If you know anything about low level radiation and health, you must be concerned about the health of pregnant women and children in Fukushima right now (and entire Japanese people as more radiation is released and spread).
And, after watching this, maybe more than just Japanese children, but children of California and Mexico!
http://www.woweather.com/weather/news/fukushima?LANG=us&VAR=euradsfc
I have known Dr. Rosalie Bertell and Dr.Earnest Sternglass personally (I met Dr. Bertell at the Earth Summit in Rio, 1992 and I interpreted for Dr. Sternglass when he lectured in Japan back in 2006) and their work on radiation and public health.
http://www.radiation.org/
http://ratical.org/radiation/inetSeries/
Those who live within 30 km (less than 20 miles) of Fukushima nuclear power plants are told to stay inside the house even today after the radioactive contamination is found not only within but also beyond 20 miles after the disaster of Japan's earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011.
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power has 6 plants and 4 already broken, Fukushima Daini has 4, Onagawa Nuclear power has 3 plants, so all together 13 reactors are not normal condition. Out of those, 4 are already releasing the radiation and 9 are unknown as of today (no news about them).
The most damaged is Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and those who live within 20 km of Fukushima Daiichi have evacuated now, but are those who between 20 and 30 km are told stay inside the house. I wonder if those people are safe. If it is safe, what about children and pregnant women? I know all the standard are usually set for male adult,
After knowing Sternglass's work, I can not agree with what Japanese government and all the Japanese media are saying to us. It is safe, no need to evacuate, etc. I understand it is important to avoid panic, but even the low level radiation is not safe for pregnant women and small children.
On TV news, they keep saying the level of radiation won't be immediate health threat and DO NOT WORRY at all. I wish that were true!! But for pregnant women and small children, you better take a extra caution as they are more prone to radiation.
So, we launched a project for EVACUATION AND FINDING HOMES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND CHILDREN on March 18 in Okinawa Japan for two reasons: 1. Okinawa has no nuclear plants and rare earthquake 2. Okinawa is furthest spot in Japan from the radiation. On March 26, radioactive material is already found in Okayama (west part of Japan) so, the contamination of all Japan is just a matter of time and weather (wind and rain).
Here is the press release we put out:
-----------
Press Release
March 18, 2011
"TSUNAGU HIKARI"(Connecting Light) Launched to Support Victims from the Tohoku Kanto Earthquake/Tsunami
We, volunteer citizens of Japan, wish to announce the launching of "TSUNAGU HIKARI", a support campaign for victims' from the Tohoku Kanto Earthquake/Tsunami afflicted areas.
As there are expected to be serious effects caused by the radiation released from the damaged nuclear power plants, the recovery of those areas afflicted by the earthquake, tsunami and damaged nuclear power plants it is anticipated to be a long term process.
Tsunagu Hikari is an information center created to help find accommodation in Okinawa for pregnant women and families with small children from the affected areas. Among the first to be evacuated will be women and children living within the 30 km (20 mile) unsafe radiation boundary.
Okinawa is located in the most distant part of Japan from the afflicted areas and can be considered to be the safest place for evacuees.
We are recruiting volunteers to help with this project. We need information on available homes and unused hotel rooms, as well as any kind of housing or dormitories etc. in Okinawa that can be offered for this purpose. We are also doing fundraising to cover the costs.
Our Mission:
1. To arrange accommodation in Okinawa for women and children impacted by the tsunami/earthquake and radiation from the nuclear power plants.
2. To provide appropriate personal care as required by the victims, including counseling, clothing and other personal items.
Founding Members of the "Tsunagu Hikari" Project:
Chief Director: Chikashi Kinjo
Executive Director: Kakuji Nakagawa
Public Relations: Yumi Kikuchi
Adviser: Gen Morita
Staff: Koka Nakagawa
Contact Ms. Nakagawa: (Japan - 81) 90-6146-5054
Email: tsunagu@mothership2012.org
Website: http://tsunaguhikari.jp
For more information and donation:
contact Gen Morita genm@trust.ocn.ne.jp
or
yumik@fine.ocn.ne.jp
Showing posts with label US Elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Elections. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
You Can Help Japan : STOP HAMAOKA and TOKAI Nuclear Power Plants Now
So many people have contacted me across the ocean if we are safe. Thank YOU. I and my family are all safe and alive as I write this. My town Kamogawa is not affected even though we had earthquakes and tsunami, too.
But radiation is coming and it is serious.
In my view, all the pregnant woman and children are better off to go as far as they can from Fukushima Nuclear Power plants (there are 10 plants there. 6 @1st Fukushima, 4@2nd Fukushima). 10 nuclear power plants are under critical condition, 4 have started releasing radioactive gas to the environment, which is now heading west across the pacific ocean.
Now, it is about the survival of Japan and maybe northern hemisphere. If you are American, you can help us now by asking your senators and congressman to request Japanese government to stop Hamaoka and Tokai nuclear power plants now before the next big earthquake happens.
The earthquakes are moving down south and we had a big earthquake yesterday in Fuji (Mt. Fuji area) magnitude 6. We have had 200 earthquakes since the 1st one as big or bigger than magnitude 5 in one week. Japan is in severe danger now.
Here is a letter I wrote. Thank you Cathy Cadden, my NVC teacher,who helped me for this.
You may wonder why I am doing this. I tell you! Because Japanese government tend to listen to what US (president) says more than what Japanese people ask.
Help US now (will help you for reducing the amount of radiation you are getting soon）!!!!
Please spread widely the letter or this blog post:
-----------------
Another Way To Help Japan Now in Your Country
Dear People in the United States,
We are asking that all of you contact your local representatives and President Obama and implore them to pressure the Japanese government to shut down Hamaoka and Tokai nuclear power plants. These plants are the two closest to Tokyo.
We continue to have aftershocks that register from 4.0 to 7.0. We also are experiencing other quakes from epicenters close to and inside Tokyo. If these plants become affected it could be devastating for Japan as Tokyo has the largest concentration of our population. We would also request that the rest of the nuclear power plant facilities (all 55) be fully checked out for safety.
Contact them as soon as you can to help our health and survival,
Thank you ,
concerned parents in Japan,
Yumi Kikuchi and Gen Morita
Kamogawa, Japan
contact: info@wa3w.com
Map of Japan's Nuclear Power Plants' Site:
http://www.insc.anl.gov/pwrmaps/
(each site has 2-6 reactors, 55 all together）
But radiation is coming and it is serious.
In my view, all the pregnant woman and children are better off to go as far as they can from Fukushima Nuclear Power plants (there are 10 plants there. 6 @1st Fukushima, 4@2nd Fukushima). 10 nuclear power plants are under critical condition, 4 have started releasing radioactive gas to the environment, which is now heading west across the pacific ocean.
Now, it is about the survival of Japan and maybe northern hemisphere. If you are American, you can help us now by asking your senators and congressman to request Japanese government to stop Hamaoka and Tokai nuclear power plants now before the next big earthquake happens.
The earthquakes are moving down south and we had a big earthquake yesterday in Fuji (Mt. Fuji area) magnitude 6. We have had 200 earthquakes since the 1st one as big or bigger than magnitude 5 in one week. Japan is in severe danger now.
Here is a letter I wrote. Thank you Cathy Cadden, my NVC teacher,who helped me for this.
You may wonder why I am doing this. I tell you! Because Japanese government tend to listen to what US (president) says more than what Japanese people ask.
Help US now (will help you for reducing the amount of radiation you are getting soon）!!!!
Please spread widely the letter or this blog post:
-----------------
Another Way To Help Japan Now in Your Country
Dear People in the United States,
We are asking that all of you contact your local representatives and President Obama and implore them to pressure the Japanese government to shut down Hamaoka and Tokai nuclear power plants. These plants are the two closest to Tokyo.
We continue to have aftershocks that register from 4.0 to 7.0. We also are experiencing other quakes from epicenters close to and inside Tokyo. If these plants become affected it could be devastating for Japan as Tokyo has the largest concentration of our population. We would also request that the rest of the nuclear power plant facilities (all 55) be fully checked out for safety.
Contact them as soon as you can to help our health and survival,
Thank you ,
concerned parents in Japan,
Yumi Kikuchi and Gen Morita
Kamogawa, Japan
contact: info@wa3w.com
Map of Japan's Nuclear Power Plants' Site:
http://www.insc.anl.gov/pwrmaps/
(each site has 2-6 reactors, 55 all together）
Monday, March 16, 2009
Two New Groups for 911 Truth Launched
I have been busy writing and translating a chapter for the new book written by Mr. Yukihisa Fujita, who questioned the official US government's version of what happened on Sept. 11th, 2001 in NY at Japan's Diet (the equivalent of the US Senate) last year in January. Since then, there have been many new groups that have launched websites that question the official 911 story. Recently two new groups were launched that I feel the public needs to be made aware of.
One was initiated by a group of politicians, including Mr. Fujita, called Political Leaders for 911 Truth. Check out their website:
http://pl911truth.com
Another was started by religious leaders including Dr. David Ray Griffin, and is called Religious Leaders for 911 Truth. Their website URL is:
http://rl911truth.org
There are so many groups now in the world working for 911 truth and I really hope that President Obama will make an initiative to launch a new completely independent commission to investigate what really happened on Sept. 11th, 2001. The War on Terror still continues today. Innocent people are still getting killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and all the family victims of 911 and the War on Terror should know the truth.
The book by Mr. Fujita is titled 'Questioning 9.11 Truth at Japan's Diet - Can Obama Really Change the US? It is published by Clubhouse and is available in Japan for 1500yen. ISBN978-4-906496-43-3. The Japanese title is: 「9.11テロ疑惑国会追及ーーオバマ米国は変われるか」It should be at bookstores in late March and there will be a publishing party held on April 8th, which I intend to attend.
There will be another event on this topic at which Mr. Fujita will speak on April 24 at Naked Loft in Tokyo. The charge will be 1000 yen at the door.
One was initiated by a group of politicians, including Mr. Fujita, called Political Leaders for 911 Truth. Check out their website:
http://pl911truth.com
Another was started by religious leaders including Dr. David Ray Griffin, and is called Religious Leaders for 911 Truth. Their website URL is:
http://rl911truth.org
There are so many groups now in the world working for 911 truth and I really hope that President Obama will make an initiative to launch a new completely independent commission to investigate what really happened on Sept. 11th, 2001. The War on Terror still continues today. Innocent people are still getting killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and all the family victims of 911 and the War on Terror should know the truth.
The book by Mr. Fujita is titled 'Questioning 9.11 Truth at Japan's Diet - Can Obama Really Change the US? It is published by Clubhouse and is available in Japan for 1500yen. ISBN978-4-906496-43-3. The Japanese title is: 「9.11テロ疑惑国会追及ーーオバマ米国は変われるか」
There will be another event on this topic at which Mr. Fujita will speak on April 24 at Naked Loft in Tokyo. The charge will be 1000 yen at the door.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Truth Can Move Us Forward - 911 War Crimes Tribunal Proposed
Wow, Kucinich is truly my hero. This really needed to happen in the US and I am so happy he keeps speaking and pointing out the most pressing issues for US and the world. What an inspiration to us all he is!
Thanks, Dennis. Thanks, Alfred, founder of Exopolitics, for sending this post to me. Alfred also published this article in his Peace In Space blog which can be seen by clicking here.
This article first appeared in The Nation.
The Truth Can Move Us Forward
by REP. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
America must move from the errant, retributive justice of 9/11 to a healing, restorative process of truth and reconciliation.
Before the Congress adjourns, I will bring forth a new proposal for the establishment of a National Commission on Truth and Reconciliation, which will have the power to compel testimony and gather official documents to reveal to the American people not only the underlying deception which has divided us, but in that process of truth seeking set our nation on a path of reconciliation.
We suffer in our remembrance of 9/11, because of the terrible loss of innocent lives on that grim day. We also suffer because 9/11 was seized as an opportunity to run a political agenda, which has set America on a course of the destruction of another nation and the destruction of our own Constitution. And we have become less secure as a result of the warped practice of pursing peace through the exercise of pre-emptive military strength.
It is not simply 9/11 that needs to be remembered. We also need to remember the politicization of 9/11 and the polarizing narrative which followed, locking us into endless conflict, a war on terror which has wrought further terror worldwide and which has severely damaged our standing worldwide as an honorable, compassionate nation. As we were all victims of 9/11, so we have become victims of the interpretation of 9/11.
Our government's external response to 9/11 was to attack a nation which did not attack us. Indeed on the first anniversary of 9/11, the Bush Administration issued a well-publicized stern warning to Iraq, which was part of a campaign to induce people to believe Iraq had something to do with 9/11.
The deliberate, systematic connection of Iraq with 9/11 has led America into a philosophical and moral cul-de-sac as over one million Iraqis and over 4,155 US soldiers have died in a war that will cost over $3 trillion. Additionally, soldiers from twenty-three other countries have died in the Iraq war.
We attempt to unite Iraq by further dividing it. We talk about restoring Iraq while taking steps to place control of its vast oil wealth in the hands of US oil giants. And we intend to impose upon the Iraqi people the cost of rebuilding a country our government ruined, keeping a once-prosperous nation lashed to debt and poverty for a long, long time. Iraq has paid for 9/11. We all continue to pay for 9/11.
The heartbreaking loss of the lives and injuries to America troops further binds us to the Administration's illogic of the Iraq War: We remember our troops' sacrifice by demanding more sacrifice; we support our troops by continuing the war.
The dominant color of our new national security since 911 is neither red, white nor blue. Every day is orange. Every day, reminders of fear of 9/11 become banal. Yet we no longer hear the airport announcements nor see the orange-colored warnings because they have commonplace standards in our new national security state, as is the Patriot Act, wiretapping, and a host of invasions of privacy and diminution of civil liberties. The Constitution has been roundly attacked by the very people who took an oath to defend it.
There is a powerful desire across America for change, not necessarily from control by one political party to another, but a change from living with lies to living with truth.
Over two dozen nations, facing peril within and without, deeply divided by politics and war have travelled down a path of restoring civil society through a formal process of reconciliation. At some point within each of those countries it was understood that the way forward is shown through the light of truth. This process is not without pain because it requires a willingness to study evidence from which eyes had been averted and ears had been closed. But in the process of truth and reconciliation, nations found new strength, new resolve, and new commitment.
The South African Truth and Reconciliation enabled that nation to come to grips with its past through a public confessional, bringing forward those who committed crimes and having the power to grant amnesty for full disclosure of crimes against the people. Of course, our path may necessarily be different: High US government officials stand accused in impeachment petitions of violating national and international law. Our continued existence as a democracy may depend upon how thoroughly we seek the truth. I will call upon the America people to join me in supporting this effort.
The truth can move us forward, as a unified whole, so that we can one day become a re-United States. 9/11 is the day the world changed. It is the day America embraced a metaphor of war. If we are open to truth and reconciliation, we may one day be able, once again, to embrace peace.
About Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich
At age 31, Dennis Kucinch was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, making him the youngest-ever elected leader of a major American city. Since 1997, he has represented Ohio's 10th District in Congress, and he is currently the co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
Thanks, Dennis. Thanks, Alfred, founder of Exopolitics, for sending this post to me. Alfred also published this article in his Peace In Space blog which can be seen by clicking here.
The Truth Can Move Us Forward
by REP. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
America must move from the errant, retributive justice of 9/11 to a healing, restorative process of truth and reconciliation.
Before the Congress adjourns, I will bring forth a new proposal for the establishment of a National Commission on Truth and Reconciliation, which will have the power to compel testimony and gather official documents to reveal to the American people not only the underlying deception which has divided us, but in that process of truth seeking set our nation on a path of reconciliation.
We suffer in our remembrance of 9/11, because of the terrible loss of innocent lives on that grim day. We also suffer because 9/11 was seized as an opportunity to run a political agenda, which has set America on a course of the destruction of another nation and the destruction of our own Constitution. And we have become less secure as a result of the warped practice of pursing peace through the exercise of pre-emptive military strength.
It is not simply 9/11 that needs to be remembered. We also need to remember the politicization of 9/11 and the polarizing narrative which followed, locking us into endless conflict, a war on terror which has wrought further terror worldwide and which has severely damaged our standing worldwide as an honorable, compassionate nation. As we were all victims of 9/11, so we have become victims of the interpretation of 9/11.
Our government's external response to 9/11 was to attack a nation which did not attack us. Indeed on the first anniversary of 9/11, the Bush Administration issued a well-publicized stern warning to Iraq, which was part of a campaign to induce people to believe Iraq had something to do with 9/11.
The deliberate, systematic connection of Iraq with 9/11 has led America into a philosophical and moral cul-de-sac as over one million Iraqis and over 4,155 US soldiers have died in a war that will cost over $3 trillion. Additionally, soldiers from twenty-three other countries have died in the Iraq war.
We attempt to unite Iraq by further dividing it. We talk about restoring Iraq while taking steps to place control of its vast oil wealth in the hands of US oil giants. And we intend to impose upon the Iraqi people the cost of rebuilding a country our government ruined, keeping a once-prosperous nation lashed to debt and poverty for a long, long time. Iraq has paid for 9/11. We all continue to pay for 9/11.
The heartbreaking loss of the lives and injuries to America troops further binds us to the Administration's illogic of the Iraq War: We remember our troops' sacrifice by demanding more sacrifice; we support our troops by continuing the war.
The dominant color of our new national security since 911 is neither red, white nor blue. Every day is orange. Every day, reminders of fear of 9/11 become banal. Yet we no longer hear the airport announcements nor see the orange-colored warnings because they have commonplace standards in our new national security state, as is the Patriot Act, wiretapping, and a host of invasions of privacy and diminution of civil liberties. The Constitution has been roundly attacked by the very people who took an oath to defend it.
There is a powerful desire across America for change, not necessarily from control by one political party to another, but a change from living with lies to living with truth.
Over two dozen nations, facing peril within and without, deeply divided by politics and war have travelled down a path of restoring civil society through a formal process of reconciliation. At some point within each of those countries it was understood that the way forward is shown through the light of truth. This process is not without pain because it requires a willingness to study evidence from which eyes had been averted and ears had been closed. But in the process of truth and reconciliation, nations found new strength, new resolve, and new commitment.
The South African Truth and Reconciliation enabled that nation to come to grips with its past through a public confessional, bringing forward those who committed crimes and having the power to grant amnesty for full disclosure of crimes against the people. Of course, our path may necessarily be different: High US government officials stand accused in impeachment petitions of violating national and international law. Our continued existence as a democracy may depend upon how thoroughly we seek the truth. I will call upon the America people to join me in supporting this effort.
The truth can move us forward, as a unified whole, so that we can one day become a re-United States. 9/11 is the day the world changed. It is the day America embraced a metaphor of war. If we are open to truth and reconciliation, we may one day be able, once again, to embrace peace.
About Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich
At age 31, Dennis Kucinch was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, making him the youngest-ever elected leader of a major American city. Since 1997, he has represented Ohio's 10th District in Congress, and he is currently the co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Protest at Fort Benning! 25,000 People Came!
Exciting news and photos from Frank Dorrel about the biggest ever protest against School of the Americas. Frank is the publisher of Addicted To War and also made the film compilation What I’ve Learned About U.S. Foreign Policy - The War Against the 3rd World (Japanese title: Who is the Terrorist?).
I really wanted to join this protest as the school is in actuality a death machine and it should be closed right away! Among the 25,000 protesters, you can see Dennis Kucinich, who is running for the US presidency in 2008. I wish every American could have the chance to hear him speak in person. If they did, then I am sure he would be the next President!
To see pictures from the protest and learn about the movement to close The School Of The Americas check out the School Of America Watch website.
I really wanted to join this protest as the school is in actuality a death machine and it should be closed right away! Among the 25,000 protesters, you can see Dennis Kucinich, who is running for the US presidency in 2008. I wish every American could have the chance to hear him speak in person. If they did, then I am sure he would be the next President!
To see pictures from the protest and learn about the movement to close The School Of The Americas check out the School Of America Watch website.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
A Passionate Memorial Day Speech!
One of my friends just sent me the following eight minute video of Dennis Kucinich speaking in Tampa, Florida during the Memorial Day Weekend. His presentation is so direct, so heartfelt, so inspiring.
I don’t know how widely it was broadcast in the mainstream media, but I want to make sure as many people see it as possible...
He covers the war in Iraq, global warming, impeachment, price fixing and the nefarious greed of the global oil corporations and more!!
Please watch it and get your friends to watch it! We, the world, need a man like Dennis to lead us back to peace and sanity!
I don’t know how widely it was broadcast in the mainstream media, but I want to make sure as many people see it as possible...
He covers the war in Iraq, global warming, impeachment, price fixing and the nefarious greed of the global oil corporations and more!!
Please watch it and get your friends to watch it! We, the world, need a man like Dennis to lead us back to peace and sanity!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Kucinich Sweeps California Democratic Convention Party
Check out this fabulous speech by Dennis Kucinich speaking to the California Democratic Party's 2007 State Convention in San Diego, April 28, 2007.
Kucinich is without question, the man who should be President in 2008!
The fact that Kucinich hardly gets any coverage in the US mainstream media really shows that the media is no longer giving fair coverage to all candidates and issues.
Check out a review of his speech on The After Downing Street homepage!
Kucinich is without question, the man who should be President in 2008!
The fact that Kucinich hardly gets any coverage in the US mainstream media really shows that the media is no longer giving fair coverage to all candidates and issues.
Check out a review of his speech on The After Downing Street homepage!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
First Lady To Be!
Please watch this amazing impromptu interview with Elizabeth Kucinich.
I met Elizabeth the first time in September 2005 when I attended the 3rd National Conference for a Department of Peace. Dennis and Elizabeth were newly married and looked very happy. We spent three hours talking together. Yes, she is a beautiful woman inside and out.
This time in February, I was in Washington DC again to attend the 4th National Conference for a Department of Peace and I met Elizabeth again. Dennis and Elizabeth have become a really powerful and compassionate couple, which is something good for America, England and the world. Their relationship is now very close as they enjoy working together on projects and issues that they both have deep common interest in. I am very happy that Dennis has such a wonderful partner in his life.
I really hope that Americans will finally find the real leader of their country and our planet, that person, of course, I feel should be Dennis Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth.
We need a leader who is compassionate, not someone who kills and destroys.
I met Elizabeth the first time in September 2005 when I attended the 3rd National Conference for a Department of Peace. Dennis and Elizabeth were newly married and looked very happy. We spent three hours talking together. Yes, she is a beautiful woman inside and out.
This time in February, I was in Washington DC again to attend the 4th National Conference for a Department of Peace and I met Elizabeth again. Dennis and Elizabeth have become a really powerful and compassionate couple, which is something good for America, England and the world. Their relationship is now very close as they enjoy working together on projects and issues that they both have deep common interest in. I am very happy that Dennis has such a wonderful partner in his life.
I really hope that Americans will finally find the real leader of their country and our planet, that person, of course, I feel should be Dennis Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth.
We need a leader who is compassionate, not someone who kills and destroys.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Kucinich Introduces Impeachment Articles Against Cheney
-----------------
This is sooooo moving that I have to publish it in full. Hope ALL Americans read this and understand that Kucinich is the leader USA needs and the whole world awaits for.
Kucinich Introduces Impeachment Articles Against Cheney
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/24/AR2007042401542.html
CQ Transcripts Wire
Tuesday, April 24, 2007; 6:09 PM
REP. DENNIS J. KUCINICH, D-OHIO: Thank you very much for being here.
These words from the Declaration of Independence are instructive at this moment. Because not only whenever any form of government, but whenever any government official becomes destructive of the founding purposes, that official or those officials must be held accountable.
Because I believe the vice president's conduct of office has been destructive to the founding purposes of our nation. Today, I have introduced House Resolution 333, Articles of Impeachment Relating to Vice President Richard B. Cheney. I do so in defense of the rights of the American people to have a government that is honest and peaceful.
It became obvious to me that this vice president, who was a driving force for taking the United States into a war against Iraq under false pretenses, is once again rattling the sabers of war against Iran with the same intent to drive America into another war, again based on false pretenses.
Let me cite from the articles of impeachment that were introduced this afternoon, Article I, that Richard Cheney had purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and the Congress of the United States by fabricating a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the use of the United States armed forces against the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to our national security.
That despite all evidence to the contrary, the vice president actively and systematically sought to deceive the citizens and the Congress of the United States about an alleged threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.
That preceding the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, the vice president was fully informed that no legitimate evidence existed of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The vice president pressured the intelligence community to change their findings to enable the deception of the citizens and the Congress of the United States.
That in this the vice president subverted the national security interests of the United States by setting the stage for the loss of more than 3,300 United States service members and the loss of 650,000 Iraqi citizens since the United States invasion; the loss of approximately $500 billion in war costs, which has increased our federal debt; the loss of military readiness within the United States armed services, through an overextension and lack of training and lack of equipment; and the loss of United States credibility in the world affairs and decades of likely blowback created by the invasion of Iraq.
That with respect to Article II, that Richard Cheney manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and the Congress of the United States about an alleged relationship between Iraq and Al Qaida in order to justify the use of United States armed forces against the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to our national security.
And that, despite all evidence to the contrary, the vice president actively and systematically sought to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States about an alleged relationship between Iraq and Al Qaida.
That preceding to the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, the vice president was fully informed that no credible evidence existed of a working relationship between Iraq and Al Qaida, a fact articulated in several official documents.
With respect to Article III, that in his conduct while vice president of the United States, Richard Cheney openly threatened aggression against the Republic of Iran, absent any real threat to the United States, and has done so with the United States's proven capability to carry out such threats, thus undermining the national security interests of the United States.
That despite no evidence that Iran has the intention or the capability of attacking the United States, and despite the turmoil created by the United States's invasion of Iraq, the vice president has openly threatened aggression against Iran.
Furthermore, I point out in the articles that Article VI of the United States Constitution states, and I quote, "This Constitution and the laws of the United States shall be made in pursuance thereof and all treaties made or which shall be made under the authority of the United States shall be the supreme law of the land. Any provision of an international treaty ratified by the United States becomes the law of the United States."
The United States is signatory to the U.N. Charter, a treaty among the nations of the world. Article II, Section 4 of the United Nations Charter states, and I quote, "All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations."
The articles conclude by pointing out that the vice president's deception upon the citizens and the Congress of the United States that enabled the failed United States invasion of Iraq forcibly altered the rules of diplomacy so that the vice president recent belligerent actions toward Iran are destabilizing and counterproductive to the national security of the United States of America.
These articles of impeachment are not brought forth lightly. I've carefully weighed the options available to members of Congress and found this path the path that is the most important to take.
The justifications used to lead our nation to war have unquestionably been disproved. Brave soldiers and innocent civilians have lost their lives in a war the United States should never have initiated. The weight of the lies used to lead us into war has grown heavier with each death. Now is the time for Congress to examine the actions that led us into this war, just as we must work to bring the troops home. This resolution is a very serious matter, and I will urge the Committee on Judiciary to investigate and carefully consider this resolution.
At this time, I'm happy to take any of your questions.
QUESTION: Congressman, at this point do you have any other -- any fellow members support this?
KUCINICH: At this very moment, the resolution is being transmitted to members of Congress. Because this resolution is so weighty in its import, it's going to be important for members of Congress to have sufficient time to study the articles. This is unlike any other type of legislation or resolution. This is not something that you can ask anyone to make a snap judgment on. It took me a while to come to this point. And I would expect that members of Congress, given the opportunity to review these articles, will be able to come to a conclusion consistent with their own concerns and the concerns of their constituents.
QUESTION: But at this point, you stand alone, at this point?
KUCINICH: At this point, I believe that I stand with millions of Americans who have expressed concern through their state legislatures, through petitions to Congress, through contact with their members of Congress, that something has to be done to reclaim our country's goodness, to reclaim a government which the American people want to be honest, want to be just.
And so I do not stand alone. I have multitudes of people backing this.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) Chairman Conyers to look at this?
KUCINICH: I will discuss this with Chairman Conyers, now that this has been introduced, and I will ask for his consideration. And I will communicate this to all members of the House and ask them to give it the kind of thoughtful consideration that it deserves.
KUCINICH: I might point out that -- that when you read the annotations here, you will see that everything that has been said in these articles has been carefully documented. In fact, I would imagine that some of you have even reported some of the statements, although perhaps the statements have not been challenged in this way until now.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
KUCINICH: The question relates to why I'm bringing the articles of impeachment against Mr. Cheney, and not Mr. Bush. Is that it?
QUESTION: Why solely Mr. Cheney?
KUCINICH: Well, there's a practical reason here. And the practical reason is -- first of all, I want to say that each and every charge against Mr. Cheney relates to his conduct or misconduct in office.
Now, with respect to the president. I think that it's very important that we start with Mr. Cheney. Because if we were to start with the president and pursue articles of impeachment, Mr. Cheney would then become president.
It's significant and responsible to start in this way, because if the same charges would relate to the president as relate to the vice president, you would then have to go through the constitutional agony of impeaching two presidents consecutively.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
KUCINICH: Well, actually -- I'll wait until that truck goes by here.
Let me tell you the difference. The difference today is that this vice president is actively encouraging aggression against Iran. It is urgent that Congress take steps to check the abuse of power. And that's what this impeachment resolution will do.
KUCINICH: There is no comparison whatsoever -- in any way, shape or manner -- between these articles of impeachment and the articles of impeachment which were presented to the House of Representatives in 1999.
In fact, these articles of impeachment are deeply researched, will stand up in a discussion in the House and in the Senate. And I believe that they are -- that they're imperative to bring forth right now because the threat of war against Iran is very real.
And this vice president cannot be permitted to continue to violate both the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Charter.
QUESTION: Congressman, you're running for president. Are you hoping to get the others (OFF-MIKE)?
KUCINICH: Each person has to -- each person will have to make his or her own decision.
This goes beyond partisan terms. This is being done to defend our constitutional system of government. This is being done so that all those of us who took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States can understand that this impeachment is one valid way in furtherance of the defense of our Constitution.
I don't see this as being distant from anyone, in any capacity in our government. Everyone must reflect on this.
Years from now, people will ask, "Why didn't the United States government respond when they saw this threat to our democracy? Why didn't people inside the government respond?" if this doesn't move forward.
And so this really isn't so much, I might add, about the vice president as it is about who we are as a people. What is it that we stand for? What kind of government do the people of the United States expect and deserve?
KUCINICH: It's not appropriate for the government to lie to people. It is wrong for government officials -- you know, the vice president, in this case -- to take this nation into war based on lies.
And so, again, this becomes a question of who we are as a people. And so this resolution 333, articles of impeachment against the vice president, will let future generations know that no one is above the law of this country and that Congresses have the specific responsibility to provide a check to administrative abuse of power. That's the way the framers set this government up.
QUESTION: Congressman, Speaker Pelosi has said on more than one occasion she's not interested in impeachment.
Have you had conversations with her on this, or some exchange, in your mind...
KUCINICH: No, I have not discussed this with Speaker Pelosi.
I want to stress that this is not a partisan action at all. I have not confided in anyone in the leadership of my party, because I take this action beyond partisanship, beyond party, as an obligation and commitment to my nation and my loyalty to America and my willingness to say, "Stop the lies. Stop the lying. Stop the dying that's occurring in Iraq over lies."
It's imperative that America stand for the truth. It said in the Bible, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." Well, let then these articles of impeachment help set our nation free from the lies that have enveloped our governmental process, the lies that are trapping us still in a war in Iraq, the lies that could take us into a war against Iran.
This is about the truth.
QUESTION: Congressman, it's been said by some pundits that you're just introducing these articles to gain publicity for your presidential campaign.
What do you make of those allegations? And do you think this is going to help you out in your race for the presidency?
KUCINICH: These articles are about the conduct of the vice president of the United States, that he deceived the people of the United States to take this country into a war, that he continues to exhibit a pattern of conduct that could take this country into another war based on false pretenses. That's what this is about.
KUCINICH: And I believe that the people of this country are demanding that someone stand up and anyone has been free to do this. Anyone in the House of Representatives could take similar action if they so choose, or could take action against the vice president or the president.
QUESTION: Pelosi says it's not going anywhere.
(CROSSTALK)
KUCINICH: Have you talked to her today?
QUESTION: Yes, I did.
KUCINICH: Then I would say I have not talked to her. And as much as I admire the speaker, as much as I voted to support her, I feel that it's my obligation as a member of Congress to introduce these articles of impeachment. And I believe the American people will be the final arbiters as to whether or not these articles should go forward.
QUESTION: Just to follow up, when you say the vice president led us into war, wouldn't that be President Bush? Isn't Cheney working for Bush? (inaudible)
KUCINICH: Well, let's go into Article I. "Mr. Cheney: 'We know they have biological and chemical weapons.'" Said this in a press conference on March 17th, 2002. "We know they're pursuing nuclear weapons." He said this in a press briefing on March 19th, 2002. "He is pursuing, activity pursuing nuclear weapons at this time." He said this on "CNN Late Edition," March 24th. "We know he's got chemical and biological, and we know he's working on nuclear."
"Meet the Press," May 19th: "But we know Saddam has resumed his efforts to acquire nuclear weapons." "There is no doubt he's amassing them against our friends, against our allies and against us." August 26th, 2002.
On and on and on. "He has in fact activity and aggressively seeking to acquire nuclear weapons." September 8th, 2002, "Meet the Press."
"He has in fact reconstituted nuclear weapons." March 16th, "Meet the Press."
This vice president was a driving force in trying to create the circumstances to justify the United States's attack against Iran. And he not only deceived the people of the United States, and the Congress of the United States, he deceived the American media.
KUCINICH: And so these articles are tightly focused on the conduct of the vice president. And to the extent that they may reflect in some way on the conduct of the president of the United States, is another matter for another day.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)
KUCINICH: I think the record is very clear, that this vice president used his conduct of office to promote a war and Article I and Article II are very clear that he conducted himself in such a way as to use the power of his office to promote that war.
And so this relates to the vice president. And I think I answered the question earlier about why the vice president and not the president.
Anyone else? I want to thank you very much for being here.
QUESTION: Do you have anyone you would identify as a replacement? If Vice President Cheney were impeached, it would have to be voted on the House and the Senate for confirmation.
KUCINICH: That would be up to President Bush.
Thank you.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Dennis Kucinich February 17, 2002 - A Prayer For America!
Check out this video of Dennis Kucinich delivering his now famous Prayer for America speech to the Southern California chapter of Americans for Democratic Action. The lady who introduces Dennis is Lyla (I am not sure how to spell her name), who was his campaign co-ordinator in Southern California. I happened to meet her the night we came back from Costa Rica at an evening event with Jeff Cohen and Scott Ritter.
Jeff talked in detail about how media is manipulated. He was a director (or producer) of the Dona Hugh show just before Iraq war when MSNBS discontinued the show even though it was a very popular program. He said, "what is the good news is the rising of alternative media including thousands of blogs!"
Scott Ritter WAS a strong patriotic Republican who voted for Bush. However he carried out his inspections for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, found none, and told the Bush administration that Iraq was not threat to the USA and thus should not attack Iraq. But Bush went ahead and attacked... So Scott stopped being a Republican... Read this story here from the BBC news...
These days Scott is saying, 'The US must get out of Iraq now!'
Scott Ritter loves America and he thinks that real Americans should stand up for the Constitution. He doesn't care for the left or right, nor democrats or republicans. What he cares about is the situation America is in right now with their true values being ripped off.
He sounds good to me except when he said, "I am a killer machine and I have no problem with killing dozens of people" (if that means defending my country... I have added this, as I think that is what he meant...)
I have never been a soldier myself nor killed people in this life time, so I can not really know what goes on in a solder's mind when he kills people. I know it will break my heart even if I have to do so to defend my loved ones. It would haunt me forever.
But when I look at what is happening today in Iraq or Afghanistan, I am killing people in a way by allowing these lies of the "War on Terrorism" to continue. By allowing this illegal and unnecessary war to continue we have been condoning the killing that is going on there!
I am responsible and I am sorry. Yes, it breaks my heart and I grieve for the loss of each precious life. A baby, a child, a girl, a boy, a woman, a man, a mother or a father, who was born to do what he/she was supposed to do and his/her life was taken before he/she fulfills their dream or mission, who all came from a mothers' womb through the pain and bliss of giving birth. I am so sorry and sad.
'A Prayer for America' by Dennis Kucinich is now my prayer for America. I really pray that the USA and Japan will walk together in peace by creating peace both within their countries and outside of them too. I chose to live in peace and I commit myself to do the best I can to create peace in and around me.
The important thing is that peace starts with me AND you.
Jeff talked in detail about how media is manipulated. He was a director (or producer) of the Dona Hugh show just before Iraq war when MSNBS discontinued the show even though it was a very popular program. He said, "what is the good news is the rising of alternative media including thousands of blogs!"
Scott Ritter WAS a strong patriotic Republican who voted for Bush. However he carried out his inspections for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, found none, and told the Bush administration that Iraq was not threat to the USA and thus should not attack Iraq. But Bush went ahead and attacked... So Scott stopped being a Republican... Read this story here from the BBC news...
These days Scott is saying, 'The US must get out of Iraq now!'
Scott Ritter loves America and he thinks that real Americans should stand up for the Constitution. He doesn't care for the left or right, nor democrats or republicans. What he cares about is the situation America is in right now with their true values being ripped off.
He sounds good to me except when he said, "I am a killer machine and I have no problem with killing dozens of people" (if that means defending my country... I have added this, as I think that is what he meant...)
I have never been a soldier myself nor killed people in this life time, so I can not really know what goes on in a solder's mind when he kills people. I know it will break my heart even if I have to do so to defend my loved ones. It would haunt me forever.
But when I look at what is happening today in Iraq or Afghanistan, I am killing people in a way by allowing these lies of the "War on Terrorism" to continue. By allowing this illegal and unnecessary war to continue we have been condoning the killing that is going on there!
I am responsible and I am sorry. Yes, it breaks my heart and I grieve for the loss of each precious life. A baby, a child, a girl, a boy, a woman, a man, a mother or a father, who was born to do what he/she was supposed to do and his/her life was taken before he/she fulfills their dream or mission, who all came from a mothers' womb through the pain and bliss of giving birth. I am so sorry and sad.
'A Prayer for America' by Dennis Kucinich is now my prayer for America. I really pray that the USA and Japan will walk together in peace by creating peace both within their countries and outside of them too. I chose to live in peace and I commit myself to do the best I can to create peace in and around me.
The important thing is that peace starts with me AND you.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
What did Bush say to Kucinich at the State of the Union?
I got this from the Kucinich for President mailing list, and I had to share this with you all! Dennis Kucinich is at my dear friend Frank Dorrel's house in LA tonight for a house party, where we had been staying until two nights ago! What a pity we missed meeting him only by 2 days.
Enjoy reading this:
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Kucinich 'says plenty worth listening to': Portsmouth Herald Submitted
by AndyJ on Mon, 2007-02-05 08:26. Articles | Iraq
The Cassandra Conundrum
By Michael McCord
Opinion page editor of the Herald Sunday and the Portsmouth Herald February 4, 2007
While watching on television the recent State of the Union speech, I noticed how Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, had a lengthy handshake with and was talking to President Bush. I was curious because Kucinich, who is making a second run as a presidential candidate, began thundering against the Iraq war before it was launched and he hasn't let up at all.
He has relentlessly dissected the administration' s policies, competence and motivations concerning Iraq for the past four years, and it's hard to imagine Bush wanting much of a heart-to-heart with Kucinich.
I was curious enough to call the six-term congressman from the Cleveland area and ask him about the conversation.
"I told him about my 12-point plan to bring the troops home and stabilize Iraq," Kucinich explained. "I said, 'If you need help, give me a call.' "
So far at least, Bush hasn't called to ask for Kucinich's help. After all, Bush has his own plan and, by all accounts, exiting Iraq isn't in his vocabulary. (See below for Bush's response.)
Ask Kucinich about the Iraq war and you will get an earful. But then to his credit, unlike most politicians he says plenty worth listening to even if you disagree with him or are threatened by his passion. He doesn't indulge in nuanced campaign speak. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and John Edwards may have early front-runner name cache, but it's unlikely they have a comprehensive Iraq plan they wrote themselves.
"He's an anti-war loon," said a veteran Democratic congressional staffer I've known for years about Kucinich and his reputation. "But you know, he was right and most of us got played for suckers."
Kucinich, the former boy mayor of Cleveland and as much as political idealist as one encounters these days, told me, "New Hampshire is going to be the place for truth telling."
He imagines the primary will be a "moment of accounting" about the Iraq war for New Hampshire primary candidates of both parties.
I'm less idealistic than Kucinich about how much "truth telling" and "accounting" will happen during our first-in-the- galaxy carnival, but he does have a point. The ongoing debacle in Iraq and how to salvage anything remotely resembling success will be on the top of the charts.
"Even if things get better in the next six months, Iraq will be at the top of the list," said Dean Spiliotes, research director at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College in Manchester.
The problem for a consistent anti-war candidates like Kucinich, Spiliotes told me, is that the ground has shifted dramatically since the 2004 primary when Democrats were tongue-tied about the war (Americans are still deciphering Sen. John Kerry's explanation in 2004 for voting against and for the war at the same time).
"Now, everybody (the Democratic candidates) is on the same page and there isn't much to differentiate them."
What's going to happen as the primary season drags on is a desire among voters to hear what's next.
"You can only do so much bashing of the president," Spiliotes said about the easy pinata Bush has become for both parties. "There's going to be a premium on someone coming up with a plan on what to do next." Spiliotes said there will be more nuance on the Republican side as almost all of the candidates continue to support Bush to varying degrees. Rep. Dayton Hunter, R-Calif., said in Newington recently that the Bush method is working -- though we haven't been able to confirm if Hunter had taken any sips lately from Vice President Dick Cheney's delusional Kool-Aid supply.
Beyond being a wild free-for-all on both sides -- it will be the first election since 1928 with neither a sitting president nor vice president running -- this primary will be the first since 1968 with war as the dominant issue on voters' minds.
While many remember Sen. Eugene McCarthy's insurgent anti-Vietnam war campaign in 1968 against sitting President Lyndon Johnson -- McCarthy unleashed scores of clean-cut volunteers who went door-to-door and talked about their "Clean for Gene" passion to stop the war -- the larger lesson has been forgotten. Johnson won as a write-in candidate, but was hurt by McCarthy's strong showing -- a showing that included many voters who were mad at Johnson for not pursuing the war more vigorously.
By the time of the 1968 primary, Congress was already wising up to the duplicity of the Johnson administration, but it was essentially helpless to do much but debate and hold more hearings.
Not unlike today. In recent weeks, the U. S. Senate continued its better-late- than-never debate about which anti- or pro-troop escalation non-binding resolution to consider. Not that it matters much. Whichever resolution is passed will essentially be a gentle public rebuke, telling President Bush that he's on the wrong path in Iraq. As though that hasn't been obvious for, say, a good three years.
The dilemma for passionate and articulate anti-war candidates has been one of being admired but not supported at the ballot box (See Sen. George McGovern, who suffered the greatest defeat in American history, carrying only one state, Massachusetts, against Richard Nixon in 1972.)
I remember watching Kucinich speak in 2003, and he warned then of disaster in Iraq with an almost perfect diagnosis of what was to come. He said then he was running for president because of the systematic political breakdown that led to the unfolding disaster. He was particularly incensed about the lack of courage and forethought displayed by his own party to confront Bush's headlong rush into war. He also damned the administration' s failure to deal with the aftermath (which included a virtual ban on the term insurgent, as though not saying the word would make the problem go away.)
For Kucinich, understanding how we got to this point is as important as what to do next because it explains so much.
For example, he told me recently as the war drums began beating in 2002, like a good student, he began doing his homework. "I saw a lot information from a number of sources that was available for anyone to see."
He wasn't alone, of course, in coming to the conclusion that the Bush gang was out of its collective mind in pushing for a war of choice when the intelligence didn't support it. But he did manage, he told me, to rally some support among Democrats in the House to vote against war authorization.
"It was a fabric of lies that pulled the American people into supporting the war," Kucinich said about the political parallel universe in 2002, of playing Cassandra while his own party wanted the war issue to go away politically. "This was the most important vote we were going to make in our lifetimes, and we didn't even debate it in our caucus," Kucinich said.
It didn't help, he explained, that "most of the media swallowed the war whole." Unlike every other candidate whose votes are on record, he says he's the only one who has voted against every one of Bush's funding authorizations for the war.
Not that being right and way ahead of the curve has helped Kucinich much. If anything, he has proved the political axiom that no good deed goes unpunished. With so many Democrats having their come-to-Jesus moment about Iraq, he's as uncomfortable a reminder of their timidity today as he was yesterday.
"It wasn't just a mistake. Any member could have done the research," Kucinich said. "A critical moment was at hand and most failed the test. They didn't do the right thing." Kucinich said Democrats, after mostly ducking the war issue in the 2002 and 2004 elections ("they wanted to act as if the war didn't exist"), were returned to congressional power because of the war in 2006. But he's concerned the party will slip into "default, as though we have no other work to do. We're still taking a position of not challenging the president."
It's a position he finds remarkable after more than 3,000 American military deaths, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi deaths, and some $400 billion spent. Kucinich will never pass as a stoic.
In New Hampshire, Kucinich faces an uphill battle against the establishment titans and media favorites. He finished sixth in the 2004 primary with around 1.5 percent, or around 3,100 votes, but he believes he will make a much stronger run this time around.
For one thing, he's got an Iraq exit strategy paper and a plan for extensive grassroots organizing. He also plans to challenge his fellow candidates to talk about their Iraq war choices to make "real distinctions, " which will be easier said than done.
Moreover, Kucinich, who spent the weekend campaigning in the state, believes in the primary potential of a level playing field -- or at least a magical kingdom of voters who can separate the wheat of authenticity and leadership from the chaff of political celebrity. "'American Idol' has a higher standard," Kucinich said about the consultant-driven mode of modern campaigning.
The problem for Kucinich is that he won't be the only candidate preaching to the anti-war choir. Spiliotes, at the NH Institute of Politics, also believes most voters won't be interested in retribution for past votes or perhaps draw too many leadership lessons from the 2002-2004 prelude to disaster.
One of Kucinich's Iraq war exit strategy points is to have a truth and reconciliation process to set a base line of truth for Americans and Iraqis to understand the war's roots. Needless to say, it's a controversial proposal, especially in a country adverse to much introspection.
Oh yes, what did Bush say to Kucinich at the State of the Union?
According to Kucinich, it was straight from the heart. "'Dennis, I know you love America. We both love America.' "
By the way, here is a picture of Frank’s Peace Car!
Enjoy reading this:
----
Kucinich 'says plenty worth listening to': Portsmouth Herald Submitted
by AndyJ on Mon, 2007-02-05 08:26. Articles | Iraq
The Cassandra Conundrum
By Michael McCord
Opinion page editor of the Herald Sunday and the Portsmouth Herald February 4, 2007
While watching on television the recent State of the Union speech, I noticed how Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, had a lengthy handshake with and was talking to President Bush. I was curious because Kucinich, who is making a second run as a presidential candidate, began thundering against the Iraq war before it was launched and he hasn't let up at all.
He has relentlessly dissected the administration' s policies, competence and motivations concerning Iraq for the past four years, and it's hard to imagine Bush wanting much of a heart-to-heart with Kucinich.
I was curious enough to call the six-term congressman from the Cleveland area and ask him about the conversation.
"I told him about my 12-point plan to bring the troops home and stabilize Iraq," Kucinich explained. "I said, 'If you need help, give me a call.' "
So far at least, Bush hasn't called to ask for Kucinich's help. After all, Bush has his own plan and, by all accounts, exiting Iraq isn't in his vocabulary. (See below for Bush's response.)
Ask Kucinich about the Iraq war and you will get an earful. But then to his credit, unlike most politicians he says plenty worth listening to even if you disagree with him or are threatened by his passion. He doesn't indulge in nuanced campaign speak. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and John Edwards may have early front-runner name cache, but it's unlikely they have a comprehensive Iraq plan they wrote themselves.
"He's an anti-war loon," said a veteran Democratic congressional staffer I've known for years about Kucinich and his reputation. "But you know, he was right and most of us got played for suckers."
Kucinich, the former boy mayor of Cleveland and as much as political idealist as one encounters these days, told me, "New Hampshire is going to be the place for truth telling."
He imagines the primary will be a "moment of accounting" about the Iraq war for New Hampshire primary candidates of both parties.
I'm less idealistic than Kucinich about how much "truth telling" and "accounting" will happen during our first-in-the- galaxy carnival, but he does have a point. The ongoing debacle in Iraq and how to salvage anything remotely resembling success will be on the top of the charts.
"Even if things get better in the next six months, Iraq will be at the top of the list," said Dean Spiliotes, research director at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College in Manchester.
The problem for a consistent anti-war candidates like Kucinich, Spiliotes told me, is that the ground has shifted dramatically since the 2004 primary when Democrats were tongue-tied about the war (Americans are still deciphering Sen. John Kerry's explanation in 2004 for voting against and for the war at the same time).
"Now, everybody (the Democratic candidates) is on the same page and there isn't much to differentiate them."
What's going to happen as the primary season drags on is a desire among voters to hear what's next.
"You can only do so much bashing of the president," Spiliotes said about the easy pinata Bush has become for both parties. "There's going to be a premium on someone coming up with a plan on what to do next." Spiliotes said there will be more nuance on the Republican side as almost all of the candidates continue to support Bush to varying degrees. Rep. Dayton Hunter, R-Calif., said in Newington recently that the Bush method is working -- though we haven't been able to confirm if Hunter had taken any sips lately from Vice President Dick Cheney's delusional Kool-Aid supply.
Beyond being a wild free-for-all on both sides -- it will be the first election since 1928 with neither a sitting president nor vice president running -- this primary will be the first since 1968 with war as the dominant issue on voters' minds.
While many remember Sen. Eugene McCarthy's insurgent anti-Vietnam war campaign in 1968 against sitting President Lyndon Johnson -- McCarthy unleashed scores of clean-cut volunteers who went door-to-door and talked about their "Clean for Gene" passion to stop the war -- the larger lesson has been forgotten. Johnson won as a write-in candidate, but was hurt by McCarthy's strong showing -- a showing that included many voters who were mad at Johnson for not pursuing the war more vigorously.
By the time of the 1968 primary, Congress was already wising up to the duplicity of the Johnson administration, but it was essentially helpless to do much but debate and hold more hearings.
Not unlike today. In recent weeks, the U. S. Senate continued its better-late- than-never debate about which anti- or pro-troop escalation non-binding resolution to consider. Not that it matters much. Whichever resolution is passed will essentially be a gentle public rebuke, telling President Bush that he's on the wrong path in Iraq. As though that hasn't been obvious for, say, a good three years.
The dilemma for passionate and articulate anti-war candidates has been one of being admired but not supported at the ballot box (See Sen. George McGovern, who suffered the greatest defeat in American history, carrying only one state, Massachusetts, against Richard Nixon in 1972.)
I remember watching Kucinich speak in 2003, and he warned then of disaster in Iraq with an almost perfect diagnosis of what was to come. He said then he was running for president because of the systematic political breakdown that led to the unfolding disaster. He was particularly incensed about the lack of courage and forethought displayed by his own party to confront Bush's headlong rush into war. He also damned the administration' s failure to deal with the aftermath (which included a virtual ban on the term insurgent, as though not saying the word would make the problem go away.)
For Kucinich, understanding how we got to this point is as important as what to do next because it explains so much.
For example, he told me recently as the war drums began beating in 2002, like a good student, he began doing his homework. "I saw a lot information from a number of sources that was available for anyone to see."
He wasn't alone, of course, in coming to the conclusion that the Bush gang was out of its collective mind in pushing for a war of choice when the intelligence didn't support it. But he did manage, he told me, to rally some support among Democrats in the House to vote against war authorization.
"It was a fabric of lies that pulled the American people into supporting the war," Kucinich said about the political parallel universe in 2002, of playing Cassandra while his own party wanted the war issue to go away politically. "This was the most important vote we were going to make in our lifetimes, and we didn't even debate it in our caucus," Kucinich said.
It didn't help, he explained, that "most of the media swallowed the war whole." Unlike every other candidate whose votes are on record, he says he's the only one who has voted against every one of Bush's funding authorizations for the war.
Not that being right and way ahead of the curve has helped Kucinich much. If anything, he has proved the political axiom that no good deed goes unpunished. With so many Democrats having their come-to-Jesus moment about Iraq, he's as uncomfortable a reminder of their timidity today as he was yesterday.
"It wasn't just a mistake. Any member could have done the research," Kucinich said. "A critical moment was at hand and most failed the test. They didn't do the right thing." Kucinich said Democrats, after mostly ducking the war issue in the 2002 and 2004 elections ("they wanted to act as if the war didn't exist"), were returned to congressional power because of the war in 2006. But he's concerned the party will slip into "default, as though we have no other work to do. We're still taking a position of not challenging the president."
It's a position he finds remarkable after more than 3,000 American military deaths, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi deaths, and some $400 billion spent. Kucinich will never pass as a stoic.
In New Hampshire, Kucinich faces an uphill battle against the establishment titans and media favorites. He finished sixth in the 2004 primary with around 1.5 percent, or around 3,100 votes, but he believes he will make a much stronger run this time around.
For one thing, he's got an Iraq exit strategy paper and a plan for extensive grassroots organizing. He also plans to challenge his fellow candidates to talk about their Iraq war choices to make "real distinctions, " which will be easier said than done.
Moreover, Kucinich, who spent the weekend campaigning in the state, believes in the primary potential of a level playing field -- or at least a magical kingdom of voters who can separate the wheat of authenticity and leadership from the chaff of political celebrity. "'American Idol' has a higher standard," Kucinich said about the consultant-driven mode of modern campaigning.
The problem for Kucinich is that he won't be the only candidate preaching to the anti-war choir. Spiliotes, at the NH Institute of Politics, also believes most voters won't be interested in retribution for past votes or perhaps draw too many leadership lessons from the 2002-2004 prelude to disaster.
One of Kucinich's Iraq war exit strategy points is to have a truth and reconciliation process to set a base line of truth for Americans and Iraqis to understand the war's roots. Needless to say, it's a controversial proposal, especially in a country adverse to much introspection.
Oh yes, what did Bush say to Kucinich at the State of the Union?
According to Kucinich, it was straight from the heart. "'Dennis, I know you love America. We both love America.' "
By the way, here is a picture of Frank’s Peace Car!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
♪ Grand Finale of 4th National Department of Peace Conference ♪ - 09 min 04 sec - 2.1 MB
It's been an amazing experience to participate one of the most exciting and wonderful thing happening in the USA for peace. Imagine Department of Peace is in the USA and in Japan and in every country. Imagine that we do not need to use violence to solve our problems and conflicts.
Enough blood and tears has been shed throughout the world and it is time for us to use totally different approach to solve problems and conflicts.
I had the great honor to meet with the Congressman Kucinich and was able to interview him at his office today. He told me Japan has to hold on to Article 9 of our Peace Constitution as it is Japan‘s gift to the world.
Please listen to Ohio congressman and Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich. We have a lot of work to do to make peace a priority in every community and country. I have decided to become a Visionary member of the Peace Alliance, which means I will donate $1000 or more to the Peace Alliance until the bill to make a Department of Peace becomes law.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Al Gore On Saturday Night Live!
Check out Al Gore having some fun! If only half of this were true!
Transcript of the show...
Al Gore: When Glaciers Attack -- The World That Might Have Been
Al Gore appeared last weekend on 'Saturday Night Live.' In the show's alternate reality, here's the speech he gave. "Good evening, my fellow Americans.
"In 2000 when you overwhelmingly made the decision to elect me as your 43rd president, I knew the road ahead would be difficult. We have accomplished so much, yet challenges lie ahead.
"In the last six years we have been able to stop global warming. No one could have predicted the negative results of this. Glaciers that once were melting are now on the attack.
"As you know, these renegade glaciers have already captured parts of upper Michigan and northern Maine, but I assure you: We will not let the glaciers win.
"Right now, in the second week of May 2006, we are facing perhaps the worst gas crisis in history.
"We have way too much gasoline. Gas is down to $0.19 a gallon and the oil companies are hurting.
"I know that I am partly to blame by insisting that cars run on trash.
"I am therefore proposing a federal bailout to our oil companies because -- hey, if it were the other way around, you know the oil companies would help us.
"On a positive note, we worked hard to save welfare, fix Social Security and of course provide the free universal health care we all enjoy today.
"But all this came at a high cost. As I speak, the gigantic national budget surplus is down to a perilously low $11 trillion.
"And don't get any ideas. That money is staying in the very successful lockbox. We're not touching it.
"Of course, we could give economic aid to China, or lend money to the Saudis ... again.
"But right now we're already so loved by everyone in the world that American tourists can't even go over to Europe anymore ... without getting hugged.
"There are some of you that want to spend our money on some made-up war. To you I say: what part of "lockbox" don't you understand? ...
"As for immigration, solving that came at a heavy cost, and I personally regret the loss of California. However, the new Mexifornian economy is strong and El Presidente Schwarznegger is doing a great job.
"There have been some setbacks. ... Baseball, our national pastime, still lies under the shadow of steroid accusations. But I have faith in baseball commissioner George W. Bush when he says, 'We will find the steroid users if we have to tap every phone in America!'
"In 2001 when I came into office, our national security was the most important issue. The threat of terrorism was real.
"Who knew that six years later, Afghanistan would be the most popular spring break destination? Or that Six Flags Tehran is the fastest growing amusement park in the Middle East?
"And the scariest thing we Americans have to fear is ... Live From New York, it's Saturday Night!"
(c) 2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.
Transcript of the show...
Al Gore: When Glaciers Attack -- The World That Might Have Been
Al Gore appeared last weekend on 'Saturday Night Live.' In the show's alternate reality, here's the speech he gave. "Good evening, my fellow Americans.
"In 2000 when you overwhelmingly made the decision to elect me as your 43rd president, I knew the road ahead would be difficult. We have accomplished so much, yet challenges lie ahead.
"In the last six years we have been able to stop global warming. No one could have predicted the negative results of this. Glaciers that once were melting are now on the attack.
"As you know, these renegade glaciers have already captured parts of upper Michigan and northern Maine, but I assure you: We will not let the glaciers win.
"Right now, in the second week of May 2006, we are facing perhaps the worst gas crisis in history.
"We have way too much gasoline. Gas is down to $0.19 a gallon and the oil companies are hurting.
"I know that I am partly to blame by insisting that cars run on trash.
"I am therefore proposing a federal bailout to our oil companies because -- hey, if it were the other way around, you know the oil companies would help us.
"On a positive note, we worked hard to save welfare, fix Social Security and of course provide the free universal health care we all enjoy today.
"But all this came at a high cost. As I speak, the gigantic national budget surplus is down to a perilously low $11 trillion.
"And don't get any ideas. That money is staying in the very successful lockbox. We're not touching it.
"Of course, we could give economic aid to China, or lend money to the Saudis ... again.
"But right now we're already so loved by everyone in the world that American tourists can't even go over to Europe anymore ... without getting hugged.
"There are some of you that want to spend our money on some made-up war. To you I say: what part of "lockbox" don't you understand? ...
"As for immigration, solving that came at a heavy cost, and I personally regret the loss of California. However, the new Mexifornian economy is strong and El Presidente Schwarznegger is doing a great job.
"There have been some setbacks. ... Baseball, our national pastime, still lies under the shadow of steroid accusations. But I have faith in baseball commissioner George W. Bush when he says, 'We will find the steroid users if we have to tap every phone in America!'
"In 2001 when I came into office, our national security was the most important issue. The threat of terrorism was real.
"Who knew that six years later, Afghanistan would be the most popular spring break destination? Or that Six Flags Tehran is the fastest growing amusement park in the Middle East?
"And the scariest thing we Americans have to fear is ... Live From New York, it's Saturday Night!"
(c) 2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Stephen Colbert, New American Hero
I heard his name a week ago from my dear friend Norie Huddle. She sent me the speech he made at a Whitehouse dinner on April 30. I watchted it, laughed and laughed till my stomach ached! Who is this guy?
And a week later, today, I got what is written below from Lucille Moyer, and also from Truth Out, and others! Now I am realizing this is not just funny but revolutionary. You must watch and spread it around too!
Yumi
==============
Lucille Moyer wrote:
Stephen Colbert will become an American folk hero because he singlehandedly circumvented the administrative protectorate and the secret service to courageously and publically confront this president who doesn't read, doesn't watch TV, doesn't listen to advisers and thinks he is above the law and congress. It was a coup that untold millions upon millions around the world, marching in the streets, have been unable to achieve. Hooray for Colbert!!!
* * * * * *
Stephen Colbert: New American Hero
By Don Hazen, AlterNet
Posted on May 9, 2006, Printed on May 10, 2006
(Click here to read the story.)
Virtually overnight, Stephen Colbert became a hero to countless Americans, following his April 30 performance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
Since then, millions of people have either watched the video or read the transcript of his skewering of both the president and the press corps, and have discussed it avidly. Tens of thousands of people have gone to the website ThankYouStephenColbert.org and written letters of appreciation. Talk about water-cooler chatter; the event crashed internet servers across the land. It truly was one of those moments of media shock and delight.
And then, an odd but revealing thing happened. Some of the chattering class commentators, mainstream media writers and columnists, and Democratic officials didn't get it: Not very funny, rude, not respectful of the president, and so on. Are they kidding? How could they not understand they were witnessing one of the bravest, most subversive performances in memory, which thrilled and gave hope to untold viewers and readers, and will be a huge marker when people look back on the Bush era?
Colbert's speech had a huge impact for two reasons: First, he spoke truth to power right to the face of the president, in front of the entire news media. No one could miss, sidestep or deny it. It wasn't a scene from a movie, book or talk show -- it was live. It reminded me of Edward R. Murrow's famous address to the Radio and Television News Directors Association (recently depicted in the film "Good Night and Good Luck"). It gave me goose bumps. Colbert's performance shamed every Democrat or columnist who has been too afraid, too timid, or just too worried about losing his or her own power and access to go out on a limb and tell the truth that this administration is a disaster beyond our wildest nightmares. Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rove have gotten away with murder … and worse. And many of the people in that room that night who squirmed in their seats -- it was in part because of the internal indictment they were feeling for not doing what they should have done, countless times, long before. Maybe now they will do the right thing, but I won't be holding my breath.
The second reason Colbert made such a huge splash is the rapid advance of video on the web. Almost overnight, the media world has irrevocably changed as video is increasingly becoming as important as print and still images on the web. When, in a matter of hours, dozens of websites can post or link to a video and get the word out about a spectacular event, the role of the gatekeepers and the corporate media shrinks big-time. And it doesn't matter if the networks or CNN or Fox decides that they don't want you to see it -- they can't stop it. The people's network is now in working order. Progressives now have a television capacity; still rudimentary, perhaps, but powerfully effective.
The Press Leaks
The press coverage of the Colbert performance was illuminating, according to the popular blog, Democratic Underground: "Expect nothing less from the cowardly American media. This demonstrates powerfully the ability of the media to choose the news, and to decide when and how to shield Bush from negative publicity. Sins of omission can be just as bad as sins of commission."
The AP's first stab at it, as well as Reuters and the Chicago Tribune, tell us everything we need to know: In these reports, Colbert's performance is sidestepped and marginalized, while President Bush is depicted as lighthearted, humble and witty.
Salon's Joan Walsh points out, "Colbert's deadly performance did more than reveal, with devastating clarity, how Bush's well-oiled myth machine works. It exposed the mainstream press' pathetic collusion with an administration that has treated it -- and the truth -- with contempt from the moment it took office. Intimidated, coddled, fearful of violating propriety, the press corps that for years dutifully repeated Bush talking points was stunned and horrified when someone dared to reveal that the media emperor had no clothes. Colbert refused to play his dutiful, toothless part in the White House correspondents' dinner -- an incestuous, backslapping ritual that should be retired. For that, he had to be marginalized. Voilà: 'He wasn't funny.'"
On the Democratic political front, as John Aravosis wrote on AmericaBlog, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., actually stepped up to defend President Bush, saying, according to The Hill:
"I thought some of it was funny, but I think it got a little rough … He is the president of the United States, and he deserves some respect."
"I'm certainly not a defender of the administration," Hoyer reassured stunned observers, but Colbert "crossed the line" with many jokes that were "in bad taste."
Criticizing Colbert for being rude would be pretty funny if it weren't so depressing. Rude? Since when has politics in this administration used the Marquis of Queensbury rules? Is Dick Cheney sweet and accommodating? When, in their march to power, has the right wing had good manners -- about abortion or gay marriage, or in the push for invading Iraq? Sure, mention decorum and one thinks immediately of Karl Rove, of Pat Robertson calling for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, of Jerry Falwell blaming America's bad morals for 9/11.
The fact is, Stephen Colbert is at the acme of rising independent voices -- in the blogosphere, on the internet, in publishing and independent filmmaking -- who are being aggressive and playing hardball the way the right does. And guess what? The establishment is getting nervous. The powers-that-be know that people respond to passion, anger and resistance, emotions that convey meaning and seriousness, and the will to fight hard for important issues.
In a smaller way, but showing similar guts, Cindy Sheehan spoke truth by traveling to Texas and demanding that the president explain, please, just what "noble cause" her son died for. Ray McGovern did it recently when he publicly challenged Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in Atlanta, and so did Harry Taylor, the man who confronted George W. Bush at a town meeting in North Carolina.
Perhaps the most important lesson we have learned from the divisions laid bare by Stephen Colbert is that the big split isn't so much between Democrats and Republicans or between the media and the people and events they cover, but rather between the powerful and the angry, between those basking in power and those fighting for change. The kiss-ass media, the revolving-door congressmen, the sycophant lobbyists and congressional staffers, the greedy media consultants -- all are dependent on and addicted to the trappings of power, whether it's their next book, TV appearance, consulting contract, ride on Air Force One or junket to play golf at St. Andrews. Stephen Colbert turned the heat up on them all:
… let's review the rules. Here's how it works: The president makes the decisions; he's the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions, and you people, the press, type those decisions down. Make, announce, check. Just put 'em through a spell check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you got kickin' around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration? You know: fiction!
It's getting hotter in the kitchen, and some of those who have the most to hide are getting closer to a meltdown.
Don Hazen is the executive editor of AlterNet.
© 2006 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.
View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/36067/
---------
The COMPLETE Colbert Clip is Here, Part 1 - Part 2.
---------
"NO BRAVERY" (A nation blind to their disgrace)
A Must Watch 4 Minute Video Flash presentation
http://informationclearinghouse.info/article11799.htm
"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government."
- Thomas Jefferson
And a week later, today, I got what is written below from Lucille Moyer, and also from Truth Out, and others! Now I am realizing this is not just funny but revolutionary. You must watch and spread it around too!
Yumi
==============
Lucille Moyer wrote:
Stephen Colbert will become an American folk hero because he singlehandedly circumvented the administrative protectorate and the secret service to courageously and publically confront this president who doesn't read, doesn't watch TV, doesn't listen to advisers and thinks he is above the law and congress. It was a coup that untold millions upon millions around the world, marching in the streets, have been unable to achieve. Hooray for Colbert!!!
* * * * * *
By Don Hazen, AlterNet
Posted on May 9, 2006, Printed on May 10, 2006
(Click here to read the story.)
Virtually overnight, Stephen Colbert became a hero to countless Americans, following his April 30 performance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
Since then, millions of people have either watched the video or read the transcript of his skewering of both the president and the press corps, and have discussed it avidly. Tens of thousands of people have gone to the website ThankYouStephenColbert.org and written letters of appreciation. Talk about water-cooler chatter; the event crashed internet servers across the land. It truly was one of those moments of media shock and delight.
And then, an odd but revealing thing happened. Some of the chattering class commentators, mainstream media writers and columnists, and Democratic officials didn't get it: Not very funny, rude, not respectful of the president, and so on. Are they kidding? How could they not understand they were witnessing one of the bravest, most subversive performances in memory, which thrilled and gave hope to untold viewers and readers, and will be a huge marker when people look back on the Bush era?
Colbert's speech had a huge impact for two reasons: First, he spoke truth to power right to the face of the president, in front of the entire news media. No one could miss, sidestep or deny it. It wasn't a scene from a movie, book or talk show -- it was live. It reminded me of Edward R. Murrow's famous address to the Radio and Television News Directors Association (recently depicted in the film "Good Night and Good Luck"). It gave me goose bumps. Colbert's performance shamed every Democrat or columnist who has been too afraid, too timid, or just too worried about losing his or her own power and access to go out on a limb and tell the truth that this administration is a disaster beyond our wildest nightmares. Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rove have gotten away with murder … and worse. And many of the people in that room that night who squirmed in their seats -- it was in part because of the internal indictment they were feeling for not doing what they should have done, countless times, long before. Maybe now they will do the right thing, but I won't be holding my breath.
The second reason Colbert made such a huge splash is the rapid advance of video on the web. Almost overnight, the media world has irrevocably changed as video is increasingly becoming as important as print and still images on the web. When, in a matter of hours, dozens of websites can post or link to a video and get the word out about a spectacular event, the role of the gatekeepers and the corporate media shrinks big-time. And it doesn't matter if the networks or CNN or Fox decides that they don't want you to see it -- they can't stop it. The people's network is now in working order. Progressives now have a television capacity; still rudimentary, perhaps, but powerfully effective.
The Press Leaks
The press coverage of the Colbert performance was illuminating, according to the popular blog, Democratic Underground: "Expect nothing less from the cowardly American media. This demonstrates powerfully the ability of the media to choose the news, and to decide when and how to shield Bush from negative publicity. Sins of omission can be just as bad as sins of commission."
The AP's first stab at it, as well as Reuters and the Chicago Tribune, tell us everything we need to know: In these reports, Colbert's performance is sidestepped and marginalized, while President Bush is depicted as lighthearted, humble and witty.
Salon's Joan Walsh points out, "Colbert's deadly performance did more than reveal, with devastating clarity, how Bush's well-oiled myth machine works. It exposed the mainstream press' pathetic collusion with an administration that has treated it -- and the truth -- with contempt from the moment it took office. Intimidated, coddled, fearful of violating propriety, the press corps that for years dutifully repeated Bush talking points was stunned and horrified when someone dared to reveal that the media emperor had no clothes. Colbert refused to play his dutiful, toothless part in the White House correspondents' dinner -- an incestuous, backslapping ritual that should be retired. For that, he had to be marginalized. Voilà: 'He wasn't funny.'"
On the Democratic political front, as John Aravosis wrote on AmericaBlog, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., actually stepped up to defend President Bush, saying, according to The Hill:
"I thought some of it was funny, but I think it got a little rough … He is the president of the United States, and he deserves some respect."
"I'm certainly not a defender of the administration," Hoyer reassured stunned observers, but Colbert "crossed the line" with many jokes that were "in bad taste."
Criticizing Colbert for being rude would be pretty funny if it weren't so depressing. Rude? Since when has politics in this administration used the Marquis of Queensbury rules? Is Dick Cheney sweet and accommodating? When, in their march to power, has the right wing had good manners -- about abortion or gay marriage, or in the push for invading Iraq? Sure, mention decorum and one thinks immediately of Karl Rove, of Pat Robertson calling for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, of Jerry Falwell blaming America's bad morals for 9/11.
The fact is, Stephen Colbert is at the acme of rising independent voices -- in the blogosphere, on the internet, in publishing and independent filmmaking -- who are being aggressive and playing hardball the way the right does. And guess what? The establishment is getting nervous. The powers-that-be know that people respond to passion, anger and resistance, emotions that convey meaning and seriousness, and the will to fight hard for important issues.
In a smaller way, but showing similar guts, Cindy Sheehan spoke truth by traveling to Texas and demanding that the president explain, please, just what "noble cause" her son died for. Ray McGovern did it recently when he publicly challenged Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in Atlanta, and so did Harry Taylor, the man who confronted George W. Bush at a town meeting in North Carolina.
Perhaps the most important lesson we have learned from the divisions laid bare by Stephen Colbert is that the big split isn't so much between Democrats and Republicans or between the media and the people and events they cover, but rather between the powerful and the angry, between those basking in power and those fighting for change. The kiss-ass media, the revolving-door congressmen, the sycophant lobbyists and congressional staffers, the greedy media consultants -- all are dependent on and addicted to the trappings of power, whether it's their next book, TV appearance, consulting contract, ride on Air Force One or junket to play golf at St. Andrews. Stephen Colbert turned the heat up on them all:
… let's review the rules. Here's how it works: The president makes the decisions; he's the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions, and you people, the press, type those decisions down. Make, announce, check. Just put 'em through a spell check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you got kickin' around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration? You know: fiction!
It's getting hotter in the kitchen, and some of those who have the most to hide are getting closer to a meltdown.
Don Hazen is the executive editor of AlterNet.
© 2006 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.
View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/36067/
---------
The COMPLETE Colbert Clip is Here, Part 1 - Part 2.
---------
"NO BRAVERY" (A nation blind to their disgrace)
A Must Watch 4 Minute Video Flash presentation
http://informationclearinghouse.info/article11799.htm
"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government."
- Thomas Jefferson
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Bush Must Now Face The Music!
There seems to be a growing dissidence amongst musicians for the Bush government. USA today reported on March 23rd that Carlos Santana‘s philosophy is the antithesis of President George W. Bush's. Read the story here.
Then a few days ago, 60’s rock musician Neil Young, who once openly supported President Bush, did a complete about face! Neil is about to release a new album titled ‘Living With War‘. The album centers around one hard hitting song, ‘Let’s Impeach The President.’ Hey, it doesn’t get more direct than that!
Check out this interview on CNN ShowBiz tonight! (Broadband is recommended)
You can read more about Neil’s thinking and the backround to his new album here. The albums internet release is scheduled for April 28th, the CD format should be available in early May.
Here are the lyrics to “Let’s Impeach the President”:
Let’s impeach the president for lying
And leading our country into war
Abusing all the power that we gave him
And shipping all our money out the door
He’s the man who hired all the criminals
The White House shadows who hide behind closed doors
And bend the facts to fit with their new stories
Of why we have to send our men to war
Let’s impeach the president for spying
On citizens inside their own homes
Breaking every law in the country
By tapping our computers and telephones
What if Al Qaeda blew up the levees
Would New Orleans have been safer that way
Sheltered by our government’s protection
Or was someone just not home that day?
Let’s impeach the president
For hijacking our religion and using it to get elected
Dividing our country into colors
And still leaving black people neglected
Thank god he’s racking down on steroids
Since he sold his old baseball team
There’s lot of people looking at big trouble
But of course the president is clean
Thank God
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Cheney should resign! from Gordon Kobayashi
I just got the following letter from Gordon Kobayashi. I met Gordon through the Kucinich for President Campaign. I think this letter tells us precisely what's been wrong with USA and White House now. Please join the campaign!
=====
I just sent a personal message to all my representatives in Congress, I hope you will join me!
http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/73
Tell Congress to Demand Dick Cheney's Resignation
Dick Cheney is personally to blame for the illegal and disastrous invasion of Iraq. Behind the scenes, Cheney was in charge of the war planning effort. In public, Cheney uttered the Administration's most egregious and bald-faced lies - especially about Iraq's non-existent nuclear program. When his nuclear lies were exposed by Ambassador Joe Wilson, Cheney personally participated in the criminal campaign to destroy Joe Wilson by outing his wife. Cheney refuses to take any responsibility for the war or for his crimes, and his former chief of staff, Scooter Libby, committed perjury and obstruction of justice to keep Cheney fro m being indicted. The United States cannot tolerate a criminal hiding from Justice in the White House. Congress must demand Cheney's immediate resignation.
Thank you
=====
I just sent a personal message to all my representatives in Congress, I hope you will join me!
http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/73
Tell Congress to Demand Dick Cheney's Resignation
Dick Cheney is personally to blame for the illegal and disastrous invasion of Iraq. Behind the scenes, Cheney was in charge of the war planning effort. In public, Cheney uttered the Administration's most egregious and bald-faced lies - especially about Iraq's non-existent nuclear program. When his nuclear lies were exposed by Ambassador Joe Wilson, Cheney personally participated in the criminal campaign to destroy Joe Wilson by outing his wife. Cheney refuses to take any responsibility for the war or for his crimes, and his former chief of staff, Scooter Libby, committed perjury and obstruction of justice to keep Cheney fro m being indicted. The United States cannot tolerate a criminal hiding from Justice in the White House. Congress must demand Cheney's immediate resignation.
Thank you
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Introducing Dennis Kucinich
Hi, I just got into LA yesterday, and am getting ready to participate the third Upton Sinclair Freedom of Expression awards honouring Dennis Kucinich, Michio Kaku and John Ross. I came here because I wanted to meet Dennis Kucinich in person and I now have the honor of introducing Dennis to the audience at the ceremony. What an honor! It happened thanks to my dear friend Frank Dorrel who introduced me to the organizer.
Anyone in San Pedro, CA or nearby are welcome to come to the event and meet this wonderful human being who will make you believe that we are here to make peace, not war, and that each one of us has a role to play in creating peace and sustainability on earth.
Dennis Kucinch is a miracle and the true conscience of the USA and I am so greatful to know him. I wish he were the president of the USA right now!
If you would like to watch my interview with Dennis, please go to this page.
Directions to the event are below.
SUNDAY, MAY 15th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM in San Pedro
Events are going on all day starting at 11:00 with book and media fair
(Addicted To War will have a table at this book fair)
Third annual Upton Sinclair Freedom of Expression Awards
May 15, 2005 , 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Honoring Dennis Kucinich, Dr. Michio Kaku,
John Ross of Random Lengths News
and Lauren Coodley with special guests:
Jerry Quickley, Dr. Peter Phillips, The Living Newspaper
Yumi Kikuchi
Awards Ceremony , 5:00 - 7:00 PM
$25. Orchestra
$10. General Admission
$5. Student/Sr.
No one turned away. for info: www.LivingNewspaper.org
WARNER GRAND THEATRE
478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90730
A full Sunday of Liberty Hill activities in San Pedro Book & Media Fair
With Authors John Ross, Dr Michio Kaku & Others
11 AM to 3 PM
Department of Peace Forum with Dennis Kucinich 3:00 to 4:30 PM
Please confirm venues, more events and information at:
www.warnergrand.org
Take 405 Freeway south to 110 Freeway and exit toward San Pedro, go 8 miles
Turn left on Gaffey Street and go .06 miles
Turn left on 6th Street and go .03 miles to arrive at 478 W. 6th Street in San Pedro
Thank you for introducing me. I came here from Japan to once again meet with this amazing and wonderful human being here on earth. I am an author and the translator who translated Addicted To War into Japanese. I also co-authored a book published in Japanese titled 'Dennis Kucinich.' I live in a 200 year old farm house in Japan where we grow most of what we eat organically, even though I was born and raised in the big city of Tokyo.
I used to work for a US bank as a bond trader until I found out that Japanese companies were destroying the tropical rain forests all over the world in 1989. Then I quit the bank and became a full time environmental activist in 1990. Since then I have organized many environmental events, environmental NGOs and started writing books on environmental issues.
After the 911 incidents in NY and Washington DC I got involved with the peace movement. I didn't want any more innocent people to die anymore. So, together with a few friends who share the same thoughts, we started the Global Peace Campaign which then placed peace advertisements in the NY Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times and some other European newspapers in order to stop bombing in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It was just before the US invasion to Iraq in 2003 when I first heard of the Congressman Dennis Kucinch. What we hear from the Japanese media is only the voice of the US President and I wanted to find out if there were any alternative voices. Dennis Kucinich was in the US congress courageously and openly opposing the Iraq war when the majority of American people were still for war.
Everything he was saying made so much sense to me. He was right from the very beginning to declare that this war on Iraq was illegal and immoral and there was no reason to wage war on Iraq. Finally now, many of US citizens are finally agreeing with him. He was way ahead of many of us.
What an honor it is to be able to introduce Congressman Dennis Kucinich to you all. I respect and appreciate him and his work more than anyone else in the world. It was pity he didn't get a democratic nomination in the last presidential election as I think he was the only candidate who was willing to change the US foreign policy, away from war and towards true peace and sustainability.
You know our life is all connected and we live on this fragile planet. We can not afford to scatter toxic chemicals and radioactivity to the environment any more, which is exactly what war does. We must treat each other in the way we want others to treat us. Do not kill people. Do not hurt our sisters and brothers. Do not destroy cities and villages. Instead, let's live together and work at restoring the environment we have already destroyed. This planet Earth is home to all of us and let's start taking good care of it from now on.
Dennis Kucinich hears the crying voices of the many out there, in the US and around the world. He is willing to take risks for what has to be done. He has the vision and the right policies that will bring us true peace and sustainability. I too am eager to hear what he has to say now. Dennis Kucinich, thank you for being here with us today, at this critical moment. Let me introduce Dennis Kucinich.
Dennis Kucinch is a miracle and the true conscience of the USA and I am so greatful to know him. I wish he were the president of the USA right now!
If you would like to watch my interview with Dennis, please go to this page.
Directions to the event are below.
SUNDAY, MAY 15th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM in San Pedro
Events are going on all day starting at 11:00 with book and media fair
(Addicted To War will have a table at this book fair)
Third annual Upton Sinclair Freedom of Expression Awards
May 15, 2005 , 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Honoring Dennis Kucinich, Dr. Michio Kaku,
John Ross of Random Lengths News
and Lauren Coodley with special guests:
Jerry Quickley, Dr. Peter Phillips, The Living Newspaper
Yumi Kikuchi
Awards Ceremony , 5:00 - 7:00 PM
$25. Orchestra
$10. General Admission
$5. Student/Sr.
No one turned away. for info: www.LivingNewspaper.org
WARNER GRAND THEATRE
478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90730
A full Sunday of Liberty Hill activities in San Pedro Book & Media Fair
With Authors John Ross, Dr Michio Kaku & Others
11 AM to 3 PM
Department of Peace Forum with Dennis Kucinich 3:00 to 4:30 PM
Please confirm venues, more events and information at:
www.warnergrand.org
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Directions:Take 405 Freeway south to 110 Freeway and exit toward San Pedro, go 8 miles
Turn left on Gaffey Street and go .06 miles
Turn left on 6th Street and go .03 miles to arrive at 478 W. 6th Street in San Pedro
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This is what I want to say tomorrow:Thank you for introducing me. I came here from Japan to once again meet with this amazing and wonderful human being here on earth. I am an author and the translator who translated Addicted To War into Japanese. I also co-authored a book published in Japanese titled 'Dennis Kucinich.' I live in a 200 year old farm house in Japan where we grow most of what we eat organically, even though I was born and raised in the big city of Tokyo.
I used to work for a US bank as a bond trader until I found out that Japanese companies were destroying the tropical rain forests all over the world in 1989. Then I quit the bank and became a full time environmental activist in 1990. Since then I have organized many environmental events, environmental NGOs and started writing books on environmental issues.
After the 911 incidents in NY and Washington DC I got involved with the peace movement. I didn't want any more innocent people to die anymore. So, together with a few friends who share the same thoughts, we started the Global Peace Campaign which then placed peace advertisements in the NY Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times and some other European newspapers in order to stop bombing in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It was just before the US invasion to Iraq in 2003 when I first heard of the Congressman Dennis Kucinch. What we hear from the Japanese media is only the voice of the US President and I wanted to find out if there were any alternative voices. Dennis Kucinich was in the US congress courageously and openly opposing the Iraq war when the majority of American people were still for war.
Everything he was saying made so much sense to me. He was right from the very beginning to declare that this war on Iraq was illegal and immoral and there was no reason to wage war on Iraq. Finally now, many of US citizens are finally agreeing with him. He was way ahead of many of us.
What an honor it is to be able to introduce Congressman Dennis Kucinich to you all. I respect and appreciate him and his work more than anyone else in the world. It was pity he didn't get a democratic nomination in the last presidential election as I think he was the only candidate who was willing to change the US foreign policy, away from war and towards true peace and sustainability.
You know our life is all connected and we live on this fragile planet. We can not afford to scatter toxic chemicals and radioactivity to the environment any more, which is exactly what war does. We must treat each other in the way we want others to treat us. Do not kill people. Do not hurt our sisters and brothers. Do not destroy cities and villages. Instead, let's live together and work at restoring the environment we have already destroyed. This planet Earth is home to all of us and let's start taking good care of it from now on.
Dennis Kucinich hears the crying voices of the many out there, in the US and around the world. He is willing to take risks for what has to be done. He has the vision and the right policies that will bring us true peace and sustainability. I too am eager to hear what he has to say now. Dennis Kucinich, thank you for being here with us today, at this critical moment. Let me introduce Dennis Kucinich.
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