House condemns MoveOn ad instead of war

The House yesterday approved a stopgap spending measure designed to give Congress and President Bush more time to avert a budget gunfight, but only after Republicans forced Democrats to condemn the MoveOn Petreus/Betray Us ad.

Here is a Statement by Eli Pariser, Executive Director, MoveOn.org Political Action in Response to the House Vote:

"With every passing day, more information comes to light casting more and more doubt on the validity of the facts and conclusions presented by General Petraeus in his testimony before Congress.
With every passing day, more American soldiers and Iraqi civilians lose their lives in this unwinnable civil war. It is unconscionable and outrageous that instead of doing the people's work and ending this war, Congress chooses meaningless and distracting gestures.
With every passing day, America's frustration with politicians in Washington drops the approval ratings for this Congress to new lows. Congress is fiddling with an ad while Iraq burns.
We will continue our ad campaign to accuse the Republicans who are blocking an end to the war of a 'Betrayal of Trust.'"

Is Iraqi sovereignty another Bush lie?

If you still believe in the fantasy of Iraqi sovereignty under the Malaki government after their futile attempt to outlaw Blackwater and other mercenary armies in that country, try this on for size

"WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US Senate is expected to vote as early as Tuesday on a Bosnia-style plan to subdivide Iraq on ethnic lines, touted by backers as the sole hope of forging a federal state out of sectarian strife.

"Though the measure is non-binding, and would not force a change in President George W. Bush's war strategy even if it passes, the vote will provide a key test of an idea drawing rising interest in Washington.

"Advocates say the plan, championed by Democratic senator and presidential hopeful Joseph Biden, offers a route to a political solution in Iraq that could allow US troops to eventually go home without leaving chaos behind.

"A loose autonomous federation of Kurdish, Shiite and Sunni entities might look good on paper, but critics charge it ignores Iraq's ethnic stew, such as cities where ethnic groups live side-by-side and inter-marry, and are not divided by lines on a map."

The issue, of course, isn't where you stand on the question of the subdivision of Iraq but that this decision is being made in Washington rather than Baghdad. Does this bring back visions of the Roman Senate deciding the fate of the occupied territories?

The Senate circus plays on

From The Senate Clown Show by long-time media critic Jeff Cohen:

Cable news networks that cheer-led our country into invading Iraq took a break from their latest all-O.J.[all-Brittany]-all-the-time binge to make an antiwar ad more controversial than the ongoing slaughter of Iraqis and Americans that the invasion predictably unleashed. And 22 Democrats were more desperate to distance themselves from the 3-million-member MoveOn than from less than 50 Republican dead-enders bent on prolonging the killing.

The 22 Democrats can be reached by dialing the Congressional switchboard: 202-224-3121. They are Baucus (MT), Bayh (IN), Cardin (MD), Carper (DE), Casey (PA), Conrad (ND), Dorgan (ND), Feinstein (CA), Johnson (SD), Klobuchar (MN), Kohl (WI), Landrieu (LA), Leahy (VT), Lincoln (AR), McCaskill (MO), Mikulski (MD), Nelson (FL), Nelson (NE), Pryor (AR), Salazar (CO), Tester (MT) and Webb (VA).

Oct. 2: Free the Jena 6

Free the Jena 6!
Free Mychal Bell!
Join the Protest at the U.S. Justice Department

Tuesday, October 2, 5:00 pm
9th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC

"On Sept. 20, tens of thousands of people marched in Jena, La. to demand immediate freedom for Mychal Bell and the Jena 6. The case of the Jena 6 has garnered international attention, and shone a spotlight on the racist nature of this country's criminal "injustice" system.

"Although the message of the Sept. 20 protest was broadcast far and wide, just one day later, a Louisiana judge delivered another outrage. Mychal Bell, 17, was denied bail while awaiting an appeal of his recently overturned adult conviction."

Sept. 25: Protest Bush at UN

Tuesday, September 25
Bush At The UN
Converge On The UN At 8:30 am

Stop The War Now!!!
No Attack On Iran!!!

Rally at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 47th Street & 1st Ave.
Speakers will include Cindy Sheehan and Ret. Col. Ann Wright


The eyes of the world will be on New York when this monstrous commander-in-chief of a government responsible for horrendous death and suffering from New Orleans to Iraq comes to speak at the UN. He is expected to present his lying justifications

Join with: World Can’t Wait-Drive Out the Bush Regime, the War Resisters League, Code-Pink, Granny Peace Brigade, student organizations including Columbia Coalition Against the War and Students for Democratic Society, Iglesia San Romero de Las Americas, Movement for a Democratic Society-NYC, National Lawyers Guild - NYC chapter, Center for Constitutional Rights, Troops Out Now Coalition, Stop War on Iran Committee and many more in a broad range of bold and determined actions:

DECLARING NOW to the world that Bush and Cheney don’t speak in our name!

Bring all your friends, drums, whistles, signs. We will make some noise

Emergency Forum:

September 25th, 7:30 PM
Judson Memorial Church, 55 washington Square South

"The Threat of a U.S. Attack on Iran and our Responsibility to Stop It"

Featuring: Chris Hedges

(donation requested at door)

Iraq Moratorium

From United for Peace and Justice:

Dear Friend of United for Peace and Justice,

The Iraq Moratorium is about to begin. Initiated by antiwar activists from several groups around the country, it calls for local, decentralized, personal action or statements against the ongoing war and occupation of Iraq on the 3rd Friday of every month. This Friday, Sept. 21st, is the first of what promises to be a growing movement in the coming months.

United for Peace and Justice is enthusiastically supporting this effort. The delegates at our National Assembly a few months ago agreed: It is critically important to offer as many opportunities for a wide range of people to express their opposition to this horrendous, criminal war.

The idea is simple: Everyone, wherever you are, should try to do something that publicly says, "I am against this war -- and I want it to end now!"

The Iraq Moratorium is something everyone can get involved with, either as an individual or as part of a group. Here are just a few ideas for what you can do:

1) Wear an antiwar button or sticker to work or school.

2) Wear a black armband to let people know you mourn the overwhelming loss of life in this war.

3) Hang an antiwar sign in your window, or put one on your lawn.

4) Call a local radio talk show and explain why you want this war to end.

5) Today, or tomorrow, write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper and let people know about the Iraq Moratorium and how they can get involved.

6) With just a few people, you can make a large antiwar sign or banner and hang it from a busy overpass where people traveling to or from work will see it, or from some other highly visible location.

7) Put together a small group to stand vigil in front of a military recruiting station, your local federal building, or the office of your senator or representative in Congress.

8) Call the Washington, DC, offices of your senators and your representative.

For more information about the Iraq Moratorium, visit: www.iraqmoratorium.org.

And remember, if you are planning anything that others are welcome to join, please be sure to post it on UFPJ's online calendar.

We encourage each of you getting this message to do something as part of the first day of the Iraq Moratorium this Friday, Sept. 21st!

And don't forget: United for Peace and Justice has initiated a call for a massive national mobilization against the war on Saturday, October 27th. This mobilization will be different from others -- instead if everyone going to Washington, DC, there will be 11 regional actions spread out across the country. In the coming weeks we will be sending you more details, and we encourage you to check www.oct27.org for updates.

Save the date! Saturday, October 27th
National Mobilization to End the Iraq War!
11 Massive Demonstrations for Peace!

Iraq bans Blackwater

According to the N.Y.Times, after eight Iraqi civilians were killed over the weekend by shots fired from a diplomatic motorcade under the protection of agents of the mercenary organization Blackwater, the Iraqi government revoked Blackwater's license to operate anywhere in Iraq.

Jeremy Scahill, author of the invaluable expose, Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army ,

previously said:

While the initial inquiries into Blackwater have focused on the complex labyrinth of secretive subcontracts under which it operates in Iraq, a thorough investigation into the company reveals a frightening picture of a politically connected private army that has become the Bush Administration's Praetorian Guard.

At this point it's not entirely clear how much authority the Maliki government has to outlaw Blackwater, since the "White House outsourced the job of protecting America's most senior officials in Iraq to Blackwater beginning in 2003" and the company ostensibly works for the State Department.

In its article the Times quotes an American official in Baghdad saying

This incident will be the true test of diplomacy between the State Department and the government of Iraq,

And that State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack said that

In an effort to defuse the situation, ...Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice planned to call Mr. Maliki to express regret and assure him that the United States had begun an investigation of the shooting.

It's not yet clear how this will affect the presidential Bush's ability to market his war.

(also see Blackwater Banned After Deadly Firefight by Daniel Luban on AntiWar.com)

MoveOn's response to Giuliani

I'm sure that you are aware of the Giuliani attack on MoveOn this past week. One thing that it tells us is that if Giuliani is nominated we are faced with another mud-slinging campaign. If by some chance he is elected, we will be faced with Deja Bush all over again. The world can't afford that.

Here is MoveOn's response to Giuliani's attack:

This weekend, Rudy Giuliani launched a series of attacks on MoveOn for exposing the White House spin on the "surge."

Giuliani is hoping to scare war critics into staying silent. But that isn't going to happen. We've put together a rapid-response ad which demonstrates that Giuliani doesn't have a leg to stand on when it comes to leadership on Iraq: He was booted from the Iraq Study Group after missing meeting after meeting so he could make millions of dollars giving speeches.

The facts are very clear: When it really mattered, Giuliani chose to make big money from speeches rather than helping figure out a strategy for Iraq.

The Iraq Study group (ISG) was a bipartisan panel appointed by Congress in March of 2006 to evaluate the situation in Iraq and make policy recommendations on the war. Sometimes it's referred to as the Baker-Hamilton commission.

Giuliani originally said that he looked forward to participating in the group, but then he never showed up to any of the meetings.

Newsday reported earlier this year that, "Rudolph Giuliani's membership on an elite Iraq study panel came to an abrupt end last spring after he failed to show up for a single official meeting of the group, causing the panel's top Republican to give him a stark choice: either attend the meetings or quit, several sources said."

Giuliani later said that he couldn't participate in the group because of "time constraints." A close look at his financial records shows that those time constraints actually consisted of a series of speeches that he made millions of dollars on.

In April of last year. Giuliani skipped a meeting and made $200,000 giving a keynote speech at an economic conference in South Korea.
The next month he skipped another meeting to give a $100,000 speech on "leadership" in Atlanta. Later that day, he attended a $100-a-ticket political fundraiser for conservative activist Ralph Reed.
For Giuliani to claim any authority on handling the war in Iraq when he abdicated his responsibilities to the Iraq Study Group is a plain betrayal of the nation's trust. In fact, Stephen Hess, who served on the panel and has served in Republican and Democratic administrations, said, "Leaving that study group was not exactly an act of courage."

While the media spotlight is on Giuliani and MoveOn, we've got an opportunity to remind voters about his real record on Iraq.

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/giuliani.html?id=11257-169500-pjeN0C&t=4

Giuliani's ad against MoveOn is in response to the ad they ran in the New York Times last Monday. The ad really got under Republicans' skin—Senator John McCain even called for MoveOn to be "thrown out of the country." (His campaign later conceded that we have the right to free speech.)

But Republicans are right to be nervous about the facts that ad brought to light. As cognitive scientist George Lakoff said, "The ad worked brilliantly to reveal, via its framing, an essential but previously hidden truth: the Bush Administration and its active supporters have betrayed the trust of the troops and the American people."

The Bush continues to exploit 9/11

It's becoming more and more clear that the the presidential Bush is further exploiting the tragic events of 9/11 in his continuing effort to prolong the war in Iraq. It is hardly coincidental that both the Petraeus/Crocker congressional appearances on 9/11 and the following day and the presidential Bush speech to the U.S. are occurring during this week of remembrances. Coincidences like that just don't happen.

This is particularly likely because it isn't the first time the presidential Bush (and his vice-presidential Dick) have exploited 9/11. In 2003 the Bush and the Dick used the U.S. fury against the perpetrators of 9/11 in order to carry out their long-planned attempt (which they thought would be a "slam dunk," a "mission easily accomplished") to get control of Middle Eastern resources (particularly Iraqi oil - why else Iraq?) and to enhance the Bush's chances for election in 2004 by invading Iraq and becoming Commander-in-Chief.

It is necessary for these con-men to continue to link their occupation of Iraq with 9/11 in order to sell their particular brand of snake oil.

The Bush/Cheney administration continues to be a criminal embarrassment to the civilized world and particularly to the U.S.

Sept.13: Hear Ramsey Clark on Iraq

If you're looking for something to do while the Presidential Bush is telling more lies on TV, here's an idea.

Hear former U.S. attorney-general Ramsey Clark tell the truth on Iraq

Thurs. Sept. 13
Community Church
40 East 35 St.
(bt. Park & Madison)

---U.S. Role in Sectarian Violence

---Gen. Petraeus' Report on the 'Surge' of 170,000 U.S. Forces
and 200,000 U.S. Paid Mercenaries

---Congress' Complicity in this War

---U.N. Complicity in Granting U.S. Authority in Iraq

Sponsored by Troops Out Now

Americans believe Saddam-9/11 link, but still don't trust Bush

So you wonder why so many people vote for the vice-presidential Dick and the presidential Bush:

Here's what a New York Times/CBS poll discovered that, despite all the evidence to the contrary brought forward by the 9/11 commission and everyone else who has examined the question, "33 percent of all Americans, including 40 percent of Republicans and 27 percent of Democrats, say Saddam Hussein was personally involved" in 9/11. This means that "1/3 of Americans believe the Big Lie propaganda tactics employed by the pro-war lobby."

But only 5 percent of respondents "most trusted the Bush administration to resolve the war, the poll found. Asked to choose among the administration, Congress and military commanders, 21 percent said they would most trust Congress and 68 percent expressed most trust in military commanders." That is almost certainly why the White House has bet so much on the Congressional testimony of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker."

There is some evidence that the presidential Bush may have lost that bet.

(See: Center for Media and Democracy, PR Watch

Sept. 14: Rally outside Sen. Clinton's Office

It's time to put up or shut up Sen. Clinton

"FUNDING THE WAR IS KILLING THE TROOPS!"

Veterans and Military Families Speak Out Against the War
Friday, Sept. 14, Noon
Sen. Hillary Clinton's Office
780 Third Ave

STOP FUNDING THE WAR!
BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!
TAKE CARE OF THEM WHEN THEY GET HERE!
Not one more dollar!
Not one more Death!

United for Peace and Justice

Bush's Tiananmen Square

This is the man who claims he is spreading democracy around the world - but he's killing it at home

"Three anti-war activists were arrested in front of the White House today after the U.S. Park Police moved to suppress a press conference called to protest the fines and threats against the ANSWER Coalition for putting up anti-war posters promoting the September 15 March and Die-In in Washington DC. "

Oct. 27: Anti-war demonstrations

From our friend Georgia Weaver:

Pressure to end the war in Iraq is mounting and it's not going to stop.

On October 27, 10 massive demonstrations initiated by United for Peace and
Justice will be held in cities around the country. This national day of action to end the war will show that opposition to the war is strong, growing and stepping up to take action nationwide.

Visit www.oct27.org in the coming days for more updates and information on how
to get involved in the demonstration in your region.

G.B. Shaw on Iraq

Here we are in beautiful New Hampshire at one of our favorite places in the world, World Fellowship Center. The other day I heard what may be one of the best explanations of our invasion and occupation of Iraq from WF co-director Andy Davis. And it was said by, of all people, George Bernard Shaw, who died in 1950.

"Capialism has destroyed our belief in any effective power but that of self-interest backed by force."

Stop Iraqi Oil Theft - Start Clean Energy at home

I've just taken action to stop the passage of the Iraqi oil law. Please join me. Its important that we pressure the U.S. Congress NOW to support the rights of Iraqis.

Stop Iraqi Oil Theft - Start Clean Energy at home

A new oil law set to go before the Iraqi Parliament soon would, if passed, go a long way towards helping Anglo-American oil companies control and profit from Iraq's oil.

Meanwhile, Congress is considering legislation that will greatly increase our nation's commitment to clean energy. Congress should say yes to clean energy and no to the theft of Iraqi oil.

If you're in the U.S., please use this tool to send a letter to your Congressional Representatives. This letter will be automatically sent to your Congressional Representative, and both of your Senators. Feel free to edit or personalize it.

You can also use this letter and our background material as the basis for your own Op Ed, a Letter to the Editor, or to help you to call-in to your local radio stations.

Support Iraqi citizens in saying no to Big Oil! Support U.S. citizens in saying yes to clean energy!

Save Troy Davis

Good News! On Friday, August 3rd, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that they are willing to hear Troy Davis' appeal to present new evidence! But the possibility of Troy's execution has not yet gone away.

» Sign the Petition that FAIRNESS MATTERS»

Read AIUSA's press release

Background

Troy Davis was sentenced to death for the murder of Police Officer Mark Allen McPhail at a Burger King in Savannah, Georgia; a murder he maintains he did not commit. There was no physical evidence against him and the weapon used in the crime was never found. The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state's non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony. Many of these witnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that they were pressured or coerced by police into testifying or signing statements against Troy Davis.

Restrictions on Federal appeals have prevented Davis from having a hearing in federal court on the reliability of the witness testimony used against him, despite the fact that most of the witnesses have since recanted, many alleging they were pressured or coerced by police. Davis remains on Georgia death row, and may be scheduled for execution in the near future.

One of the two witnesses who has not recanted his testimony is Sylvester "Red" Coles – the principle alternative suspect, according to the defense, against whom there is new evidence implicating him as the gunman. Nine individuals have signed affidavits implicating Sylvester Coles.

Soap Opera indulgence: Susan Hayward not Lana Turner in I Want to Live

A totally non-political self-indulgent note to Carolyn Hinsey, author of the N.Y. Daily News' Soap Dish column.

I'm sure that in your Aug. 24 column you accurately quoted One Life to Live's Catherine Hickland correctly when she said, "You won't know why she [Lindsay Rappaport, Hickland's character] did it until the trial, which we have to protect because it's a Lana Turner 'I want to live!' moment." But it would be much better if it were a Susan Hayward 'I want to live' moment, since as your editors should have noted, Susan Hayward starred in I Want to Live not Lana Turner.

Your column is truly a lot of fun.

Aug. 28: National Take a Stand Day vigils

From MoveOn.org

Stand Up In September Vigil

On August 28--National Take a Stand Day--We're holding candlelight vigils and Town Hall meetings in cities all over the nation to remember the human cost of the war and urge our members of Congress to stand up in September and end this endless war.

This September, after hearing the White House‘s report on the "surge," Congress will decide whether we bring our troops home or spend another year fighting an unwinnable religious civil war. As Congress heads back to DC, we're here to tell them that it's time to take a stand.

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007, 7:00 PM
OUT OF IRAQ CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Union Square
14th Street and Park Avenue South
To let Congress know that it's time to get out of Iraq.
(Directions: R,W, N,4,5,6 trains to Union Square. We'll meet on the steps near 14th Street.)

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007, 7:30 PM
Stand Up VIGIL
Madison Square Garden
7th avenue Outside Borders Books
(Directions: Trains 1 2 3 N R A E to Penn Station. Walk to 33rd and seventh ave.
The space outside Borders Book Store is handicap accessible}

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007, 6:00 PM
Peace Vigil at Ground Zero
Church street between Vesey and Fulton streets, in front of the graveyard of St. Paul Chapel
To tell congress to stop this war. We have been holding our Peace Vigil at Ground Zero every Sunday and Monday from 5:30-6:30 PM since the war began. Join us, Lower Manhattan Peace Coalition, and Move On at 6 on Tuesday the 28th to send a loud message to congress.

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007, 7:00 PM
Stand Up in September Candelight Vigil
112th & Amsterdam (in front of St. John the Divine)
To bring attention to the United States Congress that this constituency feels the time has come to end the war in Irag and bring the troops home.
(Directions: Subway: take the 1 to 110th, walk two blocks north to 112th, turn right and walk one long block to Amsterdam where you will see the Cathedral. The vigil will take place on the sidewalk in front of the church.)

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007, 7:30 PM
Upper West Siders - Three Parks Independent Democratic Club - for bringing our troops home from Iraq and send a message to Sens. Clinton & Schumer to commit to this. Let's keep the pressure on our elected officials.
Strauss Park: 106th St + Broadway
(Directions: #104 bus to 106th St & Broadway or the IRT #1 or #9 subway and exit at 110th or 103rd Street. Strauss Park is a triangulur park between Broadway & West End Ave at 106 - 107th Streets.)

Tuesday, 28 Aug 2007, 6:00 PM
Stand Up in September Vigil
A candlelight vigil on--National Take a Stand Day--to remember the human cost of the war and urge our members of Congress to stand up in September and end this endless war
Borough Hall
Joralemon & Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(Directions: N,R,2,3,4,5 to Borough Hall)

Bush finally admits Iraq is a new Vietnam

As we have seen over the last few years President Bush will say anything to maintain support for his failed Iraq policy.

As anyone who has followed his various statements about the "mission accomplished" in Iraq will realize that his latest nonsense comparing Iraq with Vietnam contradicts many of his and his Iraq groupies previous statements about that comparison. As the Democrats have wasted no time in pointing out.

As the failure of the invasion and occupation of Iraq becomes more and more obvious and a September deadline gets closer the administration rhetoric will get wilder and wilder.

However, despite the very real differences, there is a hidden truth in the comparison of the two most disastrous foreign policy adventures in U.S. history. When ideology trumps sanity in U.S. policy, disaster inevitably follows. Among the reasons for the invasion of Iraq, an obsession with overcoming the so-called "Vietnam syndrome" shaped the Bush administration policy (particularly on the part of the vice-presidential Dick and the "Neo-Cons") so that they would be free to shape the Middle East after their own image and avail themselves and their energy-policy partners (read: Anglo-American oil companies) of Middle Eastern oil.

Fox Attacks Iran

FOX ATTACKS IRAN, we must stop this craziness

Sign the Open Letter
Tell the networks not to follow FOX down the road to war
24673 signers

Dear ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, and CNN,

"My station was intimidated by the administration and its foot soldiers at FOX News."

That is CNN's Christiane Amanpour explaining why the major television networks failed to accurately inform the public in the lead-up to the Iraq war, choosing instead to follow FOX's lead.

Now, FOX is beating the drums for war with Iran. Robert Greenwald's short film, "FOX Attacks: Iran", outlines the evidence from the station's own broadcasts, comparing their reporting before the Iraq war with what they are saying now about Iran.

You have a sacred responsibility to the American people to provide accurate and reliable information so we can best make the decisions which affect our lives. We urge you to accurately and thoroughly report all sides of this important story.

Please do not blindly follow FOX down the road to another war.

Sincerely,

Sign the Petition: Filibuster for Peace

From: Filibuster For Peace

Report to signers of the Filibuster Petition.

"Great news / bad news

"First the bad news: The deadly Iraqi occupation keeps dragging on and on and on.

"Now the great news: With a starting base of nearly 6,000 filibuster signers, we finally have an opportunity to end this terrible quagmire.

"The purpose of this message is to ask you to please locate another signer (e.g., a friend, coworker, brother, cousin, mom, etc.) to help expose the filibuster option to the voting public. Generate as many new signers as you can, and do it this week.

"Why now?

"Because next month the Congress will be debating war appropriations again, and the Senate - as the Republicans have routinely demonstrated - has the power to filibuster appropriations. A filibuster in the Senate next month would effectively force an end to the war. So if each of us does our part in exposing the filibuster option, then we can apply tremendous pressure on our senators, the likes of which they haven't felt in decades!

"We absolutely must send a loud and clear message to the majority Democrats: We now know about your filibuster option. And therefore you will not be fooling us again!"

ANSWER Coalition heavily fined for putting up posters: Take Action

From The A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition:

"We will not pay one penny for our First Amendment rights"

"We want to thank the thousands of people who have called or e-mailed -- and are still calling and e-mailing -- government authorities in support of the ANSWER Coalition which was hit with $10,000 in fines on Monday. The government has said it is sanctioning us for putting up political posters calling for the September 15 March on Washington to end the war in Iraq. By mounting a political and legal challenge, we can succeed in defending our First Amendment rights and overcome all the obstacles that are being used to try to disrupt the organizing for the September 15 Mass March on Washington, which will be led by Iraq war veterans and their families.

The ANSWER Coalition will not pay one penny to the government for our First Amendment rights or to stave off their threats against us. We are working with the expert constitutional rights attorneys at the Partnership for Civil Justice to determine our next steps for legal action against this government harassment and attempted repression. With the help of thousands of individuals and other organizations around the country who value free speech rights, we are continuing and intensifying the political struggle. We need every one who has not written or called the government to do so, and if you have done so already please get a friend to do so as well.

We do not own the radio and television airwaves or the big newspapers which are the corporate propaganda outlets for the war machine. All we have is our constitutional and fundamental right to express our point of view individually and collectively, with our words, our writings and in mass assembly. We will not let the government infringe on these rights that are important to all of us. Perhaps Bush and Cheney and the Pentagon brass don't want to have to see posters calling for the end to the criminal war in Iraq when they are driven in their limousines around Washington, D.C. But people are making sure that they can't hide from the demands of the anti-war movement which is the majority sentiment in the United States. Maybe they don't want to see thousands of people marching in the streets led by Iraq War Veterans and their families coming together with the Arab and Muslim community, students and labor in a powerful and united showing of opposition, but people are making sure that on September 15, the demand to end the war rocks Washington.

Take Action!

"The best way to take action is to call the Director of Department of Public Works, William O. Howland, Jr. at 202-673-6833, and the Mayor of DC, Adrian Fenty, at 202-724-8876. You can also send a letter or fax by clicking this link."

What happened to Dennis Kucinich?

On Sunday, Jeff Zeleny & Mark Santoro wrote in the NYT:

"Even as they call for an end to the war and pledge to bring the troops home, the Democratic presidential candidates are setting out positions that could leave the United States engaged in Iraq for years."

For Zeleny and Santoro, the Democratic presidential candidates include Clinton, Edwards, Obama, Richardson and Biden. All except Richardson fall into the "leave the United States engaged in Iraq for years" category. Only Richardson, according to Zeleny and Santoro (and the New York Times) differs from the group. They quote Richardson saying to the annual Kos conference last week,

"I have a one-point plan to get out of Iraq: Get out! Get out!".

The question arises: What happened to Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich? Are his views on this issue no longer of con sequence to the Times?

In 2006, he said:

"Hussein is in jail. Zarqawi is dead. Now we should leave Iraq.

"Zarqawi represented a small portion of a large and growing anti-American insurgency in Iraq, a sliver of the non-Baathist insurgency, while Baathists make up the majority of armed insurgents. So his killing is unlikely to end the violence in Iraq.

"Those who say we must prevail until victory are not themselves paying the price. Nearly 2,500 Americans are dead. Over 10,000 innocent Iraqis are dead. Our national honor is tainted by a false case for war, Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, Haditha. When will we understand that, as Michael Franti wrote, 'you can bomb the world to pieces but, you can't bomb the world to peace'."

In June, he told Tucker Carlson that "the U.S. needs to leave Iraq, the sooner, the better. But we can only do so with an international peace-keeping and security force replacing our troops. We have the money right now it's in the pipeline not only to bring the troops home but to carry out the plan I have been recommending for years now, which is embodied in HR 1234."

The question is, why did Zeleny and Santoro (and the N.Y. Times) leave Mr. Kucinich out of their article? It would seem that his position just doesn't fit their agenda. By blacking-out Mr. Kucinich and his ideas, The Times is narrowing the breadth of the Democratic debate and depriving its readers of a real choice in the upcoming primaries.

In a post to his blog several days ago, Dave Lindorf also asked "What's going on here?" He said:

"Apparently, given the Times’ famously inflated slogan 'All the News that’s Fit to Print,' news about Rep. Kucinich (D-OH), including about his carefully laid out plan to end the Iraq War and about his bill to impeach the vice president, are somehow not 'fit' to print.

"The self-referential nature of Times reporting would be laughable if it were not so damaging to public knowledge and discourse and to the democratic process. It would also garner an F in any decent journalism class."

We all know that a truly democratic process requires an informed collective. The disappearance of certain ideas (and candidates) because they don't fit the Times editors and reporters preconceived categories is destructive to this process.

Speakout/Rally: Stop the War Against Women at Home & Abroad

From: Women’s Fightback Network

Stop the War Against Women at Home and Abroad

Speak Out and
Rally

Monday, AUG 27, 5-7pm
Union Square

Unite against sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia
Unite against economic exploitation
Unite to win everything we need

"The U.S. claims 'liberation of women' as it bombs and kills women, men, children, and the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the world. But U.N. studies show women surviving in Iraq and Afghanistan are far worse off since the Pentagon assaults began.

"Inside the U.S. women–most notably Katrina survivors–are losing jobs, housing, health care, day care;
are rounded up in immigrant raids & locked up in prison for acts of survival, self-defense and drug addiction;
are denied reproductive and economic justice; forced into debt to get an education; raped and battered as domestic shelters are closed down;
are losing their loved ones, children and families through police brutality, to the military 'poverty draft,' to racist attacks, gender-phobic attacks, attacks on lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transsexual women.

"Poor women and women of color are most at risk. And the U.S. is spending $140,000 a minute on its wars. A Nobel prize-winning economist, Joseph Stiglitz, says the total cost of the Iraq war alone may ultimately be $2 trillion."

Aug. 20: Action in support of Khalil Gibran Int'l Academy

From Brooklyn for Peace:

Communities in Support of the Khalil Gibran International Academy

Monday, August 20, 6pm
NYC Department of Education
Tweed Courthouse, 52 Chambers Street
(Bet. Broadway & Centre St. in Manhattan)
(Subways: 4, 5, 6, N, R, W, M, J, 2, 3, A, C)

"As New Yorkers and others in support of quality public education for all of our communities, we stand in solidarity with the Khalil Gibran International Academy, which has sustained hateful and false attacks by anti-Arab media and extremists. In the post-9/11 world, a school educating our children about Arab history, culture, and language is not only crucial for the next generation to become informed leaders for positive change in our communities; it is also an extraordinary place of hope for peace, understanding, and justice for our embattled world. We regret that Debbie Almontaser was unfairly pressured to resign from her position as principal due to the attacks, and we applaud her work to establish this school and promote intercultural exchange in this diverse global city.

"Those who seek to equate the study of Arabic language, culture, and history with religious fanaticism and violence are irresponsibly aggravating a present moment of hysteria against Arab and Muslim communities, and are using this moment to promote hatred in a time of war. We urge our public officials to reject these racist and inaccurate attacks, and continue to work towards building a lasting educational institution that promises to bring our communities together, rather than divide and pit them against each other. We call on all communities who want to see peace on our streets and in our world to stand with us in support of the Khalil Gibran International Academy."

For further information and a full list of sponsors and endorsers AWAAM (Arab Women Active in the Arts and Media)

Don't Give Alberto Gonzales the Power to Speed Up Executions

It seems that the Bush administration has concluded that it hasn't killed enough young Americans in Iraq, so it needs to kill more here.

From Act for Change

"Don't Give Alberto Gonzales the Power to Speed Up Executions."

"When Congress re-authorized the Patriot Act in 2005, death penalty supporters slipped in a provision intended to speed up appeals in federal death penalty cases. Under the proposed new system, individual states could apply directly to the U.S. Attorney General -- rather than to the courts, as is current law -- for fast-track procedures. These procedures would limit review of death penalty cases in federal court, and give the Attorney General the sole power to decide whether individual states are providing adequate counsel for defendants in death penalty cases."

Aug. 25: The People's March for Peace, Equality, Jobs & Justice in Newark.

The People's March for Peace, Equality, Jobs & Justice in Newark.

August 25, at 12:00 Noon

March down Broad Street beginning at Lincoln Park,

The march, from Lincoln Park up Broad Street to Military Park and back, will be followed by a festival in Lincoln Park, with speakers, entertainment, information tables, and exhibitis.


Join Representative John Conyers and others as The Peace & Justice Coalition demands:

* Troops home now!

* Stop the violence in our communities

* Respect human rights

* Fund human needs

* Health care for all (Passage of H.R. 676, the U.S. Health Insurance Act)

* Justice for Katrina victims

* Money for jobs

* Environmental justice

* House the homeless (Passage of H.R. 4347)

Contact: email: peacejusticecoalition@gmail.org
or call 801-457-9448

Peace Trains will be coming from Northwest New Jersey, New York City, as well as other parts of New Jersey. Check our Feeder and Meet-up page for info about feeder marches and where to meet up with different groups. If you want to let folks know where your group is meeting, please contact us and we'll post it to the site. Check for updates to the Transportation page.

Sat. Aug. 18: Washington Heights says No to War

Washington Heights Says No To War!
Saturday, August 18, 2007, 12pm

The antiwar march "Washington Heights Says No to War" will depart from Bennett Park on 184th St./Fort Washington Heights.
(The closest public transportation is the 181st St. stop on the A train, and the M4 bus.)

The exact trajectory is still being decided, but will probably involve crossing 181st St. and walking downtown on St. Nicholas or Broadway. The closing
rally will be at Highbridge Park.

The points of unity of the march are "Bring the Troops Home" and "Money for Healthcare, Housing and Education".

War trumps sex in Bush's U.S.

According to Bob Greenblatt, Showtime's entertainment chief, "Male genitalia has always been the last taboo [on TV], and I think for good reason." (TV Guide, August 20-26, 2007).

It's a very strange society where many people are more disturbed by a penis on TV (heaven forfend, an erect one) than with sending thousands of young American men and women, not to mention the many thousands of Iraqis, to their deaths in a country that never did anything to us.

I can't help but wonder what it is about penises that scares them so much.

Saturdays: Palestine Action at Union Square East

From Palestine Action at Union Square East (PAUSE)...

"You are invited, begged, beseeched to come out and stand with us Saturdays from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Come for 10 minutes or come for an hour. Come every Saturday or come once a month, but COME!

"We [PAUSE] stand every Saturday at 14th Street and Broadway NE corner across from Virgin Records. Celebrating more than five years, we are the longest ongoing Palestinian demonstration in the U. S.. We have "FREE PALESTINE" banners, posters, and leaflets.

"We need the support of the community every Saturday. WE NEED YOU! We need more people who support Palestine because there is a counter demonstration, which is encroaching on our permitted space.

"We suggest that you stand in silence and do not engage the counter demonstrators. Please feel free to speak with all the interesting people who are standing in the vigil! We have a permit."

PAUSE email address is  pausenyc @ yahoo.com

August 17: Film Showing: Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers

A.N.S.W.E.R. Monthly Film Showing

Friday, August 17th, 7pm

Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers

2295 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd
(at the corner of 135th St.)
(2/3 or B/C to 135th Street)

$7 donation requested

Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers is the story of what happens to everyday workers when corporations go to war.

"Acclaimed director, Robert Greenwald (Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Outfoxed and Uncovered), takes you inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows and children who have been changed forever as a result of profiteering in the occupation of Iraq. Iraq For Sale uncovers the connections between those private corporations making a killing in Iraq and the Pentagon decision makers who brought them in."

"Join A.N.S.W.E.R. for a night of discussion of this ground-breaking film. There will also be a discussion how we can build for the Sept. 15 March on Washington to end of the war now!"

The vice-presidential Dick is up to his old tricks

Here we go again! The drumbeat for military action against Iran is being heard across the land. Just like in the lead up to the invasion of Iraq, the vice-presidential Dick is leading the invasion chorus.

It's hard to believe. We go across the world to invade Iraq (on the basis of a pack of lies) and then we indict its next door neighbor for aiding their comrades in Iraq. I keep asking myself, what would we do if someone invaded Canada or Mexico? Would we sit back and let the invasion play out its course or would we do everything in our power to expel the invaders?

This Bush-league administration needed the 2003 invasion to stay in power, now they are counting on a subservient Congress and media to allow them to use military action against Iran to set the stage for 2008.

Here's the latest on Iran by Warren P. Strobel, John Walcott and Nancy A. Youssef from the McClatchy Newspapers:

"WASHINGTON — President Bush charged Thursday that Iran continues to arm and train insurgents who are killing U.S. soldiers in Iraq, and he threatened action if that continues.

"At a news conference Thursday, Bush said Iran had been warned of unspecified consequences if it continued its alleged support for anti-American forces in Iraq. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker had conveyed the warning in meetings with his Iranian counterpart in Baghdad, the president said.

"Bush wasn't specific, and a State Department official refused to elaborate on the warning.

"Behind the scenes, however, the president's top aides have been engaged in an intensive internal debate over how to respond to Iran's support for Shiite Muslim groups in Iraq and its nuclear program. Vice President Dick Cheney several weeks ago proposed launching airstrikes at suspected training camps in Iraq run by the Quds force, a special unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to two U.S. officials who are involved in Iran policy.

"The debate has been accompanied by a growing drumbeat of allegations about Iranian meddling in Iraq from U.S. military officers, administration officials and administration allies outside government and in the news media. It isn't clear whether the media campaign is intended to build support for limited military action against Iran, to pressure the Iranians to curb their support for Shiite groups in Iraq or both."

Meanwhile, if this scares you as much as it does me, check out CODEPINK's campaign to deter military action against Iran.

This summer, CODEPINK is also launching its first ever book club. They have chosen My Sister, Guard Your Veil; My Brother, Guard Your Eyes: Uncensored Iranian Voices edited by Lila Azam Zanganeh as the first book club pick.

Monday (8/13) at the Brecht Forum

Monday, August 13, 7:30 pm

Waiting 'til The Midnight Hour

A Narrative History of Black Power

Peniel Joseph

"The Black Power Movement transformed America's racial, social, and political landscape. Come learn about this movement's heritage and legacy from activist and scholar Dr. Peniel E. Joseph, who will be reading from his book Waiting 'Til the Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America."

$6/$10/$15
(Free for Brecht Forum Subscribers)

The BRECHT FORUM
451 West Street (Between Bank & Bethune)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 242- 4201
www.brechtforum.org

(Transportation:
1, 2, 3 A, C, E to 14th Street,
14A, 11, 20 buses to Abingdon Square (where 8th Avenue meets Hudson Street)
8 bus to 10th & West Streets
L to 8th Ave @14th Street.)

Aug. 8: Impeach the Dick and the Bush

From: After Downing St.

DEMONSTRATE FOR CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO IMPEACH BUSH & CHENEY

Wednesday, August 8, 6PM
Tavern on the Green
(Central Park West & W.67th st}

This Wednesday evening, most likely the entire N.Y. Congressional Delegation will attend a fund-raiser birthday party for Congressman Charlie Rangel.

Senator Hillary Clinton will be a "special guest", and even national treasure Aretha Franklin will be attending.

It's time for us to demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T from our Congressional Representatives.

Approval ratings for Congress are even lower than for Bush, yet Congress refuses to end the Iraq war funding or move forward on the impeachment of Bush & Cheney.

Demand that our N.Y. representatives represent the people of N.Y. and take action!

Join members of PDANY14CD and other activists.

PLEASE COME!

Democrats cave to Bush again

"The House handed President Bush a victory Saturday, voting to expand the government's abilities to eavesdrop without warrants on foreign suspects whose communications pass through the United States.

"The 227-183 vote, which followed the Senate's approval Friday, sends the bill to Bush for his signature." [41 Democrats voted with the Republicans to enable the Bush victory. For a breakdown of the House vote see]

The Congress seems to be the only place in the U.S.- outside the pages of the N.Y.Post - where anyone still believes that the president has even a clue about how best to overcome terrorism. No other institution in the U.S. would give this totally incompetent administration greater power. That's what last November's elections were all about. Clearly the Democrats still don't get it. Protecting our civil liberties doesn't seem to be on the their agenda. Working the strings of the puppets in Congress seems to be the only mission Bush can actually accomplish.

"Many congressional Democrats wanted tighter restrictions on government surveillance, but yielded in the face of Bush's veto threats and the impending August recess.

"'This bill would grant the attorney general the ability to wiretap anybody, any place, any time without court review, without any checks and balances,' said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., during the debate preceding the vote. 'I think this unwarranted, unprecedented measure would simply eviscerate the 4th Amendment,' which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures."

(quotes from AP)

Aug.5 & Aug. 9: Peace events to commemorate Hiroshima & Nagasaki

The best way we can commemorate the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is to fight for peace NOW:

Here's a message from Code Pink:

Stay cool this summer while keeping your inner activist warm and inspired. Join us this Sunday and this Thursday for two important and inspiring events.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th, 1 PM
"A Vision for Peace or Endless War? 62 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki"
Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Avenue (at East 80th Street)

with Bruce Gagnon, Coordinator of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space. An eloquent speaker on nuclear disarmament and the weaponization of space. He inspires thoughtful, hopeful discussion about bringing anti-war, social justice, labor and environmental groups together to abolish militarism and transform our economy for a peaceful and sustainable future.

Sponsored by: CODEPINK NYC, Peace Action New York State and the All Souls Adult Education, Peace Task Force, and Nuclear Disarmament groups at the Unitarian Church of All Souls.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9th, 4-7:30PM
"Peace Boat's 3rd Annual People Building Peace Concert"
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, East 47th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue (across from the United Nations)


A celebration of initiatives for a nuclear-free world in remembrance of Nagasaki Day. Come check out the FREE outdoor, live world music and dance, testimonies from A-bomb survivors and leaders of the anti-nuclear movement and booths from civil society organizations and initiatives calling against nuclear weapons! The Third Annual People Building Peace Concert, coinciding with the arrival of Peace Boat's ship to New York City, will bring the rhythms of the world to the United Nations and highlight the initiatives people everywhere are making to build peace and say NO to Nukes and War! CODEPINK will have a table there with LOTS OF NEW MERCHANDISE!

Contact: Peace Boat by phone at 212.687.7214 or by email at info@peaceboat-us.org

Creating peace,
CODEPINK NYC

Aug. 5: Remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki

This year more than ever as the U.S. prepares for the bombing of Iran we need to

Share the Vision of Peace

UNIVERSAL PEACE DAY

Sunday, August 5th, 2007
THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI

universalpeaceday
or Contact: univpeaceday@aol.com

Join a day-long FREE event beginning at the Central Park Bandshell, and continuing at the NY Buddhist Church & The Riverside Church
featuring Kathleen Chalfant, Iron Chef Morimoto and Koji Kobayashi, a Hiroshima survivor

Noon - 5 pm,
Peace Concert at Central Park Bandshell* – (entrance 72nd Street)

Music, Poetry, Dance with performers from Japan & the U.S.
with Kathleen Chalfant, Shinji Harada, Ray Korona Band, Laraaji, Robin Greenstein, Moogy Klingman & others.
*if rain, the event will be at 1PM at the NY Buddhist Church

Hiroshima & Nagasaki Commemoration Ceremony
The New York Buddhist Church
331-332 Riverside Drive at 105th St

5:30 pm - Film: “The Lost Generation”
6:00 pm - Interfaith Peace Memorial Gathering
7:15 pm - Candle Lighting & Peace Bell Ceremony (at exact moment of the bombing)
7:20 pm - Silent Peace Walk to Interfaith Peace Ceremony & Concert

Hosted by Randi Rhodes of Air-America Radio
Keynote address by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto

The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive (bet. 120 -122 Sts)
(Take the #1 Train to 116th, walk north to 120th Street and make a left to Riverside Drive)

8:00 pm - Interfaith Service, Music, Dance and Hiroshima Survivor with Iron Chef Morimoto, Hiroshima Survivor Koji Kobayashi and David Amram

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to invite you to join us for an inspiring day of remembrance and Peace. On Sunday August 5th, Universal Peace Day, we will be commemorating the anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bomb. Our vision is to transform a tragic memory into a rededication to life, and a peaceful sustainable world where such tragedies are unthinkable.

We, The World is a Co-Sponsor of this event

This year, we are blessed to have hibakshua (survivor), Koji Kobayashi, who was 9 years old when the bomb dropped. In addition, musicians from Hiroshima and Nagasaki will be performing at this NYC day-long FREE event.

If you or your friends are in New York, I hope to see you there. If you will not be in NYC Sunday, please create Universal Peace Day wherever you are!

Rick Ulfik
Director
We, The World

September Days of Action against the War

September 15
Mass March in Washington DC

As you know September is a key date in the process to end this illegal and immoral war. Come to Washington DC on September 15 for a massive antiwar protest timed to coincide with the report by General Petraeus on the "Surge" [escalation] in Iraq.

Schedule of September Days of Action:

Friday, September 14 , 7:00 Doors open, 8:30 Show Time

Release Show/Party of Line in the Sand benefit CD for Iraq Veterans Against the War

At Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E., Vienna, VA (right outside DC);

$10 cover (includes $2 coupon off CD purchase),
$6 cover with military ID

Saturday, September 15
Mass March & Die-In led by Iraq war veterans

Sunday, September 16
National Training Session for the other Days of Action

Monday, September 17
Peoples March Inside Congress (lead group: Code Pink)

National Truth in Recruiting Day (lead group: Iraq Veterans Against the War - IVAW)

Tuesday, September 18
Congressional Challenge Day (lead group: Grassroots America)

Wednesday, September 19
Direct Action (details coming soon)

Thursday, September 20
Veterans lobbying day (lead group: Iraq Veterans Against the War - IVAW)

Friday, September 21
National Moratorium Day with actions around the country
(Information: IraqMoratorium.org)

Rove to Republicans: "Don't worry kids, it was just a few bad apples in '06"

Guess what folks.

According to Bush's political guru Karl Rove the Republicans didn't lose Congress in'06 because of the war or Katrina or administration incompetence, but just because of a few bad apples. According to Robert Novak:

"Karl Rove, President Bush's political lieutenant, told a closed-door meeting of 2008 Republican House candidates and their aides Tuesday that it was less the war in Iraq than corruption in Congress that caused their party's defeat in the 2006 elections.

"Rove's clear advice to the candidates is to distance themselves from the culture of Washington. Specifically, Republican candidates are urged to make clear they have no connection with disgraced congressmen such as Duke Cunningham and Mark Foley. In effect, Rove was rebutting the complaint inside the party that Bush is responsible for Republican miseries by invading Iraq."

Could that be because Rove used the invasion of Iraq to get Bush elected in '04? And it isn't working this time around. They must be getting really worried that scared Republicans who have to run for re-election will abandon the administration on Iraq. So what we have to do is keep reminding people that it's the "Republican war" in Iraq.

Is the New York Times once again carrying the administration Iraq water?

If you were at all led to question your opposition to the escalation ("surge") of the war in Iraq by the op-ed piece in the July 30 New York Times by Michael E. O’Hanlon and Kenneth M. Pollack of the Brookings Institution, who bill themselves as opponents of the war who have been converted to the escalation by a recent [administration-sponsored] visit to Iraq, Don't let them (or the Times) fool you. They have never been critics of the war, but only of the Bush/Rumsfeld inadequate support for the invasion by not committing enough troops and force from the beginning.

You should read Robert Parry's Consortium News expose of O'Hanlon and Pollack.

Just remember the Times was an important part of the administration propaganda machine in the run-up to the 2003 invasion.

King George takes another swing at the Constitution

On Friday Peter Chamberlin posted the following on Thomas Paine's Corner:


"On [Friday] July 17, 2007, Bush quietly issued an executive order entitled Executive Order: Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq. By this order, he made it a crime to commit, or to pose a significant risk of committing…, acts of violence that threaten 'the peace and stability of Iraq,' or undermine 'efforts to promote economic reconstruction and political reform in Iraq and to provide humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people.'

"It remains to be seen just how far Bush will stretch this law, in light of ongoing attempts by Neocon enemies of America, who charge Americans with 'subversive activities' and 'providing support to the enemy,' for protesting the war. No one is safe from their crusade to brand most of the American people as 'treasonists,' for opposing Bush’s out-of-control 'leadership' of the war effort. Even Sen. Hillary Clinton has been accused of these 'crimes' by Neocon stooges like [Under Secretary of Defense for Policy] Eric Edelman, who attacked her for requesting a briefing for her committee from the Department of Defense on contingency plans for withdrawal from Iraq."

Brecht Forum: Black August events (early schedule)

Here's some info about the Brecht Forum's Black August program:

Thursday, August 2, 7:30 pm

James Baldwin Birthday Celebration

James Baldwin: Life and Legacies:
An Activist-Artist Round table

With: Kenyon Farrow,Joan Gibbs, Reggie Gossett, Anika Haynes, Hank Williams, Ajamu Sankofa,


Friday, August 3, 7:30 pm

3-DAY MARATHON FILM SCREENING BEGINS

"What We Want"
"What We Believe"
"The Black Panther Party Library"

With: Ashanti Alston, S.E. Anderson, Roz Payne & Others TBA


Thursday, August 9, 7:30 pm

FILMS & DISCUSSION

"Cuba Negra"

Discussion with Filmmaker Ricardo Bacallao

Aug. 2: DJ D spins for the Iraq Moratorium!

From our friend and comrade Juliet Ucelli:

DJ D spins for the Iraq Moratorium!

Thursday, August 2, 8 PM to midnight (or so)
Teddy's Bar & Grill
Corner of Berry and North 8th,
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(L train to Bedford Avenue)

DJ D has a resident gig every other Thursday at the venerable Williamsburg institution, Teddy's Bar & Grill,
and on August 2, he will be running it as a fundraiser for the Iraq Moratorium.
The Iraq Moratorium is a vitally important initiative to manifest and focus the growing majority anti-war sentiment among the American people with locally-based activities on the Third Friday of every month, beginning on September 21.

Admission is free.
Teddy's management will donate a portion of the night's take to the Iraq Moratorium. So contribute by dining from Teddy's worthy menu and by drinking freely.
And bring some spare cash--donations will be solicited.

In honor of the event, and to draw out folks unimpressed by mere great deejaying, DJ D promises a heavily political set:


* Hum along to Christian pacifist Bruce Cockburn's "If I Had a Rocket Launcher"
* Discover Lula Belle & Scotty's hillbilly rant "I'm No Communist"
* Hear the two best songs of the Vietnam War era (one by crooner BJ Thomas!)
* And for the first time in any NYC club in 30 years, easy, thrill to the Black Panther Party's house band, the Lumpen, singing "Free Bobby Now!"

Note: the term "political" is very loosely defined-there'll be songs about sex, drinking, shoes, working, hooking up at demonstrations, getting old, school, and major strikes as an occasion for cheating.

Plus plenty more. Ya can't beat it with a stick.
And if you are unable to attend, please consider making a direct tax-deductible donation to the Iraq Moratorium

Cindy Sheehan in New York City

Photo by Dan Cohen

Thursday, July 26th, 5-9 PM
Rally/Vigil at UN Dag Hammarskjold Plaza,
Bring your anti-war messages to the UN!
Rally with Cindy Sheehan and other speakers at Dag Ham Plaza,
then walk to the UN Mission for a Candlelight Vigil,
and then walk back to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza.
http://www.thecampcaseypeaceinstitute.org/

Friday, July 27, 5–9 PM
Launch of Orange Fridays as part of the Declare It NOW: Wear Orange! Campaign,
Union Square,
World Can’t Wait, Cindy Sheehan, Jonathan Tasini, Ret. Col. Ann Wright, Victor Toro,Councilmember Charles Barron, Rev. Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir, Elaine Brower, Carlos Arredondo, Sunsara Taylor, and local elected officials will speak and Declare their opposition to the Bush Regime.

Sunday, July 29th, Noon–6PM
Gather-in Of Hearts Festival, Central Park-the East Meadow
Artists invited! Open mic!
Bring your chairs, blankets, picnic games, food and family…to a fun filled day with Cindy Sheehan.
"Eyes Wide Open" memorial exhibit (NYS exhibit), and tabling;
speakers also from Granny Peace Brigade, singing by Raging Grannies, Vets for Peace, Military Families Speak Out-NYS chapter; CodePink NYC; Rev. Billy; "Filthy Rich for Fossella" from Staten Island.

Stop the permanent occupation of Iraq and the theft of Iraqi oil

I sent a letter to our representative Jerrold Nadler. Please send one to your rep.

"On July 24, PDA advisory board member Rep. Barbara Lee said, 'There is a lot of disagreement about Iraq, but there is widespread agreement on both sides of the aisle that U.S. occupation should not be permanent.

"'The perception that the United States plans a permanent military presence in Iraq strengthens the insurgency and fuels the violence against our troops. The Bush administration's recent comments that they envision a military presence extending more than 50 years - the Korea model - have only made matters worse,' said Lee.

"The key to quelling the insurgency is to prove to them that the U.S. does not intend to stay in Iraq permanently, or usurp the right to their natural resources.

Please, take action now, the vote is today, Wednesday July 25.

Should Imus be kept off the air?

Throughout the brouhaha over Imus' racist and sexist comments I've had mixed feelings about how to best deal with the problem. And I do not doubt for one minute that there is a problem. But it seems to me the question still is how best to respond to it creatively.

I am more and more convinced that Imus is merely the symptom and not the problem. The problem is that if there was not a substantial group of mostly white men out there who identify with Imus and find his racist and sexist comments funny, he wouldn't be on the air in the first place. By keeping him off the air all we do is turn him the bozo into a $10 million-a-year victim. The question is how can we educate his audience so that they turn him off. If that happened Imus and all those like him who exploit racism and sexism would disappear overnight.

Here's one view of the situation:

"As speculation mounts that Don Imus will return to the airwaves after his ouster in April for racist and sexist remarks, the National Association of Black Journalists, the first organization to call for his removal three months ago, says no way."

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who spearheaded the campaign to remove Imus from the airwaves has a different take now:

"'My position is that we never called for him to be permanently barred from being on the air. We’ll see when he comes back, and if he comes back, what are the boundaries and what is the understanding. We’ll be monitoring the situation, but we wanted him to pay for being a repeat abuser, and he paid. We never said we didn’t want him to make a living,' according to Mike Boyle, writing on Wednesday in Radio & Records."

Here's another viewpoint on what should be done with Imus.

It, nevertheless, seems to me that turning Imus into a martyr is counterproductive to changing people's consciousness so that they kick him to the curb, where he and his ilk belong.

Petition to Sen. majority leader Harry Reid

I have just signed this petition to encourage Sen. Harry Reid to stand up to the right-wing obstructionists in Congress. It's organized by the Campaign for America's Future:

"Tell Senator Reid: Stand Up To Conservative Obstructionists

"Sen. Harry Reid has begun the effort to expose the conservative obstructionists who have repeatedly prevented Congress from carrying out the public will -- on issues such as renewable energy, prescription drug costs, and easing the path to join unions.


"But one all-night debate is not enough. Sign this petition, and let Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid know you want to keep the heat on, until the conservative minority either relents or pays a steep political price for their continued obstruction.

"Senator Reid. Like you, we're frustrated that a conservative minority continues to obstruct reforms that most Americans support. We think it's time this minority pays a price for thumbing its nose at the American people. We urge you to bring essential reforms to the Senate floor, and KEEP them there until this minority yields, or takes deserved heat for obstructing progress. We pledge to help you stand up to the conservatives standing in the way of progress!"

July 20: Anti-Bush Rally at Union Square

THIS FRIDAY, JULY 20-- 5:30 PM

"Join us [The World Can't Wait; Drive Out the Bush Regime] at the south end of Union Square. Wear lots of orange, and invite your friends to come with you and do the same: Declare Yourself Against the Bush Regime!

"Our plan is to form a procession circling around Union Square Park, so if you own drums or other musical instruments, bring those as well.

"We will also sell orange 'Drive Out the Bush Regime' bandanas and flyers urging others to join in declaring themselves visibly and powerfully against the Bush Regime.

"On Sunday, The N.Y. Times ran a front page story about rising opposition to the war among military families. 'Penny Preszler of Phoenix, whose son is on his second tour of duty in Iraq, says she no longer wears red on Fridays in support of the Iraq war.'

"World Can’t Wait is asking everyone to join in a campaign to Declare Yourself: Wear Orange, especially on Orange Fridays, that can give people the heart and courage and sense of collective strength to rouse themselves and others to alter the political atmosphere from one of paralysis and despair, into one of massive mobilization and hope in the power of people acting independently to change all this. A groundswell of orange that can turn into a groundswell of hope and anger – a groundswell that rises up from below and has the potential of sweeping Bush from office before his term is up.

JULY 27 LAUNCH EVENT

"This Friday is particularly crucial, since it is the last Orange Friday before July 27, the date of our big launch event for the Declare Yourself movement.

"On July 27, in Union Square, we will hold a press conference where speakers--including Sunsara Taylor, Elaine Brower, and the recently unretired Cindy Sheehan--will declare themselves against the Bush Regime and give their reasons why.

"Following the press conference, a rally will begin with the sounds of live music, drumming, and poetry. Orange will cover Union Square Park as there is a procession around the park led by musicians to bring more people into the rally. The monthly Critical Mass bike ride will arrive in the park at this time."

The Bomb, Bomb Iran boys are at it again

According to Amy Gooodman on Democracy Now:

"...the Democratic-led Senate unanimously passed a resolution last week sponsored by Independent Senator Joseph Lieberman to censure Iran for complicity in the killing of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Lieberman opened debate on the measure by saying the Senate has a 'choice between turning a blind eye to the murder of our troops and confronting those who are murdering them.' The measure passed by a vote of 97 to zero.

"Lieberman has been the leading voice in the Senate in support of a possible U.S. military strike on Iran. Last month in an interview on CBS' Face the Nation, Lieberman said 'I think we've got to be prepared to take aggressive military action against the Iranians to stop them from killing Americans in Iraq.'"

Let's just see how long it is before some of the Senators who voted to tighten the screws on Iran last week will be pleading: "if we knew then what we know now, we wouldn't have voted to target (pun intended) Iran for "the murder of our troops."

On the same broadcast Goodman also noted that:

"The Los Angeles Times is reporting that nearly half of all foreign militants targeting U.S. troops in Iraq have come from Saudi Arabia – one of Washington's closest allies in the Middle East. Of the 19,000 prisoners being held by the U.S. in Iraq only 135 are foreign-born fighters and half of them are Saudi. U.S. officials have so far refused to publicly criticize Saudi Arabia's role in Iraq. [Obviously including the Senate and Joe 'I never saw a bomb I didn't like' Lieberman]."

Once again, as in 2003, if these Senate hawks paid attention, they'd know now when it counts. Nobody elects Monday morning quarterbacks to the presidency.

Chertoff says: "The sky is falling, the sky is falling"

Chicago Tribune staff reporter E.A. Torriero wrote:

"...U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in Chicago Tuesday that the nation faces a heightened chance of an attack this summer.

"'I believe we are entering a period this summer of increased risk,' Chertoff told the Chicago Tribune's editorial board in an unusually blunt and frank assessment of America's terror threat level.

"'Summertime seems to be appealing to them,' he said of al-Qaeda. 'We do worry that they are rebuilding their activities.'

"Still, Chertoff said there are not enough indications of an imminent plot to raise the current threat levels nationwide. And he indicated that his remarks were based on "a gut feeling" formed by past seasonal patterns of terrorist attacks, recent al-Qaeda statements, and intelligence he did not disclose."

"There is an assessment 'not of a specific threat, but of increased vulnerability,' he added.

"There have been reports already that suggest intelligence warnings at a similar level to the summer before Sept. 11, 2001 and that al-Qaeda may be mobilizing.

"In recent days, ABC news reported that a secret law enforcement report prepared for homeland security warns that al-Qaeda is preparing a 'spectacular' summer attack. On Tuesday, ABC News also reported that 'new intelligence suggests a small al-Qaeda cell is on its way to the United States, or may already be here.'"

Chertoff's "unusually blunt and frank assessment of America's terror threat level" comes at a very convenient time for the Bush administration. As more and more serious questions are being raised even among long-shuffling GOP loyalists, what's more effective than raising the fear level among the people. As Congress gets closer to another debate over Iraq, Chertoff dutifully provides scary grist for the ever-shrinking pro-war contingent.

One difference between Chicken Little and "Chicken Mike" is that Little really believed the sky was falling. But the real question isn't whether or not Al-Qaeda is still a threat, but why bring up these fears right now, "Just weeks [after], Arkansas Republican chairman Dennis Milligan,... said in an on-the-record interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: 'At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on [Sept. 11, 2001], and the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country.”

Since we already have substantial evidence that this administration has corrupted the Justice Department and its own medical/scientific advisers, how far a stretch is it to believe that Homeland Security is under the thumb of the White House "Axis of Evil" (Cheney, Rove and Bush).

Although, as I.F. Stone pointed out, "all governments lie." I don't think any other U.S. administration has as steadfastly acted to advance its own political interests at the expense of the U.S. people. From spreading lies about its opponents to lying to justify invading Iraq just in time to make Bush a "war president" during the 2004 campaign and to insist on continuing the occupation in order to get control of Iraqi oil for its Anglo-American oil company friends, nothing seems beyond these people.

Dishing out a new Al-Qaeda scare to feed the administration's needs is hardly out of step for a Bush-appointed cabinet secretary.

Go Cindy Go!

For a long time it has seemed to me that the Pelosi-led Democrats have abandoned a key weapon in the campaign against Bush's war in Iraq - impeachment. I don't think any hostage negotiator gives up a key negotiating tactic before the hostage crisis is solved. And it's abundantly clear that Bush is holding the U.S. hostage to his and Cheney's war in Iraq.

So it's time to support someone who isn't in the sway of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) which has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory once to often.

Here's what the DLC said after the 2006 election:

"Democrats will need to show that they have a forward-looking national security agenda and can wage a more effective fight [than the Republicans] against terror. The party seems well on the way toward achieving that goal. Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) squelched talk of Iraq-related impeachment proceedings, and helped orchestrate a 'Real Security' plan that pledged House Democrats to such measures as implementing all of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, locking down dangerous nuclear and chemical materials in the former Soviet states, and strengthening the overstretched U.S. military. Obviously, the biggest test will come on Iraq. Democrats need to show they can provide a new direction in Iraq without forcing a hasty withdrawal or unconscionably surrendering the Iraqi people to even broader civil strife and slaughter."

This is clearly different from what Cindy Sheehan proposes.

Cindy Sheehan
(photo by Dan Cohen)

Sheehan Considers Challenge to Pelosi
By ANGELA K. BROWN
(Associated Press Writer)

"CRAWFORD, Texas - Cindy Sheehan, ... said Sunday that she plans to run against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unless she [Pelosi] moves to oust President Bush in the next two weeks.

"Sheehan said she will run against the San Francisco Democrat in 2008 as an independent if Pelosi does not seek by July 23 to impeach Bush. That's when Sheehan and her supporters are to arrive in Washington, D.C., after a 13-day caravan and walking tour starting next week from the group's war protest site near Bush's Crawford ranch.

"'Democrats and Americans feel betrayed by the Democratic leadership,' Sheehan told The Associated Press. 'We hired them to bring an end to the war.'"

This is from the Nation:

"Many more House Democrats would sign on for impeachment if the leadership of their caucus was not pressuring them to back off.

"Thus, the greatest barrier to the movement to hold the president and vice president to account is House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California."

"Unfortunately, Pelosi has misread her moment in history."

e

It's amazing what a trip home can do

"Sen. Pete Domenici on Thursday [7/5] withdrew his support of President Bush's Iraq war policy and embraced a proposal to bring home most troops by March.

"The longtime New Mexico senator is the latest of several Republican stalwarts who have abandoned Bush on Iraq in the past 10 days. They have urged a change sooner rather than later and further isolated the GOP president in his attempt to defend the unpopular war.

"Last week, Sens. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and George Voinovich, R-Ohio, said the U.S. should significantly reduce its military presence in Iraq while bolstering diplomatic efforts. Sen. John Warner, R-Va., this month is expected to propose a new approach."

(from MATT MYGATT and ANNE FLAHERTY,AP)

The irony of this was the role Domenici played in the Alberto Gonzales fiasco:

"Former U.S. Attorney David Iglesias was fired after Sen. Pete Domenici, who had been unhappy with Iglesias for some time, made a personal appeal to the White House, the Journal has learned.

"Domenici had complained about Iglesias before, at one point going to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales before taking his request to the president as a last resort."

7/13: Three-day seminar begins-Capitalism & Other Unnatural Disasters

Here's some excellent info from the Brecht Forum:

Friday, July 13, 9:30am - 6:00pm

29th Annual Intensive Introduction to Marxism: Capitalism & Other Unnatural Disasters

Three-day seminar begins

With Stanley Aronowitz, Bhairavi Desai, Sujatha Fernandes, Forrest Hylton, Lisa Maya Knauer, Randy Martin, Biju Mathew, Rene Francisco Poitevin, Heather Rogers, Anwar Shaikh & Others TBA

The BRECHT FORUM
451 West Street (Bt Bank & Bethune)
(212) 242- 4201

(1, 2, 3 A, C, E to 14th St,
14A, 11, 20 buses to Abingdon Square (where 8th Avenue meets Hudson St)
8 bus to 10th & West Sts
L to 8th Ave @14th St.)

Sliding Scale: $75 - $95
Free for Brecht Forum Subscribers

In the face of the pervasive war, poverty and environmental destruction that mark our times and even threaten life on this planet, people are beginning to take a fresh look at the complicity of capitalism in perpetuating these ills. Through lectures, readings and lively discussion, in an adamantly open-minded environment, participants will be introduced to Karl Marx' revolutionary critique of capitalism--not to find a ready-made blueprint for change, nor a dogma that excludes other
traditions, but for tools of analysis that can help us to think more strategically and act more effectively.

Maybe some dark clouds do have silver linings: Libby commutation and Sheehan re-emergence

There is much to be said about the Bush's commutation of "Scooter" Libby's sentence.
It's hardly surprising that the president would choose to celebrate Independence Day by proving once again that there is no depth to which he will not sink to save his own ass and that of his Axis of Evil cohorts, Cheney and Rove. There is no depth of disgrace that he will not subject the country and the presidency to cover up his crimes.

But some dark clouds do have silver linings after all. Or perhaps just unanticipated consequences. This is from Cindy Sheehan:

"I'm not backing off. I tried to remove myself from the political realm of the U.S., what BushCo is turning in to an Evil Empire, but the blatant audacity of George commuting Scooter's sentence (he's not ruling out a full pardon ---and you know he will) has dragged me kicking and screaming back in. I can't sit back and let this BushCo drag our country further down into the murky quagmire of Fascism and violence, taking the rest of the world with them!"

....

"Please, I already see 'Attention Whore Back.' If anyone thinks that I am going to walk hundreds of miles in the Deep South during July for attention, then please join us! We will be publishing our route and plans for Accountability events along the way, within the next few days. Stay tuned."

July 8: Book party & reading at Brecht Forum

Sunday, July 8, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
BOOK PARTY & READING

Health Proxy

with Author Robert Roth & Readings by Martha Lincoln, Margaret Mercer, Ralph Nazareth, Myrna NIeves & Joy Walker

4:00 - Reception

5:00 - Readings

The BRECHT FORUM
451 West Street (Bt Bank & Bethune)
www.brechtforum.org

(Transportation:
1, 2, 3 A, C, E to 14th Street,
14A, 11, 20 buses to Abingdon Square (where 8th Avenue meets Hudson Street)
8 bus to 10th & West Streets
L to 8th Ave @14th Street.)

"Robert Roth's Health Proxy is a dynamic collage of consciousness—bits and pieces of perception, insight, observation, dialogue, interior monologue, commentary, tirade, always deeply personal, profoundly philosophical at times, wide-ranging in its concerns and themes, ever in touch with the particular, deep in its sympathy, resolutely free—or shall we say there's a mighty struggle here to be free—of imperialist assumptions, hierarchical judgments. All of this makes it radically counter-cultural in its politics, a palpable extension of what we were all shaped by in the late 60s and early 70s.

"Circles of gay men with AIDS would come together. Each man speaking with enormous glee about whom they had cut out of their lives that week. I myself just waiting for that time to come. Pete turning on me in a fury and cutting me out of his life. And to know that the final pleasure you are probably going to give someone is the giddy delight they will feel when they cut you out of their lives is pretty bizarre to say the least. And that knowledge is part of the peculiar numbness that set in that helped me deal with the tragedy we were inside of.

"Though the situations are not parallel this reminds me of the fate of many who from the outside fought to help liberate South Africa from apartheid, who have helped liberate East Timor from centuries of oppression only to see those places liberated into the hands of the IMF or the World Bank. At that point of viability we recede into irrelevance and possibly even become a danger to those states. We are easily discarded.

"But you do it anyway."

from Health Proxy

"Robert Roth is a writer and co-creator of the magazine And Then. He has been in and around political movements as long as he can remember."

2007 New York City Labor Chorus 2007 biennial concert

Here are some photos from the New York City Labor Chorus's 2007 biennial concert held June 16 at The Society for Ethical Culture
(Photos by Dan Cohen)





























(More photos to come)