to be counted. If you must cast a provisional ballot, ask polling officials what steps you can take to ensure your vote is counted.)
* If you still have questions about polling-place locations or ID requirements, or if you encounter any problems at the polls, call Election Protection (866-OUR-VOTE), the nation’s largest coalition of poll watchers and lawyers. The nonpartisan call center will be staffed through Election Day.
Here is the link to the whole article, which is also posted in the “Articles of Interest” section:
"7 Things That Could Go Wrong on Election Day" by Michael Scherer, TIME Magazine
Send to a friend
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Pretty Women/ Ladies Who Lunch
Barbra
Pretty women
Fascinating
Sippin coffee
Dancing, pretty women
Pretty women
Are a wonder, pretty women
Sitting in the window or
Standing on the stair
Something in them cheers the air
Pretty women
Silhouetted
Stay within you
Glancing stay forever
Breathing lightly, pretty women,
Pretty women
Blowing out their candles or
Combing out their hair
Even when they leave
They still are there
They're there
Sipping coffee
Here's to the ladies who lunch
Everybody Laugh
Lounging in their caftans and
Planning a brunch
On their own behalf
Off to the gym
Then to a fitting,
Claiming they're fat
And looking grim,
Cause they've been sitting
Choosing a hat
I'll drink to that!
Here's to the girls who just watch
Aren't they the best
When they get depressed,
It's a bottle of scotch
Plus a little jest!
Another chance to disapprove
Another brilliant zinger
Another reason not to move
Another vodka stinger
I'll drink to that!
Here's to the girls who play wife
Aren't they too much!
Keeping house but clutching a copy of "Life"
Just to keep in touch
The ones who follow the rules
And meet themselves at the schools
Too busy to know that they're fools
Aren't they a gem!
I'll drink to them!
Let's all drink to...
Pretty women, fascinating
How they make a man sing...
**Here's to the girls on the go,
Everybody tries
Look into their eyes
And you'll see what they know,
Everybody dies
A toast to that invincible bunch
The dinosaurs surviving the crunch
Let's hear it for the ladies who lunch
Everybody rise
Everybody rise,
Pretty women at their mirrors
In their gardens
On committees, telephoning
Window shopping table hopping
Pretty women giving parties
Never stopping
Gossip swapping, capsule popping
Everybody rise, everybody rise,
Everybody rise, everybody rise-
Rise-rise-rise...
Pretty women rise!
Pretty women
Fascinating
Sippin coffee
Dancing, pretty women
Pretty women
Are a wonder, pretty women
Sitting in the window or
Standing on the stair
Something in them cheers the air
Pretty women
Silhouetted
Stay within you
Glancing stay forever
Breathing lightly, pretty women,
Pretty women
Blowing out their candles or
Combing out their hair
Even when they leave
They still are there
They're there
Sipping coffee
Here's to the ladies who lunch
Everybody Laugh
Lounging in their caftans and
Planning a brunch
On their own behalf
Off to the gym
Then to a fitting,
Claiming they're fat
And looking grim,
Cause they've been sitting
Choosing a hat
I'll drink to that!
Here's to the girls who just watch
Aren't they the best
When they get depressed,
It's a bottle of scotch
Plus a little jest!
Another chance to disapprove
Another brilliant zinger
Another reason not to move
Another vodka stinger
I'll drink to that!
Here's to the girls who play wife
Aren't they too much!
Keeping house but clutching a copy of "Life"
Just to keep in touch
The ones who follow the rules
And meet themselves at the schools
Too busy to know that they're fools
Aren't they a gem!
I'll drink to them!
Let's all drink to...
Pretty women, fascinating
How they make a man sing...
**Here's to the girls on the go,
Everybody tries
Look into their eyes
And you'll see what they know,
Everybody dies
A toast to that invincible bunch
The dinosaurs surviving the crunch
Let's hear it for the ladies who lunch
Everybody rise
Everybody rise,
Pretty women at their mirrors
In their gardens
On committees, telephoning
Window shopping table hopping
Pretty women giving parties
Never stopping
Gossip swapping, capsule popping
Everybody rise, everybody rise,
Everybody rise, everybody rise-
Rise-rise-rise...
Pretty women rise!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Pretenders
Dont get me wrong
If Im looking kind of dazzled
I see neon lights
Whenever you walk by
Dont get me wrong
If you say hello and I take a ride
Upon a sea where the mystic moon
Is playing havoc with the tide
Dont get me wrong
Dont get me wrong
If Im acting so distracted
Im thinking about the fireworks
That go off when you smile
Dont get me wrong
If I split like light refracted
Im only off to wander
Across a moonlit mile
Once in awhile
Two people meet
Seemingly for no reason
They just pass on the street
Suddenly thunder, showers everywhere
Who can explain the thunder and rain
But theres something in the air
Dont get me wrong
If I come and go like fashion
I might be great tomorrow
But hopeless yesterday
Dont get me wrong
If I fall in the mode of passion
It might be unbelievable
But lets not say so long
It might just be fantastic
Dont get me wrong
If Im looking kind of dazzled
I see neon lights
Whenever you walk by
Dont get me wrong
If you say hello and I take a ride
Upon a sea where the mystic moon
Is playing havoc with the tide
Dont get me wrong
Dont get me wrong
If Im acting so distracted
Im thinking about the fireworks
That go off when you smile
Dont get me wrong
If I split like light refracted
Im only off to wander
Across a moonlit mile
Once in awhile
Two people meet
Seemingly for no reason
They just pass on the street
Suddenly thunder, showers everywhere
Who can explain the thunder and rain
But theres something in the air
Dont get me wrong
If I come and go like fashion
I might be great tomorrow
But hopeless yesterday
Dont get me wrong
If I fall in the mode of passion
It might be unbelievable
But lets not say so long
It might just be fantastic
Dont get me wrong
Monday, October 20, 2008
Coming Home
John Legend
A father waits upon a son
A mother prays for his return
I just called to see
If you still have a place for me
We know that like took us apart
But you're still within my heart
I go to sleep and feel your spirit next to me
I'll make it home again
I pray you'll fall in love again
Just say you'll entertain the possibility
I learned enough from my mistakes
Learned from all I didn't say
Won't you wait for me
It may be long to get me there
It feels like I've been everywhere
But someday I'll be coming home
Round and round the world will spin
Oh, the circle never ends
So you know that I'll be coming home
We fight to stay alive
But somebody's got to die
It's so strange to me
A new year, a new enemy
Another soldier gone to war
Another story told before
Now it's told again
It seems the wars will never end
But we'll make it home again
Back where we belong again
We're holding on to when
We used to dare to dream
We pray we live to see
Another day in history
Yes we still believe
It may be long to get me there
It feels like I've been everywhere
But someday I'll be coming home
Round and round the world will spin
Oh, the circle never ends
So you know that I'll be coming home
I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming?
You know that I'll be coming home
It may be long to get me there
It feels like I've been everywhere
But someday I'll be coming home
Round and round the world will spin
Oh, the circle never ends
So you know that I'll be coming home
A father waits upon a son
A mother prays for his return
I just called to see
If you still have a place for me
We know that like took us apart
But you're still within my heart
I go to sleep and feel your spirit next to me
I'll make it home again
I pray you'll fall in love again
Just say you'll entertain the possibility
I learned enough from my mistakes
Learned from all I didn't say
Won't you wait for me
It may be long to get me there
It feels like I've been everywhere
But someday I'll be coming home
Round and round the world will spin
Oh, the circle never ends
So you know that I'll be coming home
We fight to stay alive
But somebody's got to die
It's so strange to me
A new year, a new enemy
Another soldier gone to war
Another story told before
Now it's told again
It seems the wars will never end
But we'll make it home again
Back where we belong again
We're holding on to when
We used to dare to dream
We pray we live to see
Another day in history
Yes we still believe
It may be long to get me there
It feels like I've been everywhere
But someday I'll be coming home
Round and round the world will spin
Oh, the circle never ends
So you know that I'll be coming home
I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming?
You know that I'll be coming home
It may be long to get me there
It feels like I've been everywhere
But someday I'll be coming home
Round and round the world will spin
Oh, the circle never ends
So you know that I'll be coming home
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A Great Wiki Entry on Ann Dunham
I just read the wiki article on Ann Dunham-Barack Obama's mother. What a fabulous writeup and a great lady.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Republican Efforts to Supress Voting
Watch these people like hawks and make sure they honor your right to vote!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Troy Anthony Davis
TROY DAVIS ACTIONS PLZ READ AND REPOST URGENT
Body: see the following actions. Wea re asking all organizations to do whatever they can and make contacts with whomever they can to bring more attention to the injustice of Troy Davis and the courts refusal to do anything in this case.
The gloves are off people , we are asking any and all organizations to do whatever they can, demonstrations, rallies, marches, sit-ins, all out media blitz, we need to condemn the US Supreme Court and the Georgia Supreme Court, we are want to go back to faxes letters to the US Attorney's office to investigate the prosecutor in Chatham County.
The ask Investigate prosecutorial misconduct of Spencer Lawton in Chatham County in the Troy Davis death penalty case. Spencer Lawton's record is riddled with prosecutorial misconduct and 4 exonerations, 2 death penalty exonerations. To open the case of Troy Davis.
1.
The United States Attorney's Office
DAVID E.
NAHMIAS US Attorney General
Richard B.
Russell Federal Building
75 Spring Street, S.W.
Suite 600
Atlanta, GA 30303-3309
Tel: 404.581.
6000
Fax: 404.581.
6181
2. The ask of the White House Presidential Pardon and ask they look into the case, demand the Parole Board Reconsider Clemency. We understand this is a state case but a federal law is what has hindered the new evidence from being heard. Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act signed into law by Bill Clinton in 1996.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone Numbers
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
TTY/TDD
Comments: 202-456-6213
Visitors Office: 202-456-2121
E-Mail
Please send your comments to comments@whitehouse.gov. Due to the large volume of e-mail received, the White House cannot respond to every message. For further up-to-date information on Presidential initiatives, current events, and topics of interest to you, please continue to use the White House website.
Note: Please submit messages in text format only. This inbox is unable to receive e-mails that contain graphics or attachments. After it arrives, you will receive an e-mail confirmation indicating successful delivery.
Vice President Richard Cheney: vice_president@whitehouse.gov
The ask of the White House Presidential Pardon and ask they look into the case, suggest Clemency to Parole Board.
3. Fax Directly to the Georgia Parole Board Demand reconsideration based on 6 eyewitnesses and 2 additional witnesses.The Parole board is made of police and prosecutors, this case is about police and prosecutors.
4. Send op-eds to : Mrs. Cynthia Tucker at the Atlanta Journal Constitution is currently soliciting letters from the public about Troy. She can be reached at: cynthia@ajc.com
5. Ask the Ga.
Attorney General to ask the Parole Board to reconsider
Thurbert E.
Baker
Attorney General of Georgia
Phone: 404-656-3300
FAX: 404-657-8733
Thurber Baker Office of the Attorney General 40 Capitol Square, SW Atlanta, Ga 30334 Phone: (404) 656-3300 Fax: (404) 657-8733 tbaker@law.ga.gov
Martina
See below Amnesty Actions
An execution warrant has now been issued for Troy Davis - commencing on October 27. The exact date of his execution will be set shortly, but will likely the 27th (the warrant lasts for one week, and the date is generally set for the first day of the warrant period).
For those who didn't receive it, please see below for the email that went out to thousands of on-line activists yesterday regarding the recent updates on the Troy Davis case. Feel free to forward to your networks. There are currently 4 actions that people can take - 3 you see in the email below, plus a Global Day of Action on October 23rd.
Write the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles and ask them to reconsider their decision and grant clemency (the on-line action is still up on the website).
Help spread the word on Troy's case by forwarding this information to friends, family and fellow activists, as well as by text messaging TROY to 90999.
Write a letter to the editor. A one page guide is attached, as well as linked to in the email below.
Participate in the Global Day of Action for Troy Davis on October 23. There will be a large rally at the state capitol in Atlanta, GA on this day, and we are encouraging supporters around the world to hold rallies, vigils or actions on this day in solidarity. A one page guide is attached, and more information will be up on the website shortly. Some groups are already planning events for days other than the 23rd, and that is just fine. Whatever people can do, whenever they can do it, is greatly encouraged.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to keep me informed of anything being planed: jcohn@aiusa.org.
As I said, all of this information will soon be completely up to date on the website www. amnestyusa. org/troydavis.
*************************
Jessie Cohn
Death Penalty Abolition Campaign
Amnesty International USA
(202) 544-0200 ext.
244
Abolish it!
Body: see the following actions. Wea re asking all organizations to do whatever they can and make contacts with whomever they can to bring more attention to the injustice of Troy Davis and the courts refusal to do anything in this case.
The gloves are off people , we are asking any and all organizations to do whatever they can, demonstrations, rallies, marches, sit-ins, all out media blitz, we need to condemn the US Supreme Court and the Georgia Supreme Court, we are want to go back to faxes letters to the US Attorney's office to investigate the prosecutor in Chatham County.
The ask Investigate prosecutorial misconduct of Spencer Lawton in Chatham County in the Troy Davis death penalty case. Spencer Lawton's record is riddled with prosecutorial misconduct and 4 exonerations, 2 death penalty exonerations. To open the case of Troy Davis.
1.
The United States Attorney's Office
DAVID E.
NAHMIAS US Attorney General
Richard B.
Russell Federal Building
75 Spring Street, S.W.
Suite 600
Atlanta, GA 30303-3309
Tel: 404.581.
6000
Fax: 404.581.
6181
2. The ask of the White House Presidential Pardon and ask they look into the case, demand the Parole Board Reconsider Clemency. We understand this is a state case but a federal law is what has hindered the new evidence from being heard. Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act signed into law by Bill Clinton in 1996.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone Numbers
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
TTY/TDD
Comments: 202-456-6213
Visitors Office: 202-456-2121
Please send your comments to comments@whitehouse.gov. Due to the large volume of e-mail received, the White House cannot respond to every message. For further up-to-date information on Presidential initiatives, current events, and topics of interest to you, please continue to use the White House website.
Note: Please submit messages in text format only. This inbox is unable to receive e-mails that contain graphics or attachments. After it arrives, you will receive an e-mail confirmation indicating successful delivery.
Vice President Richard Cheney: vice_president@whitehouse.gov
The ask of the White House Presidential Pardon and ask they look into the case, suggest Clemency to Parole Board.
3. Fax Directly to the Georgia Parole Board Demand reconsideration based on 6 eyewitnesses and 2 additional witnesses.The Parole board is made of police and prosecutors, this case is about police and prosecutors.
4. Send op-eds to : Mrs. Cynthia Tucker at the Atlanta Journal Constitution is currently soliciting letters from the public about Troy. She can be reached at: cynthia@ajc.com
5. Ask the Ga.
Attorney General to ask the Parole Board to reconsider
Thurbert E.
Baker
Attorney General of Georgia
Phone: 404-656-3300
FAX: 404-657-8733
Thurber Baker Office of the Attorney General 40 Capitol Square, SW Atlanta, Ga 30334 Phone: (404) 656-3300 Fax: (404) 657-8733 tbaker@law.ga.gov
Martina
See below Amnesty Actions
An execution warrant has now been issued for Troy Davis - commencing on October 27. The exact date of his execution will be set shortly, but will likely the 27th (the warrant lasts for one week, and the date is generally set for the first day of the warrant period).
For those who didn't receive it, please see below for the email that went out to thousands of on-line activists yesterday regarding the recent updates on the Troy Davis case. Feel free to forward to your networks. There are currently 4 actions that people can take - 3 you see in the email below, plus a Global Day of Action on October 23rd.
Write the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles and ask them to reconsider their decision and grant clemency (the on-line action is still up on the website).
Help spread the word on Troy's case by forwarding this information to friends, family and fellow activists, as well as by text messaging TROY to 90999.
Write a letter to the editor. A one page guide is attached, as well as linked to in the email below.
Participate in the Global Day of Action for Troy Davis on October 23. There will be a large rally at the state capitol in Atlanta, GA on this day, and we are encouraging supporters around the world to hold rallies, vigils or actions on this day in solidarity. A one page guide is attached, and more information will be up on the website shortly. Some groups are already planning events for days other than the 23rd, and that is just fine. Whatever people can do, whenever they can do it, is greatly encouraged.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to keep me informed of anything being planed: jcohn@aiusa.org.
As I said, all of this information will soon be completely up to date on the website www. amnestyusa. org/troydavis.
*************************
Jessie Cohn
Death Penalty Abolition Campaign
Amnesty International USA
(202) 544-0200 ext.
244
Abolish it!
It was 2003 and I was soo excited. Rebecca and I gussied up and made our way to the Rosa Parks Museum to see Gloria Steinem speak and recieve the Women of Courage Award. At the after party I was standing three feet away from this demure, petite woman who resonated so much power and commanded the attention of the room. I was absolutely awed.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
William F. Buckley is Turning In His Grave..Haha! Gore Vidal Won!
Not only did he outlive the son of a bitch-- but Christopher Buckley is backing Obama-- a liberal democrat!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
From Don Siegelman
Dear Brandon,
I am Don Siegelman, a Democrat and I served as the Governor of Alabama until Karl Rove targeted me in a political prosecution. My story, as described in CBS’s 60 Minutes is just one example of how Karl Rove subverted our Constitution and corrupted the integrity of the Justice Department.
I was convicted of something that The New York Times said,”… has never been a crime.” A former Republican Attorney General of Arizona said on CBS’s 60 Minutes, that “they couldn’t beat Siegelman fair and square so they targeted him with this prosecution.” I was THE blue dot in a red state that became Karl Rove’s target.
My investigation was started by Karl Rove’s client, the Alabama Attorney General, and I was brought to trial one month before the election, by a U S Attorney who was the wife of my Republican opponent’s campaign manager- a thirty year friend and political associate of Rove’s. After the trial, a Republican lawyer gave sworn testimony to the House Judiciary Committee that Karl Rove was directing the DOJ to prosecute me.
My sentence was enhanced for speaking out against the political nature of the prosecution. Handcuffed and shackled, I was immediately removed from the courtroom and taken to a maximum security prison where I was put into solitary confinement.
Nine months later, I was released in an extraordinary ruling of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals saying there are “substantial questions of law and fact likely to result in reversal”.
Robert Wexler called for an investigation into my case, and has stood firm against those who prefer to run out the clock, and let those who committed the real crimes get off the hook. No one has fought harder for me or for bringing Karl Rove to justice than Robert Wexler.
But this fight is not about me, it’s about our country, restoring the law, and bringing Karl Rove to justice.
Robert Wexler has shown that strong Congressional leadership is our best insurance against the abuse of power that Karl Rove has waged against the American People.
Now it’s up to us to continue this fight for justice and to restore our democracy.
Now, we must fight for Robert Wexler. Please help me keep him in office by contributing to his campaign.
We must send a message that it is un-American to have US Attorneys targeting people because of their party affiliation. If they can bring a Governor down, they can do it to you or a member of your family.
We must also send a message to Robert Wexler's challengers: “We will not let you will not remove our allies in Congress who stand with us in this fight against the subversion of our democracy.”
Please help Robert Wexler push back against his self-funded challengers.
If you are angry at what this administration has done to America and if you share my disappointment at the passiveness of some Members of our Democratic Congress, then we must reward and defend those, like Robert Wexler, who has never quit fighting on our behalf.
Click here to show the rest of Congress we will support those who support our ideals.
The tough work is left to be done. We must continue to fight until Karl Rove and others have been held accountable. It is now time for Rove and the others who abused power and used the DOJ as a political weapon to be brought to justice.
With your help, we can be certain Robert Wexler will be standing with us when we win our victory and return America to its best ideals.
Now it’s time for us to take action. We have to ensure that Robert Wexler has the money to win re-election.
Please join me in donating now.
With every best wish, I am sincerely,
Don Siegelman
P.S. For more information on my case, go to www.donsiegelman.org
I am Don Siegelman, a Democrat and I served as the Governor of Alabama until Karl Rove targeted me in a political prosecution. My story, as described in CBS’s 60 Minutes is just one example of how Karl Rove subverted our Constitution and corrupted the integrity of the Justice Department.
I was convicted of something that The New York Times said,”… has never been a crime.” A former Republican Attorney General of Arizona said on CBS’s 60 Minutes, that “they couldn’t beat Siegelman fair and square so they targeted him with this prosecution.” I was THE blue dot in a red state that became Karl Rove’s target.
My investigation was started by Karl Rove’s client, the Alabama Attorney General, and I was brought to trial one month before the election, by a U S Attorney who was the wife of my Republican opponent’s campaign manager- a thirty year friend and political associate of Rove’s. After the trial, a Republican lawyer gave sworn testimony to the House Judiciary Committee that Karl Rove was directing the DOJ to prosecute me.
My sentence was enhanced for speaking out against the political nature of the prosecution. Handcuffed and shackled, I was immediately removed from the courtroom and taken to a maximum security prison where I was put into solitary confinement.
Nine months later, I was released in an extraordinary ruling of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals saying there are “substantial questions of law and fact likely to result in reversal”.
Robert Wexler called for an investigation into my case, and has stood firm against those who prefer to run out the clock, and let those who committed the real crimes get off the hook. No one has fought harder for me or for bringing Karl Rove to justice than Robert Wexler.
But this fight is not about me, it’s about our country, restoring the law, and bringing Karl Rove to justice.
Robert Wexler has shown that strong Congressional leadership is our best insurance against the abuse of power that Karl Rove has waged against the American People.
Now it’s up to us to continue this fight for justice and to restore our democracy.
Now, we must fight for Robert Wexler. Please help me keep him in office by contributing to his campaign.
We must send a message that it is un-American to have US Attorneys targeting people because of their party affiliation. If they can bring a Governor down, they can do it to you or a member of your family.
We must also send a message to Robert Wexler's challengers: “We will not let you will not remove our allies in Congress who stand with us in this fight against the subversion of our democracy.”
Please help Robert Wexler push back against his self-funded challengers.
If you are angry at what this administration has done to America and if you share my disappointment at the passiveness of some Members of our Democratic Congress, then we must reward and defend those, like Robert Wexler, who has never quit fighting on our behalf.
Click here to show the rest of Congress we will support those who support our ideals.
The tough work is left to be done. We must continue to fight until Karl Rove and others have been held accountable. It is now time for Rove and the others who abused power and used the DOJ as a political weapon to be brought to justice.
With your help, we can be certain Robert Wexler will be standing with us when we win our victory and return America to its best ideals.
Now it’s time for us to take action. We have to ensure that Robert Wexler has the money to win re-election.
Please join me in donating now.
With every best wish, I am sincerely,
Don Siegelman
P.S. For more information on my case, go to www.donsiegelman.org
The Greatest American
Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady, author of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, Humanitarian, and champion of the people of the world. A citizen of the world.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Depression Era Songs (For Your Entertainment)
It was a lucky April shower
It was the most convenient door
I found a million dollar baby in the five and ten cent store.
The rain continued for an hour
I hung around for three or four
Around a million dollar baby at the five and ten cent store.
She was selling china and when she made those eyes
I kept buying china til the crowd got wise.
Incident'lly, if you should run into a shower,
just step inside my cottage door
and meet the million dollar baby at the five and ten cent store.
It was the most convenient door
I found a million dollar baby in the five and ten cent store.
The rain continued for an hour
I hung around for three or four
Around a million dollar baby at the five and ten cent store.
She was selling china and when she made those eyes
I kept buying china til the crowd got wise.
Incident'lly, if you should run into a shower,
just step inside my cottage door
and meet the million dollar baby at the five and ten cent store.
Anti-Arabism on the McCain Trail
John McCain defended Barack Obama calling him a "decent person" after some woman called him an arab. Cleanse the temple jesus. Cleanse the temple.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Important Listening
Listen to Jimmy Baldwin this morning--especially his talk at Berekely High School in 1974.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Horrible Incident in Akron,Ohio
The case of the woman in Akron, Ohio who shot herself in the abdomen in order to keep from being evicted is atrocious and is a shameful blemish upon this country. I think it is absolutely horrific that a ninety-year-old woman has to shoot herself in order to live with dignity and in peace! Outrageous!
The Horrors of America's Mortgage Crisis
A ninety-year-old woman shot herself after being evicted. Read the story.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
To John McCain/Palin
Barbra From Funny Lady: " And I can get a laugh without a moose or a cow or a buffalo or whatever hell else you try to bring in here."
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I Was Just Thinking About It
A couple of years ago I bought Erykah Badu's Worldwide Underground because I wanted "Love of My Life." I wanted to kick her ass.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Sad Look at the Times; Paulson Swoons
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Wonderful Way It Works
S,o I am researching Mary Foster McDavid for an article I am writing and it has been a hellacious time trying to do so. Alas, I have called all over the country trying to find records of her--the National PTA-which had some record of her, the SEF, and Atlanta, Georgia. However, the biggest gold came today as I churned my brain for ways to find information on this woman who was married to my uncle and died so very long ago. So, I thought to call a very established person in the Montgomery community-indeed an institution in the community--and ask for his help. It was a great help indeed. His wife put me in touch with the man who had been principal of the Mary Foster McDavid Elementary School. Well, this man is indeed a blessing. Not only did he know who I was talking about, but he was a great friend to Fess McDavid and knew both Fess and M.F. McDavid(who my people called Dear) quite well. A well of information and a promise of more to come.
Thoughts
Firstly, did anyone see Charlie Crist the other day on The Today Show say that he couldn't guarantee fair and free elections in Florida? Now there are rumors that in certain parts of the country, the GOP has been sending absentee ballots to elderly democratic( and black) voters. We must watch these people!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus, 1883
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus, 1883
Saturday, September 20, 2008
From Barbra
The Country Can't Afford to Elect John McCain
We are in the worst financial crisis this country has faced in modern times. During these eight long years of Republican control, we have seen runaway greed, the deregulation of financial institutions and the mismanagement of the housing market resulting in the skyrocketing number of home foreclosures. This has led to a disastrous unraveling of the U.S. economy. We can’t continue with four more years of the irresponsible practices and policies of the Bush Administration.
The country can't afford to elect John McCain! In his own words he admitted that he didn't know much about the economy. The day the stock market plunged 504 points, McCain agreed with President Bush that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong." For 26 years in Washington, McCain has supported deregulation of the financial sector. He even chose Phil Gramm, a key player in the mortgage crisis, to be his chief economic adviser before the former Texas senator resigned in disgrace. With this type of judgment, who would be Treasury secretary in a McCain administration?
McCain has illustrated his lack of judgment time and time again. Not only did he pick an unqualified running mate, but he supported the Bush Doctrine, this preemptive, unnecessary war in Iraq, a war that Barack Obama was against from the beginning. Five years later, the war continues, costing the American public $435 million a day…money that is desperately needed here at home.
So, as the war wages on and the economy continues to falter, as the government spends billions bailing out companies from bankruptcy, who is left to pay the bill? The American taxpayers…the people who are working harder for less and are watching their 401K, pensions and life savings disappear. Barack Obama is fighting for these people.
We need a President Obama, a man of intelligence, integrity and vision, to end the war, to lift us out of this economic storm, and to lead this country back on the road to prosperity.
We are in the worst financial crisis this country has faced in modern times. During these eight long years of Republican control, we have seen runaway greed, the deregulation of financial institutions and the mismanagement of the housing market resulting in the skyrocketing number of home foreclosures. This has led to a disastrous unraveling of the U.S. economy. We can’t continue with four more years of the irresponsible practices and policies of the Bush Administration.
The country can't afford to elect John McCain! In his own words he admitted that he didn't know much about the economy. The day the stock market plunged 504 points, McCain agreed with President Bush that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong." For 26 years in Washington, McCain has supported deregulation of the financial sector. He even chose Phil Gramm, a key player in the mortgage crisis, to be his chief economic adviser before the former Texas senator resigned in disgrace. With this type of judgment, who would be Treasury secretary in a McCain administration?
McCain has illustrated his lack of judgment time and time again. Not only did he pick an unqualified running mate, but he supported the Bush Doctrine, this preemptive, unnecessary war in Iraq, a war that Barack Obama was against from the beginning. Five years later, the war continues, costing the American public $435 million a day…money that is desperately needed here at home.
So, as the war wages on and the economy continues to falter, as the government spends billions bailing out companies from bankruptcy, who is left to pay the bill? The American taxpayers…the people who are working harder for less and are watching their 401K, pensions and life savings disappear. Barack Obama is fighting for these people.
We need a President Obama, a man of intelligence, integrity and vision, to end the war, to lift us out of this economic storm, and to lead this country back on the road to prosperity.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Republicans Plan to Disenfranchise--From Color of Change
It's the ugliest attack on voting rights we've seen in recent history --if you live in Michigan and you're in danger of losing your home to foreclosure, Republicans will try to take away your right to vote.1
McCain's response? Silence. Like Bush in 2000 and 2004, he's trying to keep a safe distance from these tactics, while benefiting from them. McCain could end this with a phone call. But he won't.
It's voter-suppression at its worst. They're taking advantage of folks falling on hard times and using it for political gain--kicking people while they're down. It's time to hold McCain publicly accountable for this strategy.
Will you join us in outing McCain for not denouncing these tactics and invite your friends and family to do the same? It just takes a moment:
http://colorofchange.org/michigan08/?id=1866-234260
For years, Republicans have engaged in "caging"--challenging the eligibility of voters on election day to suppress turnout and intimidate voters. 2 They'll often try to reject voters by claiming they don't live at the address where they're registered. This year, they've taken it to a new low--the chairman of the Republican Party in Macomb County, Michigan said last week, "We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren't voting from those addresses." 3
In other words, they'll target every voter whose house is on a foreclosure list, and challenge their voting rights on election day. But just because your name is on a list, it doesn't mean that you've lost your home or moved. In fact, many homeowners stay in their homes for months after the foreclosure process has begun, and some people are able to catch up on their payments and reverse the process.4
So why are Republicans illegally targeting homeowners who've had a tough time under Bush's economy? Because they know they're likely to vote for Democrats, and for Obama for President. In Michigan, over 60% of sub-prime loans were made to African-Americans. 5 And in general, people who've been hit hard by the economy are less likely to vote for Republicans. This tactic won't just affect struggling homeowners--it will cause longer lines and delays at the polls for everyone that lives in a neighborhood with a high number of foreclosures. And that's the point.
After making the plan public, Michigan Republicans are backtracking and claiming they were misquoted.6 But everything indicates that these are exactly the kinds of tactics they'll use,7 and they're just trying to squash an embarrassing story.8
Similar tactics are being used across the country, but the McCain campaign simply sits in the background, quietly benefiting from voter suppression. The Obama campaign is fighting against this plan in the courts, 9 but they need our help to expose these dishonorable tactics and make this a national story.
If enough of us step up and connect the dots, we'll give the press a reason to make the connection between McCain and what's happening in Michigan. And as we've seen in our other campaigns,10 when we stand together behind a clear message, the press covers it and moves our message forward.
Calling on McCain to publicly reject these tactics is just the first step in our campaign to shame the Republican Party for attacking the voting rights of struggling homeowners.
Please join us:
http://colorofchange.org/michigan08/?id=1866-234260
Thanks and Peace,
-- James, Gabriel, Clarissa, Andre, Kai, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
September 17th, 2008
1. "Lose your house, lose your vote," Michigan Messenger, 9/10/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=1
2. "Caging list," Wikipedia
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=2
3. See reference 1.
4. "Obama campaign files suit over "voter-foreclosure" plans," Michigan Messenger, 9/16/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=4
5. See reference 1.
6. "Flap over foreclosure challenges in Michigan grows," Chicago Tribune, 9/16/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=6
7. "Former GOP operative explains why Republicans will use foreclosure lists to block voters," Michigan Messenger, 9/15/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=7
8. "Messenger rejects GOP plea for retraction," Michigan Messenger, 9/12/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=8
9. See reference 4.
10. ColorOfChange.org campaign against Congressional Black Caucus debate on Fox News
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=10
11. "D.N.C. Shuns Fox in Debate Schedule," The Caucus (New York Times blog), 4/5/07
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=11
McCain's response? Silence. Like Bush in 2000 and 2004, he's trying to keep a safe distance from these tactics, while benefiting from them. McCain could end this with a phone call. But he won't.
It's voter-suppression at its worst. They're taking advantage of folks falling on hard times and using it for political gain--kicking people while they're down. It's time to hold McCain publicly accountable for this strategy.
Will you join us in outing McCain for not denouncing these tactics and invite your friends and family to do the same? It just takes a moment:
http://colorofchange.org/michigan08/?id=1866-234260
For years, Republicans have engaged in "caging"--challenging the eligibility of voters on election day to suppress turnout and intimidate voters. 2 They'll often try to reject voters by claiming they don't live at the address where they're registered. This year, they've taken it to a new low--the chairman of the Republican Party in Macomb County, Michigan said last week, "We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren't voting from those addresses." 3
In other words, they'll target every voter whose house is on a foreclosure list, and challenge their voting rights on election day. But just because your name is on a list, it doesn't mean that you've lost your home or moved. In fact, many homeowners stay in their homes for months after the foreclosure process has begun, and some people are able to catch up on their payments and reverse the process.4
So why are Republicans illegally targeting homeowners who've had a tough time under Bush's economy? Because they know they're likely to vote for Democrats, and for Obama for President. In Michigan, over 60% of sub-prime loans were made to African-Americans. 5 And in general, people who've been hit hard by the economy are less likely to vote for Republicans. This tactic won't just affect struggling homeowners--it will cause longer lines and delays at the polls for everyone that lives in a neighborhood with a high number of foreclosures. And that's the point.
After making the plan public, Michigan Republicans are backtracking and claiming they were misquoted.6 But everything indicates that these are exactly the kinds of tactics they'll use,7 and they're just trying to squash an embarrassing story.8
Similar tactics are being used across the country, but the McCain campaign simply sits in the background, quietly benefiting from voter suppression. The Obama campaign is fighting against this plan in the courts, 9 but they need our help to expose these dishonorable tactics and make this a national story.
If enough of us step up and connect the dots, we'll give the press a reason to make the connection between McCain and what's happening in Michigan. And as we've seen in our other campaigns,10 when we stand together behind a clear message, the press covers it and moves our message forward.
Calling on McCain to publicly reject these tactics is just the first step in our campaign to shame the Republican Party for attacking the voting rights of struggling homeowners.
Please join us:
http://colorofchange.org/michigan08/?id=1866-234260
Thanks and Peace,
-- James, Gabriel, Clarissa, Andre, Kai, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
September 17th, 2008
1. "Lose your house, lose your vote," Michigan Messenger, 9/10/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=1
2. "Caging list," Wikipedia
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=2
3. See reference 1.
4. "Obama campaign files suit over "voter-foreclosure" plans," Michigan Messenger, 9/16/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=4
5. See reference 1.
6. "Flap over foreclosure challenges in Michigan grows," Chicago Tribune, 9/16/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=6
7. "Former GOP operative explains why Republicans will use foreclosure lists to block voters," Michigan Messenger, 9/15/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=7
8. "Messenger rejects GOP plea for retraction," Michigan Messenger, 9/12/08
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=8
9. See reference 4.
10. ColorOfChange.org campaign against Congressional Black Caucus debate on Fox News
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=10
11. "D.N.C. Shuns Fox in Debate Schedule," The Caucus (New York Times blog), 4/5/07
http://colorofchange.org/link/?cat=mich&?id=1866-234260&link=11
Foreclosure Disenfranchisement
How can they disenfranchise people because their homes are in foreclosure?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Good Lovin'
Patti Labelle
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
You know I don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
You love me unlike any love I've ever known
I really do appreciate it baby
The way you call my name sweet baby
Ev'ry little touch, every little kiss
I never felt as good as this
So anytime you call me baby
I'll be there to give you what you need
[Chorus:]
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
Anytime you want me baby
I'll be there to give you what you need
You know I don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
Anytime you need me sugar
Satisfaction guaranteed
I'm feelin you, and I really wanna let you know
You can have what you want anytime you want me
No matter what it is anything just ask me
Everytime we touch, everytime we kiss
Wanna give you more of this
So just call me baby
I'll be there to give you what you need boy
[Chorus]
[Bridge:]
I won't hesitate no,
You know that I'm here for you baby
Cause the love you give to me
Makes it so easy to return
That's why I don't mind
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' everyday
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
No matter what you want, any time you want me
No matter what it is, anything just ask me
You know I don't mind givin you goood lovin' baby
No matter what you want, any time you want me
No matter what it is, anything just ask me...
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
You know I don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
You love me unlike any love I've ever known
I really do appreciate it baby
The way you call my name sweet baby
Ev'ry little touch, every little kiss
I never felt as good as this
So anytime you call me baby
I'll be there to give you what you need
[Chorus:]
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
Anytime you want me baby
I'll be there to give you what you need
You know I don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
Anytime you need me sugar
Satisfaction guaranteed
I'm feelin you, and I really wanna let you know
You can have what you want anytime you want me
No matter what it is anything just ask me
Everytime we touch, everytime we kiss
Wanna give you more of this
So just call me baby
I'll be there to give you what you need boy
[Chorus]
[Bridge:]
I won't hesitate no,
You know that I'm here for you baby
Cause the love you give to me
Makes it so easy to return
That's why I don't mind
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' everyday
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
I sure don't mind givin you good lovin' baby
No matter what you want, any time you want me
No matter what it is, anything just ask me
You know I don't mind givin you goood lovin' baby
No matter what you want, any time you want me
No matter what it is, anything just ask me...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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