Blasphemy...

I hope most people who really know me are aware I feel I have close personal relationship with my God.  I say "my" God because sometimes when I hear others describe what "their" God demands from us, I do not recognize "their" God.  My God loves ALL of His children... like any good parent, He provides love, sustenance, guidance, rules, and natural consequences.  Some of His children do not listen to Him, do not follow His teachings, and basically just do their own thing.  I think any parent can relate to that...

I believe, as a loving parent, God does not wish harm upon any of His children.  He may be disappointed in our behaviors, hurt when we do not listen to Him as He tries to talk to us, and angry when we fight with our siblings (His other children).

I believe God has told us not to judge one another-- it is His responsibility to deal with our misbehaviors and poor choices.  I am not referring to the judicial system of punishment, but the spiritual kind.  Who are we to decide which one of His children are not true followers of God?  

I do not pretend to be a Biblical scholar... I more or less follow the basics of His Word.  I will even admit publicly I question the true accuracy of the Bible.  (Hold on, I'm waiting to be struck by lightening... wait for it... wait for it... hmmm... okay, I'm still here, so I'll continue...)  Why do I doubt the accuracy of the teachings of the Bible?  Because over the past thousands of years, it has been rewritten and translated multiple times by imperfect children of God who have had their own bias and opinions.  And I don't think any rational human being can state with all certainty these representatives of God are without imperfections.   All we have to do is look at society's current population of God's "chosen leaders" to see they are as vulnerable to sin and mistakes as you and I.

But I do believe in my heart that God has certain expectations from us...

• LOVE GOD... which means respect Him and obey Him... I personally do not need the Bible or a church representative to tell me what He wants... it's mostly common sense, don't you think?  The Bible and my pastor are loving guides for me, but when it comes right down to it, God directly tells me what He wants me to do.  I don't need an interpreter...
• LOVE ONE ANOTHER... that doesn't mean we get to pick and choose which children we get to love.  Cliques are so junior high, don't you think??  We are to love His children of color, His children who have challenges, His children who live in different countries (or states, if you are an Idahoan who has a particular animosity toward Californians!), His children who know Him by different names, His children who live in ways which are unlike the way you are living... I do not believe He has a clause that tells us to love all of His children except X, Y, and Z.
• DO UNTO OTHERS as you shall have them do unto you... that really shouldn't be that difficult.  Do you want affordable health care?  So do others.  Do you want to be able to work at a safe job and be fairly compensated for your labor?  So do others.  Do you want your family and children to live in a safe neighborhood?  So do others.  Do you want the freedom to worship (OR NOT) in accordance to your personal beliefs?  So do others.  Do you want to have the freedom to marry the partner of your choice?  So do others.  And so on.  It isn't rocket surgery... it's common sense.  And God expects it of us.

So why this rant?  Because I am tired of being embarrassed by certain fellow "Christians".  Those who thrive on hate and foster it in others.  Those who use fear and intimidation to force others to stay silent in the face of evil, to use religion to divide us into "them" and "us", and to claim use God as a reason to be cruel and hurtful to our brothers and sisters.  Most don't see how their actions scream "hypocrisy" to others.

The final straw is a "joke" that is going around on Facebook.  I know my friends who are posting it strive to follow God's teachings.  I just don't understand how they can justify, even as a JOKE, a prayer to our Lord asking for the death of another one of His children.  I don't see them joking about abortions or molesting young children... but somehow they've justified this in their souls.  I can't picture one of my friends joking to their own children to murder a classmate who he/she doesn't like... because they know that would be wrong.  How is this different?

I would like to ignore it and just pass it off as another example of ignorance.  But I can't.  I don't intend to offend or insult people who I really do like and care about, but I feel that God expects me... no, He DEMANDS me to speak up and say:

"Enough is enough, do not let them use My name in such a manner, do not let them abuse My will to amuse one another, do not let them disrespect My power."

No, I don't hear "voices"... but I do feel God speaks to me.  It is His voice which gives me strength and guidance.  And it is His voice which is telling me to not let this occur without defending His name.

It is not funny, people.  It is blasphemy.  And it needs to stop.  

[I can picture my Agnostic and Atheist friends using this as yet another example of how hypocritical "Christians" are... they don't need God to tell them that wanting someone to die, even in jest, is just WRONG.]

Reason #1969 to vote "NO" for McCain

We do NOT need a third Bush term!!

We do not need more LIES!

We do not need more WAR!

We need the TRUTH!

We need HONESTY!

We need to say ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

END THE WAR... NOW!!!

Vote OBAMA!

Why the waving of the flag doesn't impress me anymore...

It breaks my heart... I feel like I'm letting down people who I respect and admire deeply... but I can't stand the hypocrisy anymore...

"Support the troops" means "sacrifice more Americans"...
"God is on our side" means "I don't care if the government lied..."
"Look, I am wearing a flag pin!" means "I don't have to do anything else!"
"I'm a Republican" means "My head is up my tailpipe and I don't have to pay attention!"

Is anybody paying attention??? Idahoans don't seem to give a rat's ass about our Congressmen and how they FAIL to support our veterans...

Good grief, Senator Larry Craig (formerly Chair of Veterans Affairs) was given consistently FAILING grades by various veterans' associations for the past ten years... did anybody notice?? NO! As long as he was a Republican, Idaho trusted him... as offensive as his betrayal to our veterans should have been, people supported him... until he started playing footsie in a mens' restroom!

And now... their President who shall only be spoken of in reverent tones (or one shall be not "supporting our troops" or is "unAmerican") has committed yet another betrayal to the men and women who are risking their lives for his war...

During the State of the Union, to thunderous applause, Bush fed out more BS to America by stating that:

"Our military families serve our nation,
they inspire our nation,
and tonight our nation honors them."

That would be wonderful... IF HE ACTUALLY MEANT IT!!

He said that in reference to his proposal to allow our military men and women the ability to transfer their unused educational benefits to their family members.

Does anybody care that he neglected to include it in the budget he sent to Congress? How about a press conference where he can explain this to America, okay?? (He can add it to his explanation of all of the lies, where is bin Laden, and how does he define "Mission Accomplished" today.)

May I suggest that you contact your representives and ask them "WTF?"

No, don't do that...
Just ask them if how they plan on addressing this issue... if at all.
If you are an Idahoan, you know you're just going through the motions... but do it anyway!! Save their response letter for their next campaign!

Call to ACTION!! Si Sue Puede!

Have you heard? Idaho had 22,000 Democrats around the state attend our caucuses on Super Tuesday. That is more than 4 times the turnout in 2004!

What does that mean?

IDAHO IS READY FOR CHANGE…

ARE YOU?

The Idaho Democratic Party sent out an email last week asking Democrats to get involved, and the response has been fantastic. Idaho Democrats are ready to get into the act. They have great program that will make it easy and fun for you to make a difference in 2008.

Become a Neighborhood Leader Today! Click here to sign up!

Or visit www.idaho-democrats.org

You can also sign up directly with our Field Directors. You can contact either Shelley at shelley@idaho-democrats.org or Randy at randy@idaho-democrats.org

Nuclear siting initiative will protect Idaho's way of life

Published in Times-News on Tuesday, January 29, 2008

By Diana Obenauer
I was born and raised in Jerome, Idaho, a wonderful, neighborly and special place to live. My roots go deep in my love for our wonderful Magic Valley.Military service and nursing education taught me how to preserve our fighting strength and care for all people in need. I am proud to have served in the Gulf War, and I am proud to serve Jerome County as a county commissioner.

It is important to learn from the past, as we prepare for Idaho's future.When I returned to Jerome from military service, I found changes I had not expected. I do not oppose growth, but it is important to live within our limits. Few people wanted to look at any limits, or at growth that was diversified. Idaho's water has to be used for our agricultural base and our people. It defines our limits.

I discovered neighbors had sold property to Sempra coal company and county permits were already approved. These plants spew mercury, affecting our children and our water. At first, we seemed defenseless, however, miraculously widespread citizen action from all over Magic Valley including the Idaho Dairy Association achieved a legislative moratorium on coal plants, overruling the ill-conceived local decision of county commissioners.

No nuclear power plant is totally "safe." The Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission admit continual threats from disgruntled employees, lax security, and terrorist threats from both physical and computer intruders are today's reality.

Mike Sparks, director of the DOE Office of Technology, admits, "The adversary has full use of the technology in advance to being made. And if we stand still and don't take the initiative to stay a step ahead on the technology, I think we're setting ourselves up for a disaster sometime down in the future."

I believe in "local control." These plants make all Idahoans "local." I am concerned about how decisions to allow nuclear power plants in Idaho will be made and so should every citizen in Idaho.The 2007 Idaho Energy Plan invites merchant nuclear power plants to use Idaho.

Will Payette and Owyhee county commissioners succumb to local pressure, special interest or intimidation to allow these plants in their county? Who stands to profit from them?

Do those who profit live in close proximity to them? If they are built, will Idahoans have to outbid California costs for any electricity generated from our soil and water?

I believe in being proactive instead of reactive and have joined with Dr. Peter Rickards and the good citizens of Idaho all across our state who have started an initiative to help protect Idaho and its citizens. This proactive group, Idaho Families For The Safest Energy (IFFSE) simply endorses the adoption of laws other states use to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. IFFSE also endorses the development and support of a wide diversity of safer, more cost effective, sustainable energy development.

Why should Idaho get stuck with these risks? The IFFSE initiative bans nuclear power until a final waste dump is approved and open. Idaho still houses the melted core of Three Mile Island. Why should our state become a bigger repository for more radioactive waste? If that is ever resolved, county commissioners still make the decision.

However, before the final permit is granted, statewide voter approval is required.This provides a fail-safe opportunity for all citizens within Idaho to have a voice in decisions that ultimately affect all of us. All citizens have the constitutional right to protect their family's life, liberty, health and personal property. This Initiative does just that, and we recommend the Legislature enact this safeguard into law this session.

Diana Obenauer, a Republican, is a Jerome County commissioner.

Christian Principles in an Election Year

I try to post this every year... as a liberal who also somehow manages to be a Christian at the same time (YES, IT CAN BE DONE!), I sure wish other "C"hristians would remember the following...

Christian Principles in an Election Year

July 14, 2004, NEW YORK CITY - The National Council of Churches USA has released 10 principles for evaluating candidates that it hopes all Christians - from liberals to conservatives - will study and apply in this election year.

Our Christian faith compels us to address the world through the lens of our relationship to God and to one another. Public discourse is enhanced as we engage civic leaders on the values and ethics affirmed by our faith. At the same time, religious liberty and the integrity of our democracy will be protected as candidates refrain from using faith-based organizations and institutions for partisan gain. We offer these ten principles to those seeking to accept the responsibility that comes with holding public office.

1. War is contrary to the will of God. While the use of violent force may, at times, be a necessity of last resort, Christ pronounces his blessing on the peacemakers. We look for political leaders who will make peace with justice a top priority and who will actively seek nonviolent solutions to conflict.

2. God calls us to live in communities shaped by peace and cooperation. We reject policies that abandon large segments of our inner city and rural populations to hopelessness. We look for political leaders who will re-build our communities and bring an end to the cycles of violence and killing.

3. God created us for each other, and thus our security depends on the well-being of our global neighbors. We look for political leaders for whom a foreign policy based on cooperation and global justice is an urgent concern.

4. God calls us to be advocates for those who are most vulnerable in our society. We look for political leaders who yearn for economic justice and who will seek to reduce the growing disparity between rich and poor.

5. Each human being is created in the image of God and is of infinite worth. We look for political leaders who actively promote racial justice and equal opportunity for everyone.

6. The earth belongs to God and is intrinsically good. We look for political leaders who recognize the earth's goodness, champion environmental justice, and uphold our responsibility to be stewards of God’s creation.

7. Christians have a biblical mandate to welcome strangers. We look for political leaders who will pursue fair immigration policies and speak out against xenophobia.

8. Those who follow Christ are called to heal the sick. We look for political leaders who will support adequate, affordable and accessible health care for all.

9. Because of the transforming power of God’s grace, all humans are called to be in right relationship with each other. We look for political leaders who seek a restorative, not retributive, approach to the criminal justice system and the individuals within it.

10. Providing enriched learning environments for all of God’s children is a moral imperative. We look for political leaders who will advocate for equal educational opportunity and abundant funding for children’s services.

Finally, our religious tradition admonishes us not to bear false witness against our neighbor and to love our enemies. We ask that the campaigns of political candidates and the coverage of the media in this election season be conducted according to principles of fairness, honesty and integrity.

A study guide to the principles is available on this Web site at: www.ncccusa.org/electionyearprinciplesguide.html.

Update on Sali chatter...

Nationally:
Think Progress:
Rep. Bill Sali: Religious Diversity In Congress ‘Was Not Envisioned By The Founding Fathers’ (587 comments!)
Rep. Sali refuses to back down over bigoted comments. (210 comments!)

Idaho:
Commentary continuing at Red State Rebels: The fearful gospel of Bill Sali
Bryan Fischer Implies Jews Don't Worship Same God As Christians
Having an Effect

If there are any others, please link in comments...

Two more Idaho liberal sites/blogs!

Isle of Sanity
surviving in the vast cultural wasteland of red america

Journalism is a joke anymore...

Are there any REAL journalists out there?

I'm not the only one who feels frustrated that there is little to no coverage of the real issues...

I'm sick to death of the Paris/Anna Nicole/Brittany sagas (like that is NEWS??) and the glossing over real issues (like what may have caused the Utah mine to collapse?).

There is no coverage of veteran associations' evaluations of Craig/Simpson/Crapo so Idahoans keep re-electing them (thinking they are supporting the troops by electing these Republicans... HA!).

It's not just a local issue... there have been questions about credible media coverage for years... from Colin Powell's son being appointed as the head of FCC ... Jeff Gannon's fake reporting ... Fox News altering Wikipedia ... Fox News and their misleading headlines ...

So what is going on?

One retired news reporter told me that:

“The media are in their usual hurry to put this GOP embarrassment to rest. This is the result of decades of abuse heaped on the media every time they print or broadcast a story that is not 100% complimentary to Republican candidates and office holders.

From the late 1970s, it was a predictable pattern. Find out something negative about a Republican, go with the story and you could expect a flurry of letters and phone calls accusing you of deep bias and outright incompetence. They often went to your bosses threatening that they could get you fired. You worried about it because you knew your station manager or executive editor belonged to the same golf club or the Arid club or whatever elite organization as the GOP leadership.

After awhile, reporters had to spend so much time justifying their work, they’d just back away from anything negative about the Rs. And, don’t forget: television news is in it for the ratings. If TV reporters believe the Rs are the huge majority, who do you think they’ll play to?

Democrats haven’t figured out how to push back. I’m not suggesting they push for suppression of the truth. But they’re certainly going to lose the perception wars if they don’t push for even-handed coverage. The message has to go to Idaho media that nobody is fooled by their acrobatics to please the Republican extremists.

Sali’s bigoted comments will go deep underground and stay forgotten come Election Day. In the meantime, several newspapers will do puff pieces, or as we used to put it crudely, ‘blow jobs’ on Sali describing a kinder, gentler and more palatable to the mainstream kind of guy. On Election Day, the very people who should be horrified by his comments will blithely cast their votes for him completely unaware of his deep seated bigotry.

And Idaho’s reputation as a backwater full of George-Wallace-style-knuckle-draggers will be intact.”

Are we willing to allow this to go on??

Welcome, Left Side Of The Moon!

When I first started blogging in August 2005, I didn't know about the other Idaho liberal blogs on the "internets". In the past two years, I've been thrilled to read, correspond, and actually MEET my fellow liberal Idahoan bloggers!

I want to send out a "hello" and "welcome" to "Left Side Of The Moon" (I love that title!) and hope you all stop by as well...

I want to encourage everyone to check out the other liberal blogs here in Idaho... I can't speak for everyone, but I know that it means a lot to me when people visit my blog... sometimes it's easy to feel alone as a liberal in Idaho and every little visit helps! (Don't forget to check out LeftyBlogs/Idaho as well... to save time, I have it as one of my home pages...)

Bloggers, if I'm missing your blog or need to correct the link, LET ME KNOW! Also, if you aren't listed at LeftyBlogs, please do so!

43rd State Blues
BYU-I Democrats
DailyKos: Idaho
F-words
Fort Boise
Idablue
Idaho Fallz
Idaho-Hum
Left Side Of The Moon
Idaho Rocks
Ridenbaugh Press
Morialekafa
The MountainGoat Report
New West: Boise
New West: Idaho
The Political Game
politics is applesauce
Rob's Idaho Perspective
Red State Rebels
A Seattleite in Idaho
The Sniff Test
Spittin' In The Snake
Spud Zeppelin
States of the Union
The Unequivocal Notion

Underestimating his small brain and big mouth...

Last November, I posted the following...

{Thom George illustration}

"If you voted for Larry Grant for Congress, don't worry that Bill Sali was elected instead. He can't do any damage. Residents of Idaho's 1st Congressional District might as well have sent a potted plant to Washington."

-- Tom Henderson/Lewiston Tribune editorial writer.

Mr. Henderson is basically right... poor stupid Billy-Boy is such a flaming idiot, he's not accomplishing anything in DC (see ID-01: Bill Sali, even worse than we expected).

The only thing he is seems to be able to do successfully is make Idaho look as stupid as he is... because Idaho voters elected him into office...

Are we going to sit back and let America believe we approve of his message...? I truly hope not...

Our local paper DID provide coverage...

Last night's demonstration felt rewarding to those who were there. I don't think I'm the only one who wishes there were more of us participating but the fellowship and support was still energizing even among our small number.

I think that we had about 30 participants, if we include those who were not able to stay the whole hour. It was great to see some familiar faces and really great to see some new ones.

What was even MORE wonderful was the responses from the people who drove by... we received many honks and waves. My favorite was the guys in desert camo (National Guard?) who hollered and gave us a "thumbs up"! THAT IS WHY MANY OF US WERE THERE... to protect those who have sworn to protect US.

Yeah, we had a couple negative reactions. A "couple" means literally that! TWO. (That I saw anyway...) One guy gave us the bird and another guy hollered "California is THAT way!" Ummmm... yeah, really intelligent response, "dude". Whatever.

The saddest part for me was the drivers who avoided eye contact with us. They were deliberately ignoring our presence and our signs and our message. To me, they symbolize the many Americans who have turned their backs on our troops, who have ignored truth and reality, who are unaware of our soldiers' sacrifices and how many of our politicians... our IDAHO politicians ... are betraying our military and our veterans in the name of pride, arrogance, and blind loyalty.

Like I told the Times-News reporter, you don't have to agree with me... just make the effort to be aware and informed. Don't turn away from the issues because you are too lazy, too selfish, too "busy", or too arrogant.

Speaking of the Times-News, I am pleased to say that the reporter spent a lot of time talking to us about our concerns and our reasons for being there. The photographer also visited with us. Both were respectful and considerate. The article seemed accurate in my opinion and they both respected my "off the record" requests.

And if you ever visit Mr. Greenwood, attorney at law, please pass on our appreciation for sharing his parking lot with us. Maybe that will make him a bit happier than he was last night...

In closing, our signs last night reminded the public about the 3616 casualties (which means dead American soldiers and Marines...)

Since then, our numbers have increased to 3,619 confirmed casualties.
There are four waiting to be confirmed "pending notification" (totaling 3623 casualties).

As you read this, there are four families whose lives are being shattered forever. There are four mothers who are screaming. Four fathers who are crying.

How many more days... months... years... will this be acceptable to the American public? Call your senator and representatives NOW... before another mother gets "the visit" that will break her heart and shatter her life.

Right now, please pray for the families of Jeffrey Chaney and Patrick Wade. They were killed today...

Interesting poll at KMVT (local CBS affilliate)

Last night I checked our local media websites to see if there had been any coverage of our demonstration in front of Senator Crapo's office. Even though I had been told that a KMVT representative had briefly stopped by, there wasn't anything on their website.

However, I found the results of their poll VERY interesting--considering the red/conservative/"Bushie" mentality that pervades the Magic Valley...

QUESTION:
Do you agree with President Bush in commuting the sentence of Scooter Libby?

RESULTS:
Yes 26%
No 74%

Hmmmmmm.... even if people are afraid to publicly stand up and speak out, perhaps they are at least THINKING clearly! Now if we can only get them to speak up... Hey, Crapo/Simpson/Craig... are you listening???
The opinions expressed in this poll do not necessarily represent the collective views of our community, this station or its management.

Anti War Protest in Twin Falls

{For those of you NOT in the Magic Valley,
please pass this on to your friends who are...

\check to see if you have a local event in your area or host your own...
or blog about it!}

Please consider joining us in an anti-war event:

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17 5-6 PM

WHERE: 202 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls (Senator Crapo's office--the nearest cross street is Monroe. There is parking in the CSI parking lot across the street.)

WHY: On Monday or Tuesday, the Levin-Reid amendment to begin troop pull-out from Iraq will be presented in the US Senate. Republican Senators intend to filibuster the bill. We will hold a counter (citizens') filibuster on Falls Ave. We will be reading real letters from US troops for our filibuster. It would be just great to have more than a puny turnout. We need to get word to our senators and to Magic Valley citizens (and other Idahoans) that we give them permission NOT to be the last two supporters of the Bush war.PLEASE try to help, even if protests are not your favorite thing to do.

The war is four and a half years old, no end is in sight, we've lost over 3600 troops, and the cost is more than one billion dollars per week.

Think of the horrible misery in Iraq.

If you think that participating in this event is "inconvenient"... think of the sacrifice being made by our loyal and brave troops and their families as they obey the call to serve our country. I'm sure they all have things they would like to be doing tomorrow night as well, but instead our administration sent them to Iraq...

Bring some friends, bring water, and shade for your head, and a sign if possible. Pass this on via e-mail and pick up the phone and call your friends. If we don't protect our troops, who will?

This is a Move-on event. (Sign up to encourage others!)

Citizen Counter Filibuster
to US Senate Republican sponsored filibuster
of Iraq war pullout bill

Address: 202 Falls Ave. (Map)

Location: Twin Falls, ID 83301

Host: Jeff Ruprecht, 733-9639

It's pretty outrageous: Senate Republicans are planning to block key votes to stop the war this week because they know they'll lose.

You read that right: with the Democratic majority plus three key Republicans ready to vote for an exit strategy for Iraq, the Senate has enough votes to pass legislation that would force President Bush to bring most troops home by April. But the Republicans are trying to stop that vote.

We have a plan to fight back. Tomorrow night, as Republicans try to block the vote, we're holding citizens' counter-filibusters to remind Republicans and the media that this isn't about partisan games—it's about peoples' lives.

At the events, we'll gather in towns and cities across the country with candles and signs to read first-hand accounts from Iraq vets and their families about the true cost of the war. This is a key moment.

The timing couldn't be better. We're at a cross-roads in Congress—the Republican stonewall is starting to cave (see below for some examples).
This fight comes at a critical time.

Republicans are abandoning President Bush on Iraq. For the last two weeks Republican support for the war has crumbled in Congress.1 Prominent Senate Republicans like Senators Lugar (IN), Voinovich (OH) and Domenici (NM) have called for a change in course while others, like Senators Snowe (ME), Hagel (NE) and Smith (OR) have co-sponsored Democratic legislation to bring our troops home.

The White House is panicked. Last week, ABC News ran a report with the headline "'Crack in the Dike': White House in 'Panic Mode' Over GOP Revolt on Iraq."2 The report indicates that the White House is looking for ways to "appease Democrats and keep wobbly Republicans onboard."

Editorial boards across the country are pushing for exit from Iraq. Just last week the New York Times—a bellwether newspaper with an influential editorial board—officially endorsed withdrawal from Iraq. The New York Times now joins papers like the Portland Press Herald—which helped swing key Maine Senator, Olympia Snowe to support exit plans, the Los Angeles Times and others in saying it is now time to leave Iraq.3

The Iraqi Prime Minister says U.S. troops can leave. Polls of Iraqi public opinion have shown that Iraqis want American troops to go home.4 And on Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told the press that his government is capable of taking care of Iraq and American troops can leave "any time they want."5

All these recent developments around the war have contributed to the Republican collapse on Iraq. This filibuster is a desperate attempt to stall progress on ending the war.

On Tuesday night we're going to show the Republicans in the Senate that blocking the will of the people from even being voted on won't work. If they keep siding with the president over the voters, they're going to feel a real backlash at home.

If you aren't near Twin Falls, click below to host your own counter filibuster on Tuesday night.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2783&id=10825-6442015-C4xAjm&t=3

The ground is shifting in the fight to end the war and we're closer than we've ever been to turning key Republicans in Congress against the war. Tuesday's events could help push them over the top. We need your voice with us to do it.

Sources:
1. "Reid Reaches Out to GOP Defectors to Vote for Change in Iraq," ABC News, July 11, 2007.http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3359845&page=1

2. 'Crack in the Dike': White House in 'Panic Mode' Over GOP Revolt on Iraq, ABC News, July 9, 2007http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3359764&page=1

3. "The Road Home," The New York Times, July 7, 2007http://www.blogger.com/
"Bring Them Home," The Los Angeles Times, May 6, 2007http://www.blogger.com/
"Blunders Leave Troops With No Hopes of Success," Portland Press Herald, April 29, 2007http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2784&id=10825-6442015-C4xAjm&t=4

4. "Democracy's support sinks," USA Today, March 19, 2007http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2785&id=10825-6442015-C4xAjm&t=5

5. "Al-Maliki dismisses doubts about Iraq government," Associated Press, July 15, 2007.http://www.blogger.com/

Leave My Child Alone!

From Leave My Child Alone:

Did you know that the notorious No Child Left Behind Act includes a sneaky section that requires high schools to turn over private information on students to military recruiters?

And that the Pentagon has created an illegal database of 30 million 16-25 year-olds, including names, addresses, email addresses, cell phone numbers, ethnicities, social security numbers, extracurricular activities, and areas of study?

Yikes. What do we do? Any way you look at it, this is a family privacy nightmare, another strong-arming of our local schools, and a creepy warm-up to a possible draft. However, it's also a great reason to get together and take action.

For more information, go to Leave My Child Alone...

Letter to Crapo, Craig sent today

March 26, 2007

Dear Senator,

I'm writing to urge you to support the Defense supplemental bill that contains benchmarks and a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. As you might expect from me, I firmly believe that this bill does not do ENOUGH, however it still is critical as a first step toward getting us out of Iraq.

Across the country INCLUDING Idaho, it is obvious that “we the people” are in support of a timely withdrawal from Iraq. It is my understanding that this bill utilizes President Bush's own benchmarks to determine when or if we start redeploying.

I realize that over the years you have been committed to following your party line and have supported President Bush through your past legislative votes—but at some point in time, you need to recognize that your obligation to the citizens of Idaho and America should take precedence over the GOP expectations. Even Sen. Hagel has realized that changes must be made by stating on ABC’s This Week: "I will not continue to support with my vote the status quo.”

You and your fellow Republicans need to see how badly change is needed. You need to support this bill. Do NOT remove the deadlines from the bill. Even though I (and many others) would prefer stronger and earlier deadlines to be established, I am willing to compromise AT THIS TIME. I hope you are willing to compromise as well with this bill so we can begin to move forward.

As you know, I oppose the war in Iraq. I oppose any and all funding to continue the war -- although I support funding to properly arm, protect and train our currently deployed troops. I understand that demanding all or nothing isn't going to end the war, or get any troops home. This bill is a first step in the process to ending the war. There is a long-term strategy at work here and I realize that getting every single thing I want isn't possible. TOGETHER, we must reach a compromise.

This should not be about being a Republican or a Democrat.

This should not be about personal pet projects or campaign fund-raising.

This should not be about re-elections.

This should not be about ego or power or “who supports the troops more” arguments.

This is about acknowledging the reality of the situation.

This is about recognizing what needs to be done and doing it.

This is about listening to the people across America and responding to their cries.

This is about supporting a bill that contains benchmarks and a timetable for withdrawing from Iraq.

Pssst! Look behind you!!!

Bush is whining about "POLITICAL THEATER"...

"Just over an hour later, Bush appeared at the White House alongside veterans and family members of troops to accuse Democrats of staging nothing more than political theater that delays the delivery of resources to soliders fighting in Iraq. "

I was under the impression that active duty soldiers appearing IN UNIFORM at a political event was a violation of the military's rules of conduct. Maybe I'm wrong... but when one thinks about how important it was to President Eisenhower and President Truman to emphasize the civilian aspect of control of the military, Bush using soldiers as stage props is the the utmost insult to our brave men and women of our military.

Call the White House [202-456-1111]
and tell them what you think
about his version of political theater
and (mis)use of troops.

SILENT VIGIL for solidarity

[UPDATE to my previous post to include a more complete message and more information...]

Please join us in a press conference & silent vigil to celebrate Cesar Chavez and to demonstrate our solidarity and respect for our country of immigrants. PLEASE WEAR WHITE.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

PRESS CONFERENCE at 5:30 pm

SILENT VIGIL at 6:15-7:30 pm

Boise State University Student Union Patio

We will surround the Student Union Building (in appropriate areas) with a sea of white.

This is a silent vigil. There will be no yelling or arguing, instead we will send a message to the people attending the College Republican's event that we are peaceful people, and it is inappropriate and hurtful for people's lives to be made into a game. In this case, silence WILL speak louder than words.

Signs are ok but should be positive messages such as WE SUPPORT IMMIGRATION, AMERICA IS A LAND OF IMMIGRANTS, OUR LIVES ARE NOT A GAME, IDAHO IS TOO GREAT FOR HATE, etc. We will not allow signs that participate in name calling or make derogative statements. No signs are allowed inside the Student Union Building.

In respect for FREE SPEECH, if you choose to attend the Robert Vasque speech, there will be absolutely NO disruptions allowed! If you are disruptive, you will have to leave.

We Stand In Solidarity.

At 7:30, come see the film "Wetback" for a realistic, educational look at the true experience of immigrants in the Jordan Ballroom .

This Action is Sponsored by:

Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlan

Idaho Progressive Student Alliance

Organization for Gender Equality and Education

Campus Democrats

Organizacion de Estudiantes Latino-Americanos/as

Idaho Women's Network

Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians, and Allies for Diversity

Idaho Hispanic Caucus

Boise State Students for a Democratic Society

The Interfaith Alliance of Idaho

BSU Organization of Student Social Workers

Idaho Catholic Diocese

"BSU group's flier angers some Hispanics"

That was the headline in my local paper on Monday. "Some Hispanics" were angered, according to them.

I would like to invite all intelligent and rational human beings of all colors, creeds, religions, and political parties who would like to be included with the "some Hispanics" expressing their "anger" to join the following event...

There will be a peaceful demonstration Thursday, March 22 against a hateful, stereotypical flier produced by the BSU Republican students aimed at immigrants. The protest is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the patio in front of the Student Union building at BSU. Participants will stand in solidarity with Democrats, human rights groups, progressive student groups and others to let the campus and the media know that such disgraceful behavior is NOT acceptable. No RSVP is needed -- just come out and join the number of peaceful demonstrators if you are available!

If you are not familiar with the "flier" or the incident of reference, check out the following:

• Red State Rebels -- first one out of the gate!
• "More Racism on the BSU Campus" @ 43rd State Blues
• Idablu's observation
• "Boise State College Republicans Soil Their White Hats" @ New West: Boise
• "Dinner for Two at the Hole in the Fence" @ The MountainGoat Report
• "Training To Be Good Idaho Republicans" @ The Royal Mounted Valise

Abandoning the troops... isn't that a crime or something?

Why were so many people "shocked" about the Walter Reed situation under Republican leadership in the executive and legislative branches?

Because we're lazy and not paying attention.

Why do so many Americans stereotype the Republicans as being the party that supports the troops?

Because we're lazy and not paying attention.

Too many Americans are not doing their "homework" and are relying on "stereotypes" and assumptions.

This laziness is doing a HUGE disservice to the Americans who are risking and sacrificing their lives, their physical and mental health-- as well as the traumatic impact it has on their families during and after deployment.

To put it mildly, it is unpatriotic to consider this "acceptable".

To be blunt, it is treasonous.

Even AFTER the last election, where Americans attempted to get the message across to our elected officials that we wanted change, Republicans are still not getting it.

Ask yourself...

• Do you have a "Support the Troops" bumper sticker on your car?
• Do you ever say the words "I support the troops"?
• Do you have a child, parent, spouse, lover, friend, or neighbor who served in the military or is currently serving in the military?
• Do you vote?
• Do you pay taxes?
• Do you consider yourself a Christian?
• Do you consider yourself compassionate?
• Do you consider yourself a patriotic American?

If ANY of these apply to you, then you have an OBLIGATION to do the following (it will take much less time than an 18-month deployment, I promise!):

• Watch this video. (Come on, it's ONLY 30 seconds long, you can give that much time to our troops, can't you?)
• Check out the grades given to our Congressional representatives by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Don't just take a minute or two and just scan the last two columns (even though that alone will shock most people!)... but TAKE THE TIME to contact your own representative and either thank them for supporting our veterans... or demand an explanation! (One of my own state's senators was the head of Veteran's Affairs and HE received a D-!!)
• Find out which Republicans STILL unanimously opposed requiring that the troops sent to Iraq be properly prepared for their mission and protected with armor. {Idahoans, MIKE SIMPSON IS ON THIS LIST!!! Is this acceptable to you???} They say they "support" the troops and then they vote to kill them by continuing to vote unanimously to send unarmored, untrained, unrested (and even, Salon and the Hartford Courant tell us, wounded and mentally unstable) troops to Iraq. This is unacceptable to me and should be unacceptable to EVERY American no matter WHICH political party they belong to...