Tutu demands Trial for Bush & Blair over Iraqi War

Desmond Tutu's article in "London Guardian."

when he speaks, you at least have to listen.

Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs

No, no, that's a childrens' book & now a movie. I mean cloudy with a chance of showers, drizzle, & fog. For a few days. Until Saturday (we live in hope). Cool. AAAARRggghhh! Raincoat needed!

A clip- reminding us that the more things change- they don't.

The Best Mothers' Day Ever!

FROM LAST YEAR & the Year Before- SAME OLD- SAME OLD (unfortunately)

Mother's Day - A Call for Peace
Each year the president issues a Mother's Day Proclamation. The original Mother's Day Proclamation was made in 1870. Written by JuliaWard Howe, perhaps best known today for having written the words to "TheBattle Hymn of the Republic" ... the original Proclamation was an impassioned call for peace and disarmament. In the years following the Civil War her political activism increased, as did her condemnation of war. Here are the words to the original Mother's Day Proclamation:
"Arise then, women of this day! Arise all women who have hearts,whether your baptism be of water or of tears! "Say firmly: 'We will not have questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage forcaresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience. We women of one country will be too tender to those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own, it says "Disarm!Disarm!" The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.'
"As men have forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after histime the sacred impress not of Caesar, but of God.
"In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace."

Gee, wouldn't it be wonderful if the flowers, candy, dinners, etc. were foregone to accomplish this. It's not going to happen until we mothers say, you can't have our kids. And dads. And grandparents. And aunts & uncles. You just can't have our kids.

Margaret Chase Smith:
Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.

Mind-Boggling War Debt

A report from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments "has found that the direct cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could reach as high as $1.7 trillion by 2018, despite forecasts of American disengagement from Iraq. But according to the report, the White House has “fudged the war’s true costs” by borrowing rather than funding the wars through the appropriations process:

The report also rapped the Bush administration’s paying for the wars through borrowing, rather than tax increases and spending cuts. That approach, it cconcluded, will lead to interest costs through 2018 that range from about $70 billion to as high as about $700 billion, depending on how much of the war funding came through bond sales.
“If you want to go to war…we should probably pay for more of that war upfront rather than borrowing for it,” [defense budget expert and report author Steven] Kosiak said, because the public feels more of the war’s real burden through tax increases and spending cuts.
Time [magazine] notes that “[p]revious wars were funded through the annual appropriations process, with emergency spending — which gets far less congressional scrutiny — only used for the initial stages of a conflict. But the Bush Administration relied on such supplemental appropriations to fund the wars” throughout both conflicts thus far.

The good economic news just never stops, does it? So nice, too, that the major U.S. networks are pulling out of Iraq. We wouldn't want to know too much about how our $ is being spent for this bully little war. But then you never told us much in the first place, did you? Keep giving us those nifty little feel-good features. I'm really interested in the top movie this week or Barbara Wa-Wa's Special. Oh, but you're all multi-media moguls now, aren't you, thanks to Congress?

But, but, what about the CIA giving out Viagra to Afghan war chiefs? Who's going to keep me informed on this? And how is this helping the outrageous human rights violations against women there? Enquiring minds want to know. Hey, Laura Bush, waddaya think? How screwed up are we- VERY! How about birth control pills to go alongside the other magic mushrooms you're passing out. Oops, no, federal law prohibits that-almost except for overseas..

Thanks to reporter Ben Armbruster via http://www.buzzflash.com/

Peace for Gaza?

I thought that the Prez & Condi solve this little problem with more than 16 recent trips. Silly me. The following press release is from the IWC: a coalition of Palestinian, Israeli and international women who recognize the urgent need to achieve a meaningful peace between Israelis and Palestinians and feel a shared commitment to accomplish this goal.


Imagine, pushing for peace at Chrismastime. Whatever are they thinking? They don't actually buy into all that Peace on Earth stuff, do they?? Heck, we've got our own problems. You may also enjoy listening to former U.S. National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski offering his take on the conflict in Gaza. He certainly points his finger at the Bush administration and their extended lack of interest despite host Joe Scarborough offering up lame excuses. It's about the most thoughtful explanation of the situation & how the U.S. should approach it that I've heard. Hey, if the Irish and English can have peace in Northern Ireland, there is certainly hope for the Gaza strip, isn't there? I'd certainly like to believe so.


Via http://www.feministpeacenetwork.org/:

The International Women’s Commission (IWC) for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian-Israeli Peace demands an immediate cessation of the aggression by the Israeli military forces in Gaza, which has already cost hundreds of lives. This slaughter can only further fuel the conflict and quash any remaining Israeli and Palestinian people.
The IWC calls on the international community, and specifically to the Quartet, to immediately deploy an international force to bring an end to this madness, to protect innocent civilians and to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The IWC further appeals to the Quartet, and in particular to the incoming US Administration, to press for immediate resumption of peace negotiations based on the Arab Peace Initiative as the only way of bringing an end to the occupation and achieving sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, and in the region.Read
more…

Bring Them Home!

Pete Seeger's version wasn't available. Currently the PBS series, "American Masters," is featuring him.

It is time to bring 'em all home once again.

Info on Newport Veteran Killed in Vietnam Wanted

Information is wanted on Vietnam veteran, Christopher Hartley (Marine), killed in Vietnam. Instructor Joe Cichon says that his was the son of M/M Edward Hartley. "There must have been a relocation, since he graduated from Weymouth H.S. (MA), then attended UMass." Perhaps someone here remembers going to Rogers (or another school) with him.

"Bishop Hendricken High School instructor Joe Cichon Jr. is again teaching a course on the Vietnam War and that conflict’s continuing personal impact here in Rhode Island. Course students from two classes are researching the personal backgrounds of nine deceased Rhode Island servicemen from the war and need your help to learn more about them.

Column readers familiar with the backgrounds of any of the following fallen heroes of the Vietnam War are asked to share that personal information by calling Cichon at Hendricken at (401) 739-3450 or send e-mail to him at soldier0628@aol.com."

The General Sings to Congress

Click here for the link to actually view the "Opus" cartoon.

Bush Protest in Newport

It was a hardy group that gathered on a hot, steamy day outside the base to protest the Iraqi War (among other things). Surrounding areas in Middletown & Newport saw an onslaught of police and military personnel - some here for Bush, others for the Tall Ships, & still more for a Governor's luncheon on the base. Plenty of National Guardsmen were out - I'm surprised that there are any still left here. Bush was speaking at the War College Commencement.
Slightly before 11 the skies were buzzing with helicopters. A Coast Guard helicopter circled the base 3 x and then landed - I assume it was the Prez. Other helicopters followed with a continued circling - anywhere from 2 - 6.
The group started assembling slightly before 11 a.m. in the Walmart's parking lot. They then moved to a public area by the rotary. The lively crowd of varying ages numbered about two hundred. There were signs, flags, petitions, and chants.
News coverage was out in full force. Watch this p.m. Meaghan Wims for Projo was there. I was happy to see her curly hair enjoying the muggies just like mine. See her article tomorrow. Joe Baker with his photographer was there for the "Daily News." See their article tomorrow.
There were a number of speakers - some with children in the military. Rod Driver spoke along with members of other groups. Tom Kalinowski of "Newport 9" was there. Alas, his blog is history.
Other speakers mentioned how the Prez on his first visit here was in hiding - on federal property only. Plenty of security. As my youngest reminded me, "Guess he doesn't prefer to leave it in God's hands like the Pope."
Gracious Audette was present along with Mrs. Sears from the Little Compton group. The latter have been demonstrating in their Common for years. Their attendance can range from 7 (bad weather) to 70. Quite an accomplishment in a Republican bastion.
I have pics & will try to get them up later.
The group marched from the Rotary up to the base gate (Officers' Club) where there were cordons of police. They planned to leave a signed petition there to pull out of Iraq, etc. There was much support enjoyed by the crowd of drivers who shouted/honked their horns. Fortunately, while traffic was noontime heavy, it kept on moving.
There were no politicans there, although I expected none. There were signs critical of Sen. Reed.
Ah, "deja vue all over again." The only difference is that there is no draft, so there weren't swams of angry young people & draft card burnings.

Update on Bush Protest in Newport

BUSH PROTEST RALLY ON JUNE 28:

Peace activists from around the state are planning to hold an antiwar rally at 11:00 AM near the rotary on Connell Highway in Newport at Admiral Kalfbus Road. The rotary is close to the main entrance to the naval base where President Bush will be speaking that morning. Demonstrators will be gathering near the Newport Towne Center (Walmart/Stop & Shop plaza) at 11:00 AM and proceeding to the rally site.

If access to the shopping plaza/rotary area is blocked by the authorities, we will gather at the Gateway Visitors Center in downtown Newport and select another rally location. However, we view this development as very unlikely, because the rotary is close to a major shopping center, and the President will be speaking a few miles away in the midst of a heavily protected military base.

Depending on where you are travelling from, you might want to consider taking a RIPTA bus rather than driving, as traffic in Newport could be heavy due to the start of the Tall Ships festival in downtown Newport on Thursday. Those taking the RIPTA bus from Providence or the East Bay should get a transfer at the Gateway Center and take the RIPTA # 63 bus to the entrance of the Stop and Shop. Rally participants are encouraged to bring their own signs and banners.

Speakers confirmed for the rally so far include Robert Malin (RI Progressive Democrats of America), Rod Driver (former candidate for US Congress), Steven Kelly (Military Families Speak Out), Chris Young (National Civil Rights Coalition) and Nick Schmader (Green Party of RI).

If you need to reach us on Thursday, you can contact Shaun Joseph (cell phone: 401-952-5852) or Chris Murphy (cell phone: 239-896-0336).

**Eileen's note - wear sunscreen! Air quality is not good here. There is usually plenty of available parking here. Thanks for info rec'd via RIPL's Andrew from Mark Stahl Events Coordinator, RICCP

Bush Protest Taking Place in Newport

PROTEST BUSH IN NEWPORT

DEMAND IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL of all occupying forces in Iraq

REPARATIONS for the destruction and corporate pillaging of Iraq so that Iraqi people can control their own lives and future

FULL BENEFITS, ADEQUATE HEALTH CARE (including mental health), and other supports for returning servicemen and -women

NO MILITARY ACTION AGAINST Iran THURSDAY, JUNE 28

GATHER 11AM FOR MARCH+RALLY

Newport Towne Center at Connell Hwy, Newport, RI

RIPTA 62/63/64 - if access cut off, gather at Gateway Center

INFO: Chris at 239-896-0336

ENDORSED BY (6/24): RI Community Coalition for Peace | International Socialist Organization | RI Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice | Workers International League | S. Kingstown Justice and Peace Action Group | National Civil Rights Coalition | MoveOn/East Bay | RI Progressive Democrats of America | RI Progressive League | East Bay Citizens for Peace

End the War!

UPDATE** E-mail your Lege today!!
I used the link on R.I. Future to urge the Lege to support Sen. Levesque's bill & others opposing the war surge. More than 20 states have pending legislation on this. Calif, Iowa, & Vt. have already passed theirs. Remember years ago when state Guv's refused to send Nat'l guard troops? Why don't more of them speak up? Oops, silly me. Our guv luvs the Prez.
So I used Matt's link to send a letter. II rec'd a positive response from Rep. Amy Rice. Nothing from Sen. June "No comment," Gibbs. This is the response from Rep. Fox:

Thank you very much for writing to me about the several pieces of legislation that have introduced opposing the escalation in Iraq. Thesebills have been referred to the Committee on Constituent Services. Please be assured that as this year's session progresses and legislation is considered, I will make certain that your thoughts and comments will be taken into consideration. I encourage you to continue to orrespond with me and other members of the General Assembly.

Thank you again for taking the time to write about this important matter.

Sincerely,

Gordon D. Fox House Majority Leader

So use the title link ; or this &write already!