Horrific Nightmare

The devastation and misery continue to worsen.
Please go to your favorite relief organization to donate money or supplies. They need our help!

Bush's Constructive Approach to the Gas Crisis

I found this on The Stephanie Miller website.

He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of company B!

Prince Georgie is out and about, still, equating the Iraq War and WWII? Come on, you WWII vets. Is Iraq like your war? Are we the greatest generation: the sequel? I still haven't rationed my panty hose and sugar. I haven't started carpooling so that we can stock up on fuel. I haven't bought war bonds. Just exactly how is this like World War II?

Crawford Aug. 27 2005

It was a large crowd, gathered together in the 101+ degree heat in Crawford, under a large tent. Just a hint of a breeze, that taunted, but did not cool. A variety of people, from elderly to the young were present. There were few pro-Bush folks around. They drove back and forth on the road, waving huge American flags, and honking their horns. One man, in particular, honked repeatedly as we sang Amazing Grace led by Joan Baez.
One thing I did not understand on any of my visits to Crawford (Aug 6, 13, 27) was the attitude of the pro-Bush folks. They spent a lot of time and energy calling us "un-American, pinkos, commies,: and worse. I can curse a blue streak and will do so at any opportunity, but these folks used words that I would not use or even repeat. They feel strongly about their cause, vut are inarticulate and tend to regurgitate the bullet points of the administration. In today's Express-News, there were 2 letters to the editor that almost word for word regurgitated the Prez's bullet points. What a waste of time. But of course, if we do not educate our children well, they will not become critical thinkers, and will be incapable of determining government fact from fiction.
I just do not understand the value of being "pro-war." The folks that protested in Crawford against the peace movement were called "pro-war" in the media. Why is being PRO WAR a good thing? Why would we want to go to war? Who benefits? Obviously the rich and corporate interests benefit, not the rest of us! Folks, stop drinking the Koolaid....wake up! There is no "good" war. We do not solve world wide terrorism by invading Iraq. It's just one country, and the root of terrorism is deeper than that. Economics and social justice play a part in the entire scenario, but we are too blind to see it.

So, more pictures....to soothe my soul:







I am a lucky Veteran. I served my country in the US Army but my "war" experiences only consist of caring for post Vietnam war Veterans, being active duty for Operation Just Cause at Fort Bragg, and caring for Gulf War veterans with neurological injuries resulting from parachute training accidents at Fort Benning. I have the utmost respect for all our war veterans. I am angry that they do not get the best of medical care. They are continually short-changed by our federal government and used as "cannon fodder" for the rich.
God bless our Veterans.
Be a supporter of our Veterans. Give to the USO; volunteer at a VA Hospital, and question the closure of Walter Reed Army Hospital...which was just getting ready to open an amputee unit. Now, only BAMC will have one.
Do you find it odd that military hospitals and VA clinics are being closed at a time when we have a need to take care of the injured?
Write your legislator!

next up: Austin

Wed., Aug. 31, 5:30, City Hall (3o1 W. 2nd St.), Austin: Austin Against War will hold a peace rally, with Cindy as the speaker.

Sun., Sept. 11, 12:30, Gillis Park (S. 1st St. and Oltorf), Austin: AAW will hold a march to City Hall, where there will be a peace festival with music and speakers.

This Week on the Daily Show

It won't be a great week on Jon Stewart's Daily Show as they are all repeats.

Monday, 8/29: John Irving, author of "Until I Find You"
Tuesday, 8/30: Steve Carrell, star of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"
Wednesday 8/31: Seymour Hersh, author/reporter, The New Yorker
Thursday, 9/1: Pre-empted by "Roast of Pamela Anderson" (what a way to begin the lovely month of September!)

Here's a Point of View I hadn't considered....

Please go to this WOAI link, read, and then perhaps let the author of it know what your thoughts are on this interesting perspective.

Like most Texas reporters, I have made the pilgrimage to interview Cindy Sheehan and her anti war comrades parked in front of Crawford. One of the made-for-television signs held up behind Cindy during the news event I attended was particularly disturbing. "Iraq," read the sign held aloft by two prosperous looking white women,"is Arabic for Vietnam."

By holding this sign, I presume they would favor that the Iraq war end the same way the war in Vietnam ended. I also presume that this means they would not oppose the same fate for the people of Iraq that befell the people of Vietnam and Cambodia after the end of US involvement there, which was one of the more horrible in the sorry annals of twentieth century tyranny. But in 1975, we were told by the anti war crowd that, after all, they were only Asians, they probably couldn't understand democracy anyway, and knew it wouldn't work 'for them.' Its sad to see the same attitude repeated today, that its not worth the blood of white Americans like Casey Sheehan to win freedom and democracy for 'those people,' in this case, brown skinned Arab Muslims.

Just a Reminder

Iraq and 9/11 are NOT related...except in Bush's little, tiny brain. This president is getting more and more pathetic as he continues to appeal to the American people about how noble this war is.

Iraq and 9/11 are TWO different events, devised by TWO different evil people....George Bush and Osama Bin Laden. However, they executed them the same way. They came up with the plan and then sent poor hapless troops in to die for the cause.

Images of Crawford, Saturday, August 27

We went to Crawford again this weekend, and it was once again a memorable, wonderful occasion!

The pro Bush folks were much more in evidence this weekend! This was at the original Camp Casey.

Two young Dems enjoying a dance while listening to the music of James McMurtry. Taken at Camp Casey II.

The very wonderful Joan Baez gave a stirring performance for the crowd. That's Cindy sitting next to her.

Here's one lady's opinion about Bush's options.

We met the gracious, charming Laura Flanders of Air America Radio. VTex even went on the air with her later in the same evening!

Here's Cindy giving one of her rousing speeches. She choked back sobs several times during her talk.

Here's a fellow Dem who was moved by the presence of so many crosses. This was in front of the Crawford Peace Center.

The "Fringe" Keeps Growing Larger

Here's a very telling AP-Ipsos poll

Tonight's Bill Maher

At 10pm tonight, Bill Maher talks with Cindy Sheehan, columnist Dan Savage, Gov. Mike Huckabee, actor/playwright Eve Ensler and author/musician Kinky Friedman.

This Week's Hot Topic: Is President Bush right to compare the writing of the Iraq constitution to the writing of the American constitution?

His Approval Ratings are Galluping Away!

Poor Prince Georgie. Hardly anyone still approves of the royal brat anymore.

Patsies in the Prairie

Read this article about our great Mainstream Media out in Crawford.

Reason #832 to be a Democrat

"PORTLAND, Ore. - The breast milk of Oregon women is contaminated with a high level of toxic flame retardants known as PBDEs, researchers say." --Copyright 2005 Associated Press.

Deadline to Sign Up for the Bus is 10pm Tonight...

...I just found out. Hope no one misses it because of the deadline.

Good thing about law enforcement being so professional. I overhead a cop today saying that Crawfordians are fearful of what might happen this weekend.

For all you returnees: any advice for newbies?

The very professional police officers in Crawford

Every time I have been up to Crawford, including the first day, Aug. 6, I have been impressed with the professionalism of the police officers. This photo was posted on the blog ellagoes.com and is a good example of how things have been at Camp Casey in contrast to right-wing radio and media reports.

"Regarding the friendly relationship at Camp Casey with the local authorities:
Ella playing with Lt. Sid Franklin this weekend."

I just wonder how things will be this weekend as the right wingers plan their supposed invasion of Camp Casey. Previously it has been a calm, friendly place, with few anti-whatever protesters. However, with the right wing media riling up these people there is no telling what will happen. I am hoping the right wing people will remember that they usually pride themselves on being Christians, and will bring their best Christian behavior with them.

Next stop on the tour--Washington D.C.

Sheehan is takin' it on the road. I wish I could go with her!

This is a cute little joke about those wacky Bushies!

How many Bush Administration officials does it take to screw in a light bulb?

None.

Nothing is wrong with the light bulb; its conditions are improving every day.

Any reports of its lack of incandescence are a delusional spin from the liberal media.

That light bulb has served honorably, and anything you say undermines the lighting effect.

Why do you hate freedom?

(Just something cute someone emailed me)

Crawford or Bust!

Gang, we HAVE to go to Crawford this weekend. My family is heading out Saturday morning, and there's also a bus leaving from San Antonio (look at earlier post). Cindy needs our support, and it just doesn't take that much effort to drive down there and stand with her. You will come away feeling so good for showing your solidarity. Read this article. It may inspire you to do something.

Protection against the Right Wing Rhetoric!

You can now make your very own bulls**t protectors!

Bush's vacation from his vacation

New York Times
By Maureen Dowd

"W. vacationed so hard in Texas he got bushed. He needed a vacation from his vacation.
The most rested president in American history headed West yesterday to get away from his Western getaway - and the mushrooming Crawford Woodstock - and spend a couple of days at the Tamarack Resort in the rural Idaho mountains.
"I'm kind of hangin' loose, as they say," he told reporters."

Here is a photo of the largest lodgings at Tamarack Resort:
Price per night was not noted. In addition, the website noted that the ENTIRE lodge was closed for the duration of the Prez's visit.
So, what else can our most rested Prez do? How about biking?

Nice that he can "hang loose" while our troops get killed. Nice that he has the most vacation days ever of any sitting President.

Guess his "war" is going just fine, and he just keep trotting out the same old speeches in front of highly screened crowds. Although I must say, the VFW Convention attendees were awesome enought to find a way to protest without the Secret Service catching on! You see the Secret Service won't allow T-shirts, paper, markers, posters, signs, bumper stickers, etc. But these old guys found a way!

Check out the ear....

Charter to Crawford

San Antonio Code Pink has chartered a bus to go to Camp Casey Saturday. It leaves from the Via Park & Ride at Crossroads Mall at 7:30 a.m. and will return about 9 p.m. Camp Casey will be throwing a BBQ and hoedown Saturday from 2-5 p.m., to which George and Laura will be warmly welcomed, should they choose to attend ("warmly" as in: anybody got an apple big enough to fit in the mouth of this big ol' pig we just caught?).

Get on board at peoplepoweredpolitics.com.

Gary Hart Blasts Dems for being Panty Waists

Good for you, Gary! Our party needs to hear it.

From the Washington Post:

History will deal with George W. Bush and the neoconservatives who misled a mighty nation into a flawed war that is draining the finest military in the world, diverting Guard and reserve forces that should be on the front line of homeland defense, shredding international alliances that prevailed in two world wars and the Cold War, accumulating staggering deficits, misdirecting revenue from education to rebuilding Iraqi buildings we've blown up, and weakening America's national security.

But what will history say about an opposition party that stands silent while all this goes on? My generation of Democrats jumped on the hot stove of Vietnam and now, with its members in positions of responsibility, it is afraid of jumping on any political stove.

Bush Propaganda goes to sacred ground

I heard about this latest outrage on the Bill Press Show on Sirius Radio.

Bloggermann turns Limbaugh to Toast!

Finally, the disdain and disgust that Limbaugh deserves:

There is nothing wrong with an unpopular opinion.

Nor is there anything wrong with a subversive one, nor a crazy one. This country was founded on opinions that were deemed by the powers-that-were to be unpopular, subversive, and crazy. Dissent - even when that dissent strays from logic or humanity - is our life’s blood. But if you have one of those opinions, and you express it in public, honesty and self-respect require you to own up to it.

Unless you’re Rush Limbaugh.

Man, they get us coming and going!

First they ream us at the pump so that we have to use credit cards, then they screw us if we have to declare bankruptcy! Boy, are we in trouble!

Pittsburgh police arrest, and tazer women protesters

Sgt. Clint Winkler, a supervisor on duty, told The Associated Press he tried to use pepper spray on one woman who would not leave, but it hit her glasses. She was then subdued with a Taser, Winkler said.
full article

Pepper spray and Tazers to subdue a measly 60 protesters? Outrageous abuse of power. This is still a free country, and this is inexcusable. Period. Of course, did you hear about it on NBC, CBS or ABC? Nope, the news uis canceled, we are fed the pap of celebrity and faux news.

Demonstrate for peace ya'll. And take a day to go to Crawford!

A Picture of Reality!

Visit this site for a VERY telling picture!

Take this MSNBC poll

Let 'em know how we REALLY feel! Click under main story under Bush.

Fringe--my ass!

KEEP THINKING--We're now the majority. We are NOT the fringe. We reflect what the majority of the population is thinking now. DO NOT let the MSM, that jerk of a president, all the president's men, and those horrible Rush-O'Reilly clones tell us that we're on the fringe. Keep soldiering on and keep the faith. We're right and we will prevail!

I LOVE the terrorists--I hope you do too!

King George apparently thinks that you and I love the terrorists! I'm really getting tired of this bullcrap.

Meeting briefly with reporters Monday aboard Air Force One, Trent Duffy, a White House spokesman subbing for Scott McClellan, said that President Bush believes that those who want the U.S. to begin to change course in Iraq do not want America to win the overall "war on terror."

Duffy spoke on a day when a surprisingly large antiwar protest met the president during his stay in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he addressed a Veterans of Foreign Wars convention.

For all the current news on Camp Casey

Visit this site for all your news on what's going on at Camp Casey outside King George's summer palace.

Onward Christian Soldier!

Here's yet another example of a good Christian man and his peaceful teachings.

Bush flips off everyone

Go to google, click images, put this in the search box: bush + finger.
Although there are some duplicates, it is obvious that our "frat boy" and bully of a President has no sense of decency, despite labeling himself at "Christian."

Vomitville, Daddy-O

Little Prince Georgie gets his own special playtime friend in the royal palace. I guess he's keeping his life balanced while the protesters continue melting outside the ranch.

Sheehan's mom has stroke

Her life is more chaotic than ever thought possible!

Isn't it just ironic?

Quotes about the war in Kosovo. It's quite bizarre!

Ohio Corruption on Parade

Today's court appearance by Ohio Governor Bob Taft:

Gov. Bob Taft became the first Ohio governor found guilty of a crime Thursday as he pleaded no contest to charges that he broke state ethics law by failing to report golf outings and other gifts.

Taft told Franklin County Municipal Judge Mark Froehlich he chose not to plead guilty but was taking responsibility for ethics lapses.

Taft was charged with four ethics violations Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2005, for failing to report dozens of gifts that included dinners, golf games and professional hockey tickets, deepening a scandal that has rocked Ohio's Republican Party.

The judge found him guilty and fined him the maximum $1,000 for each of four misdemeanor counts. As expected, no jail time was ordered; the charges had carried a maximum of six months on each count.

New Air America Station in S.A.?

Supposedly there's a new station that is an Air America Radio affiliate in San Antonio. I personally have not been able to tune it in! Would love to hear from someone who actually successfully tuned into KTXX 103.1 and heard an Air America Radio personality. Click on the comments below this post and let me know!

There really ARE decent people in Crawford!!

This story made me very happy! It's nice to see that we do have friends in that small neck of the woods.

Antiwar protester Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, is moving her camp closer to President Bush’s Texas ranch.

The piece of private property was offered by a relative of a man who had fired a shotgun in frustration over the protests, a source in the Sheehan camp said. The property owner is also a veteran.

Candlight Vigil for Cindy Wed. 7:30pm

Tomorrow night, across the country, candlelight vigils will be held to show support for Cindy Sheehan. There will be one in Boerne at 7:30. You can sign up for it or check for vigils in other towns by going to moveon.org.

This is just hateful and disgusting!

It's so interesting that the other side of this issue keeps talking about how Cindy is dishonoring the troops. Nothing she has done compares to what the opposition did last night!

Monday morning in Crawford

huffingtonpost

The ninth day ended in the most awesome way. We were out at Camp Casey and it was sprinkling a little bit and it really looked like the rain was going to start pouring down anytime. We looked over into the next cow pasture and there was a full rainbow. Rainbows are supposedley God's sign of hope. When Casey was killed on 04/04/04, I thought that all of my hope was killed, too. Being involved in the peaceful occupation of Crawford and meeting hundreds of people from all over the world has given me so much hope for the future.

We had a lovely interfaith prayer service this morning. It was truly beautiful and we were all weeping while we were singing "Amazing Grace." But, during the service, one of our neighbors fired off a shot gun. He said he was shooting at birds, but he is tired of us being there and he wants us to leave. I didn't get to talk to him, but I told the media that if he wanted us to leave so badly, why doesn't he tell his other neighbor, George, to talk to me. We are good neighbors and we are cooperating with everyone. By the way, in case I forgot to blog it last night, the Sheriff has requested that I stay down in Crawford during the night, because he is afraid for my safety after he leaves. He said he would "sleep better" himself at night if I came into town to sleep. Judging from the shooting guns, I guess he was right.

Cindy Sheehan's war

"Sheehan herself seems unfazed by the media circus and image-shaping going on around her. In a world where horrors are referred to euphemistically, or limned in politely, or artfully ignored, she does something quite rare -- she calls things by their names as she sees them. She is as blunt and impolite in her mission as the media is circumspect and polite in its job, as most of the opposition to George Bush is in its "opposition." And it was her very bluntness, her ability to shock by calling things by their actual names, by acting as she saw fit, that let her break through and that may help turn a set of unhappy public opinion polls into a full-scale antiwar movement.

What will happen next? Will the President actually attend a funeral? Will Cindy Sheehan force him from his Green-Zone world? Suddenly, almost anything seems possible.

However the media deals with her, she embodies every bind the administration is in. As with Iraq (as well as Iran), the administration can't either make its will felt or sweep her off the landscape. Bush and his officials blinked at a moment when they would certainly have liked to whack her, fearing the power of the mother of a dead son from their war. And then, completely uncharacteristically, they vacillated and flip-flopped. They ignored her, then negotiated. They sent out their attack dogs to flail at her, then expressed sympathy. Officials, who have always known what to do before, had no idea what to do with Cindy Sheehan. The most powerful people in the world, they surely feel trapped and helpless. Somehow, she's taken that magical presidential something out of George and cut him down to size. It's been a remarkable performance so far."

The Tomdispatch article is very insightful, clarifying many historical facts and is well worth the read

Shots fired near Camp Casey! Or, the porta potty war

From Deborah Mathews' report for The Iconoclast: Camp Casey is becoming very organized, with how-to signs placed about. Ann Wright said, "That's what we are trying to do."

Let me read you the schedule posted on a tree: "9:15 camp meeting; 10 a.m. inter-faith service, 10:30 a.m., "Food-Not-Bombs Breakfast at Peace House," and....

"Wait! Someone is firing a gun. (pause). He fired it into the air about five times. He appears to be a local inside the fence line on private property. Now he has thrown what looks like a shotgun into the front seat of a pickup, and he's stomping off out of sight. I wonder where he went.

"Now he's coming back out. I'm out here standing on the road. He's got a no parking sign in his hand, walking toward his fence. I'm going to go try to talk to him. I've got to hang up."

The man is Larry Mattlage, who says he is on his property and just posted a no-parking sign.

"We're going to start doing our war and it's going to be underneath the law," he told me. "Whatever it takes. So y'all go find another place to do whatever you do. 'Cause this is our front yard and back yard."

It was from behind this vehicle that shots were fired. Note the box of shells on the tailgate of this pickup.


As he hung a “No Parking” sign on his fence, he said:

“We’re gonna’ start doing our war, but we’re gonna’ do it underneath the law, or whatever it takes. So you all go find you another place to do whatever you’re gonna’ do, because this is our front yard and back yard.”

I asked him, “When you say you all, do you mean the protestors?”

He answered, “I’m talking this whole damn country is neighbors and friends and this is our country. And if this group says that they are so much in Jesus and neighbors' rights and all that they pretend to be, why don’t they show it. You gotta’ live it. You gotta’ live Jesus Christ. And this is not Jesus Christ . . .

Another reporter walked up and asked, “Are you Mr. Mattlage?”

“I sure as hell am,” he answered. “Well, I want to get on the Letterman Show. I want to get on Jay Leno. This is a joke out here. You done your right and I believe in ??. This ain’t about Democrats and this ain’t about Republicans. This is about my rights and these people’s rights as American citizens who live here. You done your deal. You done your show. Now move on. I’m asking that as an American citizen and a taxpaying citizen, because I pay taxes to the middle of this road, and I mow it, and I keep it clean, and all I got now is trespassers. If that ain’t right, it ain’t right, but I want the whole world to know what they’ve done. They started out doing right and now they are doing wrong. When they first got here, I understood their cause and I appreciate it. I don’t like the war no more than anybody else, but right here we got war . . right on my front yard. Everybody here is sick of it. If everybody will leave now, everybody will go home a winner. Then the president can enjoy his vacation like everybody else and these farmers and ranchers can go check their cattle without having to go through a campsite.”

Deborah: Are any of them prevented from getting to their cattle now?

Mr. Mattlage: Ma’am, who wants to wade through all these people walking around there. What this is a war of porta-potties and the one with the most porta-potties is gonna’ win and you know who that is don’t you. You all got started out going to the bathroom in a five gallon bucket. Now, I see three porta-potties. How many more porta-potties are we going to have to put up with? Now, George Bush has more porta-potties than you all, so if I was a bettin’ man, I’d say he’s gonna win. So let’s don’t make this a little more ridiculous than it is now. Everybody go back a winner. You’ve made your point. I’m proud of you. God bless all of you.

Reporter: Did you fire a shotgun?

Mr. Mattlage: Yes I did! I got a right to fire up in the air. I am getting ready for dove season and you all are messing up my dove huntin’, so if you all could please leave and go somewhere else, this whole community would be behind you.
[Note: Central Zone Texas Dove Season 2005; Sept 1 to Oct 30 & Dec 26 to Jan 4]

Reporter: How many acres do you have?

Mr. Mattlage: It don’t make any difference. That don’t have nothing to do with it. I pay taxes to the middle of this road and that person over there (he said as he pointed across the road to the opposite side) pays taxes to the middle of that road.

Reporter: So this is your land right here?

Mr. Mattlage: This is my land right here. We’ve been here for 125 years, okay. And this group ain’t running us out. Our family’s fought in wars, drought—grew up without any water—we’re pretty tough folks. We will survive this. This group is like Frosty the Snowman here. It’s gonna’ melt and they’ll be back another day. We are just waiting for Frosty to melt. We’ve got one group over here that’s not gonna’ give up and we’ve got one group over here won’t give up and we right here in the middle. Do you understand? This ain’t New York and it ain’t California and it ain’t Washington. I’m not political. I’m just a taxpaying citizen that wants my rights. That’s all I got to say. Thank you. And I will be back here all night long and I’ll be shootin’ at doves in the air, so anybody that camps here better get ready for some gunfire. If we don’t hit anything, I want every redneck in Texas to come on my property and this property here and we gonna’ really have a show. Thank You."

Now Cindy Sheehan supporters must endure not only being called traitors, and hearing right wingers shout "we don't care, we don't care," but they must also put up with shooting? Does lynching come next? Is the truth about Bush that scary that his followers, like the members of a religious cult, must follow and support their leader no matter what, regardless of facts? Is it the war of the porta pottys?

Comment from progressivegrannie: It was bad enough on Saturday when the police helicopter that had been circling came in close when Cindy began to speak, and later buzzed the crowd. Did the pilot realize how many Vietnam era Vets he was spooking by "flying the contours" above the crowd? I bet he did.

Great thanks to the Lone Star Iconoclast, catch them and Cindy watch here They are the best, most complete and unbiased news source there is! and audio links are here

Video of Cindy Sheehan's great speech yesterday

Go to this link to see the speech that we were able to witness yesterday. It's wonderfully moving! When you go to the site, just look on the far right of the top video and choose your setup to be able to watch it. It's well worth it.

Can You Believe This S**T!!!??

A Five-Week Vacation is hard work:

CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush, noting that lots of people want to talk to the president and "it's also important for me to go on with my life," on Saturday defended his decision not to meet with the grieving mom of a soldier killed in Iraq.

Bush said he is aware of the anti-war sentiments of Cindy Sheehan and others who have joined her protest near the Bush ranch.

"But whether it be here or in Washington or anywhere else, there's somebody who has got something to say to the president, that's part of the job," Bush said on the ranch. "And I think it's important for me to be thoughtful and sensitive to those who have got something to say."

"But," he added, "I think it's also important for me to go on with my life, to keep a balanced life."

This story embodies some of what is going on at Camp Casey

Annie and the man in the pick up truck

As everyone was going about their business, waiting for the counter protesters to arrive, a man drove up in a huge diesel pickup truck. You know the kind, with the big doolie wheels and such. He parked right in the center of the triangle – right in the space no one from Camp is supposed to be. He parked in such a way that the front end of his truck was facing directly towards the tents where Cindy and the other military families sleep – and where all the crosses of fallen soldiers have been erected.

The man sat in his truck for quite some time while our people looked on and waited to see what he intended. After a while, one of the vets from Camp Casey walked up to the man’s truck and informed him that no one was allowed to park in the triangle. The gentleman identified himself as the father of a fallen soldier. Anne Wright walked up to this man’s truck and began speaking with him through his rolled down window. He told her that he did not support what Cindy and the others are doing at Camp Casey, but he wanted to come and see if his son’s name was on one of the crosses. Anne invited him to come walk the crosses with her. The man got out of his truck and went with Anne to move up and down the rows of crosses, looking together for his son’s name. When they found it, they sat down in front of it, wrapped their arms around each other and cried together.

The entire Camp was affected by this event. I suspect that there were few dry eyes in our little corner of Crawford yesterday afternoon. I know that even as Annie related this story to me, I was choking up and having a very difficult time typing as she spoke, her voice cracking as she related the tale. Much has been said on both sides of this issue about what is “right” and what is “good” and what is “honorable.” If you ask me, the interaction between Anne and “The Man In The Truck” is the perfect representation of what we are trying to accomplish – Peaceful coexistence among people of different beliefs, politics and ideologies. I don’t know who “the man in the truck” is, but should he ever read this, I want him to know how much his story touched me. I want him to know that I honor him, and I honor his child, and I honor the sacrifice his family has made in pursuit of their ideals. To you, Sir, I bow my head in respect.

Rally 'round Cindy, Gang!

VTex, Little Dem and I just returned from Crawford, Texas today. What a moving experience it was! We started our visit to Crawford by donating blood at the local blood drive. We then drove out to the Cindy vigil, and while there were many people there, I would have thought there would be a lot more! Well, come to find out, there had been a rally in Crawford first. About an hour after we arrived hundreds of cars came streaming in! They were all returning from the rally in town! The place quickly became filled with people just like us.


These crosses represent the fallen soldiers in Iraq. There were hundreds of them.


Here's Cindy Sheehan and her sister speaking at the rally in the early afternoon.


Folk singer Eliza Gilkyson sang several heartfelt songs, two of which were specifically about the Iraq War.


Here is the pathetic opposition. They were truly obnoxious.


Look at this crowd! This shot was taken while Cindy was talking to all of us. Her speech was quite moving.

I would like to encourage anyone who can, to please go over to Crawford and show Cindy how much you support her and all the people who have lost someone in this unjust war. We came away from the whole experience with a completely new perspective. Cindy isn't just a protester--she's also a mother who's lost a son. We must never lose sight of that fact.

Camp Casey, Crawford Texas August 13, 2005

One point of view from progressivegrannie and husband:

We drove up to Crawford for the second time, just to lend our support. There was a large crowd of folks, numbering in the hundreds. There was a smaller crowd of anti protesters, although it was hard to figure out what they were anti about. They bristled with flag strewn shirts, do-rags, and angry expressions. The anti people held a rally near the stadium, and had signs stating "american zone" like those of us who have not drunk the koolaid are traitors and worse. At Camp Casey some anti people, a handful, held signs saying, "don't be Michael Moore's puppets; stay the course; if we don't fight them over there..."

For both of us our experience at Camp Casey was a very moving experience. The lives that have been lost for this war of lies and deceit, is part of a tragedy that it is overwhelming. Standing and looking at the line of crosses is heartbreaking. So many parents gave their treasure, their children, in this war of lies. Then you see Cindy and the other Gold Star mothers and wonder how they can be so strong after such a loss. God bless Cindy, the mouse that roared!

See more photos here

Report from the Battle Front

Here's a report from the recent Howard Dean rally at Pan American University in Edinburg:

The media was there in large crowds to greet our great DNC Chairman, Howard Dean. we got to see and hear him be interviewed by many different reporters and boy does Howard shine. Howard Dean has so much charisma. He is a super-star. The media loved him and were in awe with him but I'm sure their media bosses didn't allow them to be too nice in their newstories about the great Dean.

The crowd was enormous. The auditorium was packed to capacity. The crowd cheered and welcomed each and every speaker. David spoke to the cheering crowd and made lots of new friends in the Valley. Then here comes the man of the hour, the crowd starts cheering, louder and louder, stomping and clapping, waving signs, banners and noise makers and then enters Chairman Dean--it was like a rock concert. He was his usual self full of energy and with lots of positive words for change and for new hope. The crowd loved him. Howard Dean made a lot of Mexicanos like me, proud that he was our leader in the Democratic Party. We have never in our history had a DNC Chairman attend any type of event in the Valley or Rio Grande area. this was a momentous event and Chairman Dean brought lots of smiles to South Texas and to the Mexican-American community. Howard Dean--La Voz De La Gente--The Voice of the People.

We next drove to the luncheon hosted by Howard Dean at a museum banquet hall. The Hidalgo County Democratic Party staff and volunteers did a great job putting the rally and luncheon together. There were a lot of people there from our community who very much support and admire the work Howard Dean is doing for the people. The Mexican-American people from the Valley showed a whole lot of support for Dean in his run for President also--I met lots of Dean supporters. Dean was very well received at the luncheon as well at the University rally also. Dean and his charming self gave a rousing and inspiring speech again with words of hope for a better America.

Friday Night Critter Blogging

Daisy the Calf says she hates it when the corporate media "cow-tows" to the administration. She wishes they'd take the bull by the horns and report real news instead of the missing girl in Aruba! Hey, when are all those right-wing wackos going to stop swallowing those Republican talking points, and then regurgitating that crud--I mean cud?

Michelle Malkin--Cosmic Clairvoyant!

Here's a great little snide look at the world of Michelle Malkin!

The Clinton Library Trip

An excerpt from Carol Carpenter's article in the latest issue of the KCADW Voice:

The Library is an amazing structure that mirrors Clinton's presidential years. Because he saw his last term of office as a bridge to the 21st century, the building was designed to resemble a bridge. Its supporting steel structure, visible throughout the building, takes its angles and directions from the nearby old railroad bridge that spans the Arkansas River.(snip)

Gwen A. found the "openness" of the library "refreshing." (snip)

Gwen K. says, "My impression of the library was most favorable--the fact it is a completely "green" building was a wonderful surprise.

You can read more in KCADW Voice

Mark Your Calendars

On Thursday, September 1 at 7pm the Kendall County Democrats are meeting at the Boerne ISD Offices. We'll be discussing upcoming fundraisers, so bring your ideas and your open minds!

Saturday, September 3 is the Kendall County Labor Day Parade. Please be sure to show your support by coming out and cheering for us and our lovely float!

On Thursday, September 8, at 11:30am the KCADW will be inducting its new officers at the home of Gwen Adrian. Email Stu Adamslundy for more information.

The Democratic Picnic in Comfort has been cancelled. We'll let you know what our news plans are!

Another wonderful Success Story for Bush's Killing Machine

This is a very sad story, and one that makes me hate our president even more:

More Death in Iraq: A Reluctant Soldier's Story
Two days before he left for Iraq last November, Gennaro Pellegrini, Jr., a 31-year-old Philly cop and up-and-coming boxer, questioned the "so-called war." He will not be returning from it.

By Will Bunch

(August 10, 2005) -- "I just want to get it done, come home, and continue my life." Those were just about the last words that Gennaro Pellegrini, Jr. -- a 31-year-old Philly cop and up-and-coming boxer -- said to me last November. In less than 48 hours, Pellegrini was to step onto an airplane bound for Iraq, along with the rest of his Pennsylvania National Guard unit from Northeast Philadelphia.

For anyone who's worried about the return of a military draft, Pellegrini was living proof that we already have one. He desperately did not want to serve in the Persian Gulf.

He was just two weeks away from finishing up his six-year stint in the Guard when he was told that his tour of duty was being extended and that he would serve in Iraq for at least a year, maybe longer. The news could not have come at a worse time for Pellegrini. He was training for his first pro fight, newly engaged to be married, and settling into his job as a Philadelphia police officer, just like his dad.

Ship of Fools

I love this thought from BuzzFlash:

Okay, let's just get down to it, Bush is an immoral, pompous, arrogant, hypocrite, whose incompetence and ship of fools administration threaten our national security.

I wish we didn't have to mince words at BuzzFlash.

Hmmm...Should I talk to her or jail her? Hmmmm

Cindy Sheehan, protesting outside of the Crawford Ranch, has been informed that she will soon be considered a terrorist! Oh.My.God!

Some of Texas' finest, keeping us in line. Note, nobody is out of the grass. We loved the ditch. We stayed in the ditch, fire ants be damned. 

Cindy Sheehan giving an interview from where she was stopped outside the Bush ranch near Crawford, Texas 

March to Crawford

  To view photos larger, right click and click open link.

I was there today, roasting my brains out with Ms. Sheehan and company. We were told that we could walk to a designated point, but we had to walk in the ditch because otherwise we would be on private property and would be arrested. Hmmm it was a county road, that's private? So we were walking in a ditch with tall weeds, steep sides, fire ants and possibly snakes. The chant? Bush makes Veterans walk in the ditch. Many folks had fire ant bites, including myself so we did walk on the very, very edge of the road due to these problems. In addition, we were told before hand that we could not go any farther than the bend in the road where we were stopped. Unlike the newsyahoo.com report, which stated that we were stopped because we refused to obey the police officers, where we stopped had nothing to do with us not "obeying" the police officers, it was a pre-determined stopping point set by the police before we even started walking. The average age of the march particpants was 40-50, how unruly do you think we would be? How did the police handle this? Simply, they were stationed at the bend in the road where we could go no further and behind us where we were allowed to park the bus and our cars. If anyone walked back to their cars to get water (it must have been at least 100 degrees)or to bring some back to others, they were allowed to walk to their vehicles and then told they could not come back. I guess the plan was to cause attrition by heat stroke. I do hope Cindy Sheehan can manage to stay until Bush or a representative speaks with her, but it doesn't look promising. I have a feeling they won't allow food, water or potty breaks to her. Ratio of police offices to protesters: 15 officers for 100 to 150 protesters, plus the obvious secret service guys trying to blend in. All in all, I am glad I went, but the lack of coverage by the media and the sham stories they have made up, really upsets me.
This is about our young people dying for Bush and Co.'s lies, and wanting the world to hear the stories and LISTEN. Will it ever happen? I don't know.

Bush's Numbers Sliding...But Does He Give A Rat's Behind?

Sometimes the polls surprise even a jaded Bush basher such as me. Yesterday's MSNBC's online poll about Bush's waging of the Iraq war:
15% thought he was doing a good job
2% weren't sure, and
83% thought he was doing a bad job

Wow! That's only a measure of the MSNBC online surfers who were willing to take the poll--hardly scientific, but a measure nonetheless. A far more scientific poll shows that his numbers have never been worse. Bush's handling of Iraq is at 38%. With a sizeable percentage of Americans still support GW Bush, the Iraq question clearly threatens many Bush supporters' views of Bush. Because nearly 2 of every 3 Americans don't like how he's managing the war.

Bush is overwhelmed with concern for these awful new numbers. How's he showing concern? By taking a month-long vacation at his Crawford ranch. I've come to think that Bush doesn't so much view what he has as a presidency anymore, but as a monarchy. Who cares what the people think? They don't know what's good for them!

Ah, but there's more...overall job approval hovers at 42%, which is quite low. Disapproval is quite high, at 55%. The honesty issue is also a clear divider in American opinion. 48% believe Bush is honest, and a whopping 52% believe he is not. More than half of Americans believe we have a dishonest president.

The last poll item, and perhaps the most damning, is 60% of respondents' belief that America's headed in the wrong direction.

This is the alarm bell ringing and ringing and ringing, and it's up to Democrats to respond: 6 of every 10 Americans say we're going the wrong direction. These are some very exploitable results.
--Bush is leading this country in the wrong direction.
--More than half the country thinks he's dishonest.
--Almost two of every three Americans think he's doing a lousy job fighting the Iraq war.

Democrats have another direction. Democrats need to voice what direction that is. Democrats need to offer their alternative so that we can give those 6 of 10 Americans a place to feel comfortable. Bush has, in a sense, made it easy for us. He's such a phenomenally bad leader that finally, finally Americans are getting it.

Democrats: you up to the task?

This Lame Duck is wreaking some serious havoc

Helen does a great job describing exactly what kind of jackass is currently in office:

President George W. Bush is not letting his lame duck status stop him from displaying an arrogance of power.

When a Texas newspaper reporter told him, "Power is perception," Bush corrected him, saying, "Power is being president."

In fact, Bush is proving that a lame duck has a lot of power to do what he wants to do since he doesn't have to be re-elected and, therefore, is answerable to no one.

Furthermore, he indicates he could care less whether he goes up or down in public opinion polls. With more than three years left in his presidency, the president's only political constraints may come from members of his own party.

20 Marines from same town killed this week in Iraq

A roadside bomb killed 14 marines on patrol near the Syrian border on Wednesday. Insurgents killed six other marines on sniper duty northwest of Baghdad on Monday.

The 20 marines were members of the 3rd Battalion, based in Brook Park, a town of 21,000 just southwest of Cleveland. From the CBC News

As I heard this, my eyes filled with tears. So many young people losing their lives for lies, lies and more lies. My heart goes out to the folks in Brookpark, Ohio, and to all the other family members of ALL our troops that have died and been maimed.

14,000 young people have been maimed in this war, 14,000 and rising. This war has the highest amputee rate of any war we have ever fought. So what does our repugnant Republican government do? Cut VA funding, cut combat pay, and this week they cut housing allowances for our military.

Bush and Co. your priorities are so skewed. This is not morally right.

This is a record-breaking vacation no matter how you look at it!

Oh.My.God! What a deplorable way to run a country! Appoint an obnoxious jackass as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. and then head out to Crawford for five frickin' weeks.

Is Roberts just telling us what we want to hear?

Here is a summary of his answers to a congressional questionnaire:

John Roberts pledged to keep an open mind and respect settled law if confirmed to the Supreme Court, telling Senate committee members in a questionnaire that precedent is important in “promoting the stability of the legal system.”

Just a reminder....

FIRE KARL ROVE!!!

VTex and I are both sporting our opinions on our bumpers. In addition to making us feel empowered by showing our feelings, it's also a great way to drive home the strong message to everyone, Republicans included. The news sure isn't doing it! Go to AirAmerica to find out how to order your own little message of action!

Inouye: GOP not doing enough for troops

Inouye: GOP Not Doing Enough for Troops

Sat Jul 30,11:07 AM ET

Sen. Daniel Inouye (news, bio, voting record), D-Hawaii, an Army veteran who lost his right arm in World War II, criticized Republicans on Saturday for not doing enough to help troops fighting in or returning from Iraq.

In the Democrats' weekly radio address, Inouye said Senate Republicans were focusing on legislation sought by the gun lobby while ignoring the needs of troops.

On Tuesday, the Senate put off completion of a $491 billion defense bill to act on the National Rifle Association's top priority: shielding gun manufacturers and dealers from liability suits stemming from gun crimes.

"For years, we've heard the president and congressional Republicans speak eloquently about honoring our troops," Inouye said. "But this week — when push came to shove — their priorities were different."

The senator added: "Our men and women who have served should not worry about funding for health care year after year, and our soldiers on the front lines should get the resources they need. Our Congress could consider our men and our women in uniform as our nation's top priority."

The gun bill cleared the Senate 65-31 Friday, with Inouye in opposition.

So Now It's Done

Yet another notch in the pock-marked wall of shameful Bush decisions, John Bolton's been appointed UN Ambassador without facing the Senate.

So much emnity has gone into the fight over his selection that few have thought to ponder the benefits of Bush choosing someone--ANYone--else. Think of what a statesmanlike gesture it would have been if, after finding out the depth of opposition to Bolton Bush had come out and said "I really want to try and make everyone happy. Since my appointee will represent everyone in this country--Democrats and Republicans alike, I'm prepared to make a concession. In the spirit of coming together over this, I'm withdrawing the nomination of John Bolton and instead I nominate (fill in the blank)."

That this last paragraph is so off the wall weird is a measure of how amazingly polarized we've become in this country. The idea of Bush doing something to meet in the middle is just laughable.

So...why am I not laughing?

Standing up to Roberts

by: Paul Rogat Loeb
August 01, 2005
This paragraph concisely stated the most salient facts about Roberts:
"How has a seemingly nice man like Roberts supported a politics of contempt for the voice of anyone but the wealthy and powerful? In a time when the Bush administration acts as if granted the divine right of kings, it's troubling that Roberts defended Cheney's right to refuse to name the corporate participants in his secret energy policy meeting. He advised Jeb Bush on the 2000 election, and denied being a member of the ultra-conservative Federalist Society, then turned up on the Society's Washington steering committee. He's argued that the Voting Rights Act can only be violated by intentional discrimination, saying laws that incidentally discriminate are OK. Most damning, Roberts just ruled that if this administration wishes to exempt someone from the Geneva Convention and international law, they have the absolute right to do so. The belief that a president can do whatever he chooses links this nomination, the Downing Street Memo and Plamegate in a common matrix of unaccountable power."
link to article