The Real News senior editor Paul Jay and head of the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) Michael Ratner discuss the demolishment of peoples' constitutional rights and civil liberties.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Obama and Civil Liberties
The Real News senior editor Paul Jay and head of the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) Michael Ratner discuss the demolishment of peoples' constitutional rights and civil liberties.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Veterans Day - Tuesday 11-11-08
We all know we have a change coming, and it would be great if it happened yesterday, but it will be happening soon enough. That change is in a New President and His Administration who ran on "Change" and bringing along with him a change in the Peoples Representation in both houses of Congress.
The new President, Barack Obama, was not brought into this job of the Countries President by a political parties leaders but by The People who rallied behind him, from the primaries to the Nov 8th National Election Day, and those people, Us, have to continue in what happens, for just one person and the administration nor the peoples representatives can bring about the "Change" that is so desperately needed now after these detructive years on so many fronts by themselves, we must stay engaged!
The focus, as it should be right now, will be first on the collapsing economy, collapsing because of a failed economic ideology and allowing some to do as they pleased in the economic circles of Wall Street, the Banks, and the Investment Firms etc..
But we also still have Tens Of Thousands of Military Troops engaged in War and Occupation in two Countries and their Tens Of Thousands of Family Members here at home, the Only Ones Sacrificing for this Country, Serving and those Waiting for their return!
I will add more on this at the bottom, with this lead in:
Nov 6 2008; WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service) – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has issued a Veterans Day message to those who now serve or have served in the armed forces.
Here is the text of the chairman’s message:
There will be Veterans Day activities all over the country, from the small towns to the large cities, below are just some of the activities In Honor that Veterans For Peace along with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and of course Military Families will be a part of, many sponsored activities of Veterans For Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
VETERANS FOR PEACE SPONSORED EVENTS:
The following cities have Veterans Day events:
~~~~~~~~~~
Boston, MA
NAME OF EVENT: March to hear messages of peace and against suppression of our speech
LOCATION OF EVENT: Boston Common Beacon and Charles St. Boston
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We are excluded from marching with signs and cadences and will march behind the street sweepers with supporters behind us. At City Hall Plaza we will have a large presence and protest the City and American Legion suppressing messages of peace from veterans.
TIME: 12 PM
DATE: 11/11/08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 9 Smedley Butler Brigade
WEBSITE: Smedley Butler Brigade
~~~~~~~~~~
Chicago, IL
NAME OF EVENT: VFP/VVAW Combined Chicago Veterans' Day Ceremony
LOCATION OF EVENT: Chicago Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, North-West corner of Wacker & Wabash, Lower Level alongside Chicago River
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Ceremony begins with Folk Songs by Anna Stange, followed by speakers from IVAW, VFP and VVAW. At the end of the Ceremony, participants drop flowers into the Chicago River to remember the casualties of America's past wars. There may be a party/fundraiser for IVAW following the Ceremony, pending the availability of the National Vietnam Veterans' Art Museum, 1801 S. Indiana, Chicago, IL.
TIME: 11:00 A.M. Sharp tp 12:00 Noon
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
CONTACT INFORMATION: Ken Neilsen, info@chicagovfp.org; Mike Woloshin, mike71atkron86vfp26@hotmail.com, Bob Gronko, bobgronko@yahoo.com
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Cpl. Joseph E. Powers-Chicago Area Chapter 26
WEBSITE: Chicago VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Albany, NY
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Central Ave. & Ontario St., Albany, NY
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Annual City of Albany Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the Tri-County Council of Viet Nam Era Veterans. Our Chapter has been an official contingent in the parade for about 10 years.
TIME: 11:00 AM
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Tom Paine Chapter, #10
~~~~~~~~~~
Lebanon, TN
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Lebanon TN
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade in Lebanon TN 25 miles east of Nashville
TIME: 11:00
DATE: 11/11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 89 Middle TN
~~~~~~~~~~
Milwaukee, WI
NAME OF EVENT: Armistice Day Remembrance
LOCATION OF EVENT: Milwaukee City Hall
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Our event will take place on the Veterans Day Parade route for more visibility. Speakers and a ceremonial bell ringing and then we'll hand out informational packets to parade spectators. We will be joined by members of Peace Action Wisconsin and IVAW
TIME: 10AM-11AM
DATE: November 8, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 102
WEBSITE: Milwaukee VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Portland, ME
NAME OF EVENT: Portland Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Portland, Maine
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Standard parade - We have been the only "voice" for peace in the Portland parade for several years and have petitioned for a voice on the dais. No deal, so far.
DATE: November 11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 001
~~~~~~~~~~
Albany, OR
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans' Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Albany, Oregon
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Veterans for Peace, Chapter 132 will march in the annual Veterans' Day Parade in Albany, Oregon. We will be joined by supporters of VFP, and plan to distribute the VFP "Cost of War" cards along the route.
TIME: Parade starts at 11:00, form up by 10:00 am.
DATE: Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 132
WEBSITE: VFP Corvallis
~~~~~~~~~~
Manchester, NH
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Manchester, NH
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: NH VFP will march in the annual Veterans Day Parade where we will carry two banners - our plain black & white VFP logo and a larger black & white banner that states: "NH Veterans for Peace" and below that "Peace Is the Way."
The parade organizing group led by several American Legion posts has finally allowed us to have a speaker at the post-parade ceremonies in Veterans Park. His name is Will Hopkins, a NH Guardsman who served in Iraq for a year. He is a member of both VFP and IVAW.
TIME: Nov. 11/08 - Parade begins at 10:30 am.
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: AJ Muste Chapter - #062
~~~~~~~~~~
New York City, NY
NAME OF EVENT: New York City Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: New York City
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We will be marching again in the anual Veterans Day Parade in New York City along with our friends from VFP Chapters 34 & 60, along with members from VVAW, MFSO and IVAW.
DATE: 11-11-08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: VFP Chapter 24
~~~~~~~~~~
Long Island, NY
NAME OF EVENT: Healing Service for Returning Veterans
LOCATION OF EVENT: Old South Haven Presbyterian Church, Long Island, NY
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: A non-sectarian healing service for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in anticipation of Chapter 138's Peer Support Program.
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 138
~~~~~~~~~~
Los Angeles, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Ron Kovic Speaks at Arlington West Santa Monica
LOCATION OF EVENT: North side of Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Starting at AW SM there will be a procession of coffins up to the Santa Monica Veteran's Memorial at the Palisades Park where Ron Kovic and others will speak. Procession will then return to AW SM.
TIME: 10:00 AM
DATE: 11-11-08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 007 Los Angeles
WEBSITE: Arlington West Santa Monica CA
~~~~~~~~~~
Port Angeles, WA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Celebration
LOCATION OF EVENT: U.S. Coastguard Station, Ediz Hook, Port Angeles Washington
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP 139 will join with other veterans organizations and active Coast Guard to celebrate Veterans Day with music speeches and, in our case, antiwar statements.
TIME: 11:00 am
DATE: 11-11-08 Veterans Day
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: North Olympic Peninsula, Chapter 139
WEBSITE: NOP VFP
* There will also be showing on Public TV, Four veteran members will discuss their military experience and their evolution from soldiers to peace activists in VFP. Two female vets from the Iraq War and two Viet Nam War male vets will relate their activities to their collection of photos that will be shown as they talk.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hyannis, MA
NAME OF EVENT: Barnstable Soldiers Memorial Association - Veterans Day Parade and Program
LOCATION OF EVENT: Town Hall Parking Lot and Town Green, Hyannis, MA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Community Parade, Speeches and Wreath-Laying at
several memorials locationed in Hyannis
TIME: 9:30AM Form-Up, 10:00AM Start
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Cosponsored by VFP Cape Cod Chapter 041and other veterans groups
~~~~~~~~~~
San Francisco, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: The parade starts at 2nd & Market Streets at 11:00am Sunday, Nov 9, marches past civic center and the War Memorial Building where the Review Stand is located.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Veterans For Peace will once again participate in the Veterans Day Parade. We will march with our Agent Orange Banner: "Vietnam Veterans and Vietnamese People are Still Dying from Agent Orange. We will wear our AO colors, a VFP t-shirt that is orange with the same message on the back. We will also carry photo boards of Vietnamese people suffering from effetts of Agent Orange. We will be joined by many of the Vietnamese community here. This comes after our support of the Agent Orange Tour that is happening this week all over the SF Bay Area. We usually win a first or second place award in the San Francisco Parades.
TIME: 11am
DATE: November 9, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: San Francisco, Chapter 69
~~~~~~~~~~
Phoenix, AZ
NAME OF EVENT: VA Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Phoenix, AZ
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade has many entrants but only one peace organization. This is the Phoenix Chapter of VFP. We will march behind a flag draped coffin surrounded by boots representing the service people who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We are on probation this year. They are trying to find ways to get us out of the parade.
TIME: 11 AM
DATE: October 11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: VFP Chapter 75
WEBSITE: Veterans For Peace Phoenix
~~~~~~~~~~
San Diego, CA
NAME OF EVENT: San Diego Veterans Day events
LOCATION OF EVENT: Various, see details below.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: At 8 AM, the chapter will be setting up our now portable Arlington West Memorial (500 crosses and other religious symbols) at the grassy area in front of the USS Midway, now docked in downtown San Diego as a military museum. We will there all day and into the night reading the names of the fallen, with VFP, IVAW, VVAW, and MFSO banners, US and service flags, a tent, tabling and educational exhibits, and some small items for sale.
At 11 AM, the majority of SDVFP members will march in the annual San Diego Veterans Day parade along Pacific Highway. The theme this year is "Honor Korean War Veterans" and we will have a convertible with SDVFP banners for our honored Korean War veteran members (4-5) to ride in. We have been embraced and cheered by the parade spectators in previous parades, and we expect this year to be no different.
After the parade, at about 2 PM, we will proceed back to our Arlington West Memorial at the USS Midway for our monthly business meeting, which would have normally been on election day. We plan on conducting an outdoor business meeting surrounded by the crosses, banners and flags. At dark, there will be a candlelight vigil, and the Arlington West Memorial will be packed up for its next venue.
TIME: 8 AM, the chapter will be setting up our now portable Arlington West Memorial, 11 AM, the majority of SDVFP members will march in the annual San Diego Veterans Day parade along Pacific Highway, 2 PM, we will proceed back to our Arlington West Memorial at the USS Midway for our monthly business meeting
DATE: 11/11/08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter #91 - Hugh Thompson Memorial
WEBSITE: San Diego VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Minneapolis, MN
NAME OF EVENT: Armistice Day Bell Ringing
LOCATION OF EVENT: First Shot Cannon Memorial on State Capital Grounds St. Paul, Mn
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We will ring bells eleven times and read the names of Minnesota combat dead in Iraq and Afganistan commemorating Armistice Day.
TIME: 11:00 a.m.
DATE: 11/11/2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: chapter 27
~~~~~~~~~~
Greenfield, MA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Greenfield, MA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Along with IVAW we will start at Greenfield Middle School (195 Federal St. We call on all who can march with us. This may be the towns last parade.
TIME: 9:30am
DATE: 11/11/2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 95
~~~~~~~~~~
Long Beach, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Long Beach Ca. Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Long Beach, Ca.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP Members will be marching with IVAW, MFSO and other local Peace groups. Last year our groups were denied entrance and the incident got national adverse publicity and as a result this year we are in and invite family and friends to join us. Call or email for details.
TIME: 10:00AM
DATE: Sat. November 8 - 11/08/08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: LA-Long Beach Harbor Area Chapter # 067
~~~~~~~~~~
Juneau, AK
NAME OF EVENT: Special Film Presentation
LOCATION OF EVENT: Silverbow Inn - Juneau, AK
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The Juneau, Alaska VFP Chapter is sponsoring a special public showing of the recent film "Soldiers of Conscience." The film will be preceded by a short message from Chapter President Phil Smith. In a related activity, on the evening before Veterans Day, Phil will host the film's co-producer on the Chapter's monthly radio show ("PeaceTalk") produced on KTOO-FM, the local public radio station (104.3 FM). The program is web-cast ( KTOO-FM ) for those interested.
TIME: 7:30:00 PM
DATE: 11/11/2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 100
WEBSITE: VFP Juneau
~~~~~~~~~~
Madison, WI
NAME OF EVENT: 3rd Memorial Mile - Chapter 25
LOCATION OF EVENT: Madison, WI.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Chapter 25 will install its 3rd Memorial Mile in Madison on November 8, running to November 15th. Location: Forest Hill Cemetery, Speedway Road, Madison. Installation starts at 9am on Nov. 8th. 4,800 tombstones. Special one-hour memorial program on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2pm.
TIME: 24 hours a day
DATE: Nov 8-15
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 25 (Clarence Kailin Chapter)
WEBSITE: Madison VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Palm Springs, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Palm Springs CA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP marches with a banner tha says: "Support the Troops. Bring Them Home"
TIME: 2:30 PM start up
DATE: Tuesday November 11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Jon Castro Chapter 19
WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 19
~~~~~~~~~~
Auburn, WA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Auburn, Wa.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade w/ chapter 92 and other Western WA chapters
TIME: 11AM
DATE: Nov. 8, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: City of Auburn, WA. / contingent of Greater Seattle, Chapter 92
WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 92
~~~~~~~~~~
Pittsburgh, PA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Allegheny County/Pittsburgh Pa.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The ususal shassay done main street featuring Veterans organizations from throughout Western Pa. Bands, Banners, etc.
TIME: nine until post parade festivites are done.
DATE: Nov. 11th 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 047 Southwestern Pa.
~~~~~~~~~~
Miami, FL
NAME OF EVENT: Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: For the fourth consecutive year, the South Florida Veterans For Peace Chapter will march in the Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade alongside the American Legion Post 85, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3559 and the Miami Special Forces Veterans Group.
The parade kickoff is from 17th Street and Washington Avenue. We will march to the cenopath at the old City Hall on 11th and Washington.
TIME: 9:00am
DATE: Tuesday 11 November 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Alexander S. Arredondo Chapter, South Florida
~~~~~~~~~~
Evansville, IN
NAME OF EVENT: Remembering Iraq War Dead
LOCATION OF EVENT: Four Freedoms Monument
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The VFP Chapter 104, Evansville, IN will assemble at the Four Freedoms Monument to read the names of Service Men and Women killed in Iraq.
TIME: 11:00 AM Central Standard Time
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 104, Evansville, IN
WEBSITE: VFP Evansville
~~~~~~~~~~
Ann Arbor, MI
NAME OF EVENT: Arlington Michigan Display
LOCATION OF EVENT: Veterans Park, Corner of Jackson and Maple, Ann Arbor, MI
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Display of one cross for every Michigan soldier killed in Iraq. Veterans Day peace reading at 11am.
TIME: 9am to 6pm
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 93
WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 93
~~~~~~~~~~
Rochester, NY
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans' Day Peace Observance and Ceremony
LOCATION OF EVENT: Washington Square Park, Rochester, NY and First Universalist Church
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: At the park, there will be a reading of names and sharing stories of war dead.
The program will then move into the church, where the ceremony will continue with reflections by local veterans. There will be tabling by VFP and IVAW and a buffet served by "Food Not Bombs."
TIME: 3:00pm
DATE: Nov. 9, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: many peace groups in Rochester, including VFP, Chapter 23
~~~~~~~~~~
Join in or Observe those Veterans Day Activities near you. But let it be know that these two conflicts are right along side of the economic disaster or directly below as to Importance.
Send the message, if you haven't been already, starting this coming Tuesday, Veterans Day, that these Conflicts Must End!
That we, as a Country, must once again Lead by Diplomacy, Tough but Engaged, not throwing our morality away, as we have been, destroying others!
We must Engage the Regions Leaderships and the Regions Religious Leaderships of Iraq and Afghanistan to bring an end to both occupations, especially Iraq which never should have occurred!
But also Afghanistan, we've killed and maimed to many innocent Afghans, we've destroyed and not re-built enough of their already destroyed country, we are creating hatreds not friends and now that we've allowed it to spill over into Pakistan we are continuing in failed policies that are adding even more to the hatreds and numbers of enemies of us and the west!
We must join together with the World Community and place Terrorism where it belonged all along as a Criminal Act against Innocent People all over and not against the Governments these Terrorists are targeting!
Use the forces of Intelligence of as many countries that are willing to seek out and bring the criminal terrorist element to Justice, when need be combined military forces could be used, this is what should have happened long ago but especially after 9/11 when the whole world was more than willing to help, now most have their backs turned on us as we've lost so much of what we had built as a world leader!!
The new President, Barack Obama, was not brought into this job of the Countries President by a political parties leaders but by The People who rallied behind him, from the primaries to the Nov 8th National Election Day, and those people, Us, have to continue in what happens, for just one person and the administration nor the peoples representatives can bring about the "Change" that is so desperately needed now after these detructive years on so many fronts by themselves, we must stay engaged!
The focus, as it should be right now, will be first on the collapsing economy, collapsing because of a failed economic ideology and allowing some to do as they pleased in the economic circles of Wall Street, the Banks, and the Investment Firms etc..
But we also still have Tens Of Thousands of Military Troops engaged in War and Occupation in two Countries and their Tens Of Thousands of Family Members here at home, the Only Ones Sacrificing for this Country, Serving and those Waiting for their return!
I will add more on this at the bottom, with this lead in:
Nov 6 2008; WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service) – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has issued a Veterans Day message to those who now serve or have served in the armed forces.
Here is the text of the chairman’s message:
“When Armistice was declared on November 11, 1918, effectively ending World War I, over sixty-five million individuals had been mobilized for the “Great War” that resulted in almost nine million deaths and over twenty-one million wounded. In just a year and a half of operations, 126,000 Americans lost their lives on the muddy landscapes of Europe and in the icy depths of the North Atlantic. Such loss of life and limb is hard to fathom today.
“History has debunked the notion of a ‘War to End All Wars.’ And history has also proven that peace does not preserve itself. It requires millions of dedicated men and women – like you and your families – all working in unison toward what one memorial hails as ‘high idealism, courageous sacrifice, and gallant achievement.’
“Today, a new generation of veterans carries this torch. Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom have forged the most combat-hardened force in our nation’s history. Yet, no war is without its casualties. Whether seen – or unseen – the wounds of war last a lifetime, and so should our care.
“Our wounded veterans and their families deserve only the best medical care our nation can provide – care on par with the service and sacrifice these patriots have rendered. From the battlefield to regional hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to reintegration programs, our wounded, ill, and injured Service members and their families merit a continuum of care that lasts a lifetime.
“To all our veterans – past and present – and your families, the Joint Chiefs and I salute you and thank you for your service and your sacrifice. As we remember those who have gone before us, may we honor their service through ours.
M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy
There will be Veterans Day activities all over the country, from the small towns to the large cities, below are just some of the activities In Honor that Veterans For Peace along with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and of course Military Families will be a part of, many sponsored activities of Veterans For Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
VETERANS FOR PEACE SPONSORED EVENTS:
The following cities have Veterans Day events:
~~~~~~~~~~
Boston, MA
NAME OF EVENT: March to hear messages of peace and against suppression of our speech
LOCATION OF EVENT: Boston Common Beacon and Charles St. Boston
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We are excluded from marching with signs and cadences and will march behind the street sweepers with supporters behind us. At City Hall Plaza we will have a large presence and protest the City and American Legion suppressing messages of peace from veterans.
TIME: 12 PM
DATE: 11/11/08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 9 Smedley Butler Brigade
WEBSITE: Smedley Butler Brigade
~~~~~~~~~~
Chicago, IL
NAME OF EVENT: VFP/VVAW Combined Chicago Veterans' Day Ceremony
LOCATION OF EVENT: Chicago Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, North-West corner of Wacker & Wabash, Lower Level alongside Chicago River
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Ceremony begins with Folk Songs by Anna Stange, followed by speakers from IVAW, VFP and VVAW. At the end of the Ceremony, participants drop flowers into the Chicago River to remember the casualties of America's past wars. There may be a party/fundraiser for IVAW following the Ceremony, pending the availability of the National Vietnam Veterans' Art Museum, 1801 S. Indiana, Chicago, IL.
TIME: 11:00 A.M. Sharp tp 12:00 Noon
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
CONTACT INFORMATION: Ken Neilsen, info@chicagovfp.org; Mike Woloshin, mike71atkron86vfp26@hotmail.com, Bob Gronko, bobgronko@yahoo.com
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Cpl. Joseph E. Powers-Chicago Area Chapter 26
WEBSITE: Chicago VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Albany, NY
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Central Ave. & Ontario St., Albany, NY
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Annual City of Albany Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the Tri-County Council of Viet Nam Era Veterans. Our Chapter has been an official contingent in the parade for about 10 years.
TIME: 11:00 AM
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Tom Paine Chapter, #10
~~~~~~~~~~
Lebanon, TN
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Lebanon TN
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade in Lebanon TN 25 miles east of Nashville
TIME: 11:00
DATE: 11/11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 89 Middle TN
~~~~~~~~~~
Milwaukee, WI
NAME OF EVENT: Armistice Day Remembrance
LOCATION OF EVENT: Milwaukee City Hall
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Our event will take place on the Veterans Day Parade route for more visibility. Speakers and a ceremonial bell ringing and then we'll hand out informational packets to parade spectators. We will be joined by members of Peace Action Wisconsin and IVAW
TIME: 10AM-11AM
DATE: November 8, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 102
WEBSITE: Milwaukee VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Portland, ME
NAME OF EVENT: Portland Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Portland, Maine
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Standard parade - We have been the only "voice" for peace in the Portland parade for several years and have petitioned for a voice on the dais. No deal, so far.
DATE: November 11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 001
~~~~~~~~~~
Albany, OR
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans' Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Albany, Oregon
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Veterans for Peace, Chapter 132 will march in the annual Veterans' Day Parade in Albany, Oregon. We will be joined by supporters of VFP, and plan to distribute the VFP "Cost of War" cards along the route.
TIME: Parade starts at 11:00, form up by 10:00 am.
DATE: Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 132
WEBSITE: VFP Corvallis
~~~~~~~~~~
Manchester, NH
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Manchester, NH
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: NH VFP will march in the annual Veterans Day Parade where we will carry two banners - our plain black & white VFP logo and a larger black & white banner that states: "NH Veterans for Peace" and below that "Peace Is the Way."
The parade organizing group led by several American Legion posts has finally allowed us to have a speaker at the post-parade ceremonies in Veterans Park. His name is Will Hopkins, a NH Guardsman who served in Iraq for a year. He is a member of both VFP and IVAW.
TIME: Nov. 11/08 - Parade begins at 10:30 am.
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: AJ Muste Chapter - #062
~~~~~~~~~~
New York City, NY
NAME OF EVENT: New York City Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: New York City
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We will be marching again in the anual Veterans Day Parade in New York City along with our friends from VFP Chapters 34 & 60, along with members from VVAW, MFSO and IVAW.
DATE: 11-11-08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: VFP Chapter 24
~~~~~~~~~~
Long Island, NY
NAME OF EVENT: Healing Service for Returning Veterans
LOCATION OF EVENT: Old South Haven Presbyterian Church, Long Island, NY
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: A non-sectarian healing service for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in anticipation of Chapter 138's Peer Support Program.
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 138
~~~~~~~~~~
Los Angeles, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Ron Kovic Speaks at Arlington West Santa Monica
LOCATION OF EVENT: North side of Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Starting at AW SM there will be a procession of coffins up to the Santa Monica Veteran's Memorial at the Palisades Park where Ron Kovic and others will speak. Procession will then return to AW SM.
TIME: 10:00 AM
DATE: 11-11-08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 007 Los Angeles
WEBSITE: Arlington West Santa Monica CA
~~~~~~~~~~
Port Angeles, WA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Celebration
LOCATION OF EVENT: U.S. Coastguard Station, Ediz Hook, Port Angeles Washington
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP 139 will join with other veterans organizations and active Coast Guard to celebrate Veterans Day with music speeches and, in our case, antiwar statements.
TIME: 11:00 am
DATE: 11-11-08 Veterans Day
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: North Olympic Peninsula, Chapter 139
WEBSITE: NOP VFP
* There will also be showing on Public TV, Four veteran members will discuss their military experience and their evolution from soldiers to peace activists in VFP. Two female vets from the Iraq War and two Viet Nam War male vets will relate their activities to their collection of photos that will be shown as they talk.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hyannis, MA
NAME OF EVENT: Barnstable Soldiers Memorial Association - Veterans Day Parade and Program
LOCATION OF EVENT: Town Hall Parking Lot and Town Green, Hyannis, MA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Community Parade, Speeches and Wreath-Laying at
several memorials locationed in Hyannis
TIME: 9:30AM Form-Up, 10:00AM Start
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Cosponsored by VFP Cape Cod Chapter 041and other veterans groups
~~~~~~~~~~
San Francisco, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: The parade starts at 2nd & Market Streets at 11:00am Sunday, Nov 9, marches past civic center and the War Memorial Building where the Review Stand is located.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Veterans For Peace will once again participate in the Veterans Day Parade. We will march with our Agent Orange Banner: "Vietnam Veterans and Vietnamese People are Still Dying from Agent Orange. We will wear our AO colors, a VFP t-shirt that is orange with the same message on the back. We will also carry photo boards of Vietnamese people suffering from effetts of Agent Orange. We will be joined by many of the Vietnamese community here. This comes after our support of the Agent Orange Tour that is happening this week all over the SF Bay Area. We usually win a first or second place award in the San Francisco Parades.
TIME: 11am
DATE: November 9, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: San Francisco, Chapter 69
~~~~~~~~~~
Phoenix, AZ
NAME OF EVENT: VA Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Phoenix, AZ
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade has many entrants but only one peace organization. This is the Phoenix Chapter of VFP. We will march behind a flag draped coffin surrounded by boots representing the service people who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We are on probation this year. They are trying to find ways to get us out of the parade.
TIME: 11 AM
DATE: October 11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: VFP Chapter 75
WEBSITE: Veterans For Peace Phoenix
~~~~~~~~~~
San Diego, CA
NAME OF EVENT: San Diego Veterans Day events
LOCATION OF EVENT: Various, see details below.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: At 8 AM, the chapter will be setting up our now portable Arlington West Memorial (500 crosses and other religious symbols) at the grassy area in front of the USS Midway, now docked in downtown San Diego as a military museum. We will there all day and into the night reading the names of the fallen, with VFP, IVAW, VVAW, and MFSO banners, US and service flags, a tent, tabling and educational exhibits, and some small items for sale.
At 11 AM, the majority of SDVFP members will march in the annual San Diego Veterans Day parade along Pacific Highway. The theme this year is "Honor Korean War Veterans" and we will have a convertible with SDVFP banners for our honored Korean War veteran members (4-5) to ride in. We have been embraced and cheered by the parade spectators in previous parades, and we expect this year to be no different.
After the parade, at about 2 PM, we will proceed back to our Arlington West Memorial at the USS Midway for our monthly business meeting, which would have normally been on election day. We plan on conducting an outdoor business meeting surrounded by the crosses, banners and flags. At dark, there will be a candlelight vigil, and the Arlington West Memorial will be packed up for its next venue.
TIME: 8 AM, the chapter will be setting up our now portable Arlington West Memorial, 11 AM, the majority of SDVFP members will march in the annual San Diego Veterans Day parade along Pacific Highway, 2 PM, we will proceed back to our Arlington West Memorial at the USS Midway for our monthly business meeting
DATE: 11/11/08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter #91 - Hugh Thompson Memorial
WEBSITE: San Diego VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Minneapolis, MN
NAME OF EVENT: Armistice Day Bell Ringing
LOCATION OF EVENT: First Shot Cannon Memorial on State Capital Grounds St. Paul, Mn
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We will ring bells eleven times and read the names of Minnesota combat dead in Iraq and Afganistan commemorating Armistice Day.
TIME: 11:00 a.m.
DATE: 11/11/2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: chapter 27
~~~~~~~~~~
Greenfield, MA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Greenfield, MA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Along with IVAW we will start at Greenfield Middle School (195 Federal St. We call on all who can march with us. This may be the towns last parade.
TIME: 9:30am
DATE: 11/11/2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 95
~~~~~~~~~~
Long Beach, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Long Beach Ca. Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Long Beach, Ca.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP Members will be marching with IVAW, MFSO and other local Peace groups. Last year our groups were denied entrance and the incident got national adverse publicity and as a result this year we are in and invite family and friends to join us. Call or email for details.
TIME: 10:00AM
DATE: Sat. November 8 - 11/08/08
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: LA-Long Beach Harbor Area Chapter # 067
~~~~~~~~~~
Juneau, AK
NAME OF EVENT: Special Film Presentation
LOCATION OF EVENT: Silverbow Inn - Juneau, AK
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The Juneau, Alaska VFP Chapter is sponsoring a special public showing of the recent film "Soldiers of Conscience." The film will be preceded by a short message from Chapter President Phil Smith. In a related activity, on the evening before Veterans Day, Phil will host the film's co-producer on the Chapter's monthly radio show ("PeaceTalk") produced on KTOO-FM, the local public radio station (104.3 FM). The program is web-cast ( KTOO-FM ) for those interested.
TIME: 7:30:00 PM
DATE: 11/11/2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 100
WEBSITE: VFP Juneau
~~~~~~~~~~
Madison, WI
NAME OF EVENT: 3rd Memorial Mile - Chapter 25
LOCATION OF EVENT: Madison, WI.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Chapter 25 will install its 3rd Memorial Mile in Madison on November 8, running to November 15th. Location: Forest Hill Cemetery, Speedway Road, Madison. Installation starts at 9am on Nov. 8th. 4,800 tombstones. Special one-hour memorial program on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2pm.
TIME: 24 hours a day
DATE: Nov 8-15
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 25 (Clarence Kailin Chapter)
WEBSITE: Madison VFP
~~~~~~~~~~
Palm Springs, CA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Palm Springs CA
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP marches with a banner tha says: "Support the Troops. Bring Them Home"
TIME: 2:30 PM start up
DATE: Tuesday November 11
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Jon Castro Chapter 19
WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 19
~~~~~~~~~~
Auburn, WA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Auburn, Wa.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade w/ chapter 92 and other Western WA chapters
TIME: 11AM
DATE: Nov. 8, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: City of Auburn, WA. / contingent of Greater Seattle, Chapter 92
WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 92
~~~~~~~~~~
Pittsburgh, PA
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade
LOCATION OF EVENT: Allegheny County/Pittsburgh Pa.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The ususal shassay done main street featuring Veterans organizations from throughout Western Pa. Bands, Banners, etc.
TIME: nine until post parade festivites are done.
DATE: Nov. 11th 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 047 Southwestern Pa.
~~~~~~~~~~
Miami, FL
NAME OF EVENT: Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: For the fourth consecutive year, the South Florida Veterans For Peace Chapter will march in the Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade alongside the American Legion Post 85, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3559 and the Miami Special Forces Veterans Group.
The parade kickoff is from 17th Street and Washington Avenue. We will march to the cenopath at the old City Hall on 11th and Washington.
TIME: 9:00am
DATE: Tuesday 11 November 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Alexander S. Arredondo Chapter, South Florida
~~~~~~~~~~
Evansville, IN
NAME OF EVENT: Remembering Iraq War Dead
LOCATION OF EVENT: Four Freedoms Monument
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The VFP Chapter 104, Evansville, IN will assemble at the Four Freedoms Monument to read the names of Service Men and Women killed in Iraq.
TIME: 11:00 AM Central Standard Time
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 104, Evansville, IN
WEBSITE: VFP Evansville
~~~~~~~~~~
Ann Arbor, MI
NAME OF EVENT: Arlington Michigan Display
LOCATION OF EVENT: Veterans Park, Corner of Jackson and Maple, Ann Arbor, MI
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Display of one cross for every Michigan soldier killed in Iraq. Veterans Day peace reading at 11am.
TIME: 9am to 6pm
DATE: November 11, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 93
WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 93
~~~~~~~~~~
Rochester, NY
NAME OF EVENT: Veterans' Day Peace Observance and Ceremony
LOCATION OF EVENT: Washington Square Park, Rochester, NY and First Universalist Church
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: At the park, there will be a reading of names and sharing stories of war dead.
The program will then move into the church, where the ceremony will continue with reflections by local veterans. There will be tabling by VFP and IVAW and a buffet served by "Food Not Bombs."
TIME: 3:00pm
DATE: Nov. 9, 2008
SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: many peace groups in Rochester, including VFP, Chapter 23
~~~~~~~~~~
Join in or Observe those Veterans Day Activities near you. But let it be know that these two conflicts are right along side of the economic disaster or directly below as to Importance.
Send the message, if you haven't been already, starting this coming Tuesday, Veterans Day, that these Conflicts Must End!
That we, as a Country, must once again Lead by Diplomacy, Tough but Engaged, not throwing our morality away, as we have been, destroying others!
We must Engage the Regions Leaderships and the Regions Religious Leaderships of Iraq and Afghanistan to bring an end to both occupations, especially Iraq which never should have occurred!
But also Afghanistan, we've killed and maimed to many innocent Afghans, we've destroyed and not re-built enough of their already destroyed country, we are creating hatreds not friends and now that we've allowed it to spill over into Pakistan we are continuing in failed policies that are adding even more to the hatreds and numbers of enemies of us and the west!
We must join together with the World Community and place Terrorism where it belonged all along as a Criminal Act against Innocent People all over and not against the Governments these Terrorists are targeting!
Use the forces of Intelligence of as many countries that are willing to seek out and bring the criminal terrorist element to Justice, when need be combined military forces could be used, this is what should have happened long ago but especially after 9/11 when the whole world was more than willing to help, now most have their backs turned on us as we've lost so much of what we had built as a world leader!!
Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 19
Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (RET)
David Leonard
Liberty Project Coordinator, The Salvation Army
After being medically retired from the Army, Iraq veteran Kevin Randolph and his family are without options. They move to a transitional housing facility, and Kevin must enter one of the worst job markets in recent history to support his wife and their new baby.
Originally aired on November 5th, 2008
Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (Ret.) Kevin Randolph joined the service straight out of high school. In 2003, he started in the Air Force and in 2005 switched to Army. He deployed to Iraq out of Fort Drum, New York in 2006. Six months into his deployment Kevin was hit with an IED, which broke his fibulae, tore his meniscus and did a lot of irreparable damage to his knee and leg. Since returning stateside, the 23-year-old vet received a disability discharge and was forced to move his family off of base, and move back into the civilian world with no job and only $1,000 per month from the Army. Like many vets, Kevin has struggled with reintegrating. Now, he and his wife Elise and their new baby Zeppelin live in a transitional housing facility in San Antonio, while Kevin awaits his VA benefits and looks for employment in an unraveling job market.
Elise Randolph
Elise met Kevin shortly after he returned from Iraq, and it wasn't long before they were married and had baby Zeppelin on the way. Without any other options, the young family moved into Operation Homefront Village in San Antonio, where they currently reside. There, Elise is able to get financial help with buying diapers and other baby needs, while Kevin tries to find a job. Now the stakes are higher. Elise recently found out she's pregnant again, which means she'll have two babies to care for with an unclear financial future. Once Kevin gets his VA benefits, they have to leave Operation Homefront, whether Kevin has a job or not.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Extra Golden sing "Obama"
KEXP, November 5, 2008 - Extra Golden is a unique band made even more so by its connection to Barack Obama. In 2006 the President-Elect and his office made it possible for the group's Kenyan members to obtain visas to play in the U.S., and in gratitude they wrote the song "Obama". The lyrics are, "Thanks for the things you did, and thank your Mother too." Per Nigerian tradition, the song also thanks Michelle Obama.
Extra Golden is a true collaboration of American and Kenyan musicians who play an original blend of Kenyan benga (the popular guitar-based style, performed by the Luo people of Western Kenya) and American rock.
Since the dramatic events in the band's lives — including the tragic death of original singer and guitarist Otieno Jagwasi — Extra Golden came back after its debut album to record Hera Ma Nono. The group toured the U.S. this summer, and was primed to play in the KEXP studios when it arrived in June.
Times have been difficult in Kenya, following the controversial election at the end of 2007 and the violence that followed. In their interview with KEXP, the band talked about the hard times that followed, as well as how they might be received with their original music back in Kenya. Extra Golden seemed happy to be touring across the U.S. and Canada this summer, as well as through the U.K. and Europe following this in-studio performance.
Originally recorded June 25, 2008 for both "Wo-Pop" and "The Best Ambiance."
Listen to the previous Favorite Session, or see Our Full Archive.
This story originally ran on July 29, 2008
Click here to download, Free, Extra Golden's live performance of 'Obama'.
Meet "Obama's Mama's Uncle"
Jon Payne, Barack Obama's great uncle, watched the election coverage with great anticipation. He was particularly moved when he heard the acceptance speech.
Obama's great uncle talks
Payne is Obama's Mama's uncle he has the t-shirt to prove it and the pictures. Some of his family pictures were taken when Obama was 12-years-old, playing darts with his mother at a family gathering.
The KVOA Video Report
And what does Jon's nephew have in mind on taking office, well growth As we who grew up doing the time of what made this Country the Envy of the World, when we were Really 'Number One'. Lets revisit one of the reasons why:
The Quarter-Century Right After World War II
In the generation before Ronald Reagan’s 1980 election, Ike might point out, America’s top tax rate on the rich never dropped below 70 percent. The rich grumbled, but they survived.
Average Americans, in the meantime, didn’t just survive those tax-the-rich years. They prospered. In the quarter-century right after World War II, America’s typical family income more than doubled, and that’s after taking inflation into account.
Over the last quarter-century, by contrast, average Americans have progressed nowhere fast. Wages today, after inflation, are actually running less than wages in the early 1970s.
He's got alot of work, but it can be accomplished with our help, so get busy!!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Back From The Lion’s Den
How did a group of female support soldiers-mechanics, supply clerks and engineers-end up fighting alongside the Marines in some of the bloodiest counterinsurgency battles of the Iraq war? Find out in Lioness, a film about female combat veterans.
In the new PBS documentary "Lioness," Specialist Shannon Morgan, a brawny, tattooed Army vet, conveys the anguish of post-traumatic stress disorder in one simple line. In the woods of her native Arkansas, she sits with a rifle in one hand. On the brink of tears, sounding half like a warrior and half like a lonely young girl, she recounts the fire fight in Iraq that probably should've killed her. "I really wish," she says, "I had lost my mind."
Lioness: A Room 11 Productions Film
Trailer in Quicktime Player, also can be viewd at site link directly above.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Broadcast on Thirteen/WNET
New York City
9:30 pm
Friday, November 7, 2008
Asheville Film Festival
Fine Arts Theater 4 pm
Thursday, November 13, 2008
National broadcast on Independent Lens, PBS - 9 pm
Saturday, November 15, 2008
International Film Festival of Peace and Human Rights
Valencia, Spain
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival
American Museum of Natural History
New York, NY
4 pm
Monday, April 13, 2009
Images Cinema
Williamstown, MA
"Change Has Come to America"
"what Sarah Palin might call "real Americans""
Sarah, you've got Way too much to Learn, Especially about what "Real America" is All About, and so do your supporters!
FULL TEXT:
PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.>
Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
AMERICA: We're Taking It Back; Biggest Voter Turnout In 90 Years
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Contrast: America
If McCain Wins, Obama Supporters Predict . . .
At an Obama rally in Columbus, Ohio, ANP asked Obama supporters how they would feel if they wake up on November 5th to find that John McCain has won the election. Produced with Patricia Foulkrod, director of The Ground Truth.
If Obama Wins . . . Conservatives Panicked, Pessimistic
At a Halloween-day rally for John McCain in Columbus, Ohio, ANP asked McCain supporters a simple question: If Barack Obama is elected president, what will it say about America? One woman, who claims that Obama wants to change the flag and the national anthem, demonstrates the lasting power of a debunked anti-Obama chain e-mail. Produced in collaboration with Patricia Foulkrod, director of The Ground Truth.
Birmingham Foot Soldiers See New Movement
On the eve of the 2008 presidential election people in Birmingham are celebrating the historic presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama. For many of them a new movement is taking place as a result of the 60's Civil Rights movement.
In Birmingham, Obama's run is more than just politics
On the night before Tuesday's historic presidential election, city leaders here summoned voters to the scene of one of the most appalling events of the civil rights movement.
From the pulpit of the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four young girls were killed in a 1963 bombing, speakers Monday night urged the mostly black crowd to make sure they vote.
It was a familiar appeal from a familiar venue.
Decision '08
Watch the 2008 presidential results roll in
Get real-time election results on Nov. 4! Watch the electoral vote count and the congressional balance of power with the national U.S. map or choose a state and see how individual counties are voting. As soon as either McCain or Obama is declared the winner, you’ll know!
Get real-time election results on Nov. 4! Watch the electoral vote count and the congressional balance of power with the national U.S. map or choose a state and see how individual counties are voting. As soon as either McCain or Obama is declared the winner, you’ll know!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Coming Home - 60minutes Sunday 11-02-08
60 Minutes Report Also Examines Costs Borne By Employers Of Deployed Citizen Soldiers
Coming Home
Citizen soldiers returning from active military duty are entitled by law to get back their old jobs or at least the same salaries, but many are still having trouble. Leslie Stahl reports.
With the Pentagon relying so heavily on the National Guard and Reserve to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan - 650,000 have been called for active duty since 9/11 - the least you'd expect is that after they serve, they get their old civilian jobs back.
There's a law, called USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act), that says their employers have to take them back at the same pay.
But what 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl found is that despite the law, thousands of guards and reservists come home to find themselves demoted or penalized, or out of a job completely.
Digg It Here
Instructions for Protecting the Count
Black Box Voting was asked by YouTube to prepare an easy to follow public education program for Protecting the Count on ELECTION NIGHT and the days that follow. We collaborated with Videothevote.org and Election Defense Alliance. YouTube has created a Channel called Video Your Vote. The Black Box Voting Protect the Count series contains important information and several video clips never before made public.
Please distribute immediately and as widely as you can. EASY INSTRUCTIONS: View the videos that best fit your location.
1. Protect the Count - most locations in America(4 min)
Takes 90 minutes on Election Night. You can even go out after polls have closed. Please also view video # 3, because it shows what to look for to identify tampered poll tapes and the kinds of small errors on tapes that can appear with memory card tampering. Upload any video you take to Video the Vote - Post link or comments for what you found in the state and jurisdiction at Black Box Voting
2. Protect the Count - Absentee / Central Count (8 min)
(Applies to 13 states with CENTRALLY COUNTED ballots and/or HEAVY ABSENTEE VOTING)
These are the most challenging Protect the Count locations.
3. Protect the Count - New England / New Hampshire(5 min)
If you live anywhere in New England and can drive to any voting machine location in New Hampshire to observe and video poll closing, please do so. If you live anywhere in America that has polling place results tapes, please look at this video to see what tampered tapes look like.
Contact Protect the Count - New Hampshire organizers at Protect the Vote-New Hampshire
You can view the list for which New Hampshire locations use voting machines here: BBV Forums.org
4. Protect the Count - New York (9 min)
New Yorkers are probably in the best shape for Election 2008, but not for long. This shows the details of how the counting of the lever machines proceeds after polls close, and gives you the details of the fight New Yorkers will have on your hands in 2009.
Bev signs off with this:
I'm counting on you to be as proactive as possible to fight for your voting rights. The actions in the Protect the Count series are self-serve, simple to do, and designed for just grabbing a neighbor or a buddy and taking action. Don't worry about blanketing every area or organizing the whole state. Just pick a place and DO it. I guarantee it will be a fascinating and important experience, and could provide THE crucial evidence in the very undesirable event that the election turns out not to be fair.
Bev Harris
Founder - Black Box Voting
Hope this is helpfull to some and educational to many, from viewing the video's the numbers are below a thousand showing that many haven't watched yet. You can visit here: Protecting the Count to see the E Bev sent out with the direct links to the YouTube video's etc. that you can than visit anytime.
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