Global
More investigation needed: Bush conflicts of interest; who paid for the
9/11 hijackings; the role of US foreign policy; exploitation of 9/11 to
justify war on Iraq.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Leaders of the Green Party called the results of the 9/11 Commission a valuable first step in the probe of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., but called for more far-reaching investigation into the failure to discover and prevent the attacks and into the White House's response to the attacks.
"Instead of merely extending the current commission, which Sen. Kerry favors, we need to see a new, independent Commission to continue to the investigation into the 9/11 attacks, with family members of 9/11 victims given a prominent role," said Patrick Driscoll, Green candidate for Congress in California (5th District).
Greens note that, contrary to President Bush's claims that Americans are now safer, the U.S. response to 9/11 has increased the risk of terrorism throughout the world. At home, the response has included curtailment of civil liberties, including the detention of thousands of Americans without being charged with any crime.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Leaders of the Green Party called the results of the 9/11 Commission a valuable first step in the probe of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., but called for more far-reaching investigation into the failure to discover and prevent the attacks and into the White House's response to the attacks.
"Instead of merely extending the current commission, which Sen. Kerry favors, we need to see a new, independent Commission to continue to the investigation into the 9/11 attacks, with family members of 9/11 victims given a prominent role," said Patrick Driscoll, Green candidate for Congress in California (5th District).
Greens note that, contrary to President Bush's claims that Americans are now safer, the U.S. response to 9/11 has increased the risk of terrorism throughout the world. At home, the response has included curtailment of civil liberties, including the detention of thousands of Americans without being charged with any crime.
No, hope does not gallop in like Paul Revere. And it certainly doesn't
arrive breathless from a corporate party convention.
Movements for peace and social justice can bring realistic hope -- not with rhetoric but with the tough daily tedious uplifting work of political organizing.
Yes, we'd be better off with John Kerry in the White House instead of the Rove-Cheney-Bush regime. And the only way that's going to happen is if enough people in swing states vote for Kerry on November 2.
But I'm already getting tired of the bulk email messages claiming that Kerry is the embodiment of progressive dreams. Please. We can simultaneously walk, chew gum and be clear about the reality that Kerry embraces a centrist matrix of militarism and corporatism -- and, at the same time, in a world of contradictions, it's extremely important that George W. Bush lose the election on November 2... Let's not make stuff up. And let's not imitate the Democratic Party's hype machine. Just because you think people should hold their nose and vote for Kerry, don't act like there isn't a stench.
Movements for peace and social justice can bring realistic hope -- not with rhetoric but with the tough daily tedious uplifting work of political organizing.
Yes, we'd be better off with John Kerry in the White House instead of the Rove-Cheney-Bush regime. And the only way that's going to happen is if enough people in swing states vote for Kerry on November 2.
But I'm already getting tired of the bulk email messages claiming that Kerry is the embodiment of progressive dreams. Please. We can simultaneously walk, chew gum and be clear about the reality that Kerry embraces a centrist matrix of militarism and corporatism -- and, at the same time, in a world of contradictions, it's extremely important that George W. Bush lose the election on November 2... Let's not make stuff up. And let's not imitate the Democratic Party's hype machine. Just because you think people should hold their nose and vote for Kerry, don't act like there isn't a stench.
This week the Democratic Party successfully launched a great ship of hope
from Boston harbor. And while the winds of change that would guide it grow
mightier, it is by no means certain that it will reach its destination
come this November.
As the election draws nearer, the many millions of us aboard this great ship should expect to be told and told again by the powers that be to be frightened of our voyage. They will dare us to imagine what terrors lie in wait within the seas of change. They will manufacture a dense fog of fear, and then claim only they can protect us from the unspeakable dangers that only they can see within it.
As the election draws nearer, the many millions of us aboard this great ship should expect to be told and told again by the powers that be to be frightened of our voyage. They will dare us to imagine what terrors lie in wait within the seas of change. They will manufacture a dense fog of fear, and then claim only they can protect us from the unspeakable dangers that only they can see within it.
50 Ways You Can Show George the Door in 2004
By Ben Cohen and Jason Salzman
Pages: 196; Price: $9.95
Publisher: Westview Press (Perseus Books Group)
ISBN: 0-8133-4282-1
Ice Cream man Ben Cohen has his own "Farenheit 9/11." It's a book, not a movie, and has no footage of George W. Bush reading "My Pet Goat" while the World Trace Center burns.
But as it joins the flood of anti-Bush books, it takes a uniquely funny, compelling must-read niche for the hordes of us desperate to see King George of the "Haves and Have mores" exit the presidency, and always looking for new ways to help.
Among the 50 ways the irascible icon of super-premium ice cream recommends are turning your dog into a political organizer. Giving your "pet for regime change" a name like Big Oil allows you to shout the slogan when you're calling for obedience. The animal can also be adorned with "Bite Bush" and other subtle slogans on buttons or bumper stickers.
By Ben Cohen and Jason Salzman
Pages: 196; Price: $9.95
Publisher: Westview Press (Perseus Books Group)
ISBN: 0-8133-4282-1
Ice Cream man Ben Cohen has his own "Farenheit 9/11." It's a book, not a movie, and has no footage of George W. Bush reading "My Pet Goat" while the World Trace Center burns.
But as it joins the flood of anti-Bush books, it takes a uniquely funny, compelling must-read niche for the hordes of us desperate to see King George of the "Haves and Have mores" exit the presidency, and always looking for new ways to help.
Among the 50 ways the irascible icon of super-premium ice cream recommends are turning your dog into a political organizer. Giving your "pet for regime change" a name like Big Oil allows you to shout the slogan when you're calling for obedience. The animal can also be adorned with "Bite Bush" and other subtle slogans on buttons or bumper stickers.
Well, I haven't been checking my mail much lately, and it sure isn't
because of the Democratic Convention. I would rather jump off a two-story
building into a open train car filled with razorblades. Anyhow, I have a
few minutes and some troubling thoughts occurred to me. I thought maybe
someone would comment on them.
All those progressives the last time who ripped up Gore, who said he was about as bad as Bush, where are they? Harvey Wasserman, Bob Fitrakis, Jim Hightower, Michael Moore, Howard Zinn, Chomsky, etc, etc, etc.
Even the Columbus Free Press is noticeably absent from criticizing Kerry. Case in point: The Summer issue of the 2000 Free Press contained several articles supporting Nader or criticizing Bush and Gore. The Autumn issue of 2000 had Nader on the cover and contained article after article in support of Nader.
All those progressives the last time who ripped up Gore, who said he was about as bad as Bush, where are they? Harvey Wasserman, Bob Fitrakis, Jim Hightower, Michael Moore, Howard Zinn, Chomsky, etc, etc, etc.
Even the Columbus Free Press is noticeably absent from criticizing Kerry. Case in point: The Summer issue of the 2000 Free Press contained several articles supporting Nader or criticizing Bush and Gore. The Autumn issue of 2000 had Nader on the cover and contained article after article in support of Nader.
I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW IF WE IN COLUMBUS GOT A POLICE SHORTAGE WHY THERE WOULD BE OVER 100 POLICE ON BIKES IN CARS ON HORSES UNDERCOVER AND EVERYTHING ELSE AT CITY HALL THE OTHER DAY JUST FOR SOME ANTI ABORTION EVENT.
I MEAN THINK ABOUT IT IVE NEVER HEARD OF ABORTION RIGHTS PEOPLE PRO CHOICE BOMBING CLINICS OR ACTING LIKE TERRORISTS. THE ONLY ONES I EVER KNEW TO BOMB CLINICS HARASS PEOPLE ARE PRO LIFERS. IM NOT SAYING THAT ABORTION ISNT WRONG ON SOME LEVEL BUT I MEAN IT LOOKS LIKE THEY HAVE ALL THE POLICE THERE TO PROTECT PEOPLE AGAINST ABORTION FROM THOSE THAT SUPPORT IT. THOSE POLICE WAS JUST DOWN THERE WASTING TIME TALKING LAUGHING USING CAMERAS AND NOTHING ELSE.
I MEAN I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND HOW YOU NEED ALL THAT MANPOWER TO PROTECT THOSE THAT ARE USUALLY BOMB CLINICS AND SUPPORT DEATH PENALTY AND WAR FROM PEOPLE THAT ARE USUALLY PEACEFUL. THATS A WASTE OF OFFICERS. SO I SAY NO WE DONT NEED MORE OFFICERS THEY JUST NEED TO BE USED PROPERLY. THATS WHAT I GOT TO SAY.
I spoke with Greg Quinlan, founder of the "Pro-Family"
Network yesterday when he was on "Open Line: with Fred
Anderle". There is nothing "pro-family" about his
views. This self-avowed "former" gay man appeals, not
to the best, but the worst, in his drive to get an
amendment on the ballot that would ban the legal
recognition of any relationship but the marriage of a
man and a woman. He and others of his ilk, appeal to
the prejudices, misconceptions and fears that people
have towards same-gender couples.
This amendment would exclude not only same-gender couples, but also cohabitating different gender couples. And, while it would not prohibit companies from offering benefits to domestic partners, it would cause significant hardship in court disputes arising from these benefits as it would prohibit the courts from even recognizing these relationships.
"Pro-Family"...I think not. Pro-fear, Pro-ignorance, Pro-intolerance are more appropriate to Mr. Quinlan and his merry band.
This amendment would exclude not only same-gender couples, but also cohabitating different gender couples. And, while it would not prohibit companies from offering benefits to domestic partners, it would cause significant hardship in court disputes arising from these benefits as it would prohibit the courts from even recognizing these relationships.
"Pro-Family"...I think not. Pro-fear, Pro-ignorance, Pro-intolerance are more appropriate to Mr. Quinlan and his merry band.
Oceans cover over 70 percent of the planet. They provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat, food for hundreds of species (including people), and endless hours of recreation. But, though they seem limitless, our oceans are in crisis.
Over the past four months, I've told you about the work being done confirming that there is a crisis facing the oceans and what we can do to solve the problem. Thanks to your timely action, 37 governors have weighed in on the side of protecting our oceans.
Now, the White House is about to get a report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy - whose members were appointed by President Bush - that lays out the problems facing our oceans and how to solve them.
Please take a moment to call and urge the White House to heed the recommendations made by these ocean experts and take advantage of this chance to make real progress towards protecting our oceans. Then, ask your family and friends to help by forwarding this message to them.
You can call James Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, at 202-456-6224. Here's a sample message you can leave:
Over the past four months, I've told you about the work being done confirming that there is a crisis facing the oceans and what we can do to solve the problem. Thanks to your timely action, 37 governors have weighed in on the side of protecting our oceans.
Now, the White House is about to get a report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy - whose members were appointed by President Bush - that lays out the problems facing our oceans and how to solve them.
Please take a moment to call and urge the White House to heed the recommendations made by these ocean experts and take advantage of this chance to make real progress towards protecting our oceans. Then, ask your family and friends to help by forwarding this message to them.
You can call James Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, at 202-456-6224. Here's a sample message you can leave:
I picked up a copy of your magazine in a local coffee shop
and found many of the articles to be outstanding. Keep up
the good work.
However, I was more than nonplussed to see Irish Northern Aid listed in your "Organize" section, and as a PEACE GROUP nonetheless. Perhaps it is your magazine's policy to accept any listings (though I doubt you would accept a listing from a neo-nazi organization). Perhaps the editors took Irish Northern Aids claims to be a peace group at face value.
You should know that Irish Northern Aid's activities have little to do with promoting peace. The professed objective of their fundraising is to support the families of Irish Republican prisoners. This goal might legitimately be considered a "humanitarian" one, but there is plenty of evidence that over the last quarter century, Irish Northern Aid has used charitable donations to purchase weapons for the IRA. The IRA are also known as the PROVOS, and you might note that the contact email provided for your Irish Northern Aid listing is "provo@columbus.rr.com." There is little attempt to hide this.
However, I was more than nonplussed to see Irish Northern Aid listed in your "Organize" section, and as a PEACE GROUP nonetheless. Perhaps it is your magazine's policy to accept any listings (though I doubt you would accept a listing from a neo-nazi organization). Perhaps the editors took Irish Northern Aids claims to be a peace group at face value.
You should know that Irish Northern Aid's activities have little to do with promoting peace. The professed objective of their fundraising is to support the families of Irish Republican prisoners. This goal might legitimately be considered a "humanitarian" one, but there is plenty of evidence that over the last quarter century, Irish Northern Aid has used charitable donations to purchase weapons for the IRA. The IRA are also known as the PROVOS, and you might note that the contact email provided for your Irish Northern Aid listing is "provo@columbus.rr.com." There is little attempt to hide this.
The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly last week to
accept the ruling of the International Court of Justice on Israel's
apartheid wall and demand Israel dismantle it.
The vote was 150-6, the dissenters being the United States, Israel, Australia, and three U.S.-dependent island states.
The wall literally makes concrete the colonization of roughly 30-40 percent more of the 22 percent of Palestine that remains. Palestinians will end up with about 12-15 percent of their land, but even this will be in disjointed ghettos that will have no sovereignty.
Israel is in defiance of over 35 U.N. Security Council resolutions and countless General Assembly resolutions. Israel was also shielded from many others by U.S. vetoes or threats of veto. But this will be different.
The vote was 150-6, the dissenters being the United States, Israel, Australia, and three U.S.-dependent island states.
The wall literally makes concrete the colonization of roughly 30-40 percent more of the 22 percent of Palestine that remains. Palestinians will end up with about 12-15 percent of their land, but even this will be in disjointed ghettos that will have no sovereignty.
Israel is in defiance of over 35 U.N. Security Council resolutions and countless General Assembly resolutions. Israel was also shielded from many others by U.S. vetoes or threats of veto. But this will be different.