Democracy for New Mexico

TGIF

Click for the Cartoon of the Day.

Quote of the Day: "Can we re-check the sprinkler system in the Reichstag?" -- Josh Marshall in Talking Points Memo

Interview Exchange of the Day:

JIM LEHRER: What would you say to somebody in the United States who questions whether or not getting rid of Saddam Hussein was worth the cost of more than a thousand lives now and billions and billions of U.S. dollars?

PRIME MINISTER IYAD ALLAWI: Well, I assure you if Saddam was still there, terrorists will be hitting there again at Washington and New York, as they did in the murderous attack in September; they'll be hitting also on other places in Europe and the Middle East.

Shocking News of the Day:

"THAT LIBERAL MEDIA. The folks at Media Matters watched the network news last night, and found that none of the nets actually covered the indictment of three top aides to the most powerful man in the House, Representative Tom DeLay, one of whom is also a former right-hand mand to Karl Rove, George W. Bush's top advisor." --Nick Confessore, TAPPED, The American Prospect Online

Click to see the Ad of the Day.

Uplifting Writing of the Day (thanks Nancy) is provided by Anne Lamott.

Finish that off with a trip soon to one of these places where you can nourish yourself for the last push toward this Fall's election:

Cottonwood Hot Springs

Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Ten Thousand Waves

or just go look at the golden aspen.

And Now for Something a Little Lighter

(Click graphic to expand to full size. Thanks to Bob Morris at Discourse.net.)

PS: This map has since been proved bogus by Snopes, among others. But I still think it's worth a chuckle at a time when there are too few chuckles to go around for Dems!

Hell

Salon's war correspondent. Phillip Robertson, has spent five months covering the war in Iraq and renders a grim assessment. As you go about whatever you are doing to oust the Bush regime, it is good to remember what is at stake and who brought us to this heinous juncture. Excerpt from the article:

The war, illegal and founded on a vast lie, has produced two tragedies of equal magnitude: an embryonic civil war in the world's oldest country, and a triumph for those in the Bush administration who, without a trace of shame, act as if the truth does not matter. Lying until the lie became true, the administration pursued a course of action that guaranteed large sections of Iraq would become havens for jihadis and radical Islamists. That is the logic promoted by people who take for themselves divine infallibility -- a righteousness that blinds and destroys. Like credulous Weimar Germans who were so delighted by rigged wrestling matches, millions of Americans have accepted Bush's assertions that the war in Iraq has made the United States and the rest of the world a safer place to live. Of course, this is false.

But it is a useful fiction because it is a happy one. All we need to know, according to the administration, is that America is a good country, full of good people and therefore cannot make bloody mistakes when it comes to its own security. The bitter consequence of succumbing to such happy talk is that the government of the most powerful nation in the world now operates unchecked and unmoored from reality; leaving us teetering on the brink of another presidential term where abuse of authority has been recast as virtue.

The logic the administration uses to promote its actions -- preemptive war, indefinite detention, torture of prisoners, the abandonment of the Geneva Convention abroad and the Bill of Rights at home -- is simple, faith-based and therefore empty of reason. The worsening war is the creation of the Bush administration, which is simultaneously holding Americans and Iraqis hostage to a bloody conflict that cannot be won, only stalemated.

Over the last three years, practicing a philosophy of deliberate deception, fear-mongering and abuse of authority, the Bush administration has done more to undermine the republic of Lincoln and Jefferson than the cells of al-Qaida. It has willfully ignored our fundamental laws and squandered the nation's wealth in bloody, open-ended pursuits. Corporations like Halliburton, with close ties to government officials, are profiting greatly from the war while thousands of American soldiers undertake the dangerous work of patrolling the streets of Iraqi cities. We have arrived at a moment of national crisis.

At home, the United States, under the Bush administration, is rapidly drifting toward a security state whose principal currency is fear. Abroad, it has used fear to justify the invasion of Iraq -- fear of weapons of mass destruction, of terrorist attacks, of Iraq itself. The administration, under false premises, invaded a country that it barely understood. We entered a country in shambles, a population divided against itself. The U.S. invasion was a catalyst of violence and religious hatred, and the continuing presence of American troops has only made matters worse. Iraq today bears no resemblance to the president's vision of a fledgling democracy. On its way to national elections in January, Iraq has already slipped into chaos.

For the entire article, click here

(Graphic from Another Poster for Peace, copyright-free art for public use).

Glide on the Peace Train

Ever since I read the almost obscene story about Cat Steven (now Yusuf Islam) being treated like a terrorist, I've been hearing Peace Train in my head over and over again:

I've been crying lately,
Thinking about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating?
Why can't we live in bliss?
. . .
Oh I've been smiling lately,
Thinking about the world as one
And I believe it could be,
Some day it's going to come

By the way, he rerecorded Peace Train in South Africa and released it as the run-up to the Iraq war was in full propaganda blast. It was included on an all-star charity CD, the proceeds of which benefited the War Child charity, for the children of Iraq.

It's almost eerie how the hope mixed with turmoil I was feeling when I first listened to that song has returned full force with the advent of the Bush regime. It's disturbing indeed to realize we are back around the circle, promulgating hate and war and chaos in the world with a maniac at the controls. Nixon morphing into Bush. Communists morphing into terrorists. "Gooks" morphing into "ragheads" in the sick language of guerilla warfare.

You know there's something awful afoot when CIA shill and long-time thug, Iyad Allawi, is treated like a rock star and paraded before the media at the president's side while a gentle soul who has worked for peace and charity for decades is not allowed to enter the U.S. This, despite the fact he was allowed in this past May.

Well this is certainly suspect: "The day after the September 11, 2001, attacks, he (Cat) publicly condemned the actions and donated the royalties from the boxed set of his greatest hits to the September 11th Fund and his own charity."

Or how about this nugget: "Islam had flown to South Africa on the invitation of Nelson Mandela to take part in a concert to raise money for AIDS prevention in Africa. This was cancelled because of a production problem, but Islam stayed on to open a medical centre for AIDS patients which his charity has funded."

Or take a look at his violent, strident website.

Or check out the horrible work he's been doing chairing the UN-associated charity, Small Kindness.

Definitely suspect. I feel safer now that he has had his flight diverted, been questioned by intelligence officials and denied entry to the Homeland. Oh, and I think I'll go contribute some bucks to Small Kindess, buy a copy of his new DVD and head out canvassing for Kerry and Romero with renewed dedication.

TV and Reality: No Correlation

Andrea Sterling, a frequent volunteer for the cause, agreed to allow me to share her illuminating description of what's on voter's minds in the real world versus what the media and even the campaigns are emphasizing. I think it speaks volumes about the disconnect between TV spin and the problems ordinary Americans are facing:

Dear Friends,

We have volunteered at the DPNM booth at the state fair four times now in the afternoon and it's really bizarre to come home afterwards and watch the news at night. The hot issue on TV is Bush's military service. Kitty Kelly is being interviewed by everyone and the spicy tidbit is the fact that Bush "disappeared" from April - October -- perhaps because he was using drugs and didn't want to take his physical? (enquiring minds want to know...)

The thing that's so strange is that no one that has stopped by the booth has talked about any of this (except maybe an offhand remark about "that draft dodger"). It's not important to them. They have been talking about the economy being bad, no jobs, sky rocketing health insurance premiums, prescription drugs, the deficit, the financial burden their kids are going to have to shoulder, 1,000 soldiers being killed in Iraq and all the other woes that we've become so familiar with in this election.

There is a couple that have a table across from the booth. They sell costume jewelry and hats. I bought a bracelet from them the first day of the fair and chat with them for a few minutes every time I'm at the DPNM booth. They told me that they are not doing well at the fair. People don't have any disposable income and aren't buying anything. The people that pass by the booth are only wearing or carrying the shiny necklaces and stuffies they win on the midway (Although today, David saw two people carrying mops that they got at one of the booths in the Lujan building.)

David stands in front of the booth and holds a sign for people to read as they are passing by. It reads "$200 Billion for Iraq, Nothing for the USA, What's Wrong with this Picture?" It gets a lot of attention -- people nodding as they go by or stopping to talk about it.

Bush's military record is a media driven event. It's of no consequence to the people we've been meeting at the fair. And so much campaign advertising time and money is being wasted on this issue that people really don't care about.

Andrea

Tracy Chapman to Benefit "Driving Votes" in NM

On September 24th, Tracy Chapman will embark on a 5-city swing state concert tour to benefit Driving Votes. Western Swing: An Evening with Tracy Chapman will feature Tracy and her band in a very intimate setting. Tracy will ask her fans to help impact the 2004 election by spending their weekend with Driving Votes working to register voters, get out the vote and change the direction of our democracy. She'll make two appearances in New Mexico:

Santa Fe, NM - September 28
Paramount - 331 Sandoval St
Tickets: Lensic Box Office, 988-1234

Albuquerque, NM - September 29
KiMo - 423 Central Ave. NW
Tickets: Kimo Box office, 505-768-3544
Or at Ticketmaster.com

"The upcoming presidential election is one of the most critical in our nation’s history. More than ever, every single vote counts, and I want to do whatever I can to urge every American to make their voice heard,” stated Tracy Chapman. “I am supporting Driving Votes because they are doing an incredible job, reaching people on the grassroots, personal level to make registration easy. They are empowering new voters, those that previously felt disenfranchised or unable to effect change. By doing these small shows in these swing states, I hope to remind each individual in those rooms, that they can take action and make a real difference."

You can find out more about Driving Votes here.

9-11 Must Reads

I've mentioned before the high quality of of Juan Cole's analysis on his website, "Informed Comment: Thoughts on the Middle East, History, and Religion." He's a professor of history at the University of Michigan and one of the most popular and respected commentators on the web.

Today, in honor of the third anniversay of 9-11, Cole provides a detailed and sharp analysis of what's really going on in the so-called "war on terror," a summary of the historical events that brought us to this point, and an evaluation of where things stand now for both the U.S. and al Qaeda. I think reading this piece is a fitting activity when pondering this anniversay of tragedy: September 11 and Its Aftermath

And then there's the moving statement released by the 9-11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, which begins:

Nearly three years ago, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows was born out of a shared belief that America’s military response to the 9/11 attacks which took our loved ones’ lives would result in the deaths of countless innocent civilians and increase recruitment for terrorist causes, making the United States, and the world, less safe and less free for generations to come. Today, as we commemorate September 11, 2004, we find that our worst fears have been realized. The terrorism of September 11th has been neither neutralized, nor ended, by the terrorism of war.

You can also visit their Peaceful Tomorrows Website with alot of excellent information and actions you can take to help bring a more reasoned approach to the problems we face in the 21st century.

Politicizing Terror

Click to read this online article in The Nation.

We're off to canvass for Kerry tonight. Hope each of you is doing what you can. If this article doesn't motivate people, what will? Are you Eager to Vote yet? Will you help us on October 5th? Read all about this DFNM event here. If you're interested in participating, email me and I'll point you to a group that John McAndrew formed to organize and publicize this day's events all over the state.

Court to Require ID From New Voters?

A hearing this Thursday in Albuquerque before State District Judge Robert L. Thompson will determine whether New Mexicans who have registered after July 1, 2003 will be required to show identification before being allowed to vote.

In addition, new registrants voting via absentee ballot would be required to submit a photocopied ID with their ballot. The only new voters who wouldn't need to show ID would be those who registered in person at a County Clerk's office or who registered before the July 1, 2003 deadline. The decision would affect at least 112,000 new registrants, including thousands whose registrations were submitted by voter registration groups.

According to an article in today's Albuquerque Journal, the Secretary of State's Bureau of Elections believes that many problems may arise if these requirements are applied:

College students might lack driver's licenses with current addresses, and rural residents, particularly Native Americans, might not have utility bills necessary for identification at the polls, elections bureau director Denise Lamb said in an affidavit filed Monday in a state District Court case.

Also, some absentee voters would be required to send in a photocopy of their identification with their ballot, Lamb said. And those "thousands and thousands" of people might have their votes invalidated, she said.

"If a voter mistakenly places the identification within the inner envelope of the absentee ballot, the county clerk employee cannot open that envelope without violating the privacy of the vote, and thus that vote is invalid," Lamb said in the affidavit.

An Albuquerque Tribune article reports on an earlier preliminary injunction and stay ordered by Judge Thompson, saying

Thompson had agreed with plaintiffs who claimed the state statute governing voter registration was clear and unambiguous, and today he again said he will likely not change his decision despite Thursday's hearing.

In the same article:

Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron and the state Democratic Party had argued that the statute does not provide for that and to require such identification would result in chaos and the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters.

Assistant Attorney General David Thomson, who is representing the Secretary of State's Office, also said it would be impossible now to differentiate as to how new voters have registered up until now.

Next thing you know, some Republicans will be pushing for ID chips to be placed in voters' foreheads and for background checks to clear people for the "privilege" of voting. Low-income and minority populations are especially vulnerable to intimidation at the polling place and, in a race this close, New Mexico Republicans know that ID requirements can be used to keep some likely Democratic voters at home.

Barbara Wold
DFNM-Albuquerque

Voting in New Mexico in 2004

Here are a few facts that may surprise you as you anticipate voting in this year's election.

1. If you haven't voted in the last two general elections, or any of the smaller elections in the last 4 years, your name most likely has been removed from the voter rolls and you need to register again.

2. If you have moved, you need to register again. To get a voter registration form, contact your County Clerk or any well-run campaign offices.

3. If you are chomping at the bit to vote against George W. Bush, you don't have to wait as long as you may think. Every registered voter can cast their vote starting on October 5 at the County Clerk's office. You can vote using an absentee ballot at your County Clerk's office even if you have not applied for an absentee ballot. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You can find the address and/or phone number of your County Clerk's office at https://web.state.nm.us/roster/Index-Ro.HTM .

4. Requests for absentee ballots are available online at https://www.sos.state.nm.us/Election/ABinfo.htm.
   

BIG Dates

October 5:

The first day to vote, and the last day to register -- registrations must be in the Clerk's office by 5:00 PM. Also the first day that absentee ballots are mailed to voters.

October 16th:

Early Voting begins. No statewide list of locations exists. If you call your County Clerk, they will be able to tell you the locations, including your County Clerk's office.

Early voting happens on the following schedule (call your County Clerk to confirm): Tuesday thru Friday: 12 - 8 PM; Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM.

October 28:

Last day to request an absentee ballot.

October 30:

Last day for early voting

November 2:

What?!? You still haven't voted? Well today is Election Day, the last of 23 days to cast a ballot. Absentee ballots must be in the County Clerk's office in their official mailing envelopes by 7:00 PM.

John McAndrew
Democracy for New Mexico/Santa Fe
democracyforsantafe@comcast.net
Santa Fe, NM

"In Democracies, we, the people, have the power to shape national and international policy -- to seek the good and shun evil... To have this power and fail to use it makes us accomplices of the killers. The job now is to spread the word and inspire the public confidence that the good we want can prevail." --Archbishop Desmond Tutu