Today is the first anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Tomorrow, in nearly 500 events worldwide, people will come together to protest the war that should never have happened.
I remember a Friday afternoon, a year or so ago today, as easily among the most surreal days of my life. I was driving across northern Nevada on I-80, listening to NPR-relayed BBC dispatches of the "shock and awe" U.S. troops were delivering on Baghdad. At one point, I turned off the radio and slipped in a Patti Smith CD (with "People Have the Power") until I realized that had Smith and other well-meaning but misguided progressives not campaigned for Ralph Nader in 2000, Al Gore would be president and we wouldn't be starting an unnecessary war. I hit the "eject" button in disgust.
Yes, we're all glad Saddam is gone, but there had to be a better way to bring about his fall. Since last March 19, 672 coalition troops (most American) and as many as 10,430 Iraqi civilians have died. As bad as that is, last week's Spain bombings indicate that the war in Iraq's worst legacy may be how it is serving as a distraction from the real war on terror. Meanwhile, Iraq remains in chaos, with no clear sense of whether democracy is possible - or what sort of democracy it will be.
This war was and remains a mistake, and tomorrow, tens of thousands of people will meet at nearly 500 events to say so. To find an event near you, search the website at United for Peace & Justice. Let's march together in sadness for the people who have died, for gentle anger at the way our country was misled into war, and with hope for a more peaceful future.
Hi everyone,
It's time to stand up for a Florida Democrat that I highly respect for her backbone against a right-wing nut of a Florida Republican House leader! Johnnie (Rotten) Byrd (R-Plant City), is notorious for his abuse of power in Tallahassee and greedy favors for donations brand of politics. Susan is in trouble for calling the dirty kettle...filthy! Story here: http://www.sptimes.com/2004/03/19/State/Democrat_s_cutting_re.shtml.
I'm asking everyone, regardless of Party affiliation to help my friend, Rep. Susan Bucher out of this mess:
1) Write a letter to the editor of your local Florida newspaper in support of Rep. Susan Bucher, D-Royal Palm Beach.
Concentrate on the following publications:
Palm Beach Post
Sun-Sentinel
Palms West Press
The Town-Crier
Boca Raton News
City Link
Miami Herald
Waterfront News
Business Journal
More state wide publications:
http://browardfordean.com/letters/
2) Send an e-mail/letter to your Florida House Representative:
http://myfloridahouse.com/legislators.aspx.
and tell Majority Leader Johnnie Byrd (R-Plant City) to "knock it off" and stop electioneering at the expense of an honest public servant in Rep. Susan Bucher. She is one of the nicest Democrats I've ever met. She doesn't deserve this abuse. She is a Progressive Democrat that stands up for Children, Minorities, Women and Labor.
3) Send an e-mail message of support to Rep. Susan Bucher:
bucher.susan@myfloridahouse.com
Let her/them know you are on Rep. Susan Bucher's side!
Pass this message on!
Thank You,
Sincerely,
Rapid Media Response Team
DemocracyforAmerica.com
Posted by: Gordon | March 20, 2004 at 12:29 AM