Peace Hugs

Open Letter to Zynga

2011-09-13T09:10:00.000-04:00

Internet Game company Zynga is dropping the classic Word Twist game from Facebook and my friends and I are very unhappy. As you know I don't take certain things quietly. Must speak up. I sent them this letter via the Word Twist application but now I am posting it here.

Dear Zynga

I am sorry to hear that you are killing Word Twist -- it has been simple in its interface, educational (you provided the definitions!!!), competitive (my certain circle love playing each other), mind-sharpening and FUN! It has been a quick and better version of the comic strip jumble game and we hate to see it go. Thanks for a lot of fun -- and I wish you would reconsider your decision. I don't see myself playing the other games -- they aren't Word Twist. (And my one circle member didn't enjoy your Scrabble variant [Words with Friend] which doesn't move me to trying it, even tho Alec Baldwin likes it. He's not in my Circle.)

Again, thanks. Sorry you are killing such a good game, but it has been a joy and I am grateful for that. Guess I will have less time for fun and more time for saving the world with my peace and justice activities.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

No US Military Deaths in Iraq in August

2011-09-04T09:45:00.001-04:00

For the first time since the Iraq invasion (March 2003), there were no reported US Military deaths in Iraq. This is good news indeed but the Yin to this Yang is what the Daily Beast noted: August was the deadliest month for US deaths in Afghanistan.

There is much to do to bring peace to our planet. Have had several contacts from people interested in New York Fellowship of Reconciliation. Time to regather. Hope your summer was reviving and that you can join us in doing more peace and justice work. If you are in the NYC area, please be in touch.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Happy Birthday, Sam

2011-06-04T19:54:00.006-04:00

Longtime peace and justice activist Sam Oast celebrated his birthday with a return trip to Union Square and dinner at Heartland Brewery. Sam recounted memories of summers past and dear friend Betty Lou Hornick was remembered. (Sam and Betty Lou were mainstays at a Saturday peace vigil at Union Square for years!) Sam still volunteers time at a homeless shelter, gets to the Catholic Worker for various events, attends various NYC demos, is a member of a book club,

and maintains a lovely rooftop garden. Happy birthday, Sam. Glad I could join you for the day!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Kudos, Rep. Crowley - Speechless

2011-04-15T01:28:00.000-04:00

Hats off, to our Queens Representative Joe Crowley for his extremely short but impactful speechless statement on the House floor

The video begins with a distance shot:

Last Fall the American People
Gave us our Marching Orders
Jobs Jobs Jobs ....

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

DFNYC Spring Celebration with Howard Dean

2011-03-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

Gov. Dean and Kate Anne
(and Lewis H. Cohen)

Democracy for New York City had a fun spring celebration at SideBar, East 15th and Irving Place, with special guests Governor Howard Dean and Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean. I actually had a brief and pleasant chat with Gov. Dean and was pleased to see that he is both charming and genuine. I took some photos and a short video which will be posted on line but such spirit encourages one to continue to stand up and speak out and I am flying high.

My friend Joan DeCamp had a few minutes with Jim Dean and we compared stories as we took the #7 train home to Queens. It is great when our political work pays such dividends.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Joan DeCamp and Jim Dean

Voices of Peace in NYC and DC

2011-03-20T22:40:00.001-04:00

Kate Anne and Joan Wile

Veterans for Peace local 34 New York City chapter, Grandmothers Against the War, Catholic Workers, War Resisters, and others rallied Saturday at Time Square to end the war in Afghanistan and the occupation of Iraq. This was an adjunct event in support of the national Veterans for Peace action at the White House on the same day and also was in support of whistle blower Bradley Manning. There were speeches, entertainment and camaraderie. In a very visible area of town, the rally had the approval of most of the passing crowd. For more of the flavor see my End the War in Afghanistan 03-19-11 photo set on Flickr.com.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day the main Washington DC event had a successful day which William Hughes a/k/a LiamH2 documented on YouTube. I've shared two of his videos with my Facebook friends, with my BlueRootsRadio.com friends, and at the White House Facebook page and I want to share them with my blog and twitter friends. These Voices for Peace speak for me: Enough of this endless war. Bring the troops home, stop giving huge tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations while asking the working folks to share all the pain and none of the money. We need to fund education, hospitals, healthcare, jobs, infrastructure, parks, transportation and other things that heal and don't destroy. Activist Author David Swanson is the first Voice for Peace:

Suggested reading, a book I bought several months ago which I am pushing to the top of my to-read list: David Swanson's WAR IS A LIE. If it is as good as David's interviews -- and I think it is, it provides tools to refute the nay sayers. Yes, it is possible to end war but it certainly is not easy. Bottom line, we have to keep on keeping on. And don't forget to leave your comments for peace at the White House contact page. Thanks for all YOU do for true peace and real justice.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

PS Sam Oast and I went out afterwards and remembered our dear departed Betty Lou Hornick. She is missed and not forgotten -- with us in spirit, no doubt.

Open Letter to President Obama

2011-03-10T08:44:00.001-05:00

We need a true leader right now, President Obama. What happened last night in WISCONSIN is part of the corporate Republican attack on unions and working people nationwide. Rachel Maddow, Michael Moore, and independent media folk like Amy Goodman and Laura Flanders are talking about it -- NOT the corporate mainstream media. PLEASE listen and DO something to fend off this corporate Republican power grab. We need FDR reincarnated NOW.

Most sincerely,

Kate Anne ...

The above was my message posted at the WhiteHouse.gov/contact link -- Join me in leaving President Obama a message. These are challenging times -- are you up for it? You better be. These are the times we are in. Thanks for doing whatever you can for peace and justice.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Gifts of Awe: GiftsOfAwe

2011-02-25T07:12:00.000-05:00

Ken Cory remembers our past spiritual history and has established a new Facebook group: GiftsofAwe:

Welcome to GiftsOfAwe

This group is made up of folks from all walks of life who have come together through their interest in creation spirituality. Many have read the works of Matthew Fox, who first coined the term, but certainly it is not a requirement to join the group. This is an inclusive group of people who share their hopes and dreams, their joys and sorrows, artistic endeavors and spiritual gnawings. In the introduction to Fox's book, ORIGINAL BLESSING, he states, "community is people building something together." It is a fitting description of the spirit of this list.

Awesome -- Thanks, Ken. Blessings, friends. Let us gain strength and sustenance through each other. Let us learn, grow, and continue to do the work *God* has given us to do. Amen -- BLAGT in abundance, in peace, Kate Anne <==looking forward to some wondrous adventure and discussion

With God's help, we can find more of our old friends and gain new ones.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

On Wisconsin, Go Ohio -- Saluting Labor

2011-02-22T22:07:00.001-05:00

Labor / the working class is under attack in Wisconsin, in Ohio, in Indiana, and in a growing number of states with Republican governors. I am eagerly following the spirit and swell of support in Wisconsin but cannot forget my friends and family in Ohio. Today my ex-husband a lifelong teacher posted the following on Facebook -- it deserves more to read it than just his FB friends. How many teachers have worked a full day at school and done lesson plans and graded papers in the evenings and weekends to earn a decent living and a secure retirement? How dare Republicans give tax breaks to the wealthy and expect then to balance the budget on the backs of the working class! In Michael's words:

Michael J. Brennan
Yes I'm paid fairly well, today, by some middle class standards. But WTF, it took almost 40 years for me to get here and with two professional degrees and licensing. And above all else, I am not a parasite on my community or society. Lets have those who caused the problem be responsible for fixing. Now I know how Iraq felt when we invaded. "HUH? What did I do?"

8 hours ago · ·

You, Katerina Brennan, Sara Steward, Gina Ventre and 3 others like this.
- Michael Dylan Brennan
  
  I seem to recall when you started, when you were a relatively new teacher with one small child and one on the way, that you juggled working as a short order cook just to make ends meet. My recollection may be foggy, I was very young at the time.
  
  I recall my own sister, who taught in NC -- a state without collective bargaining for educators -- having to work waitressing jobs while teaching in order to make ends meet -- before she threw it all in and walked away from teaching for more lucrative prospects.
  
  I was an adjunct instructor in a paralegal program -- hardly the same thing -- but I believe I know better than most non-teachers what work it is to teach. People compare the salaries of teachers to the wages of unskilled labor, and then cry that it isn't fair to pay so much to professionals holding professional degrees performing an extremely important function to our society and economy. What nonsense. What callousness. What shortsightedness. I want to ask, what color is the sky in their world? And today, if this bill passes, it would appear to be ... blue.
  
  There was a time, even just a few weeks ago, when I would have mouthed the words, "the unions were fine in their time, but..." And yet it is obvious now that the time has returned, if it had ever left at all. It is also obvious that, when given the opportunity, the Republican party is fine re-waging the battles of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, whether the issue be labor, abortion rights, civil rights, or any other societal or social improvement that tends to level the playing field. This is no longer conservatism -- it is a reactionary power grab.
  
  8 hours ago · · 5 people
- Michael J. Brennan As usual your recollection is excellent. I worked as a short order cook at Manners Big Boy in the Ashtabula Plaza. Then Ed Millsapw took a leave of absence to earn his Master's Degree. I took over for him as department chairman and never gave it up (Ed didn't want it back) Which added the barely necessary supplement to our income. Then came Shandy Hall.
  7 hours ago ·

Why are promises to workers able to be so easily broken? I agree with Michael -- or perhaps he agrees with me -- the current system is wrong. They talk about shared sacrifice but the sacrifice is not labor's to make. We the middle class working folk continue to suffer from the Reagan legacy. Restore the Reagan tax cuts. The wealthy who benefitted from the outrageous policies which have wrecked our economy should pay to fix it. Not us. We've already given.

On Wisconsin, good luck Ohio, God bless us the workers of the United States of America.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Don't Ask Me About the Tax Giveaways

2010-12-19T01:31:00.003-05:00

It may go into a black hole or return unread, but I responded to the Obama letter sent today after the passage (finally) of Don't Ask Don't Tell, after changing the subject to Don’t Ask me about Tax Giveaways.

Truly, do you think I should forgive you for the awful tax giveaways that threaten Social Security and get us more indebted to China? All because you are allowing a few more poor souls to go to war for no noble cause? Please. I believe in peace. I believe in equity. I NO longer believe or believe in Barack Obama. I don’t know how you can undo the evil you have done and ill-will you have sown through your neglect of your base and your pandering to people who will never love you. God forgive you. I don’t know if I can.

Most sincerely,
[my full name]

I am so O-ver O-bama. Not feeling so peaceful. I so need....

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Billy Bragg - Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (w/ Wilco & Natalie Merc...

2010-12-18T20:30:00.002-05:00

This is a respite from the holiday season, a step back into the past though, and just one of my favorite songs: Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key sung by Billy Bragg and Wilco. Found it thanks to Chris Johnson of BlueRootsRadio.com. His mixes are generally once a week and loop until the next one (with a few live podcasts sometimes in between. I salute him and look forward to hearing Show #100 -- and I see that it is Due up NOW. Listen this week for YOUR respite from the holiday craziness. Gotta get over to the blog and hit that little blue radio to hear what Chris is offering in this momentous show.... Join me in the minor key and at Blue Roots Radio. (We have fun blogging there about blue politics, too.)

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Thank you, Senator Bernie Sanders

2010-12-11T09:12:00.003-05:00

I salute and thank Senator Bernie Sanders for his wonderful and informative filibuster he conducted on Friday, December 10, 2010 on the Senate floor. The crux of his nearly nine hour filibuster is found in his earlier Senate speech of November 30, 2010, seen here, aptly titled This Economy's Winners and Losers. It discusses economic facts and legislative agenda being pushed. (For example, re the so-called death tax that certain Republicans want to eliminate: "If the estate tax is eliminated, all of the benefits will go to the top 3/10 of 1%. " So many are duped into thinking it affects THEIR tiny estates. If eliminated our deficit would be seriously impacted and we know whose programs would be cut.) Basically, the government must create a more fair playing field. All of us should be doing well. The greed and the extremes must be eliminated, by law and not by violence.

Please listen to Bernie and call or write him your thanks. I think I shall even send a follow-up snail mail. Sadly, the corporate media today has buried this story. WE must not only thank Bernie but also reverberate his message far and wide.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Singing the praises of BlueRootsRadio.com

2010-11-12T07:17:00.003-05:00

So many good things here. Yes there is a lot of challenge but you/we give reason for optimism.

The news has been so damn depressing! ~ Michele

Yep.

they are protesting and fighting because they do not want to be like the United States model which they feel encroaching and want to preserve theirs which they love and feel is obviously better for the people – duh – so – when you see all these riots in the streets, think about it, they are protesting the idea that they might become like us!

might explain a little why we here are not protesting al all ~ Mire

We should be protesting because we don't have it as good as them! Out in the streets, gang -- and/or make those calls to the WH, congress, reps, and letters to the editor. Post the articles Toni and others find on FB, elsewhere!!! It all adds up. (And how DARE they have 1/4 of their panel staff from folks who want a certain outcome!!! This MUST be SHOUTED as the panel results were pretty much a forgone conclusion.

JohnFugelsang John Fugelsang
by joanwalsh
1 way to honor Vets’ Day is going to B&N, finding the display of Bush’s memoir, and patriotically throwing a shoe at it. - toniD

Other places folks are restocking the books in true crime or fantasy/science-fiction -- some good photos on the wall at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147126765334135

As for Veterans Day, I think it should be reserved for only those who served in battle or were directly supporting those putting their lives on the line. Vets like me, who basically served in peace time, are not in the same league.

What should be highlighted are the so call patriotic Americans who say they support the troops and then elect candidates who promise to dismantle the VA. ~ mb

And toniD mentions the car magnets as some people's proof of patriotism instead of real help. I have a friend who served stateside during Vietnam and he says similarly to what Chris says: It isn't the same. But not all vets are equal because of how violent they were/are. My uncle John is a man of peace but the Mai Lai massacre vets should not be equated with him. I believe in nonviolence but when people are thrown into wars the honorable ones should be honored -- and even the Mai Lai ones seriously need help, so I'm contradicting myself in a way, but no, because I would help them but not honor them. Some military do a dis-service. There is a difference, a big difference.

[The graph] Just shows that people may be giving up. We can’t allow that to happen or we will have real problems. The college kids in the UK protested, Many other European countries protested. We DO need to protest or nothing will change and could get much worse. ~ toniD

They want us to give up. And you can be darn sure that protests will go under-reported unless there is violence that will undermine the message. That is why we need internet neutrality and a google that works fairly so we (especially our great blogmother toniD) can find the truth and post it in a place where it can more easily be found/read.

Dean and DFA tonight at 7:30 pm EST about future of Dem Party ~ toniD

Missed it -- but hope an archive will be posted somewhere. Still, I am happy that discussion happens and information flows. And, as I look toward Thanksgiving, I am oh so grateful for those who make life in these dark times a little more bearable, and that it YOU guys of BlueRootsRadio.com.

Bless you for the good you do. ToniD has to dig through so much, some of it depressing, to present her nuggets. Chris/mb hosts us and brings us music as well as insight. Cent and 60th Street share so much and help with the blog. Michele offers her professional insight. Mire is as colorful as her icon. Crank Bait provides a cranky wit. Dan, Ramses/Sandy, CatChew, Vernon, JMach, GBasin/Steve ... you all contribute/share/sustain. Thank you. Bless you. Carry on. Make a positive difference. Together we can and must change the world, positively, in some way. We have. We do. We will. Thank you all. One big group hug! ....

Peace hugs!
Kate Anne

P.S. And I didn't even mention our Ya Think? Monday night show/podcast....Gratitude! BOTTOM LINE: Click that little blue radio in the right hand margin of BlueRootsRadio.com and enjoy the music and a live show now and then.

Post election thoughts

2010-11-09T08:00:00.006-05:00

While the GOP takes over the House, the Dems still maintain the Senate and the Presidency. Instead of concentrating on healing wounds and creating jobs here, President Obama is off the India, Korea, "the East", and I am upset. Is this how he repays the unions who worked for Democratic candidates? Let's give away more jobs to India and the like!!?!!

I wish President Obama would concentrate more on OUR country first. I want what other countries have: affordable education and healthcare. I want peace and prosperity for Americans. Forget the warfare (albeit it is the one industry we seem to still have) and selling armaments to countries so they can threaten others. He should be listening to Dennis Kucinich.

And let the Bush ten-year tax cuts expire. If everyone can get a cut on the first $250K, fine, but otherwise, I/we can and should live without a cut which only adds to the deficit. Our vision should be jobs and peace and affordable education. Here. Now. For everyone. Not just a good life for the top 1% or 2% but for ALL of us. (And that means our seniors, too: preserve Social Security by raising the cap -- forget about raising the retirement age or gambling SS$ on Wall Street. It is insurance, not an investment program.)

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Post One Nation Working Together

2010-10-03T18:37:00.009-04:00

Thanks to the Transit Workers Union local Woodside bus, I was in Washington DC Saturday to stand up for peace and justice, jobs and education: the change we voted for, part of the One Nation Working Together Rally 10-2-10. Mine are simple photos -- we were back pretty far. Loved being there none-the-less but photos were "from a distance" but prove I was there. I went looking through others Flickr photos, playing their slide shows, picking favorites. You can peruse at your leisure and pretend you were with Molly Charboneau, her friend Patty and me.

My Set

Tony Bowles' set

William Angus's set

CodePinkHQ's set

Cheryl Biren's set

SEIU-ULTCW's DC set and
SEIU-ULTCW's LA set

Patrick Crowley's set

Mar Is Sea Y's set

NYSUT's set

RAPurple's set

UPDATE: Some on Democratic Underground

Looks like the corporate media is ignoring it -- not enough tea was served. Pity. Richard Trumka and Harry Belafonte were terrific speakers. Wish I could have heard more of the speeches but hopefully will catch more at the FreeSpeechTV.org archives, thanks to Laura Flanders and Thom Hartmann and their efforts at documenting the rally.

Post rally and a grueling DC metro mess, I am relaxing/recovering -- but have to do a couple of loads at my local laundromat, if the weather holds out.

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Hoot out Alan Simpson

2010-08-25T12:28:00.006-04:00

Took a vacation day as there is much to do on my to-do list still (always) but I must react to Alan Simpson's remarks to OWL. (Also more here.) I have tweeted, called 202-456-1111 [White House Comment Line], Facebooked, and left this message at WhiteHouse.gov/contact:

Alan Simpson's remark to OWL show how totally inappropriate he is to co-chair the Debt Reduction Commission. He doesn't understand how Social Security is funded, by our Social Security tax dollars (FICA etc.) and he does not wish to honor the promise made to those of us paying in for years. Instead, the money we paid is supposedly borrowed for other things and doesn't need to be paid to us the bond holders for our Social Security needs.

Like with healthcare, Republicans like Alan Simpson think we older people should DIE QUICKLY -- so he can give tax breaks to the upper 2% no doubt.

I'm not collecting Social Security yet but I hope I live long enough to collect it. And I see how my aunt's funds have been depleted. If anything, the CAP must be RAISED on the special SS tax AND the way the cost of living is figured must be judged by the things older people buy/spend their money on. If anything, Social Security should be DOUBLED to STIMULATE THE ECONOMY. Thank you.

And we continue to spend money for war instead of supporting the working people and the elderly. ACT. SPEAK UP. Thank YOU.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

To-Do List and Blue Roots Radio and Blog

2010-08-15T14:30:00.005-04:00

It is one of those August weekends when I am at home and attempting to focus on my to-do list. One item was finally to write out my dad's recipe at QuickTakes.org: Francis's Crowd Pleasing German Potato Salad that my son has requested again and again -- more recipes to come. There are

photos to download and upload;
music to add to my iPod;
papers galore to sort, file and/or respond, or recycle and
housework to be done.

In the meantime I am listening to some music and Sunday spiritual talks AND intermittently checking out the blog at BlueRootsRadio.com -- great music there, too, by clicking that little blue radio on the right hand corner. (Feel welcome to join us for blogging, music, and friendship.) I'm connecting to friends and to music and to order and to PEACE. Lots to do for peace, personal and political. It is all connected. Peace to us all!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Medea Benjamin speaks at the United National Peace Conference 7/23/2010

2010-08-01T21:01:00.001-04:00

True Patriotism: Bring the troops home and spend the money on our libraries, education, jobs -- Code Pink's Medea Benjamin at the United National Peace Conference 7/23/2010 [under five minutes]:

Speak up -- "Funding the war is making us poor". Tell our Congress critters: "You are unAmerican if you are taking our tax dollars to bomb people overseas instead of using it to fund our local programs."

Check out Mediasanctuary's page on YouTube for lots of good treats from the Conference.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

John Dear S.J.: "End all These Evil Wars!"

2010-06-14T07:03:00.003-04:00

Fr. John Dear, SJ, inspired my involvement with the interfaith Fellowship of Reconciliation. His words at this June 13, 2010 event in Lafayette Park in Washington DC sponsored by the Network of Spiritual Progressives (NSP) should be given wide play and we should hold President Obama accountable for spending more on nuclear arms than any president since Ronald Reagan (counter to his words about a nuclear free future). Listen and act, please and thank you.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Irish Ship 'Rachel Corrie' Should Reach Gaza By Morning

2010-06-05T10:02:00.005-04:00

Too much hating in the world and this ship is seeking to help heal. Rachel Corrie died because she wanted to help the Palestinian people and trusted in nonviolence -- and the Israeli bulldozer mowed her down as she tried to stop them from bulldozing a Palestinian home. Wish the news story would have reminded people of this. She's a martyr and the blood of martyrs feeds the cause. Long live the memory of Rachel Corrie! [And yes it is time to donate to CSpanJunkie/Moxy/Michael again.]

I am grateful to people who help to make the world a more positive place for all. Please let us be the change we wish to see in the world.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

For a Nuclear-Free, Peaceful, Just and Sustainable World

2010-04-30T23:45:00.003-04:00

Sally with Elaine, Sarah, and Mark Klein
The International Conference for a Nuclear-Free, Peaceful, Just, and Sustainable World has begun at the Riverside Church, New York City. Suddenly I was re-energized as I stood in line with Mark, Elaine, and Sarah Klein who got us to sing Down by the Riverside -- with an extra chorus sang for the benefit of a Japanese video. Doretta and Lucille marked the beginning of the Green Line and we got in and I found myself seated by Sr. Eileen Storey's friend Anne Montgomery and Catholic Worker Kathy Boylan as the First Plenary began.

Vinie Burrows at the Conference

Vinie Burrows gave a dramatic rendition of Martin Luther King Jr.'s words, Terumi Tanaka gave a Hibakusha Testimony, and my old FOR friend Ibrahim Ramey, now of Washington DC, spoke On Martin Luther King's Dream and Ours. I tweeted comments (as PeaceHugs) through the evening, but Ibrahim's closing remarks were apt but a little long for a tweet, almost a poem:

We have dreams to dream
We have work to do
We have a world to transform
Let's get busy....

Zia Mian impressed me in his talk. He said it isn't just nukes, it is the war mentality -- the use of force, violence, weapons -- and who decides. How we relate to nature and the planet. Profitability: who makes it and who takes it. Another quotation, I tweeted: Keeping some nuclear weapons in case someone cheats is not our vision of abolishing nukes.

I also tweeted on John Burroughs remarks: Hearing John Burroughs I see Obama's nuclear policy is abominable - obamanable? Peace means NO nukes.

Catherine Lecoq sang and Natalia Mironova spoke. We ended with Tomas Magnusson, Vision of a Nuclear Free World which made me tweet: Language is devalued. Despite the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty the US proliferates.

Ami and Ibrahim Ramey

Despite the serious topics, it was good to be with people of peace -- old friends and new. And yes, as Ibrahim said, Let's get busy. (For those who care to stream or download them, the plenary sessions are available both live and later via the Riverside Church website.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Peace Action this weekend -- and Everyday

2010-04-30T07:53:00.004-04:00

There's a peace and nuclear disarmament conference at Riverside Church this weekend culminating in an interfaith convocation on Sunday at the United Nations church center -- 777 UN Plaza at 44th St. and First Ave, Noon to 1 PM, then a Rally and March at Time Square area (7th Ave, South of 41st), and a Peace and Music Festival at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (47th St. between 1st and 2nd Ave.) 4-6 pm. BECAUSE

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt

We must remind President Obama (and Congress) of that, and remind him of the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. who called for peace and for ending war so as to spend money on HELPING people. Let us remind President Obama/Congress that ...

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death." -- MLK, Jr.

Out into the streets Sunday -- and everyday -- for peace and justice and a better world.

(And yes, I wear peace buttons and actions buttons as I walk in mid-town Manhattan amidst the tourists -- not just on rally days.)

We must be the change we wish to see in the world, Gandhi said. Be peace. Be as positive as we can be to bring some much needed light to this world. Do what we can to change the world this weekend and every day.

I am trying. Please join me.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

The 10 Commandments of Mother Earth

2010-04-18T14:54:00.004-04:00

Shared by HumanityHealing on YouTube [excellent for meditation] --

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MOTHER EARTH
by Ernest Callenbach

I. Thou shall love and honor the Earth for it blesses thy life and governs thy survival.
II. Thou shall keep each day sacred to the Earth and celebrate the turning of its seasons.
III. Thou shall not hold thyself above other living things nor drive them to extinction.
IV. Thou shall give thanks for thy food, to the creatures and plants that nourish thee.
V. Thou shall educate thy offspring for multitudes of people are a blessing unto the Earth when we live in harmony.
VI. Thou shall not kill, nor waste Earth's riches upon weapons of war.
VII. Thou shall not pursue profit at the Earth's expense but strive to restore its damaged majesty.
VIII. Thou shall not hide from thyself or others the consequences of thy actions upon the Earth.
IX. Thou shall not steal from future generations by impoverishing or poisoning the Earth.
X. Thou shall consume material goods in moderation so all may share the Earth's bounty.

Shared, too, and sending you...

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Disarm Now! For Peace and Human Needs

2010-04-09T05:12:00.002-04:00

I've been quietly seeking peace, de-stressing and meditating. There is much more to be done on that front but I am also far enough along to reach out in a gentle way to get back into blogging peace. (I have been tweeting it as PeaceHugs, fyi -- and offering QuickTAKES on peace and various subjects.) I am looking forward now to the conference at the end of the month at Riverside Church which seeks to get the US and other nations to Disarm Now! For Peace and Human Needs - April 30-May 1st. There will also be a special May 2nd March - Rally - Peace Fair to promote awareness. Now is the time to talk up both of these events and what they represent: peace, justice and a nuclear free world. Please spread the news and the links. Thanks, and...

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Liam: A Play List

2009-12-16T07:32:00.003-05:00

Coloring any celebration of Christmas is the passing of Liam Clancy, the last of the Clancy Brothers. I celebrate his life, even as I mourn his passing and the passing of my youth to which the Clancy singing was a part. I only saw Liam once -- when he was with Tommy at Tommy Makem's Irish Pavilion -- the hat and the sweater, but it wasn't Liam's night to sing, sadly. But I thank God for media and for YouTube memorializing this singer whom Bob Dylan acclaimed the best ballad singer ever.

Enjoy Liam, young, old, in all and for all ages.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Celebration of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence

2009-12-08T07:42:00.005-05:00

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence was here in NYC last week and the march was celebrated at an event Dec. 2nd at All Souls in Manhattan, sponsored by their Peace Task Force and co-sponsored by other groups including Fellowship of Reconciliation, Peace Action for New York State, Metro New York Religious Campaign Against Torture, Code Pink, and Brooklyn For Peace. Joe Friendly filmed the event and made this composite video which portrays the good flavor of the evening's 2+ hour program in only 11:17 minutes. Thanks to All Souls Unitarian Church for hosting and Joe Friendly for filming -- and of course the World March for Peace and Nonviolence for marching!

The downer for the evening was the Afghanistan surge announcement -- and the fact that this long announced event conflicted with the United for Peace and Justice impromptu rally at Time Square to oppose the surge. Both events were for peace and sanity and NYFOR's listserv let their members and friends choose. Ah for the ability to bi-locate! And whether or not you were at either event, please stay in touch with peace happenings via the FORpeace.net blog, the United for Peace and Justice website, and reading CommonDreams.org regularly.

Yes, I took some photos -- downloading them is on my "to do" list.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Obama: Courage to Rethink Afghanistan?

2009-11-25T07:09:00.000-05:00

Rumor of Afghanistan troop increase continues, but I join with Ray McGovern (as well as producer Robert Greenwald) in urging the President to Rethink Afghanistan [see the film segments on the website] and know that this is HIS Kennedy moment (read the McGovern article).

Obama may also wish to ponder the words of W.E.B. Dubois:

"Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow...."

Please call the White House Comment Line at 202-256-1111 to convey YOUR thoughts. Please, President Obama, Rethink Afghanistan -- troops out, diplomacy now, aid to assist reconstruction, money for helping people there AND at home.

Thank you.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

2009-09-17T09:37:00.004-04:00

Back from Bethany Beach, Delaware, and a visit with family (see pix soon on Facebook and Flickr.com and some now at QuickTakes.org), I am delving back into the healthcare struggle. After talking with my congressmember last month (pix on Flickr.com) and taking part in the Move-On vigil AND making lots of phone calls, I am still determined that something good is possible. It will take a lot of work and MORE phone calls and discussion with others to do likewise. I went to NY congressmember Anthony Weiner's website and left this message:

Dear Congressmember Weiner

Thanks for your vocal ardent support for a good healthcare plan, as defined for FireDogLake [see below] and on Rachel Maddow. PLEASE work for a consurmer-oriented one AND convince my congressmember Joe Crowley who says he's with me to come along with YOU in getting something that will really HELP middle class and working people. Single payer is BEST. A "robust public option" -- comprehensive, affordable, independent of insurance companies is the compromise. A WEAK public option that benefits the insurance companies is an ABSOLUTE NO-GO. Indeed, anything that benefits those blood suckers is a no-go.

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege and should NOT be a profit-maker Simple as that. We are talking healing and people's lives. Please keep money out of it.

I'm really impressed with what you are saying. Now, make it so!

Thanks.

Kate Anne

Please continue to make phone calls to your congressmember and senators (switchboard: 202-224-3121) in support of the healthcare needs of We the People. Ruth Klein, the Button Buddha, can supply you with a good political button on the issue. Buy one from her and wear it: ButtonBuddha (@) gmail.com.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Healthcare and Hijackers

2009-08-06T09:21:00.005-04:00

I just posted the attached to a forum at LHJ.com -- yes, I am a subscriber of Ladies Home Journal, deal with it :-)

Some people are all concerned about themselves and their own good health plans and to hell with the 47 million who have no healthcare -- they probably call themselves Christians, too, forgetting about the Golden Rule. OMG. In all the other industrialized countries, they have public healthcare -- and in some of these countries there are add on insurance policies, if people want them. But basically, I am not concerned about the healthcare industry anymore than I would be concerned about the blacksmiths put out of business when the automobiles began being manufactured. When something better comes along it is okay.

Furthermore, the healthcare industry doesn't really care about providing healthcare, profit is their focus. They eliminate people who will keep them from making their big bucks. They make their money from depriving people of health service. I now have what would be called a pre-existing condition. If I get laid off and/or have to change jobs for whatever reason, I will be screwed. Single payer or at least a good public option would be a Godsend to people with pre-existing conditions who need or want to change jobs.

As for the waiting lists under a government paid plan, emergency care is no problem in Canada and the other industrialized countries. And even with my current relatively good plan I have to wait months for certain doctors. Then I get my bill and see how much is denied reimbursement by my insurance, even as my premium (and deductible) go up and up.

You better darn well believe I have been calling my congressmember and senators and demanding that they see we get a program that saves lives. Because it is not about me, but about ALL of us. We need good healthcare which should not be connected to a profit motive. We're talking healing for you, me, everyone -- not an industrial bottom line.

Meanwhile I see that that town hall meetings are being hijacked by vocal people shouting down people who don't agree with them. Who is behind this hijacking of town hall meetings? The people are being spurred on by such sites as RecessRalley.com which is run by your average middle class millionaires and lobbyists. Rachel Maddow bravely pointed this out last night (Aug. 5, 2009). Please take ten minutes to view this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xlqxSRhARU

I've posted Rachel's clip on my Facebook page and have tweeted it and blogged it. All the media should be exposing how good people are being duped by those who don't want Congress to come up with a good plan, one that is affordable and comprehensive. No plan is perfect but it has to be better than our current broken system.

We must get out there and talk to people, all different people -- and for heaven's (and your neighbor's) sake, join me in calling you congressmember and Senators. Thanks!!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Hurrah for Air America Radio

2009-07-18T22:46:00.008-04:00

[A bunch of us are upset with Air America Radio because they have cancelled Sam Seder and Marc Maron's weekday videocast of Break Room Live -- it exists on YouTube and elsewhere and you can follow where Sam and Marc land by checking out SamSederShow.com -- but even as I am miffed I am going to look at the silver lining of the cloud. Think about it, and please join all of us Sederistas and Maronites in changing the world into a better place. Thanks! What follows showed up at Sam's site.]

Hey, I am going to accentuate the positive and say I am glad that Air America exists even if I don't like this latest turn BUT perhaps without them I might never have found people like Sam Seder and Marc Maron and Thom Hartmann (with Senator Bernie Sanders) and Lizz Winstead and Rachel Maddow and Al Franken (more of a liberal now than what he was before, I think) without Air America. Okay, they/Air America are not perfect, but I am glad they exist, even as I continue to support Thom Hartmann apart from them and Sam Seder and Marc Maron wherever they land and Lizz and Rachel ALWAYS, and Kent Jones and the great Laura Flanders and of course Janeane.... So yeah, let's get upset, but let's move forward and insist our guys (and gals, if you don't think guys is gender neutral) end up economically and psychologically WELL and HAPPY. Let's push them, their video, their books, their body of work, wherever we go.

And another thing, I likely would have never met YOU Guys without THEM: MaggiesBoy, Fernando, Nefferkitti, Nightbird,ToniD, Kat-in-Manhattan...., all of YOU -- and you guys are GREAT!! So, yes, it isn't fair but it is what it is, and it sure is better than Right Wing America.

So kisses and Peace Hugs from NYC and know that it works out OKAY: together we will help heal the world and make it transform. Got to get Thom's newest book [Threshold] because it talks about our being at the crossroads. We are. It is tough times. But we are together going to do what we can. Pray God that it is enough.

Love you -- Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Single Payer Best / Public Option is the COMPROMISE

2009-07-06T19:01:00.009-04:00

[Click on letter to enlarge]

The Democratic Party is rumored to be defecting on the compromise for Single Payer Healthcare, which is an affordable, comprehensive public option. I've made my phone calls but I'm sending letters to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand as well as to US Representative Joe Crowley. I used the Nicole Hollander card from Physicians for a National Health Program to create the stationery. They are all pretty much the same, but Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's has an additional edge added to it because she has betrayed me before.

Please join me in doing something similar and get it in the mail now to your LOCAL congressional offices. Washington DC mail is slooooooooow. Thanks!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

PS -- New Yorker Friends, our Senators' local offices:

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
780 Third Avenue - Suite 2601
New York, NY 10017

Sen. Chuck Schumer
757 Third Avenue - Room 17-02
New York, NY 10017

Deeds Not Words, President Obama!

2009-06-07T01:21:00.005-04:00

PLEASE WATCH and CONSIDER. In this GRITtv video, Laura Flanders reminds us that President Obama needs to follow through on the great words he used this past week, before more needlessly die at Guantanamo. Deeds not Words, President Obama.

Perhaps you will be moved to contact President Obama by form: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ or by phone, 202-456-1111.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Forgiveness and The Better World Project

2009-05-14T17:32:00.000-04:00

With so much to do to make the world a better place and a New York Fellowship of Reconciliation meeting tonight where we plan to discuss the topic of Forgiveness, I googled and was led to find the perfect auxiliary material for tonight: The Better World Project's forgiveness quotations. What a positive healing site and example of forgiveness and compassion. The website is dedicated to the memory of a beautiful young activist Emily Rachel Silverstein (1989-2009) who was murdered on April 9, 2009. She was studying Arabic and planning to work on peace issues. Read her bio -- and gain sustenance from her life and the people who are making something positive out of her leaving at such a young age:

In her all too brief life, Emily did so many amazing things to try to make her wish for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world come true. Please don't let our Emily be forgotten. Help spread a message of hope for a better world.

They have quotations on Peace there, too, and lots of other good subjects. Spread the word. Share the vision. This is one site that I will be following.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Catching up -- Peace, Torture, Susan, David, AIDS Walk

2009-04-27T08:03:00.001-04:00

I've been quiet here but spring has been been beautiful and busy and I've been more vocal on Facebook and Twitter -- such is the evolving social media stream. Peace work involves calls to the White House comment line: 202-456-1111. And in the related end torture/shut down Guantanamo work, I wish I could join Matt Daloisio in Washington for the 100 Days Campaign but I can't get arrested and I have much stuff here that I must accomplish for personal peace, which aids world peace in its own way. There's that but yes, I have been enjoying cheering on Susan Boyle and checking out more Britain's Got Talent stuff on YouTube. In the forefront of much of my spring, however, is my participation in AIDS Walk NY in memory of my big brother -- David J. Pfister. I thank my sponsors and urge you to join them in memory of David and/or another to benefit this good cause.

AIDS Walk New York, the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event, benefits GMHC and over 30 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations. GMHC is the nation’s oldest and most comprehensive AIDS service organization, serving approximately 15,000 people living with HIV and AIDS and their families each year, and countless more through its prevention and advocacy work locally and nationally.

To donate, click here or the scrolling gadget in my sidebar.

Thank you so much, and

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Kate Anne and David, circa 1989

Beyond War, A New Economy is Possible

2009-04-08T07:32:00.017-04:00

Yes, there were thousands (not hundreds as AP and Reuters reported) at the United for Peace and Justice April 4th National March on Wall Street, with its commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Beyond Vietnam speech by presenting his vision of a world without poverty, war and racism through the message, "Beyond War, A New Economy is Possible". Long sentence and a long busy week but I have finally uploaded my photos of the march to Flickr and have documented some other good pictures on Flickr from the day because the corporate media did not provide much documentation.

Of particular note is Diane Green Lent's Beyond War set. And Wesley Chen had some great photos in his National March on Wall Street set. Tom Davis from Wilmington DE had some beauties in his set, also entitled, National March on Wall Street. [Be sure to check out his other stuff: wow!] Okay, it was Toronto but Jason Ainsworth documented a Toronto April 4th peace march/anti-war protest. And covering the Friday Wall Street event was a graphic arts student Hushable, who included some National March on Wall Street April 3rd pix along with some pillow fight 2009 pix in her NYC set, but directly at this tagged link.

Howard, Margaret, and Pierre

As for me, on the actual day I was happy snapping photos and happier still to meet up with fellow NYFOR member and playwright Howard Pflanzer. He introduced me to Margaret and Pierre from Baltimore and I wish I had their picture of both of us together but we have a photo of them with Howard. On the march Howard also clued me in on the Stella D'Oro cookie factory strike and boycott, so appropriate to the message of the day and there were members of their union marching. [See strike website for further info.]

NY Fellowship of Reconciliation's Kate Anne

Reaching Battery Park, we encountered Button Buddha (and Buddhist Peace Fellowship member) Ruth Klein who was having trouble displaying her wonderful buttons with the 30 mile per hour gusts of wind. My friend needed me so that is where I ended my march and it was a good place to see other marchers enter the park: thousands, not hundreds. Ah, the corporate media. But let's speak up for truth and a peace economy which values and benefits the working people of the U.S.A. (and the world) more than corporations.

Ruth Klein and button lover
We need money less for Wall Street and more for healthcare, education, and non-armament industry U.S. jobs. If there is no new war then we can shut down some of those armament plants -- and couldn't we put the employees to work doing something else that is life-giving and/or life preserving? We need a good trade policy that keeps good jobs here. Let's demand it. We did on April 4th and we must continue this righteous demand for Martin Luther King's dream for a better America and a better world, without war, poverty and racism.

Amen! And peace hugs,
Kate Anne

PS Just found another good Flickr set from April 4th, that of Michael Borkson of Boston.

2009-03-21T08:21:00.005-04:00

This National Wildlife Federation video celebrates "being out there" by going on our own Wildlife Watch! Naturalist David Mizejewski presents the how-tos and points us to http://nwf.org/watch for extra detail and follow-up. Sounds good to me, a way to feed the spirit and add to peace -- Happy Spring!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Earth Hour: March 28, 8:30-9:30 PM

2009-03-08T18:37:00.009-04:00

Care to show support for action on global climate change? VOTE EARTH! Watch the video on last year's effort, then go to EarthHour.org OR EarthHourUS.org to register for THIS year's Earth Hour, March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Commit to turn off lights (and/or as much non-essential electricity as feasible) for just one hour to make a statement. Other action ideas are suggested including following EarthHour and EarthHourUS on Twitter and joining the FaceBook page(s). And like Earth Day making everyday Earth Day, let's make every hour Earth Hour by saving as much electricity as possible and by going as green as possible.

UPDATE: New York City is NOW listed as a sponsor/supporter, HURRAH, along with a number of US cities who have joined this international effort to shut off non-essential lighting. FYI, there is an alternate intertwined site, VoteEarth2009.org, which says, "THIS IS THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL ELECTION, BETWEEN EARTH AND GLOBAL WARMING". Your light switch is your ballot -- and mine too!

MY ACTION PLAN: I've registered. I've signed up to follow both Twitterers: EarthHour and EarthHourUS. I've added the badge to QuickTAKES and am blogging about the event. I've posted stuff on Facebook and signed up for two related Facebook groups. I'm trying to find the best significant event page. I've also linked to Earth Hour Global's Flickr page and subscribed to the YouTube page. and I am blogging here.

Bottom Line: This is a symbolic effort, to get people thinking and acting in small ways together to urge greater action. Please join me/us and do what you can. I will likely post some additional ideas/links as I uncover more especially significant ones. As an international event, there are a lot of choices out there. Choice is good. Together, let's work to make positive change. One way to do so is register to take part in Earth Hour, March 28, 8:30 to 9:30 pm (local time) to show support for action on global climate change. And please talk up the event with your friends, online and off. Thanks!!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

A little angelic comfort

2009-02-27T07:24:00.009-05:00

Things have been a bit stressful for me, indeed many of us, lately with some financial and health worries and I have been blessed with some healing synchronicity. I discovered author Joan Wester Anderson on Facebook, thanks to her page there being connected with that of Fr. John Dear, former executive director of national Fellowship of Reconciliation. Joan's angel and miracle stories have been a resource for me and my family through the years. It is good to reconnect and see she has some new stuff out. She's even on Twitter and I will have to find and connect with her there. Twitter offers a lot and I'm enjoying the informational and friendship connections.

Find more on Joan here, I've pasted her short YouTube meditation at Quick Takes, and find me on Twitter as PeaceHugs. Let's be comforted knowing that angels and miracles do touch us, perhaps not in big ways very often, but still in all sorts of beautiful and healing ways. In Rogers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song there is an eye-opening song, "A Hundred Million Miracles". Let's go forth today and everyday a little more aware of them. It does our souls well.

Political and peace action work can drain us if we don't maintain our spiritual connection. In my life I have learned that the more angels and miracles I acknowledge and affirm with thanks, the more they multiply. Read Joan Wester Anderson's books for inspiration. I recommend starting with Where Angels Walk, a family favorite.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Listen: State of Belief

2009-02-12T07:46:00.003-05:00

Love this show!

"Religion and radio done differently" - Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy of The Interfaith Alliance presents a progressive, informative and entertaining show. Individual shows here [scroll through the descriptions!] or subscribe via iTunes.

Their blurb reads:
State of Belief explores the intersection of religion with politics, culture, media, and activism, and promotes diverse religious voices in a religiously pluralistic world.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

To Read: Legacy of Secrecy

2009-02-04T02:45:00.006-05:00

Mark, Lamar, Joe Friendly

Thanks to daughter Kat reminding me of my tentative evening plans, I made a mad dash down to McNally Jackson Books at 52 Prince Street in NYC to hear author Lamar Waldron discuss his book Legacy of Secrecy: The Long Shadow of the JFK Assassination and now have some 771 more pages to read, not including photos, documents, notes and index. (Add that to the pile! :-) I have heard Lamar speak several times on Thom Hartmann's radio show so I knew that despite his protestations to the contrary the man can talk, oh can he talk. His subject dealt with the Mafia's assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy: obviously very riveting. He made his points and the book provides the documentation. When will history openly acknowledge it? Time will tell.

I also want to thank author and NYU professor Mark Crispin Miller [featured at various times in this blog and on my bookshelf] for playing a part in getting Lamar to speak. Despite the stormy NYC weather, there was a decent turnout and I had some interesting conversations with folks, both pre and post talk. Guy Ventresca was kind enough to take a picture of me and Lamar [and I had never heard that Ike had his own cover-up of a snafu in a pre-D-Day dry run -- hmmmm]. More pix of the book talk on Flickr -- my Christmas pix may get there yet, non Facebook friends! (And I wonder just how much of the book Thom wrote to justify his "with Thom Hartmann" cover credit.)

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Kate Anne and Lamar

Barack, a new day, and a much needed prayer

2009-01-21T07:53:00.004-05:00

Thanks to some thoughtful folks in my company, we got to eat lunch together and share the inauguration experience with others in corporate America. Wow -- food for the spirit and body.

The music, the poetry, the hope.... Barack's speech was inspiring. We will need such inspiration with so much to be done and undone. And while Rev. Rick Warren's prayer was actually pretty good, The Rev. Joseph Lowery's closing benediction was a beacon of shining light. We all joined in at the end with the crowd:

Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- (laughter) -- when yellow will be mellow -- (laughter) -- when the red man can get ahead, man -- (laughter) -- and when white will embrace what is right.

Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: Say amen --

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: -- and amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)

MORE

VIDEO

Yes, much to be done -- and I have a cold brewing and would like to stay huddled up in my covers. I need some energy. Perhaps some post-inauguration coverage will spur me on and out.

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Peace, Compassion, and Change

2009-01-19T12:48:00.004-05:00

While I've been posting a few little Quick TAKES, I am behind on my to-do list and on this Martin Luther King Day holiday I have an interfaith Peace Walk to go to shortly so not much more is going to be done anytime soon.

Pictures from several peace events, even Christmas pictures, need to be posted on Flickr. The good news is that just as Christmas happened, peace is happening, even if it isn't happening as quickly as I would want. "It is what it is." The bed will be changed. The mail will be opened. The fake tree will be de-ornamented and taken down. But people first. People need peace. We must be the peace we seek. Take a moment, please, to meditate and/or volunteer service, on MLK Day and beyond. There is a great study guide at Olive Branch Interfaith Peace Partnership which is hosting a Washington, DC MLK Day event tonight. I plan to be there in spirit. And I plan to do more. Study. Learn. Act. (And find time to do enough housework to have personal peace.) Join me. Thanks!!

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Where has the YEAR gone??

2008-12-31T18:43:00.005-05:00

Back home from Ohio and Pennsylvania visits to children and aunt, et cetera, I've spent today going through bills and putting some stuff away (not enough) AND making a few end-of-year donations. I wish I had lots of money -- I don't. I could go broke if I answered 10% of the solicitation letters I get. BUT, I remember Gloria Steinem saying, what does your checkbook tell about you? Well, mine still pays a few bills, but I could expand her thought to say, what does your credit card say about you? Today I donated online to Episcopal Relief and Development, Fellowship of Reconciliation, The Interfaith Alliance, The Center for Constitutional Rights, Amnesty International, National Wildlife Federation, and Consumer Reports Foundation plus several checks. I end the New Year right by giving and then sharing a few hours with friends.

When my son was born I quoted Tiny Tim to the delivery team, "God bless us everyone!" I repeat the sentiments and wish all of us a Peace-full, Healthy, Prosperous, Happy New Year.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

My Vision (#2) left at Change.gov

2008-12-19T10:04:00.003-05:00

A world of peace and acceptance, namaste, recognizing the God (by whatever name) in each of us. Work on nuclear disarmament and green energy please and economic justice (I have written before), but I appreciate the insight in choosing both Rev. Rick WARREN and Rev. Joseph LOWERY: the yin and yang -- or bookends, as our new president referred. You are getting a lot of flak on this but I appreciate the extension of the hand, in peace, recognizing our common humanity. I am pro-choice and my gay brother has been one of my soul mates -- but I understand. Widen the circle. Accentuate our similarities. Love.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

###
PS Yes, I did sign peace hugs. And please, go to change.gov with YOUR visions and YOUR stories. Thanks!!

Happy Anniversary, Human Rights!!

2008-12-10T20:35:00.001-05:00

Today, ignoring the Bush Crime Family's abuses, is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted without dissent by the General Assembly of the United Nations, December 10, 1948. Read it here -- and work to see we all follow it. Please and thank you.

Maybe someone should have read it to George W. Bush. Or he should have read it instead of My Pet Goat. Article 5 says: "No one shall be subjected to torture, or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

Lots of good stuff!! Years ago I bought a copy of it in the form of a little blue book at the United Nations building but I admit I have never read the whole thing. Will do that. Join me. And again, let's implement it!! MORE thanks.

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Let Barack know YOUR Vision - PLEASE

2008-11-22T13:03:00.004-05:00

I attended a meeting of United For Peace And Justice this past week and others like me are not thrilled with some of Barack Obama's appointments. In the article below, Heather Wokusch goes into some of HER thoughts to Barack and they are valid. Yet she is trying to be positive and I ask YOU to be likewise. Accentuate the positive and most importantly LET THE TRANSITION TEAM KNOW YOUR VISION for a better America and world.

FYI, Code Pink now admits to being a part of the Fake New York Times which appeared on NYC Streets and online. They too continue to move forward in a positive direction in their effort to remind Barack that War is soooooo over.

Suggestion: read Heather's piece, then OFFER BARACK'S TEAM YOUR THOUGHTS. THANKS!!!

Published on Friday, November 21, 2008 by CommonDreams.org
You're Scaring Me, Obama: Let the Bush Years Die
by Heather Wokusch

To be honest, Obama, you lost me when you voted for the PATRIOT Act reauthorization in 2006. You lost me again when you voted for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) amendment in 2008. And you lost me every single time you voted for yet more war funding.

Don't even get me started on your vote for the $700 billion Wall Street bailout.

I cast a ballot for you in November, but I just can't share in this moment of collective euphoria over your election.

So, if your transition team really wants feedback on "where President-Elect Obama should lead this country," here's a Top Five list:

1. Dump the Bush Doctrine and don't start more wars
You've made it clear that the US has to "take out Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants if we have them in our sights" and you've argued for "more resources and more troops to finish the fight against the terrorists who actually attacked us on 9/11."

What exactly does that mean?

Take troops out of Iraq and shove them into Afghanistan? Further destabilize Pakistan?

The whole idea of preemptive war (a.k.a. the Bush Doctrine) has no place in a civilized society and must be laid to rest, along with those sacrificed in Bush's military adventurism these past eight years.

Yet your approach to preemptive war, Mr. Obama, is nuanced at best.

During the January 2008 Democratic presidential debate, you said that if the US had "actionable intelligence" and Pakistan didn't "take on Al Qaida in their territory," then "I would strike." You added, " And that's the flaw of the Bush doctrine. It wasn't that he went after those who attacked America. It was that he went after those who didn't."

No, the flaw of the Bush Doctrine is that it's just plain wrong. We've learned that the hard way.

2. Ditch the warmongers
What's with all of the hawks in your new administration? MORE or MORE

[FYI, the rest of Heather's list NOT expanded upon here is:
3. Close Guantanamo – and the whole system of secret prisons
4. Expose Bush & Co., and ditch the national surveillance state
5. Choose Main Street (not Wall Street)]

Please read Heather's WHOLE article and then make YOUR comments at Barack's transition team site's VISION PAGE.

We think it is obvious. It may not be. Please write the transition team your thoughts. (I am going to cite Heather's article and add stuff such as campaign finance reform, instant runnoff voting, healthcare, money for education, homes and infrastructure [sort of Heather's 5], the environment [There is no such thing as "clean coal"] and renewable energy.)

You can darn well be sure they are hearing from Wall Street and the Corporatists. Now let's remind Barack what WE the People want.

THANKS!!!! And thanks for staying positive. I want to believe that Barack is lining people up who know the ropes but also that he plans to TELL THEM the limits, and the limits are what WE define. Now, let's DEFINE 'em. And ask others to do likewise. MORE THANKS!!!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Catching up -- Again

2008-11-18T08:49:00.003-05:00

Again, I've been truer to my Facebook friends and to my Quick TAKES and tasty tidbits blog than I have been to my Peace Hugs readers. When you don't see enough of me here, find me there, please. (I can use all the friends that I can get :-) All of that said, I am still rejoicing in the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, even as I know we will have to push him to do what needs to be done. He needs our support, our prayers, and our pushing -- not necessarily in that order.

And let's continue to "Make Music Not War" -- to this end, NYFOR has been working on compiling peaceful songs. Stay tuned for more on this.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Vote and Pray

2008-11-04T14:43:00.005-05:00

I've been posting the quick takes on Quick TAKES and Tasty Tidbits, facing life on Facebook, working for corporate America, focusing on peace and migrating to my new computer. Life is busy and good. And today is hopeful. Following my friend Michele Maglione's lead, I documented my vote for Barack Obama on Row E, the Working Family Party's line. (This is important as it shows a progressive vote. Read David Sirota's The Uprising on this.)

I went into Gustavino's yesterday to make calls for the Obama-Biden Campaign for Change. Then I rushed home and made calls for True Majority's special election action project. I spoke with Mary Gervargis of Studio City who had not received her absentee ballot and was bereft. She's hispanic and they are for 2-1 for Obama. What happened? Her cousin in Valencia didn't get hers either. So after calling an election protection line last night and learning she could vote provisionally if she got to the polls, I made some more calls this morning to the California Democratic Party who promised to be in touch to help. Let's hope so! I tried. The more votes for Obama-Biden the better chance for them to have the positive progressive impact our world needs so desperately.

Now I'm off to Gustavino's to see if there is anything more they want me to do. Hey, it's just a short walk and a bus ride and another short walk. I'm taking my copy of Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now to read on the way. (The last time I had it with me on the subway, the person next to me tapped me and showed me HER copy. We were both reading the same chapter!! We had a lovely chat) I remember my great grandmother's epitaph -- "She hath done what she could" -- and I go forth to do whatever else I can. Please, God. Breathe. Trust. Believe. Hope. Act. Thank you. Amen.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Where has the month gone??

2008-10-24T08:51:00.005-04:00

It has been a busy month and I'm not ready to play catch up on Peace Hugs because my busy level is still high, BUT, I have posted autumnal pictures of my Adirondack visit to Dorothy Morehead's Northville cottage, a/k/a camp on Flickr.com and there are more pictures from various events yet to come.

You may have noticed I've been better at posting the quick stuff at Quick TAKES and Tasty Tidbits. You are invited to visit there for various political and personal snippets and recipes (great butternut squash soup!!), but I am reposting the whole thing from today as it bears repeating:

McBush and Folksy Palin endorsed by SNL's GWB

I was at the FreePress.net's 2008 internet Freedom Bash party last night so didn't see it live but George W. Bush endorsed McCain-Palin on Saturday Night Live's Thursday edition last night, with help from Will Ferrell and Tina Fey.

See Dubya, see McCain, or as my friend Judy Young Brannan from Kent Ohio put it: McBush!!! From Judy:

***

OMG -- when I saw Judy's McBush it struck terror into my heart. Now, let's get out there and win. Judy's picture is worth a thousand words. Please help out where you can, the Obama-Biden ticket or progressive candidates to Congress and to the state house and senate. It all matters. Thanks!!!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Peace -- Million Doors, a Festival, and Rest-In

2008-09-23T06:14:00.004-04:00

This weekend I got to meet and re-meet some of my neighbors as I knocked on doors for the multi-group sponsored non-partisan Million Doors for Peace campaign. While anyone can sign the petition (do so at the website), it is aimed at getting more people a little more invested in the waging of peace. The petition scheduled to be given to senators and representatives on Thursday is a request for a date-certain to leave Iraq within a year. We're wasting 3 trillion dollars for an unnecessary war (While thanks to Fox, about half of America still believes Iraq had something to to with 9-11, it didn't, so why are we there?), killed or maimed 35,000 American troops and well over a hundred thousand, perhaps two hundred thousand, Iraqis have died as a result of the war and occupation. And we've lost our standing in the world, thanks to this illegal war and occupation. Oh, peace, please, now, or soon....

Meanwhile, Johnny Sonneborn and I joined Sarah Schindler and her husband in trekking to Shadowcliff in Nyack for national Fellowship of Reconciliation's Fourth Annual Peace Festival last weekend. There were booths, music, food, and awards -- but my favorite was Peace Troubadour Celia St. King whose new CD Your Word Is Magic I just had to purchase and whose shirt I wore while taking part in the Million Doors for Peace campaign: Inspiring songs and great peace logo -- modified musically. (Pictures will be posted on Flickr.com soon!)

As for Peace, Rest-In....we've got Wall Street doing strange stuff. It is pretty dire, or not-so-pretty dire. As for corporate bailouts -- they must not be allowed to come without strings. Please read Senator Bernie Sanders' press release and David Sirota's article in In These Times.

Jon Stewart on John McSame, err John McCain

2008-09-09T19:35:00.004-04:00

You must see how Jon Stewart compares John McSame a/k/a John McCain to George W. Bush using videos of the two: sweet!

Enjoy -- and remind folks who haven't been listening to the facts.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Associated Press refutes some GOP lies - FINALLY!

2008-09-09T07:44:00.000-04:00

It is nice to see that the press (in the form of the AP) is finally doing some some fact-checking on the Republicans stretching the truth (Democrats read: Republican LIES). This item is actually posted in a number of places but it still needs to get wider play so I am posting it here through a link not as likely to disappear, from Huffington Post:

AP: Attacks, Praise Stretch Truth at GOP Convention
by Jim Kuhnhenn

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her Republican supporters held back little Wednesday as they issued dismissive attacks on Barack Obama and flattering praise on her credentials to be vice president. In some cases, the reproach and the praise stretched the truth.

Some examples:
PALIN: "I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending ... and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress 'thanks but no thanks' for that Bridge to Nowhere."

THE FACTS: As mayor of Wasilla, Palin hired a lobbyist and traveled to Washington annually to support earmarks for the town totaling $27 million. In her two years as governor, Alaska has requested nearly $750 million in special federal spending, by far the largest per-capita request in the nation. While Palin notes she rejected plans to build a $398 million bridge from Ketchikan to an island with 50 residents and an airport, that opposition came only after the plan was ridiculed nationally as a "bridge to nowhere."

PALIN: "There is much to like and admire about our opponent. But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform _ not even in the state senate."

THE FACTS: Compared to McCain and his two decades in the Senate, Obama does have a more meager record. But he has worked with Republicans to pass legislation that expanded efforts to intercept illegal shipments of weapons of mass destruction and to help destroy conventional weapons stockpiles. The legislation became law last year. To demean that accomplishment would be to also demean the work of Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a respected foreign policy voice in the Senate. In Illinois, he was the leader on two big, contentious measures in Illinois: studying racial profiling by police and requiring recordings of interrogations in potential death penalty cases. He also successfully co-sponsored major ethics reform legislation. MORE

Please do read the rest of the article, and share the link with others. The earth you safe is your own....

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Hartmann: Where's the News?

2008-09-04T18:26:00.001-04:00

While the net bloggers are digging deep into her history, Sarah Palin needs to be vetted (and reported on) by the corporate media that she's decrying. Air America Radio's Thom Hartmann posted on his web site some of the items they should be considering. I've printed it here in its entirety because of its importance.

Where’s the News?

As I could have predicted, the corporate mainstream media is falling all over themselves to congratulate Sarah Palin on her speech. The well known truth is that Palin's speech has galvanized the conservative base. The media is not and most likely will not ask the tough questions like…

--Why does Sarah Palin continue to lie unchallenged by the media about her support of the “Bridge to Nowhere?”

--Why did Wasilla rarely received few any earmarks before Palin became mayor? She actively sought federal funds and hired a lobbyist with close ties to Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), who made funneling money to Alaska his hallmark.

--Why did Sarah Palin not walk out of her church when just two weeks ago, she sat there while her pastor gave a anti-Jewish sermon?

--While the McCain campaign has stressed her command of the National Guard – Why has Sarah Palin has never issued a single order to them?

--How do the American people sit with Palin’s claims that American soldiers have been sent to Iraq "on a task that is from God?"

--Why is Sarah Palin involved with AIP? Several days ago the chair of the AIP, a secessionist party, said that Palin attending the 1994 convention. “she was there.”

From www.mediamatters.org:

Neither ABC nor CBS aired analysis from Democrats, Democratic strategists, or progressive media figures during their live coverage of the second day of the Republican National Convention on September 2 (the first day of the networks' live coverage of the convention). By contrast, both networks aired analysis from Republicans and conservatives, as well as from Democrats and progressives, during coverage of the second day of the Democratic National Convention on August 26.

Let the media know we’re sick and tired of the corporate and “conservative” bias that doesn’t serve, “We the People.”

Thom Hartmann

Hey, Corporate Media, surprise Thom and me and do your job! And let us Democrats and rational independents follow Thom's advice and tell the corporate media that we are sick of their bias toward the Republicans. (Would that we find out that Sarah Palin successfully shot herself in the foot last night and that the press are on it! A few of them maybe??)

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Dennis Kucinich:" Wake Up America!" 2008 Democratic Convention

2008-08-27T07:57:00.009-04:00

Beautifully said speech and finally Dennis Kucinich has been given the platform to say it to the masses (albeit pre-national feed). (Wonder if the corporate press will report it? I wouldn't bet yes on it.) Dennis is saying what people need to hear, to be faced with the facts and the alternatives: not a call to move from right to left, he said, but "a call to go from down to UP". Do yourself a favor and listen to (or at least read) this six minute speech -- the crowd caught his energy and went wild.

Also, there are more great Democratic convention speeches to be found at CSPANjunkie.org (I love "Junkie" from YouTube as I still don't subscribe to cable TV -- only cable I have is on my computer :-)

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

2008-08-20T09:14:00.004-04:00

Mark Crispin Miller gave a stunning interview to Thom Hartmann yesterday about election fraud and the stealing of the 2000 and 2004 elections, heavily orchestrated by Bush thug Karl Rove. The show crashed the site it mentioned folks should go to for more information and action ideas, the Velvet Revolution's www.rovecybergate.com

Tell Congress to investigate Karl Rove’s cyber strategy to illegally manipulate elections. Click here to send an email to your Congress Members demanding immediate public hearings on whistleblower allegations that Rove architected and directed illegal attacks on Democrat candidates through the improper use of corporate funds channeled through fake Web-based front organizations, the improper political use of the Justice Department to prosecute opposition candidates, and the use of Internet based IT networks to alter election results. MORE

We can't let it happen again. Act now to protect Election 2008. (Go to AAR and listen to Hartmann's Tuesday August 19, 2008 show for this and great stuff on healthcare and energy -- one of the best of the best Hartmann shows.)

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

John McCain: The Candidate We Still Don't Know

2008-08-18T07:15:00.002-04:00

In his New York Times column this weekend, Frank Rich ponders the picture the press paints of Obama vs press favorite McCain.

As I went on vacation at the end of July, Barack Obama was leading John McCain by three to four percentage points in national polls. When I returned last week he still was. But lo and behold, a whole new plot twist had rolled off the bloviation assembly line in those intervening two weeks: Obama had lost the election!

The poor guy should be winning in a landslide against the despised party of Bush-Cheney, and he’s not. He should be passing the 50 percent mark in polls, and he’s not. He’s been done in by that ad with Britney and Paris and by a new international crisis that allows McCain to again flex his Manchurian Candidate military cred. Let the neocons identify a new battleground for igniting World War III, whether Baghdad or Tehran or Moscow, and McCain gets with the program as if Angela Lansbury has just dealt him the Queen of Hearts....MORE

When is the press corps going to follow the lead of a few insightful (and liberal) NYTimes columnists and start reporting on The Real McCain(s)? (Rich also discusses coverage of Michelle vs. Cindy. Puhlease.)

Finally, however, the Obama campaign must press the press to push the differences between the candidates. Bottom line, if the public were to hear more of the truth including the many covered-up gaffes, the cavorting with lobbyists (including his chief foreign policy advisor Randy Scheunemann having lobbied for the Georgian government until VERY recently!!), the cowtowing to the wealthy, and the many contradictions of John McCain, Obama would be the shoe-in he should be. [For more on how McCain is covered and how he is campaigning listen to AAR's Rachel Maddow's commentary, for example.] The Obama campaign must also give more play to such ads as the radio ad run in York, Pennsylvania [thanks, again, to TRMS], concerning McCain's telling Harley motorcycle enthusiasts that he enjoys the sound of the roar of American-made Harley's even as he opposed a law requiring the government to buy American made motorcycles, just one symptom of McCain's condoning American jobs being shipped overseas. McCain is the wrong choice if Americans care about the economy, jobs, and healthcare.

Keep on keeping on --

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

The Olympics: Unveiling Police State 2.0

2008-08-08T07:20:00.001-04:00

I plan to keep my TV tuned away from the Olympics -- wasn't China supposed to follow some guidelines to show they were more humane? The humane Chinese prepared for the Olympics by destroying certain homes in the way without proper reimbursement -- that on top of everything else....

The Olympics: Unveiling Police State 2.0
by Naomi Klein

So far, the Olympics have been an open invitation to China-bash, a bottomless excuse for Western journalists to go after the Commies on everything from internet censorship to Darfur. Through all the nasty news stories, however, the Chinese government has seemed amazingly unperturbed. That’s because it is betting on this: when the opening ceremonies begin friday, you will instantly forget all that unpleasantness as your brain is zapped by the cultural/athletic/political extravaganza that is the Beijing Olympics.

Like it or not, you are about to be awed by China’s sheer awesomeness.

The games have been billed as China’s “coming out party” to the world. They are far more significant than that. These Olympics are the coming out party for a disturbingly efficient way of organizing society, one that China has perfected over the past three decades, and is finally ready to show off. It is a potent hybrid of the most powerful political tools of authoritarianism communism — central planning, merciless repression, constant surveillance — harnessed to advance the goals of global capitalism. Some call it “authoritarian capitalism,” others “market Stalinism,” personally I prefer “McCommunism.”MORE

I posted on CommonDreams.org: Keep the television sets turned off of the Olympics for political reasons and ask others to do similarly. (And don’t go watching the events on YouTube.com or other such sites either.) To which rtdrury replied, "When the people learn to select all of their exchange/association for political reasons, the people will have full political power." Exercise some power, folks!

This BRAVE Nation and Political Action

2008-07-27T14:35:00.001-04:00

I've just subscribed to the podcast of This BRAVE Nation, thanks to the ACLU's Anthony Romero's suggestion. It is a video podcast which my aging computer managed the download but I am seriously looking into buying a new Mac so that I can do my peace and justice work without waiting forever for the bouncing fruit mint (used to be a soccer ball in my older Mac) because I just don't have the memory or hard drive space to efficiently do what needs to be done. That said, I thank God I can work around the slowness.

Speaking of working, we also have to work on getting Barack Obama elected. I was over at convention delegate Brent O'Leary's place last Friday to discuss the 2008 Democratic platform and working for Barack. (See first quicky camera photo at QuickTAKES with more to follow on Flickr.com, which currently is featuring my photos from the Wednesday evening DFNYC fundraiser. Dan Jacoby, Brent, and I were there enjoying Jim Dean's and Mark Green's speeches as well as lively political discussion with a number of politicos.) Meanwhile, the Corporate Media is fraudulently aiding and abetting the McCain candidacy by doctoring a Katie Couric interview of McCain after he seriously muffed a question. See the Media Matters report.

Kate Anne and AAR's president Mark Green

BUT all of this follows the Corporate Media pretty much failing to report Friday's Pre-Impeachment Hearings in the House Judiciary Committee. For a blow by blow blog-writeup, check out David Swanson's AfterDowningStreet blog -- and watch Vingent Bugliosi's testimony on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=GDAFozFn4kUF. I'm reading his book, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder -- available at your local bookstore, on Amazon.com and BN.com and at the NYC Library. (And for a "For Fun" read, I just finished True Believer by Nicholas Sparks. Hey it is the summertime and I need to de-stress.)

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

DFA's Jim Dean and activist Brent O'Leary

Jabbing the Crazy System

2008-07-16T18:55:00.000-04:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

The above is thanks to Briefly Speaking.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Reviving for a Raspberry re FISA

2008-07-16T08:12:00.000-04:00

Some personal matters have taken precedence in my life, keeping me away from my blogs and computer but I am beginning to revive and am returning to emphasize personal peace even as I mourn the passage of the Bush-Cheney Cabal Get out of Jail free bill. FISA, after passing the House (one of Joe Crowley's worst votes, together with his yes vote on the Bankruptcy Bill), passed the Senate last week 69 to 28 with 3 not voting [click title link for roll call]. Voting NAY, my Senators Schumer and Clinton voted FOR the rule of law and against telecom immunity. But too many Democrats caved and joined the shameless Republican lemmings. Richard Greene of AAR's Clout says Obama's vote was justified strategy but I am still uncomfortable.

I want my country back. Obama is our only real option. But I've pledged my Obama bucks to Bob Fertik's special escrow account at Democrats.com to make Obama more progressive. After the FISA bill vote, I wasn't about to finally make my donation. My dollars are progressive not regressive. Obama's vote may be strategic but it still sucked. But I am not going to dwell on it. I am going to be optimistic and work on my personal peace. Then I can be most effective. One thing that is making me smile is that my son is blogging again. Huzzah! Check his blog out along with me for his own quick takes on stuff.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Home with MUCH to do

2008-07-02T08:20:00.001-04:00

Find out what I've been up to by checking out the June posts and pictures from my two weeks off at my QuickTAKES blog and at my Flickr.com site: a trip with my daughter Kat, a family wedding, a trip to Erie, and the St. Benedict Academy a/k/a SBA Class of 1968 Reunion. (Pictures of the latter are in the process of being uploaded but suffice it to say it was fun and I wish more had attended.)

Great vacation but sooooo much to do.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Kat and Mom Kat

FreeRice.com: Play and feed the hungry

2008-06-08T08:21:00.002-04:00

Thom Hartmann was interviewing someone at the United Nations this week who mentioned a learning/food giving site associated with Poverty.com called aptly FreeRice.com. It is vocabulary building for child, student, adult, and senior, and it will automatically set and adjust your level by how you answer or you can manually adjust the settings.

You are given a word and four definitions. If you are correct, 20 grains of rice are donated by the sponsors whose banners are displayed. (You see the rice mount up.) There is a little speaker which will pronounce the word if you click it, helpful. (I've been mispronouncing or perhaps alternatively pronouncing some words: AARgh!) I keep a running list of missed words or words I want to check further. The FAQ says the highest level is 60 but most don't get past 50. So far my best level has been 48 -- but I've only been playing two days. More important, I've help donate over 4000 grains of rice! Beat me!

I've added a smaller button to my side bar for your/my ease when this post gets buried, but try it now:

Let me know how you do and what you think of it. (My kids, Audient and Kat, generally ask me for a handicap when playing word games -- will they fare better with this? And how will my writer daughter-in-law Gina do?) Also spread the news. The playing number go way down on weekends, fyi, so play today to make the numbers jump!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

June is busting out all over!

2008-06-06T08:18:00.004-04:00

Just as I am missing my son Audient's blog -- it has gone on hiatus -- as I can't easily catch up with what he's up to, I realize that I've been so busy that I have in essence been on hiatus too. Okay, you may know that you can check out my Quick TAKES and Tasty Tidbits blog for current little facts, snippets, recipes, and pictures, as well as my Flickr.com photo page(s). But I've been quiet with my online peace hugging. High time to give a quick run down of life since the Shad Fest. Here goes.

Last week I saw John Cussack's excellent satire War, Inc. (see it!). Linda Rousseau invited me to join some of her friends in seeing the Iraq based play, Betrayed, which focuses on the plight of Iraqis hired by the US. Saturday, I did computer research and played in the evening with Joan by going out to dinner at Bliss Bistro and then sharing the fun chick flick, Sex and the City right here in Sunnyside at Centre rather than in Manhattan for half again as much. Sunday I blogged with my Sam Seder friends on the occasion of his last (for now?) Air America Radio show. Then on Monday I went to Red Sky on 29th Street to see Sam interviewing author David Sirota live. David autographed my copy of The Uprising but I am kicking myself for not having Sam autograph it too, though I did shake his hand and get pictures. It was a good night as I also got to meet two delightful Sederistas Kat-in-Manhattan and Lucille.

Then there were some June birthdays. I took Sam Oast out to Pescatore on Tuesday (as I had my hair appointment with incomparable Anca on Wednesday) and joined Sue Bovet, Joanell Meringolo, and Sue Larkin in feting Lillian Heckler on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Pictures from both events will be posted soon. (Coming up are the long distance birthdays of Aunt Betty Murphy, Cousin Patrick Coyne, and Geneva friend Carol Robertson -- stocking up on cards and stamps!)

I got home last night to divide up the CSA share of organic food which Jean Ann picked up from the Sunnyside CSA we joined together: our first pick-up so heavy on the greens! But we're trying to live healthy and locally.

Next week is the Songs FOR peace meeting and the Children of Abraham Peace Walk in Brooklyn. And I have to find time to do some housework. Yes, I need to find a little personal peace by tidying up the environs. Need help from FlyLady! Meanwhile, I am reading David Sirota's great new book, The Uprising: An Unauthorized Tour of the Populist Revolt Scaring Wall Street and Washington. You should, too, as he writes as good as he looks (see picture below :-).

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Kate Anne and author David Sirota

No Star Wars On-Line Petition

2008-05-24T12:53:00.004-04:00

United for Peace and Justice sent out a link to a web page and petition supporting two Czech hunger strikers who are asking for a referendum in their country concerning the building of a US base which is part of our gawd-awful star wars system and empire building system -- and no matter what they say, a first-strike base in Czechoslovakia. If you like me believe space should be for peace and not for war and empire, please sign the petition. We need to CLOSE bases, not build more of them causing people to hate and despise our country (as well as to bankrupt it while enriching the coffers of the corporatocracy).

Thanks for following the title link and considering signing the petition! And....

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Hugs to Teddy, Hi to Bobby: a Kennedy reflection

2008-05-22T09:17:00.011-04:00

My heart and healing hugs go out to Teddy Kennedy at this challenging time. In truth, though, he has had my heart since my baby boomer childhood. I look back at it all and ponder. The Kennedy family was charmed, even as they were punched time and time again, yet came back for more: to serve, to be challenged, to survive (or not), and to serve again -- or send another family member to continue the tradition. Yes, they weren't perfect. Not all their choices were good ones, but they tried and they did a lot of things positive. And they impacted and inspired several generations. When my first boy friend Ray Hauser helped me win three teddy bears, I called them The Kennerts -- and named them Tedward, Bobbert, and Jackit. But I/we knew who they were named after.

Bobby Kennedy Jr.

I recently took the opportunity (perhaps a little gracelessly) to say hi to Teddy's nephew Bobby Kennedy Jr., at the 19th annual Riverkeeper Shad Fest held at Boscobel [see my earlier post and Flickr pictures]. I had seen and heard him once in person at an event in Astoria but hadn't gotten very close. And it was before Ring of Fire. But at the Shad Fest Bobby was walking amidst the guests and I just had to say a brief, "Hi, Bobby -- I just love Ring of Fire." Then I realized I had interrupted him talking to some others and felt a little awkward, but Bobby generously offered me his hand and gave me a big warm smile before turning back to his party. And all was great. He hadn't held my little faux paux against me. Now that is charm and class.

So now the family gathers around Teddy. Lets keep them in our prayers. Send healing to Teddy. And in his environmental and on-line effort, go, Bobby, go!!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

What a hat! No wonder Bobby smiled! (Yes, that's Kevin Bacon.)

Enough, Hillary / Enough Hillary

2008-05-22T08:55:00.005-04:00

After hearing Rachel Maddow's rant from last night on podcast, I went to Hillary Clinton's website and left this suggestion on their contact form (which I duly signed with my full contact information to validate):

I am a woman. I am a feminist. I am a New Yorker. I am a peace and justice activist. Please get out of the campaign. You have lost unless you steal it.

My daughter-in-law abhors you and will not vote for you. I used to like you until you voted for Bush's illegal invasion (and before I realized what a corporatist you have been).

Enough, get out. Now.

Thank you.

Rachel contends that Clinton's decision to take it to the convention will cause the Democratic presidential candidate to lose. I will add that Clinton first and foremost believes in the divine right of Hillary. The party bigwigs have got to sit on her and set her straight. She is not helping women. She is not helping families. She is not helping our country or our world. She is being self-serving. Time, past time, for her to get out. If she won't leave graciously, then the Democratic Party must take action along the lines that Rachel Maddow suggests: They must get 90 super delegates to move right now to Obama to deflect her position about Florida and Michigan and make the subject of these two states moot.

Ah, the ego..... Talk about it. Contact her campaign. Contact any Dems who can help. (And then we will take up how Obama has to get real with his energy policy. There is no such things as good affordable nuclear energy or clean coal -- but that's another post.)

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Shad Fest: Spirit in the Rain

2008-05-19T09:11:00.007-04:00

Bobby Kennedy Jr.
The 19th Annual Riverkeeper Shad Fest and Hudson River Celebration took place yesterday (May 18, 2008) at Boscobel Restoration, near Cold Spring New York. The day started as overcast when Queens CB2 Environmental Committee chair Dorothy Morehead and I arrived and we were happy to take in some great informational and green-friendly products booths and a falcon demonstration before we headed to the wine and food tents, which we were pleased to find were part of our $75 pre-sale admission fee. But the day got grayer and wetter. We met some nice folk, including NY Assembly candidate Jonathan Smith [102nd District], his wife Catherine, and their friend Jonathan Wright. And the sky opened up, dampening the fesitival grounds but not our spirits. Dorothy and I toured the beautiful restored home and finished in time hear the last part of Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s talk to the crowd. Then we gathered closer to the stage to join others under umbrellas (and kind enough to share them) in pouring rain to enjoy the Bacon Brothers Band, with Kevin Bacon rightfully getting a lot of attention but older brother Michael Bacon offering a lot of talent to the band as well.

Kevin and Michael Bacon with fiddler Carrie Rodriguez
Bobby came back to introduce a surprise guest, Dan Aykroyd, who joined the band and fiddler Carrie Rodriguez for a Rolling Stone number. Wow! We were all wet but very happy!

Jon Wright, Catherine and Jonathan Smith

I've posted a whole bunch more pictures at my Flickr site, conveniently in a Shad Fest set. Suffice it to say, the rain was a challenge, but in the end, it thinned out the crowds a bit and allowed us the opportunity to be able to get closer to the stage. I count my blessings and am thankful to my friend Dorothy for offering me company and transportation to this great event. We are already looking forward to the 20th annual Shad Fest and plan to bring more of our friends with us to support Riverkeeper's environmental efforts. Couldn't go? Donate anyway -- and talk to me about joining us next year.

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Dan Aykroyd

Olbermann: "Mr. Bush, Shut the Hell up!"

2008-05-16T09:14:00.006-04:00

Keith Olbermann gave a brilliant editorial comment about Bush giving up golf. Truthout.org posts it and it is also available at YouTube.com at Cspanjunkie's new channel (along with other great clips). Mr. Bush's great sacrifice to show solidarity with the families of the illegal war/invasion/occupation dead? Give up golf. Whoopee.

~~

Meanwhile, in Sunnyside, WQIDC and Citizen Action of New York hosted a great panel discussion on Clean Elections and the Movement for Social Justice. More on this later, but I have posted a picture at Quick Takes, with more to come on Flickr once I make space on my computer, download them from my camera and upload them to Flickr.com. Actions on campaign finance reform will also be posted, in the meantime, tell others to tell politicos to join us in solidarity to get big money OUT of political campaigns. Maine and Arizona have done it, let's do it in New York.

Happy Friday -- with a Judy Collins concert in the offing tonight -- and....

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Ober for Council

2008-05-08T08:31:00.005-04:00

Dan, Charlie, Kate Anne

Dan Jacoby held a fundraiser Tuesday night for New York City Council candidate Charles Ober in Sunnyside, Queens, at the lovely Dolce Vita at 43rd Street and 48th Avenue. Charlie is running in a special June 3rd election being held in the 30th Council District, which includes Middle Village, Glendale and Ridgewood, and parts of Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and Forest Hills. Since opponent Elizabeth Crowley opted out of the City's matching campaign funding program, Charlie is getting a 7:1 match. He deserve this and so much more. He's a hard worker who cares. Go, Charlie, go!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

A Peaceful Move and Peace to Air America Radio

2008-04-15T10:06:00.003-04:00

Peace and justice activists have to make money and my job in corporate America is hectic right now due to a move to a different building. I didn't leave until 1 AM!!! I'm off to work now to do MORE toward Friday's move BUT I wanted to post what I just posted on Air America Radio's website, following the Randi Rhodes mess. (Anyone who reads my blog knows I feel similarly about Hillary Clinton but I try to be positive and upbeat -- it is a challenge.) Anyway, Richard Belzer is guest hosting in Randi's time slot this week, and I wrote this:

Like Richard B esp. with Laura and Kent -- but MISS SAM!

I love AAR and the lineup EXCEPT Lionel (sorry!!) and the fact I don't get enough Laura and Sam and I miss Kent Jones. That is ONE reason Richard Belzer got extra points. He's not Sam but good none-the-less.

Randi may be the Goddess of Radio, but I can live without her. Sometimes she gets rude with fans -- very cutting -- and she's dissed Mark Green too who really IS good with Seven Days in America. (I've been listening to him from his stint with David Bender, another good host!)

Love Thom. Love Rachel. Enjoy Richard Greene and Jon Elliott when I can. Find Marc Sussman's Money Message VERY helpful. Love State of Believe with Rev. C. Welton Gaddy (sp!) Mike Papantonio and Bobby Kennedy Jr. are great too.

MY BEEF IS that there is NOT enough Sam Seder and NOT enough Laura Flanders -- and I want Kent Jones back and some Marc Maron. (Miss Lizz Winstead too, but I can catch her in NYC. Oh, yeah, miss Rev. Jim Forbes: what a sweety.)

I have listened from DAY ONE and I am a THIRD YEAR PREMIUM MEMBER. I like most of your line-up and LOVE some of it.

I am a PROUD AIR AMERICAN.

BUT please MORE SAM, MORE LAURA, and bring back KENT JONES. (He was great with Rachel.)

In the meantime, I will enjoy Richard Belzer and cheer you on! My love to Mark Green from Sunnyside, Queens.

Peace Hugs,

Kate Anne

~~

"The God of Peace is never glorified
by human violence." -- Thomas Merton

PS FYI -- I podcast -- I cannot hear it all but I trust I hear what I should. Wish AAR could get Bob McChesney's Media Matters -- I didn't say that and should have. Another time, perhaps.

4000 U.S. Dead -- Search FOR Peace

2008-03-25T09:31:00.013-04:00

More demos -- Monday evening, I joined with the Grandmothers at Rockefeller Plaza to mourn the 4000 U.S. dead as well as all the Iraqi dead (and 5 million Iraqi children made orphans). I stood by Lillian who ended up holding my sign, the front page of The NY Daily News [with the Spitzer stuff cut off] when I went for my candle. Fine. I didn't need to hold both. And next to her was Arlene to whom I gave my extra large plastic cup to shield her candle from the wind. I didn't get the name of the woman on my right but her positive energy warmed me, too. I only got a demo photo as I was leaving -- but others noted we were there. And that is fine and the photo I got was poignant. This little one didn't get to be an orphan for long, if at all.

Tuesday night then I made it down late (after sending out a report) to Union Square for the UFPJ demo. My friend the Button Buddha a/k/a Ruth Klein reported that there were a couple of hundred people there. I got there just as they were winding down but stayed to speak to a few folks, one a 70 year old woman, another a 43 year old woman and all three of us saying, it isn't the country we knew as we were growing up. God forgive us, but America has lost our balance. America is Number One in war, in prisons, and in per capita energy usage. While we were standing there, Kathy Lawrence arrived even later than I -- she had been teaching. We connected and we reassured her that people had been there and some press had been there. Of course, it should have been more people and more press, but this is corporate America and it is hard to get our message out quickly as this demo demanded. But of course, demos are only one part of peace work. I spoke to one person on Saturday that peace isn't just for demos it is an everyday thing. We must become the peace we seek and go about our personal lives peacefully -- it has to be part of our every day routine, not just something for occasional demonstrations. Be kind and loving every day to those whose lives we touch, contributing therefore to peace.

I wear peace on my sleeve, or perhaps more graphically on my chest, thanks to Ruth's buttons. We decided to leave together and catch up. She had some great stories to tell about reuniting with some old Girl Scout buddies. (They are planning a summer reunion in the Bear Mountain New York area where their old Girl Scout camp had been. Some thirty women hope to attend!!) We ended up at Tasty Thai in Sunnyside and shared more stories and positive energy, contributing to peace, too, no doubt. She drove me home and I gifted her with some Girl Scout cookies. Ruth in turn gave me a belated birthday gift of some great buttons. I didn't tell her this, but just the other day I was wondering if I could find an old Girl Scout badge sash somewhere to make button-wearing easier for demo days. Still, I will have to take turns wearing them and some of her other truly awesome buttons. To get these or arrange to buy other terrific ones, write Ruth as buttonbuddha (at) gmail.com. [Double click it to enlarge the picture.]

Ruth's Gift

In the meantime, please contact the White House comment line (202-456-1111) and your Congressmembers (202-224-3121) to demand "No war on Iran!". I called today (politely) after hearing Thom Hartmann speaking that it had been reported in Germany and in Saudia Arabia that the Saudis were preparing for protecting people from nuclear radiation, this immediately after Dick Cheney left there. Darth Cheney is up to no good. No wonder that my two demo friends this evening voiced what I was feeling about our country. We want our country back! (I am sure they noted that Kathy Lawrence had aptly been wearing a Bush is a War Criminal pin -- she told me that someone had called HER a traitor for wearing it. This, when BUSH is the war criminal AND traitor!)

It was a day of work, a day of activism, a day of fellowship, a day of balance. I seek to be the change I wish to see in the world. I seek balance and love and justice for one and all. With God's help (or whatever YOU want to call God), I will succeed. Join me in doing what you can. Please call, act, be -- let's live peacefully and give peace to each other. We can and must create a better world.

Thank you for whatever you do for peace and justice. (And I will be posting more pix soon at my Flickr.com page.)

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Five Years Too Many

2008-03-23T13:40:00.011-04:00

Sarah and Sam
New York City saw a number of events this past week around the five years of Iraq occupation and NON-peace. It is not really a war -- Saddam Hussein is long gone, just U.S. occupation and empire and the resulting insurgency at the cost of about 4000 official (coming up) U.S. lives and at least a hundred thousand Iraqis (more, no doubt). Wednesday found me working at my paid job and then faced with a deluge when I could leave, so I saved my overt activism for Saturday's River to River - Hands Across 14th Street event, sponsored by United for Peace and Justice. The weather cooperated, indeed we were blessed. Amidst the crowd I found a number of my NYFOR friends. Howard Pflanzer joined the theatre contingent but Sam Oast stood with me and a number of great folks by University Place, including Sarah Growell from Peace Action New York's Staten Island group. Especially considering it was Easter Saturday, it was a good turnout. (Of course the pillow fight in Union Square afterwards -- a much better way to fight, rather than with bullets -- also had a good turnout.) The message of the day was bring 'em home from Iraq and keep them out of Iran -- spend money for life-giving projects, NOT life-taking war and occupation.

Rallying: US OUT!

The short concluding rally featured singer Holly Near -- still amazing after all these years. The playing of Taps was especially poignant as we approach 4000 confirmed U.S. deaths. I will be posting some pictures from the day on Flickr as time to upload is found. In the meantime, here are a several.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

More Celebrating

2008-03-15T22:45:00.004-04:00

Kate Anne, Joan, Jane
One has to take time out to celebrate life, and I did more celebrating on a second night, thanks to my friends Joan Pagan and Jane Levy. This time I went to one of New York City's best Italian restaurants located at 21-76 31st Street in Astoria, Queens: Trattoria L'Incontro. I've posted birthday photos on Flickr.com. And yes, we talked politics, too.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Birthday flowers

Happy Birthday!

2008-03-14T22:48:00.008-04:00

Krista and Mom Kat
I just had a grand evening with my adopted daughter Krista Zarakis, my daughter Kat's best friend. After Krista gave me this beautiful bouquet of flowers and took me to Blossom, this great vegan restaurant at 187 Ninth Avenue, New York City, we stopped at my work place to pick up some flowers from MDB. Franklin took a picture of us which I posted to Quick TAKES and Tasty Tidbits and sent to my kids in Cleveland. Kat and her brother Michael Dylan then sent me THEIR photo, which I also posted to Quick TAKES. I will be posting some more to my Flickr.com site, along with some others from the recent St. Patrick's parade. Check it out soon.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

P.S. Waiting on our table at Blossom was the terrific and attentative Kinga, who was moonlighting from her personal trainer day job. I've posted a picture of her and Krista as well other birthday photos.

Krista took this of ME

Spitzer's Ousting Adds Fuel to Impeachment

2008-03-13T08:24:00.014-04:00

How refreshing to hear Republicans talking impeachment! How like them, however, to want to impeach someone guilty of illicit sex rather than those guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors! Matthew 7:3 comes to mind: "Why seest thou a mote in thy brother's eye, and perceivest not the beam that is in thine?" [Modern: "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?"] I am SO furious, thus causing me to join more fervently in the efforts to impeach the son of a Bush -- and Cheney too, as per Democrats.com's email requesting impeachment petition signatures, which had me typing THIS add-on message to my Senators and Congressmember:

The Republicans wanted to impeach Gov. Spitzer because of sexual peccadillos, thus forcing his resignation, even as they ignore the many sins of Bush and Cheney who are sooooo guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors. Why do we allow this corrupt administration to do more and more harm to our country, even as they attack strong Democratic leaders and destroy the rule of law? I do not care whether or not you succeed in getting a conviction, go for the impeachment, just like they did for Eliot Spitzer. And if you haven't already read their game plan, read Naomi Wolf's book, The END of AMERICA -- Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot.

The time has come, ENOUGH, impeach them!!!

Join me in signing the petition, which elaborates the crimes list that Democrats.com posted in their email:

"16 months ago, we posted a petition listing 10 High Crimes which justified their impeachment:
(1) Starting a "war of aggression" (2) torture (3) arbitrary detention (4) war crimes (5) warrantless wiretapping (6) signing statements (7) election fraud (8) outing a covert CIA operative (9) the "unitary executive" (10) gross negligence for Katrina and global warming."

In his show last night, Richard Greene of Air America Radio's CLOUT, added more to the Bush crime list, paraphrased here, including: 11) war profiteering; 12) Fraud -- 950-something lies to get us into an illegal war where thousands died; 13) Conspiracy to commit a felony; 14) Violation of the Felony Murder rule -- numerous felonies to get us into Iraq and over 4000 of our soldiers have died there plus hundreds of thousands of Iraqis; 14) Criminal negligence about 9-11 (at the very least); 15) Treason; 16) Destruction of the reputation of the United States of America and the gutting of our economy via their policies and huge deficits; 17) Violation of their oath to defend the Constitution of the United States -- They are wrecking separation of powers via signing statements and federal attorney scandal; 18) Lying -- they won't go under oath so they can't commit perjury; 19) Theft of God knows how many elections; 20) Violations of environmental laws all over the country....

Oh my God, help us and forgive us for not doing more sooner. They believe in the Bible? Please, let us give back to the Republicans in kind: "As ye sow, so shall ye reap." They wanted impeachment, let's give them impeachment.

FOLLOW-UP -- Let's call our congressional representatives and Rep. John Conyers and his committee, too: 202 224 3121.

There is so much to do for peace and justice, but surely impeachment should be one of those things. No justice, no peace. Know justice, know peace.....

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Healthcare NOT Warfare

2008-03-08T09:22:00.007-05:00

PDA -- Progressive Democrats of America -- gave me a good reason to remove my mourned John Edwards for President blog button:

Healthcare NOT Warfare -- Sign the petition! And I'm going to dig out my similar healthcare pin from Button Buddha Ruth Klein and start pushing this issue. This country can't afford both endless war and good affordable healthcare for all. Which is more humane and life-preserving? Well, dah! We know what the war machine wants, but we know what We the People want and NEED. SO......We have to push the Dems to get off their duffs and move on ending the occupation and the war on a noun (and any future illegal invasions) and choose LIFE. This petition will be presented to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, DNC Chair Howard Dean and our Congresscritters before the Denver convention.

Healthcare NOT Warfare, Sign the Petition

As Martin Luther King Jr. observed forty years ago, "A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death." While the insurance and pharmaceutical industries post huge profits, the U.S. health care crisis grows steadily worse.

Today, nearly one in six Americans has no health insurance. Tens of millions of others are woefully under-insured. Meanwhile the war in Iraq drains our resources and overburdens our budget. Our government’s duty is to protect us—security begins with our health and well-being at home. In 2008, we have an historic opportunity to turn from warfare to health care for all.

We call on the Democratic Party at all levels—in party platforms and resolutions—to commit to redirecting wasteful and unnecessary military spending to meet human needs. This commitment must start with comprehensive, guaranteed health care—driven by the needs of patients and the judgment of doctors. We call on Democrats to support a plan that eliminates any financial barriers between the patient and healthcare providers, resulting in a patient not receiving medically necessary care.

We call on members of Congress to bring the troops home from Iraq and to pass H.R. 676, Rep. John Conyers' bill which guarantees comprehensive publicly-funded, privately-delivered health care for everyone in the U.S. Go to Signing Site

If you believe like I do that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, please join me in signing the petition. Thanks for whatever you can do for real peace and true justice.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Today - The Black or the White Twin?

2008-03-04T08:40:00.008-05:00

Little Super Tuesday and I still haven't removed my John Edwards campaign button from this blog -- I so miss his more populist message. Meanwhile, DLC leader Hillary Clinton and "I'm not a member of the DLC -- why did they list me?" Barack Obama spout words of populism even as they accept corporate dollars via lobbyists and/or big spenders. Yeah, I voted for Obama, in the hope that he will rise to the level of his recent message. (After all, I allowed John Edwards growth and reconciliation.) But then I listened to the Black Agenda Report's Glen Ford being interviewed by WILL Radio's Media Matters' host Bob McChesney and I have real concerns. Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum. The Black or the White Twin. Listen to the February 24, 2008 show and see what YOU think. (Let me know below or via yahoo email to kateanne7.)

One thing for sure, either is better than any Republican who would most certainly finish wrecking the Supreme Court -- let alone allow Bush in essence a third term of lies, illegal wars, torture, spying, signing statements, political corruption, and other miscellaneous evil. Which reminds me, yesterday Thom Hartmann gave me the idea for a political button for Button Buddha Ruth Klein to create: National Exorcism Day Nov. 4, 2008. Vote Democratic. That said, we gotta get on Obama for talking nuclear power (too expensive, too unsecure, too unsafe) and there is no such thing as clean coal. Hope. Ah, Johnny -- the corporate media did you in and now all I can say is may the better twin win.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Busy times for Peace and Politics

2008-02-28T08:58:00.002-05:00

NYFOR peace and justice meeting tonight -- and last night was a fundraiser for progressive/liberal Stephen Harrison who is running for the Democratic nomination for Congress from Staten Island and part of Brooklyn against the Brooklyn machine candidate Domenic Recchia. Steve got 43% of of the vote against Republican hack Vito Fossella although he was outspent 13 to 1!! Good event -- pictures to be posted at Flickr.com soon. And visit Steve Harrison's website for updates on his important campaign.

THEN, Sunday is the 9th annual Queens St. Patricks's Parade where WQIDC will be marching. Busy, busy!

(And at work my boss is away and in this day of the Blackberry my paid work-load compounds! Busy, busy, busy!)

Breathe, whooooooh, ahhhhhhhhh -- connecting to the One -- Peace...... and

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Telecom Immunity? What Now!

2008-02-17T17:02:00.007-05:00

The Senate this week caved in to the Telecom companies (AT&T, Verizon -- but not Qwest) who have been complicit in allowing the corrupt Republican administration hacks to spy illegally on Americans (you, me, Democratic politicians?). Keith Tucker of WhatNowToons.com created this apt cartoon:

The good news is that the House of Representatives is standing up and not giving in to the immunity and the shredding of our Constitution and the Rule of Law.

Praise God: Democratic Backbone!! Keep it up!

Action: Contact our congressional representatives -- 202-224-3121 (or at their home offices or via email since they are on break) -- and tell them to hold their ground: "No Telecom Immunity!" It has NOTHING to do with National Security but more to do with Republican INSECURITY: they have all been complicit in illegally spying on Americans and should be held accountable. (We grant immunity for disobeying laws at the request of the Executive Branch and there will be no stopping them -- the President does not determine what is lawful. Nor would we ever get to the bottom of what really has been going on.) Meanwhile the original FISA bill is still in effect. The government can compel telecom compliance of the legal warrants.

Now -- what about the illegal TORTURE endorsed by the Executive Branch?

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Edwards' Endorsement in the Offing?

2008-02-14T19:12:00.002-05:00

Air America Radio's Rachel Maddow and David Bender have just been discussing the rumor of John Edwards endorsing someone, and possibly Hillary Clinton because she is viewed as tougher. It is Valentines Day and I do not wish to face such betrayal. I just went to JohnEdwards.com and left this on the Contact page:

Message for John Edwards:

There is rumor you plan to endorse. As someone who donated a lot (for me) to your presidential campaign, blogged and talked about it, and also collected petition signatures in New York City, I am begging you:

PLEASE do NOT endorse Hillary Clinton -- she has been a corporatist and has not listened to her peace and justice constitutents.

She gets big money from the ARMAMENT industry and the Big Pharma. A Hillary Clinton endorsement would be a SLAP in the FACE of anyone who worked for YOU.

Please do NOT make of your campaign a MOCKERY.

Thank you.

====

Will it make a difference? If enough of us do similarly, maybe. And perhaps Rachel and David are wrong about the endorsement. Rachel would prefer him not endorsing anyone. I'm with her -- especially if her endorsement is Clinton.

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Krugman: The Edwards Effect

2008-02-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

I am feeling a bit better, reading Paul Krugman's column, The Edwards Effect. JRE has made a positive difference in Democratic politics and in brightening America's future. It isn't going to be easy going forward, but at least there really is hope. John and Elizabeth Edwards' issues must continue to be furthered. We have to push Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. And YOU know how I feel. Much to do, but let's do it!! Here's to February 5th!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Paul Rogat Loeb: "Why This Edwards Voter Is Now Backing Obama"

2008-02-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

While I continue to mourn the corporatist media's murder of the John Edwards campaign, I gather the opinions of others on where-to from here. I think I could have written the first two paragraph's of Paul Rogat Loeb's article published at CommonDreams.org -- Why This Edwards Voter Is Now Backing Obama:

I gave John Edwards more money than I’ve given to any candidate in my life, and I’m glad I did. He raised critical issues about America’s economic divides, and got them on the Democratic agenda. He was the first major candidate to stake out strong comprehensive platforms on global warming and health care. He hammered away on the Iraq war, even using scarce campaign resources to run ads during recent key Senate votes. He’d have made a powerful nominee-and president.

I’ve been going through my mourning for a while for his campaign not getting more traction, so his withdrawal announcement didn’t shock me. But sad as I am about his departure, I feel good about being able to switch my support to Barack Obama, and will do all I can to help him win.MORE

Meanwhile, I have yet to speak to an Edwards supporter who is now supporting Billary errr Hillary Clinton.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

MLK, 935 and an Anniversary

2008-01-24T09:31:00.000-05:00

Long week -- Martin Luther King Jr. continues to touch my heart, even though I holed up on MLK Day instead of finding a memorial service. With a bit of a bug, I did not belong out in the cold amidst people. That said, I have been playing clips of MLK speeches and listening to Civil Rights music on my iPod. MLK, Jr. deserves to be celebrated not by a few words on one day but through our impacting the world with positive contributions for peace and justice in his memory. At the end of his shortened life, Brother Martin was working on issues involving peace and poverty -- against the military-industrial complex which is ruining the United States of America. It transcends race.

A week ago Friday, my paid work place honored me for 20 years of service. Oh my! This peace and justice worker was none-the-less happy to receive matching Eternal Circle sterling silver earrings and necklace from Tiffany's. Crass? No, pretty. It feeds my spirit and gives me more energy to do my p& j work.

This week an online database was announced which documents the falsehoods of the Bush-Cheney regime during the two years following 9-11. They categorized at least 532 occasions on which the regime gave 935 false statements [Read: LIES] leading up to the illegal invasion of Iraq. AAR's Rachel Maddow says this information should/could be used toward Cheney and Bush's impeachment. Check it out at The Center for Public Integrity.

Right now, however, I am working on preventing telecom's from getting immunity from being complicit with the Republican Administration in spying on God knows whom in an illegal power grabbing extension of the FISA law. Hold them accountable. The good news is that Senator Schumer is with Senator Dodd on this, but can the Democrats hold a filibuster? If they let the telecoms off the hook they will likely be letting off the Republican criminals complicit in the spying, too. And on whom, really, have they been spying? Not just terror subjects, but probably me, you and Democratic politicians.

Then last Sunday the West Queens Independent Democratic Club held a good meeting at our president Jimmy Van Bramer's home to celebrate the beginning of our 40th year and discuss issues, including the presidential primaries. Great discussions!! (And good food!)

Much to do for peace, justice and saving our democracy. Join me. At the very least, please sign up for impeachment hearings of Dick Cheney, led by Senator Robert Wexler, at wexlerwantshearings.com -- now over 210,000 signatures!!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Edwama or Obawards But Donate to Edwards TODAY

2008-01-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

God knows the two of them could be a great team. Edwards' policy plans would give Obama's hope some real flesh. I love spirit and hope but I want substance and change that positively affects the middle class and working people. I also don't want nuclear power and I know that Social Security is an insurance program that the other administrations since Reagan have borrowed from.

John knows. He speaks up. He scares the corporatist media and the corporate hacks, which reminds me:

Join me in giving John Edwards a Ron Paul day. I just donated a $100 to Edwards on BIG FRIDAY:

https://www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/form/

Thanks and

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne <==who's wearing glasses in the picture at The Nation

MNYRCAT: End Torture, Close Gitmo

2008-01-12T23:54:00.000-05:00

New York Fellowship of Reconciliation members joined with Amnesty International, Center for Constitutional Rights, World Can't Wait, ACLU and others in attending the Metro New York Religious Coalition Against Torture's prayer vigil to end torture and close Guantanamo, one of the January 11th events held worldwide on the sixth anniversary of the Guantanamo detention camp. As the vigil began, so did the rain, torrential at times -- but what is rain compared to waterboarding? It curtailed the length of the vigil, but didn't dampen our spirits. Check out additional photos on Flickr.com but please continue to contact Congress -- 202-224-3121 --and the White House comment line -- 202-456-1111 on this. And ask your friends to do likewise. Prayer and action together make a positive difference. Thanks!!!

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Center: Sam Oast and Gail Harper, with 2 CCR staff

New Hampshire & Vote Concerns for Super Tuesday

2008-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still concerned about the vote counting in NH and beyond and Rob Kall at OpEdNews.com shares my concern. Check out his article Do New Hampshire Vote Count Questioons Harbinger Super Tuesday Vote Theft Disaster?. He lists a number of articles that should be read and considered.

As for a New Hampshire recount, Nancy Tobi warned Mark Crispin Miller against it as we can not be sure of the chain of custody of the ballots and we can not be sure which precincts ("fixed" ones?) would be counted and then perhaps the flawed re-count would be used to "prove" that all is well with corporate ownership of our voting. Bottom line, if voting isn't open and transparent, we can not be sure of our vote. Mark has a lot of discussion at his site.

And, as an Edwards supporter, I love DailyKos' RDemocrat's blog post, Why Edwards Supporters are Sticking to Their Guns Part II.

As for Brutus John Kerry's support of Obama, I used his email announcement to unsubscribe any and all postings from betrayer-in-chief John Kerry. Please do likewise, if you are still on his list. I hope lots unsubscribe him. (And perhaps write a person note as one blogger noted to RDemocrat.)

Much to do today -- a peace prayer vigil against torture at lunchtime at Foley Square (12:30 pm) -- hope the weather doesn't waterboard us: lots of rain in NYC.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Matthews reports Raw Data indicated Obama Victory

2008-01-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

Brad Friedman of BradBlog reports Chris Matthews quoting the Raw Data Exit Polls ("which only corporate mainstream media folks, not mere mortals, are allowed to see") indicated that Obama had a significant victory in New Hampshire -- see full story: http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5535

Brad also noted a good follow-up article by syndicated Tribune Media Services columnist Robert Koehler: http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5532 which Brad says "bumps up our serious concerns about last night's wholly untransparent, and still-uncounted (by anything but a hackable Diebold computer, and a company with an executive criminal past, to say the least) New Hampshire Primary election results, from 'blogger conspiracy theory' to mainstream media concern." For Koehler's full article check out his excellent website, Common Wonders (and bookmark it!).

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

New Hampshire - More Vote Theft??

2008-01-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning wondering about what happened in New Hampshire and the Light Bulb went on:

On Air America they mentioned that only certain people knew the results from the exit polls in New Hampshire. I'd like to know if the exit polls were ever announced and compared with the announced vote tally? There was such a discrepancy from all the pre-election polls (9?) and 81% of the ballots were optically scanned. (Were these scans precinct counted and then called in? -- This is important to maintain legitimacy as is good software.) Did Hillary's moment of tears really make an impact or have voters been ripped off again? Exit Polls vs Announced Count -- IMPORTANT TO KNOW.

I've asked this of Rob Kall at Opednews.com and have emailed Teresa Hommel of Where's the Paper and plan to email Thom Hartmann, especially after the chilling information I just now read on Bradblog -- we're talking serious problems again, folks. Read Bradblog and let's all stay on top of this again. I will apprise you of any light I hear.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Supporting the Writers' Strike

2008-01-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

Politics is in the news but for peace and justice sake we must not forget the importance of settling the writers' strike. Isn't the drivel on TV enough to goad you to act? I just wrote Peter Chernin (FOX's CEO), thanks to a link at the UnitedHollywood blog. Visit the link to learn more about composing YOUR letter to make a positive difference. (Personalize their template.) And visit the blog regularly for continued updates and actions, as well as the Writers Guild. While we want a full settlement of the strike, let's encourage independent agreements like Dave Letterman signed for his Worldwide Pants company.

Thanks much -- and

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Back home -- Happy New Year

2008-01-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

Back from the wilds of Ohio and Pennsylvania, I am just beginning to tackle my to do list. Catching up on my Hightower Lowdown -- even went to Jim Hightower's great website to catch his new videos. Check 'em out!

On a personal note, I got over to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. Gorgeous!

(More Christmas tree pix at QTakes.blogspot.com with other holiday pictures to be posted on Flickr.)

I bought my friend and kitty sitter Joan Pagan a Swarvorski crystal ornament which she wore out last night when a bunch of us WQIDC friends went out to see the not-to-be-missed Denzel Washington movie, The Great Debaters.

An unhappy note: Mac Cat continues to be ailing. It is difficult to witness my little long-in-the tooth pussy cat waning.

There are bills to be paid and the holiday letter remains unwritten, with lots of cards still to be sent, post Christmas. (Hey, I'm happy to be in contact with my friends anytime.) When I discovered lots of opera being shown on PBS's Channel 13 WNET, how could I not spend some time watching? I'm enjoying what is left of the holiday and my vacation.

Back to work tomorrow! Happy New Year! And ...

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Christmas Blessings

2007-12-26T13:20:00.000-05:00

Christmas was a lovely, peaceful, and happy day, with family and friends. Hope your day was a good one, too. I'm still enjoying the holiday and mustn't ignore my family so this is just a holding post -- leave a comment if you visit. I can be non-political but it isn't easy. Fortunately, my family knows it is part of what I am.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Dreier: Bush's Class Warfare

2007-12-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

Great and eye-opening statistics quoted by Peter Dreier in his essay Bush's Class Warfare posted at CommonDreams.org and at Huffington Post.

As Robert Kuttner observes in his new book, The Squandering of America, from 1966 to 2001, the wealthiest one-tenth of all Americans captured the lion’s share of society’s productivity growth. But it was the top one tenth of 1 percent that gained the very most. Those between the 80th and 90th percentiles about held their own. Those between the 95th and 99th percentiles gained 29 percent, while those between the top 99 and 99.9 percentile, gained 73 percent.

“But,” Kuttner writes, “it was those at the very pinnacle –the top one tenth of 1 percent of the population - one American in a thousand - who gained a staggering 291 percent.”

Wealth has become even more concentrated during the Bush years. Today, the richest one percent of Americans has 22 percent of all income and about 40 percent of all wealth. This is the biggest concentration of income and wealth since 1928. In 2005, average CEO pay was 369 times that of the average worker, compared with 131 times in 1993 and 36 times in 1976. At the pinnacle of America’s economic pyramid, the nation’s 400 billionaires own 1.25 trillion dollars in total net worth - the same amount as the 56 million American families at the bottom half of wealth distribution. MORE

NOTE: But is is actually not just Bush's Class Warfare, it is the Republican's Class Warfare. Look at their debates. They don't care about the poor and America's middle class either. And some Democrats are corporatists, too. We need a new president who care's about the rest of us. (See: John Edwards and/or Dennis Kucinich).

Holiday happenings

2007-12-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

Tis the season of peace and good will -- and with friends and family in the forefront of our thoughts with the various holiday celebrations, the turmoil of the world is easy to forget. But some time off is important. Let's resolve to keep personal peace and look forward to another year, hopefully a better one: what can we do to assist making it so? Well, first, allow ourselves some family time and some frivolity. Rest and contemplate. Be in touch with the people we love. Perhaps read a few good books, if our schedules allow. Or perhaps purchase them or reserve them at the library. (The NYC library books are so easily reserved at NYPL.org)

I am blessed to be in the company of my family. I count my blessings, more important to me than counting gifts. (I saw some movies with Little Kat-- but still haven't seen Rev. Billy's What Would Jesus Buy? Audient and I were out and he introduced me to Porcupine Tree as we drove around.) The next several days will be busy ones (Will I write that late, very late, Christmas letter?) but I am grateful. Merry Christmas, Merry WHATEVER -- and may 2008 be better than 2007..... Make it a little better by donating some money to some good causes.

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Wishing Kaley Grace Peace & Happiness

2007-12-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

Kaley Grace
My nephew Jamie and his wife Beth are proud parents of a beautiful little daughter (7#-2oz, 20 inches) born at 7:53 AM on December 5, 2007: Kaley Grace. May her life be full of peace and happiness. May she be part of the peace that the world is seeking. Let us together make the world a safer, better, happier, fairer, peace-full place for Kaley Grace and her generation. With God's help. Amen.

Peace hugs,
Great Aunt Kate Anne

PS Congratulations to my brother Gregory, the new grandpa! Also on another but related note, as a great or grand aunt I am now fully qualified to be a part of the Granny Peace Brigade: personal and political!

Tearing down Misinformation

2007-12-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

December Dawn

"May we be free of torture. May there be peace in hearts and minds as our kindness spreads around the world."
-- chant of pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar [Burma] in recent weeks, quoted in Amnesty International contribution request letter [I gave.]

Torture -- a biggy in today's news, if one is listening to something other than infotainment. Need to understand it more? Visit WitnessTorture.org Want to end it and restore some of the lost integrity of the United States, our reputation in the World Community? Go to Tearitdown.org -- And a psychologically blind army vet verbally attacked me and called me a fool for wearing my Shut down Guantanamo button yesterday. Obviously I pushed his button but I was calm in stating I have the facts on my side. "They want to kill you." "They killed us on 9-11!!" Another man in my company's building's elevator also noticed it (yet I have been wearing it for weeks!) but calmly asked, "But they're guilty, aren't they?" Maybe he visited WitnessTorture.org after I suggested it.

Meanwhile Bush is informed only recently that Iran has no nuclear program yet they are still a problem and a danger to world peace? BUSH is a problem and a danger to world peace. So much to do. But it will be done. A new day will dawn, with God's help, and ours.

Peace hugs,

Kate Anne

Gregory: "I could vote for a Democrat - but not Hillary"

2007-12-02T16:17:00.000-05:00

The above statement was made to me today by my brother Gregory, a nominal Democrat but a beloved rightist ditto head who joined the Democratic party to work on Paul Tsongas' campaign some years back. He also says he likes John Edwards. When will the mainstream Democratic party get the message? Will they get the message in time to make a difference? The way they have been screwing up, I wonder.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

"Hillary and the Politics of Disappointment"

2007-11-28T08:46:00.000-05:00

I can oh-so relate to Paul Rogat Loeb's article at Common Dreams, Read it:

Hillary and the Politics of Disappointment
by Paul Rogat Loeb

When Democrats worry about Hillary Clinton’s electability, they focus on her reenergizing a depressed Republican base while demoralizing core Democratic activists, particularly those outraged about the war, and consequently losing the election. A November 26 Zogby poll, for instance, now shows her trailing the major Republican candidates, while Edwards and Obama defeat them. But there’s a further danger if Hillary’s nominated–that she will win but then split the Democratic Party.

We forget that this happened with her husband Bill, because compared to Bush, he’s looking awfully good. Much of Hillary’s support may be nostalgia for when America’s president seemed to engage reality instead of disdaining it. But remember that over the course of Clinton’s presidency, the Democrats lost 6 Senate seats, 46 Congressional seats, and 9 governorships. This political bleeding began when Monica Lewinsky was still an Oregon college senior. Given Hillary’s protracted support of the Iraq war, her embrace of neoconservative rhetoric on Iran, and her coziness with powerful corporate interests, she could create a similar backlash once in office, dividing and depressing the Democratic base and reversing the party’s newfound momentum. MORE

NOW, if you feel similarly to us you should be sure to send your donations to help out the candidate(s) of your choice. [I’ve donated to Edwards, Kucinich and Dodd.]

The latest Zogby poll is frightening — yes, I know other polls say other things, but Hillary has a lot of baggage and there are people on both the right and the left who abhor her (i.e., my brother Gregory and I). I have suspended my National Organization for Women membership since NOW Pac endorsed her — and I have been a member consistently since 1979. (And even started a NOW chapter in Ohio and restarted another.) That says a lot.

The mainstream corporatist medium would tell us it is all over even before Iowa and New Hampshire. The thought depresses me and then I decide to ACT. I’ve been petitioning for John Edwards and talking to folks and now I am going to make another donation to John Edwards (FYI — I worked for Kucinich last time and got Kerry — eewwwww — John Edwards and his Elizabeth are a great and electible team.)

Peace hugs!!!
Kate Anne

UPDATE: Paul Rogat Loeb is scheduled to be on Thom Hartmann's Thursday show. Should be good!

Happy Buy Nothing Day!

2007-11-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Thanksgiving but today is also pretty big on the calendar. I'm with Rev. Billy on this one. He started today, Black Friday or what he terms Buy Nothing Day, by preaching at Macy's and I look forward to seeing the documentary, What Would Jesus Buy?. If you are so inclined, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Church of Stop Shopping.

(Rev. Welton Gaddy even had Rev. Billy on The Interfaith Alliance program, State of Belief, on Air America -- love Bill Talon and his work! And check out Rev. Billy's blog while you are at it.)

Change-a-lujah! Money for peace, not for crazy out-of-control shopping!\

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Hartmann: Cracking the Code at Demos

2007-11-15T07:55:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Gail Harper's prodding that doggie duty should allow a little time for fun, I joined a packed roomful of people at Demos on Fifth Avenue in NYC to hear Thom Hartmann speak about his latest book, Cracking the Code. He was great and inspiring, as always. And I got to see and be seen by Air America Radio's Mark Green who recognized me and gave me a kiss afterwards. (That said, he's still trying to place me, I bet :-)

I spent the last hour searching for what Thom called the best Madison quotation and found PART of it as well as a bunch of other great Madison quotations. The part is:

"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare."

But check this out from the Crosby Report. Was Madison psychic? One thing for sure, George Dubya Bush would NOT be happy with James Madison. Indeed, he'd send a Homeland Security Team after Jimmy as Dubya probably thinks Dolly Madison is a cupcake and is clueless that James Madison is a dead president.

Kate Anne & Thom Hartmann

Yes, I took pictures but I haven't downloaded them. [Update: see them.] Best, yet, however, my new friend Avery Harris (synchronicity!) was kind enough to volunteer to take a picture of me with Thom and I was astute enough to return the favor. Thom endured it all and his latest visit to NYC not only earned Gail and me a friend but gave me the opportunity to connect with two great young gents behind us, John from Bergen Co., NJ and Ezekial from Newark, NJ: Neat guys with great spirit. (Wish I would have gotten their info, but maybe they'll find me again through this blog.) Yes, there is hope for this country and this world. Now to read my autographed copy of Cracking the Code in full sight in the subway and on buses and spread its message. Watch my Flickr.com (see links) for the pix and...

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne

Grannies' Teach-In: Close Gitmo, others

2007-11-12T07:01:00.000-05:00

My weekend was full of peace and political action: a newsletter, our vigil and the Granny Peace Brigade teach-in (along with dog-sitting Munchkin and Barney Bear).

Sam Oast was on duty at our little Union Square peace vigil. He handed out a bunch of the flyers for the Grannies' event. I had my DontAttackIran.org sign [which has a new petition to sign - on my to-do list -- put it on yours] and we got plenty of attention and affirmation (Who says 52% of Americans want to attack Iran??).

Dr. Sam Oast
On Sunday, I tabled with Fellowship of Reconciliation's Fellowship magazine editor, Ethan Vesely-Flad at the Granny Peace Brigade event which stressed closing Guantanamo and all U.S. military bases on foreign soil. Vinnie Burrows moderated and Lynne Kates from the Center for Constitutional Rights gave an eye-opener (for some I am sure) on Guantanimo. She said there are now 786 prisoners there who endure 23 hours of daily isolation -- that in itself is cruel and inhumane! Talk about torture OTHER than water boarding! Elsa Rassbach from American Voices Abroad spoke about how the illegal Iraq war (and possible illegal Iran war) violate(s) the German constitution, "Only peace may come from German soil." She also said though the majority of Germans are pacifists they fear the growth of militarization. There were some other good speakers and the Raging Grannies sang.

Afterwards, Ethan and I spoke with people. There was good energy and the event was not only very informative but also well-attended: a good sign that American people want to know the facts. That said, the event let me to a post a QuickTAKE. And now doggy-duty calls me. Hope your weekend was productive and peaceful.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne