Guest Post: Cindy Sheehan on "The War Party and its Faux-gressive Minions"

[Cindy Sheehan is a well-know peace activist and mother who lost her son in the U.S. attack and occupation of Iraq. Her commentary below is from her essay published yesterday on Facebook. The photo shows Cindy and Lansing activist Chris Singer at the Cranbrook 2007 Peace Lecture in Detroit, Nov. 18, 2007.-- RTR]

By Cindy Sheehan

For years now, I have been writing about the duplicity of the Democrats and the shocking similarity between the two parties when it comes to the use of state-sanctioned terrorism against innocent populations.

This past week, after the betrayal of every American who elected Democrats to end the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, I am wondering if there is anyone still in this nation who thinks that there’s any significant difference between the war ideologies of Democrats and Republicans.

I know many faux-gressive entities on the “left” whose silence on this matter is so loud it’s hurting my eardrums. Where was MoveOn.org over these past few weeks when the Dems were bludgeoning their caucus to vote “Aye” to extend the war crimes in the Middle East? Where were Markos Moulitsas (Daily Kos) and his bloggers that day? The day the funding bill passed, I wandered over to The Daily Kos and saw that it was all a-twitter about Senator Ensign (R) having an extra-marital affair. Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Harry Reid may, or may not, be loyal spouses, but their calumny will kill, maim, torture or displace thousands of people over the next 4-8 years. I am not so interested in what happens in bedrooms as what happens in Democratic war zones.

Faux-gressives MoveOn.org and The Daily Kos supported me, and my work, as long as it solely focused on the Bush regime and the Republicans. However, when I had a late in life epiphany and figured out that the Democrats were abusing the energy of the anti-war movement to regain power, and I started to speak out against the entire War Party, not just one-half of it, I was kicked off blogging for The Daily Kos and ostracized by the fully co-opted MoveOn.org. Nathan Diebenow of the Lonestar Iconoclast then accused me of “alienating” my friends, to add insult to injury.

I think that I have unfortunately been vindicated by almost every single action that the Democratic Party has taken since 2006 when impeachment was taken “off the table,” but “blank-check” war funding was served up to the Military Industrial Complex on a bloody platter dripping with the flesh and blood of real human beings.

Our politicians have no integrity partly because the organizations in the movements that have the largest emailing lists have no integrity. Wars that were wrong under Bush become acceptable under Obama and the stain of torture fades into the woodwork or is hidden from sight like a demented relation because a Senator has an affair. As I understand it, MoveOn.org was founded to oppose the impeachment of Bill Clinton for the same thing Ensign did…now the gatekeepers of the War Party are going to crucify Ensign to distract their subscribers from real issues?

MoveOn.org sent this out in April 2008 in a fundraising email to its 5 million person list: No matter what happens in Iraq, the Bush Administration and John McCain always have the same answer: 6 more months. They're at it again this week, asking for six more months. But six months won't change anything—except the body count and the price tag.

They were not talking about the Democratic war funding this week. Apparently it’s fine to fund wars if we have a Democratic Despotism, but dangerous for our troops if we have a Republican Regime.

Hey MoveOn.org: ComeBack.org. Come back from the dark side of partisan politics. You look like Move America Forward, now:( a reich-wing organization that irrationally and blindly supports Republicans and unquestioningly supported BushCo). CODEPINK supported Barack Obama, but at least CODEPINK is over in Gaza trying to call attention to that crime, while MoveOn.org ignores the situation and most of the bloggers at The Daily Kos just like to sit behind their computer screens and snarkily criticize anyone who is actually on the streets doing the work.

What Pelosi and her Wrecking Crew did last week was disgraceful, but it’s shameful that people who opposed the exact same policies under BushCo support the same crimes of ObamaCo.

-- by Cindy Sheehan

NorthStar Center's Saturday Focus: Starbucks' Union Busting

The NorthStar Center in Lansing, Michigan continues its impressive programming schedule tomorrow, Saturday, February 21, by hosting two union organizers from the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) who have experienced direct retribution from supposedly-progressive Starbucks Coffee Company, which continues to have its union-busting activities exposed.  

Cole Dorsey of Grand Rapids and and Erik Forman from Minnesota will be speaking at the NorthStar Center, 106 Lathrup Street, in Lansing, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009.  Both will be discussing Starbucks' anti-union tactics and the on-going legal battles between the company and the I.W.W. in the U.S. and across the globe.

Dorsey is the barista that was fired for his union organizing activities in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.  It's a fascinating story.  I interviewed him last year and video is presented below.  It will be very interesting tomorrow when Dorsey provides an update on his case against Starbucks.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

RTR's 2008 Interview with Cole Dorsey

Grand Rapids Union Organizer Fired by Starbucks

     

You Are There: The Virtual UFPJ 4th General Assembly

One week ago, the 4th General Assembly of United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), the largest coalition of peace and justice groups in America, was wrapped up in Chicago. Key action plans for the beginning months of 2009 were approved by the coalition. It also approved an impressive unity statement and strategic framework, as well as electing members of its national steering committee.

The UJPF has now published all of the finalized documents on its web site. Peace communities around the country should note the call for local actions on the Iraq 6th Anniversary on March 19, 2009, focusing attention on the cost of the U.S. military occupations and wars. The anniversary actions in March will kick off a countdown to a massive national mobilization in New York City on April 9, 2009, the anniversary of MLK's "Beyond Vietnam" speech and his assassination a year after the speech.

Get your buses ready -- and lots of 'em -- for a trip to the Big Apple to send a "Peace Now!" message to the new president and the Democratic Congress.

If you were not able to attend the UFPJ national assembly last weekend, I recorded most of the speakers and two panel discussions during the three-day assembly. (I did not record the breakout sessions or delegation debates and discussions.)

Below are links to the video recordings, which can provide a virtual feeling of being there in person (without the travel expense). Also, as an added bonus, I interviewed a few activists whom I caught on the final day of the assembly. Check them out; you won't be disappointed.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

You Are There: The Virtual UFPJ 4th National Assembly

Friday, December 12, 2008

Report from the National Director Leslie Cagan

Speech by George Paz Martin, Milwaukee Coalition for a Just Peace and UFPJ Co-Chair

Panel Discussion "Yes We Can: End the War!"

Tom Hayden, Activist and Author, ENDING THE WAR IN IRAQ

William McNary, President of USAction

Antonia Juhasz, Activist and Author, THE TYRANNY OF OIL

See Friday photos here.

__________________________________

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Panel Discussion "U.S. Foreign Policy: Next Steps in Building a New Internationalism:

Salam Talib of Iraq

Christine Jones of Canada (Canadian Peace Coalition)

Reiner Braun of Germany
Video is coming soon.

Ali Abunimah of Palestine

See Saturday photos here.

_________________________________

Sunday, December 14, 2008

"Voices of Peace" Interviews

Leslie Cagan, UFPJ National Director

Michael McPhearson, Veterans for Peace and UFPJ Co-Chair

Steve Burns, Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice

Medea Benjamin, CodePink

Debra Sweet, World Can't Wait

See Sunday photos here.

Interview: Peace Activist Leslie Cagan

Leslie Cagan was a co-founder and the national director of United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), America's largest peace coalition, since 2002. While she plans to stay active in the peace movement, Leslie (pictured at right) is stepping out of her national role with UFPJ. The organization has the tall order of filling her shoes and is searching for a new national director.

On the first night of the 4th General Assembly of the UFPJ in Chicago last Friday, I had camped out at a front row table hoping to get some good shots of the opening night speakers. A very nice woman, her partner, and her mother sat next to me. Then author/activist/policy analyst Phyllis Bennis and others joined the table. Later, author/activist/policy analyst Tom Hayden sat next to me. It turns out, the nice lady sitting next to me was Leslie, UFPJ national director, whom I had never met before. She, Bennis, and Hayden were some of the speakers for the evening.

Showing true love and appreciation, a number of people shared hugs with Leslie. Throughout she verbalized the notion that she was not "retiring," explaining she was moving on to new challenges. Later, the capacity crowd gave Leslie a warm standing ovation in recognition of her significant contributions to UFPJ.

On the last day of the assembly, I caught up with Leslie to get her views on the new challenges facing the peace movement in 2009, including the prospect of working with a new administration in the White House. The interview is posted below.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Standing Ovation for Leslie Cagan

_________________________________

Interview with Leslie Cagan,

Out-Going National Director of UFPJ

GLNAWI's 2008 Holiday Potluck

I got home from Obamatown late yesterday only to find that my Internet connection was down. So tonight, in trying to make up lost time, I'm literally running three computers downloading photos, uploading video, and rendering video. I am hoping to roll out various videos as the week progresses. Peace activists shouldn't miss the powerful speeches given over the weekend at 4th General Assembly of United for Peace and Justice.

None of this, however, stopped me from heading over to the U.U. Church tonight for the holiday potluck with the Greater Lansing Network Against War and Injustice (GLNAWI). About 30 people brought a variety of dishes to pass, including some Bell's Pizza, which brought back some good college memories. Everything was delicious. Somehow I missed dessert dishes, though, as I was up shooting some pictures.

In the spirit of the holiday, everyone signed cards to various prisoners of conscience around the globe. We also signed holiday cards to be sent to some of our members of Congress and President-elect Obama.

For those of you living and working in the Greater Lansing area, the annual holiday peace photo will be taken this Friday, December 19, 2008, during the noon hour in front of the Michigan Capitol Building. Come join us for the photo shoot. The picture will be included in the holiday cards to Congress and Obama.

To see the photos from the potluck click here.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

GLNAWI Group Photo
at the 2008 Holiday Potluck

UFPJ National Assembly: Late Day Report

CHICAGO - The peace work is humming along at the 4th National Assembly of United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), the expansive coalition of U.S. peace and justice organizations.

Today has been the first full day of planning for the coming new year and the coming new presidential administration. Organizational reps from all over the country have converged on Obamatown to review and reaffirm its unity statement, to establish a strategic plan, and to focus on specific actions for 2009. This is a tall order for the more than 200 voting delegates.

The assembly officially kicked off the weekend Friday night with a dinner event followed by a panel discussion featuring activists Tom Hayden, William McNary, and Antonia Juhasz. The speakers -- including UFPJ organizers -- clearly reflected the prevalent attitude in the crowd: The peace organizers were feeling good about the results of U.S. elections and nation's repudiation of the Bush-Cheney policies. Even though the peace movement here recognized their big contribution to affecting the national mood, the attitude was far from gloating. There remains in the sound in people's voices the determination -- and yes, some wariness -- in recognizing the struggle for peace continues. Everyone here knows that the changeover in the White House is the beginning of a new stage in challenging U.S. militarism around the globe and economic inequities at home.

The feel-good mood, and determination, carried over to today. At this point, we are well into the tenth hour of working on the nuts-and-bolts organizing business that keeps the UFPJ coalition moving forward. Still, I don't see any diminishing of the delegate crowd at the conference hall. The delegates agreed earlier by consensus on a slightly revised unity statement for the national organization. By lunchtime, the group agreed by consensus on a detailed strategic framework which establishes priorities. Throughout the process, facilitators moved the discussion along, allowing input to the various documents and ensuring concerns were addressed.

This afternoon has focused on specific actions and the UFPJ structure. The elections for the national steering committee is in process now, as well. The decisions on action items and steering committee voting will continue into tomorrow.

I am saving you the details about the many of the assembly's decisions for the moment. The finalized documents -- unity statement and strategic framework -- will be posted on the web by UFPJ after the assembly. Additional work on Sunday will add to the details.

For the delegates here, this long day is still not over. But, hey, who said peace work -- especially peace organizing -- was easy?

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Al Fishman of Detroit Addresses
the Topic of UFPJ's Strategic Framework

Friday Photos from UFPJ 4th National Assembly

The national peace coalition, United for Peace and Justice, kicked off its 4th National Assembly in Chicago on Friday night in Chicago. Photos from the formal opening of the Assembly are shown below.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

UFPJ Opens 4th National Assembly

Vimeo in the Night: Peace Art & Activism by Favianna Rodriguez

Apparently there can be some advantages to waking up in the middle of the night. Clicking around Facebook led me to new video postings by activist-artist extraordinaire Favianna Rodriguez. She just recently posted some video collaborations with Reed Rickert and Geraldine Lozano on Vimeo.com.

Below is a high-energy video montage of Faviana's recent work in Mexico with a 14-artist delegation at the Festival Internacional de los Nuevos Vientos.

This past spring, Favianna was an artist-in-residence at Michigan State University. You can read about some of her experience in mid-Michigan here.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Festival Internacional de los Nuevos Vientos from Favianna Rodriguez on Vimeo.

Bill Ayers: Movement Building in Troubled Times

Bill Ayers is a former leader of the Students for a Deomcratic Society (SDS) and the Weather Underground. He is currently a professor of Education and a Senior University Scholar at the University of Illinois. Ayers's speech was titled "Trudge Toward Freedom: Movement Building in Troubled Times." The event took place November 30, 2007, at Michigan State University as part of the MSU-SDS Reunion and Campus Re-Convergence honoring Bert Garskof.

Alan Habor's Speech at the MSU SDS Reunion & Re-Convergence

Alan Habor was the first SDS president in 1960. He currently lives in the Ann Arbor area and remains active in the Michigan peace community. I've worked with Alan on the Michigan Peace Network in the past. The event took place November 30, 2007, at Michigan State University as part of the MSU-SDS Reunion and Campus Re-Convergence honoring Bert Garskof. Here is Alan's speech titled "A Winning Plan":

Alan Habor's Speech at the MSU SDS Reunion & Re-Convergence

Alan Habor was the first SDS president in 1960. He is still a peace activist here in Michigan. Alan lives in Ann Arbor and I have worked with him on the Michigan Peace Network in the past. Here is his speech:

The Radical Reunion Won't Be Televised

The television and movie writers are still on strike. I won’t cross the picket line. I fully support collective bargaining and hope the Writers Guild drives a hard bargain.

In observing the Writers Guild walk out from afar, I relish in the opportunity to see the faces of the people who write the drivel that ends up being broadcast on television or shown on the big screen. Too many times I have muttered to the screen, “Who writes this sh*t?” A number of times I have felt robbed of two hours of my life watching some stupid, worthless movie. (Remember the movie, “Mrs. King Kong”?) So now there they are – those usually-faceless script and screenplay writers – appearing on the evening news walking the picket line and pictured on the Internet.

I’ve been slowly divorcing myself from television over the past few years, progressing from the 100+ channels on cable to your bare-bones basic package today. The chance of catching worthwhile programming is the same with either package...and the same with or without a strike.

But who needs television? The good sh*t is out on the streets, where truth and reality roam and where concerned citizens struggle to write (and right) history.

Two weeks ago, for example, the Super Bowl of Activism happened in the Lansing Area. On Wednesday, November 14th, citizen activists had the choice of meeting and interacting with Anna Beltzer, Rev. Edward Pinkney, or Adrian Campbell. Also, the new Peace Over Prejudice Campaign at Michigan State University (MSU) held a panel discussion on “Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.” And I believe Everybody Reads Bookstore was hosting a guest author that night.

If you sat home watching TV on November 14th, you’ve got to check yourself.

Tomorrow’s another big day, too, for citizen activists. The MSU Student for a Democratic Society (SDS) is holding a “reunion” in East Lansing, Michigan. SDS radicals Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn are scheduled to attend, along with former MSU professor Bert Garskof. The original SDS president, Alan Haber, will appear too. There will be some Big-Time Radical History packed into Kedzie Hall tomorrow at 7 p.m. (Nov. 30, 2007).

(Ayers and Dohrn were featured in the movie, “The Weather Underground,” at the Peace Education Center’s movie night earlier this year at Magdalena’s Tea House.)

Of course, these radicals – and their local cohorts, young and old – plan to revisit their old pals at the East Lansing Marine Recruiting Station on Grand River earlier in the day at 2 p.m.

The evening event should be electric, too. If you know your SDS and Weatherman history, you will know that the SDS had a serious riff within the organization way back when. And both sides of that riff will be on hand tomorrow, I’m sure. I’ve already heard first-hand grumblings from former SDS activists who live here in town and, apparently, there are issues that still need closure. I won’t miss it.

So cut off the TV, grab your family and friends, and let’s all meet in East Lansing to write some more history.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Note: Stop back tomorrow and Saturday for more reports, pictures, and videos.