We’re Not in Lake Wobegon Anymore
In These Times
How
did the Party of Lincoln and Liberty transmogrify into the party of
Newt Gingrich’s evil spawn and their Etch-A-Sketch president, a dull
and rigid man, whose philosophy is a jumble of badly sutured body parts
trying to walk?
By Garrison Keillor
Something
has gone seriously haywire with the Republican Party. Once, it was the
party of pragmatic Main Street businessmen in steel-rimmed spectacles
who decried profligacy and waste, were devoted to their communities and
supported the sort of prosperity that raises all ships. They were
good-hearted people who vanquished the gnarlier elements of their
party, the paranoid Roosevelt-haters, the flat Earthers and
Prohibitionists, the antipapist antiforeigner element. The genial
Eisenhower was their man, a genuine American hero of D-Day, who made it
OK for reasonable people to vote Republican. He brought the Korean War
to a stalemate, produced the Interstate Highway System, declined to
rescue the French colonial army in Vietnam, and gave us a period of
peace and prosperity, in which (oddly) American arts and letters
flourished and higher education burgeoned—and there was a degree of
plain decency in the country. Fifties Republicans were giants compared
to today’s. Richard Nixon was the last Republican leader to feel a
Christian obligation toward the poor.
In the
years between Nixon and Newt Gingrich, the party migrated southward
down the Twisting Trail of Rhetoric and sneered at the idea of public
service and became the Scourge of Liberalism, the Great Crusade Against
the Sixties, the Death Star of Government, a gang of pirates that
diverted and fascinated the media by their sheer chutzpah, such as the
misty-eyed flag-waving of Ronald Reagan who, while George McGovern flew
bombers in World War II, took a pass and made training films in Long
Beach. The Nixon moderate vanished like the passenger pigeon, purged by
a legion of angry white men who rose to power on pure punk politics.
(Click here to read the complete article.)
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Tuesday, August 31
We’re Not in Lake Wobegon Anymore
by
Linda Thieman
on Tue 31 Aug 2004 05:52 PM CDT
The Banner Seen Round the World
by
Linda Thieman
on Tue 31 Aug 2004 02:12 PM CDT
The Banner Seen 'Round the World
AlterNet.org In case you were wondering how protesters in NYC got that <--Bush, Truth--> banner onto the side of that building, here's the story.  It was an audacious idea. Whack the Republican invasion of New York with a stiff upper cut, even before the R's got off of their stool. Fire a preemptive shot seen around the world – and especially in swing states – that would strike the public imagination. Create and execute a clean, clear and inspiring act so cool that the media would be compelled to carry the message. But so many things had to go right, especially in those early morning hours when the anxiety was pulsing through the veins of crack climbers Terra Lawson-Remer and David Murphy, hanging at the top of the Plaza Hotel, and ready to unfurl their giant "Truth-Arrow North; Bush-Arrow South" banner. The highly organized activists – including compatriots Cesar Maxit and Rebecca Johnson – started their stealth effort at 5:00 a.m. from a cozy room inside the Plaza Hotel. At 6:15 a.m. they began rappelling down the face of the opulent building, a symbol of New York aristocracy and a favorite City landmark anchoring the Southeast corner of Central Park. Finally at 9:30 a.m. – more than three excruciating hours later – the banner was unfurled. (Click here to read the complete story.)
DFA/DFIA Meet Up This Week
by
Linda Thieman
on Tue 31 Aug 2004 07:52 AM CDT
DFA/DFIA Meet Up This Week
Cedar Rapids Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 PM at Brewed Awakenings Coffeehouse - 1271 First Ave. SE Des Moines Grounds for Celebration, 2645 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, is the location. Wednesday, September 1, 7 pm Iowa City Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 7pm, UPSTAIRS at PIZZA on DUBUQUE, 5 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA (a few doors down from Prairie Lights) Bettendorf Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7pm at the home of Alta Price. Phone call with Howard Dean at 8:30pm. Email Alta at aprice@democracyforiowa.com for directions to her home. (Please don't RSVP at MeetUp.com for this event - it's a combo Meet Up and DFA House Party.)
Good News and Notes from Iowa and DFIA
by
Linda Thieman
on Tue 31 Aug 2004 06:11 AM CDT
Good News & Notes from Iowa & DFIA
This great design is by Darrell Lewis of Clear Lake
DFIA Signs Pop Up in Scott County It is not widely known (because it got lost in the shuffle) that a couple of weeks ago, when John Kerry came to the Quad Cities, DFIA Founding Member Darrell Lewis suggested that we make up some signs for the Kerry rally. So, DFIA Co-founder Dr. Alta Price had some special Kerry/Edwards DFIA/BFIA signs made up for the occasion (11 x 14, thick, shiny paper). The signs (see above) were designed by Darrell Lewis and can be downloaded from the right sidebar of Blog for Iowa in pdf format. (There’s also a great rainbow design.) The signs were a huge hit, according to DFIA Environmentalist Molly Regan, who distributed them at the rally, and many Dems asked to take them home. Molly agreed to this as long as they promised to use them again somewhere. Well, Alta reports that last Saturday, when she and Molly were marching in a parade in Molly’s hometown in support of the Democratic candidates, they saw a pick up truck that the Scott County Democrats take around to all the parades. The truck has all the candidates’ posters down the sides. Says Alta, “Prominently displayed on the windows of each side of the SCD truck, to my surprise, I [saw] the Kerry/Edwards/DFIA/BFIA posters. This is a surprise because no Deaner put those posters up.” The Kerry people had put them up! Well, that just goes to show that you can’t beat a good design. "But not this year" For those of you working hard out in the heat and humidity, day in and day out, I add this cheering report from John Drury, Dean Dozen member and Democratic candidate for Iowa Senate in the 6th District: While going door to door in Hampton [the other day], I talked to an elderly gentleman who told me that he was a Republican and that he had voted Republican his entire life. And then he said, "But not this year." Folks, that seems to be the theme for this election year. Republicans, young and old, are saying that they are fed up with the way this country is being run, and are fed up with the partisan bickering in Des Moines. Everyone realizes that the bickering accomplishes nothing for the people of Iowa and they simply want it to stop. John told me that this man, who must have been in his mid 80’s, admitted that he AND HIS WIFE had agreed to vote a straight Democratic ticket this year, and John added, that it’s not really that unusual for him to find people who feel that way. Oh, and by the way, the Drury campaign has really been picking up steam lately. Democratic Iowa Senate leader Mike Gronstal says that the seat Drury is running for is now one of the top senate seats that Gronstal's office is targeting. And there's excitement in the air as the Drury blog, run by Darrell Lewis, reaches all new levels of daily visitors. The Drury blog has the great distinction of not only drawing folks into the campaign but at the same time, creating a real sense of community - not to mention it frequently offers up hard-hitting exposés of right-wing Republican incumbent Thurman Gaskill. And believe you me, there is a lot to expose. Click here to take a look. Kerry Gets Solid Lead In Iowa Looks like what John Drury is discovering on the ground is finally showing up in the Iowa polls. According to the Centre for Public Opinion, John Kerry could carry the state of Iowa in the 2004 United States presidential election. A poll conducted by Zogby Interactive and published in the Wall Street Journal Online found that 52.2 per cent of Iowa respondents would vote for the Democratic nominee, while 45.2 per cent would support the junta. Go Iowa! Linda Thieman Monday, August 30
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION DELEGATE SPITS ON VETERAN
by
Linda Thieman
on Mon 30 Aug 2004 06:24 PM CDT
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION DELEGATE SPITS ON VETERAN
First-hand Accounts of Yesterday’s Protests in NYC [Announcement: Tomorrow’s Bush arrival in Des Moines has been moved up. Click here for the latest details.] Dean Supporters Report In These protesters post as "SylvieNYC" and "Agatha" on Blog for America. Reporting from NYC… What an amazing day! I arrived at Union Square around 10 am to meet Agatha (and David and Mike, but we never hooked up.) Although it was a hot day again, the breeze made the heat much more tolerable than [the day before] — a good thing, since it took us, at first, two hours to walk two blocks — that’s how crowded it was. The organizers’ count is more than 400,000; the police, 125,000; the New York Times said “hundred of thousands,” but CNN.com and MSNBC talked of “ten of thousands” — yeah, right! One of the best parts was when we arrived next to Madison Square Garden, where the chanting got suddenly very inspired as the crowd spotted “Welcome RNC” signs, as well as a Fox News giant screen. But the very best part, as in most New York demonstrations I have been to, was the amazing display of creativity, good spirit, fun, and yes, peace. New York in demonstration is New York at its most civil. Agatha went on to Central Park, where many protesters were going to “hang out” after the march, but I have not heard of any trouble going on there either. Posted by SylvieNYC at August 29, 2004 11:11 PM I’m sweaty [and] I’m exhausted. . . . Sylvie, it was amazing demonstrating with you and the “French delegation.” After the rally, I went to Central Park and had a “peace and love” time in the Great Meadow. We made human peace signs on the lawn. The police mingled. Very nice. THEN, as I was leaving the park to go home with a group, we were told that a bunch of delegates were dining at the Boat House, an OUTDOOR restaurant. Isn’t it curious that the RNC chose to dine at an outdoor restaurant in Central Park on the day thousands of protesters were expected to be in Central Park? Were they setting us up for something? Stay tuned. I joined a group (about 200) and protested. We were not in the restaurant’s property; we were on PUBLIC PROPERTY, where we were very visible and audible. OK, I’m guilty of flipping the bird and saying the word “f*ck” a few times. However, I felt the need to be serious. Here are some of the things I shouted out: 1000 American soldiers dead; 37,000 Iraqi civilians dead! (OK, I slightly rounded up the # of dead Americans, but unfortunately, I’m not that far off.) How can you eat with blood on your hands? Criminals! I believe in democracy, not plutocracy! Over 2,700 people died on Sept. 11, and you’re using this as an excuse to party! And so forth. And, I bellowed SHAME and wagged my finger repeatedly. One [demonstrator] was really angry and passionate, and I told him to calm down because the press had arrived. Let’s call this guy “Bob” for privacy purposes. Do you know what happened to Bob? A delegate lounging about SPAT on him. And, I got to know Bob. Bob is awesome, and I understand now why he was so angry. He is an Iraq veteran. He didn’t go to Iraq, but he was on duty, and he knew a number of friends who died in Iraq. He had recently attended a memorial service for one of them. And, his father was laid off by Enron and lost his pension. So, excuse me for all the shout outs, but I really want all of you to know what the main media will probably not reveal (but Bob did get an interview with a reporter): REPUBLICAN CONVENTION DELEGATE SPITS ON VETERAN And, much later on, when Bob lost his voice, I shouted for him. When delegates were leaving the restaurant, Bob gave me a list of three friends who died in Iraq. One of them was 19 years old. For Bob and the dead, I read their names and demanded the delegates apologize. (No, we did not get one.) Instead, they laughed, at which point I asked them how hearing about dead people is funny. When I shouted out about what the delegates thought about one of their fellow delegates spitting on a veteran, one of them called back, “It’s hilarious!” Let me shout out that for you: HILARIOUS. more »
Behind The Scenes in New York
by
Linda Thieman
on Mon 30 Aug 2004 04:28 PM CDT
Behind The Scenes in New York
A Message from ACT The Republican National Convention kicked off in New York City just a few hours ago. As President Clinton said yesterday, "It's time for the Republicans to put on their compassionate face." If you can handle the hypocrisy of it all, you'll see a parade of moderate Republican all-stars - McCain and Giuliani tonight, Schwarzenegger tomorrow. Their rhetoric will be of patriotism and compassion, praising George Bush's "resolve" and "leadership" and reminding us all that we are a nation at war.  But something far more important is going on behind the scenes this week. Republican strategists are planning a systematic campaign of voter intimidation and repression. It's something they freely admit is key to GOP victories in November. This ghastly plan needs to be fought by each of us - and everyone we can tell. Ask 5 friends to join the fight for truth today. Ask them to sign this petition. This isn't spin or hearsay, this is documented fact. Over the past few years, Republican-led campaigns of voter repression and intimidation have affected countless federal, state and local races. Here are just a few of the most blatant recent examples: Philadelphia, PA, 2003: Voters in African-American neighborhoods were systematically challenged by men carrying clipboards, driving a fleet of some 300 sedans with magnetic signs designed to look like law enforcement insignia. [NAACP/PFAW 2004]. Michigan, 2004: One of Bush's Michigan advisors, State Rep. John Pappageorge (R-Troy) was quoted as saying "If we do not suppress the Detroit vote, we're going to have a tough time in this election." [Detroit Free Press, 7/16/04] Louisiana, 2003: Flyers were posted in public housing projects which read "Vote!!! Bad Weather? No problem!!! If the weather is uncomfortable on Election Day (Saturday December 7th) Remember you can wait and cast your ballot on Tuesday December 10th." [Times-Picayune (New Orleans), 12/12/02] Through your active support, you are leading the fight against these dirty tricks. We need you to stand up today and take ACTion. Help uncover this important story now before it's too late. Start fighting back now. Reveal these shocking stories to everyone you know. Sign the pledge and forward it on to at least 5 of your friends. Get this story out! Republicans have used these tactics for far too long. They are despicable and must be stopped. We fight back not by picketing or protesting but by educating voters and getting them out to the polls. This is what ACT is all about. http://actforvictory.org/act.php/home/petitions/intimidation We have just 63 days to go. Let's get to work! Ellen Malcolm President America Coming Together More Shocking Stories NAACP and People for the American Way A powerful report from the NAACP and People for the American Way was released on Friday that highlighted these and other shocking stories. Read it now for more information: http://www.naacp.org/news/releases/jimcrow.pdf Sunday's Protests in Manhattan AlterNet.org ...A police spokeswoman told AlterNet at 8:30 pm on Sunday night that 200 arrests were made, a relatively small amount considering the sheer number of protestors – at press time, organizers estimated 450,000 according to news reports while the police have not yet released a figure – and there were no immediate reports of violence. ...Virtually all those in attendance were donned in brightly-hued t-shirts, holding an equally colorful sign, or wearing a politically charged button, many of them laden with the sort of sardonic slogans that have become symbolic of the left's criticism of the Bush administration. One man wore a shirt that read "I'll Mess With Texas." A woman held a sign which said 'Yee-ha Is Not Foreign Policy.' One elderly man raised a placard asking "Whose Taxes Would Jesus Cut?" A young woman grinned as she hoisted a cardboard poster which demanded "Pull Out Like Your Father Should Have!" [Oops! Excuse me for that one. My bad. That's a little racy for this tame blog!] (more) Come back to Blog for Iowa in a couple of hours to read two first-hand accounts of yesterday's protest in NYC.
September 2nd Parties: You’re Invited!
by
Linda Thieman
on Mon 30 Aug 2004 02:12 PM CDT
 September 2nd Parties: You’re Invited! Iowa City PartyMore Bush & Grassley? Fuhgeddabout it! Does the idea of another round of Republican "leadership" make you want to scream? Then join us for the Art Small Meet & Greet and Great American Shout Out at the Hamburg Inn Thursday, Sept. 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 319-358-1210. Time: Thurs., September 2nd - 7:00 PM Location: Hamburg Inn #2 Address: 314 North Linn Street City, State: Iowa City, IA 52245 Please click here to RSVP. Bettendorf PartyThis September 2nd house party is a combination of the Democracy for the Quad Cities Meet Up and a Democracy for America House Party. The party will raise funds for both DFA and for the student Democrats at one of the local colleges. Click here for the party bat. Dr. Alta Price is hosting the event, and she asks that you NOT RSVP through Meet Up. They want the Meet Up to be canceled so that folks don’t show up at a restaurant somewhere with no one else there. The party will be held at Alta’s house in Bettendorf at 7pm on Thursday, September 2nd. If you don’t know how to get there, contact Alta at: aprice@democracyforiowa.com At 8:30pm, Howard Dean will be calling into the party!
Greet Bush in Des Moines Tomorrow (New Time!)
by
Linda Thieman
on Mon 30 Aug 2004 10:20 AM CDT
"Greet" Bush in Des Moines Tomorrow (New Time!)
George W. Bush will be flying into Des Moines on Tuesday (tomorrow) to attend the Farm Progress show. We're assembling a giant welcoming committee of several hundred people to show him that Iowa is Kerry/Edwards Country. We will be meeting at 11:45 AM (NEW TIME) at the Iowa Democratic Party Field Office at 5661 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, directly across the street from the airport. As a special bonus, everyone who attends can take home a Kerry-Edwards yard sign. This event will be the only place where we'll be distributing yard signs for a while, so if you want them, you should come join us on Tuesday! Please RSVP at 515-558-9580 x331 (NEW EXTENSION). Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking. |
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