January 27, 2005
Celebrating endless potential
Last week a group of energetic South Haven Area Democrats met for a celebration potluck at the Warren Center on Inauguration Eve. Yes, that's right... the Democrats were celebrating! Although an administration with policies that most us find reprehensible was being sworn in for another 4 years, we were celebrating a local presidential victory (2 South Haven precincts, both South Haven township precincts, Bangor City and Covert among other areas).
We were also celebrating new found friendships and the ability to work toward a single goal in spite of moments when we drove each other nuts. We were celebrating a commitment to continue our work for working people, the environment, children and other vulnerable populations.
We heard about opportunities to work in the township, to demand thoughtful, planned growth in the City, to work in the county to create a viable healthy Democratic presence on County Boards and County wide offices. We commited ourselves to creating a stronger West Michigan voice in the Michigan Democratic Party. We are commited to reelecting Debbie Stabenow and Jennifer Granholm in two years. We will continue to follow Leroy Wolin's lead in opposing the appointment of an US Attorney General who finds the anti-torture provisions of the Geneva Convention "quaint".
Consider this an invitation to join us. Many of us are political novices and consider ourselves more Progressive than centrist Democrats. Some of us were moderate Republicans who felt that the party abandoned us rather than vice versa. Some are life long Democrats with strong union ties. It really doesn't matter - if our issues are your issues - join us. If you are willing to work hard, to clearly express your views, to listen as vigorously as you speak, to develop a sense of when to compromise and when to stick to principal we need you, more importantly, your community needs you. It is time to challenge special interests with special access to power. It is time to speak with one voice. Come join - us. Coming to a meeting is the first step - but be ready to write, to speak, to protest, to give and to grow.
Posted by Julie at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)
January 20, 2005
Thoughts on this Dark Day
Susan Lenfestey: Some in black tie; others, body bags
Susan Lenfestey
January 20, 2005
It's time to party.
As the families of bomb-flattened Fallujah huddle in make-shift refugee camps, drinking from sewage-filled streams, Iraqi policy mastermind Paul Wolfowitz fastens the last stud into his starched collar.
As the Iraq Survey Group ends its search for WMD, concluding that there was no imminent mushroom cloud or even a smoking gun, Condi Rice draws herself a hot bath.
As Sgt. Kevin Benderman, an Army mechanic with nine years of service, refuses a second deployment to Iraq, saying, "You just don't know how bad it is," Colin Powell pours himself a drink.
As Specialist Charles A. Graner, miscreant and major-domo of Abu Ghraib, shuffles off to prison, Donald Rumsfeld straightens the black tie of his tux.
As the 9/11 widow tucks her children into bed, wondering why the recommendations made in "The 9/11 Commission Report" weren't implemented, Tom Ridge tightens his cummerbund.
As prisoners charged with no crimes, and given no recourse, languish in the hellhole of Guantanamo Bay, torture apologist Alberto Gonzales clicks his cufflinks into place.
As Dan Rather retires in disgrace over forged documents, former CIA Director George Tenet, proponent of forged documents about Iraq's nonexistent nuclear program, adjusts the Medal of Freedom around his neck.
As the working mother in Chicago wonders how to keep her child from being left behind now that her special-ed program has been cut, Armstrong Williams polishes his shoes.
As Valerie Plame walks away from a distinguished career as a CIA "operative," destroyed when her identity was revealed by columnist Robert Novak, Mr. Novak walks to his limo.
As Osama bin Laden chuckles in his cave to see America's fortunes sink in the morass of Iraq and as fresh recruits to his cause multiply like flies, Dick Cheney pops the cork on a bottle of Dom Perignon.
As America's trade gap surges and the red ink in the national debt bleeds to a record level, Treasury Secretary Paul Snow finishes shaving and dabs at a spot of blood on his chin.
As the Republican Congress gets ready to underfund everything from Head Start to veterans' benefits, Speaker Dennis Hastert checks his profile in the mirror.
As Pfc. Francis Obaji, oldest son of an immigrant Nigerian family, is zipped into a body bag for the sad journey home, Laura Bush zips up her Oscar de la Renta gown.
And as his corporate pals slide their millions across the table to dance at his ball, forgetting for a moment the bottom line that forces them to ship jobs overseas, George W. Bush pulls on his snakeskin boots.
Susan Lenfestey is a Minneapolis writer.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5195163.html
Posted by Elaine at 09:40 AM | Comments (1)