Democracy for New Mexico

Today's Suggested Reading: Feingold on Iraq

Ratcheting Up the Pressure by Senator Russ Feingold. Indeed.

Gov. Richardson Touts DFNM's Paper Ballot Effort in Iraq War Message to DFA

"I don't support leaving a residual force in Iraq. We should get out lock, stock, and barrel." - Governor Bill Richardson

Democracy for America has asked the presidential candidates to respond to a request for a statement about their positions on Iraq. Here's the video response from Gov. Bill Richardson. In addition to strong statements about the Iraq war, Gov. Richardson comments on how much he enjoyed working with Democracy for New Mexico members on the successful paper ballot initiative passed during last year's legislative session. As I'm sure you recall, many of us worked hard on gaining passage for that landmark legislation (introduced by NM Sen. Linda Lopez) along with the wonderful grassroots election reform groups United Voters of NM, Verified Voting NM, Voter Action and others. (Click for post on bill signing.)

Here's what DFA's Executive Director, Tom Hughes, has to say about Gov. Richardson's message:

From Democracy for America:
Watch Gov. Richardson's Response "I agree." That is just one of Governor Bill Richardson's responses to DFA members who wrote comments in our Presidential Primary Petition on Iraq. We asked each of the candidates to oppose any escalation of the Iraq War, demand a swift end to the occupation, and propose a plan that brings our brave men and women home. I'm excited to make his video to you available today.

https://www.democracyforamerica.com/richardson

Governor Richardson has a long history in American foreign policy, including negotiating the release of two American prisoners in Iraq directly from Saddam Hussein during Bill Clinton's presidency. The Governor believes "we need to get out of Iraq this calendar year." He supports diplomacy that brings "a reconciliation of the three religious groups into a coalition government" and "surrounding powers in the region to deal with future security." What he doesn't support is leaving a residual force in Iraq. "We should get out lock, stock and barrel."

This isn't the first time Governor Richardson has worked with DFA members. Last year, he worked with a local DFA group in New Mexico (Democracy for New Mexico) to pass verifiable paper ballots. According to Governor Richardson, "It's the law of the land here in our state and we did it together."

DFA members will continue to work together and pressure the presidential candidates on the most important issues. Our voices will be heard and our actions will continue to move America forward.

Thank you for everything you do,
Tom Hughes, Executive Director, DFA

P.S. Governor Richardson made this video specifically for Democracy for America. If you like what you see and hear, I encourage you to sign up for his campaign and help in any way you can:

https://richardsonforpresident.com

That said, this message should not be construed as an endorsement of Governor Richardson's candidacy. In the months ahead other candidates for president will be reaching out to Democracy for America members too, because you have the power to shape the presidential primaries in a way no one else can.

Editor's Note: John Edwards has also responded with a short video to DFA's call for a message on his position on Iraq. Click to read our previous post with his video.

Democracy for New Mexico is loosely affiliated with the national group, Democracy for America, which has its origins in the presidential campaign of Howard Dean when it was known as Dean for America. Click to learn more about DFA.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetups are held on the first Thursday of the month in Albuquerque. To become a member and join our email list, visit our Meetup site. You should also register at Democracy for America so you can be kept informed of their actions on the national level. Once registered, you can also join our DFA Link group. Although we still use Meetup for our meeting organization, members are urged to also register at our DFA Link page so they can receive important information from the national group.

2007 Peace and Justice Awards Dinner Set for 4/21

From the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice:

Saturday, April 21
Doors Open 6 PM - Dinner 6:30 PM - Program 7 PM
Saint Timothy's Lutheran Church
211 Jefferson NE at Copper, ABQ
Your Donation: Fifteen Peaceful Dollars
NM Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino
Kief Henley and Peter Conhein of Guild Cinema
Keynote speaker Col. Ann Wright
Make your reservations today by calling 505-268-9557

State Senator and Lifelong Activist for Justice, Jerry Ortiz y Pino
Jerry's work for peace with justice spans many years and issues, from solidarity with Central America to improving the lives of New Mexico's youth. Many of us got to know Jerry a little better this year when he sponsored numerous pieces of Peace and Justice Legislation, including Impeachment of George Bush and Dick Cheney, and balancing military recruiters' messages in schools. Even in the midst of a busy legislative session, Jerry continued to enlighten 'Burque with his Weekly Alibi columns.

Kief Henley and Peter Conhein of the Guild Cinema
Kief and Peter are the latest proprietors of the Guild Cinema, which has served Albuquerque as the only independent, single-screen theater around, and celebrates 41 years in 2007. The Guild brings the latest independent documentaries, classic movies, and great music to the big screen. With Kief and Peter at the helm, the Guild Cinema is a true community partner, helping to get the word out about important issues and providing space for local organizations working for peace and social justice to reach a larger audience with their message.

Keynote speaker Ann Wright was the deputy chief of mission in several U.S. embassies. She has also been a U.S. Army colonel, with twenty-six years of military experience. She resigned March 19, 2003 due to her disagreement with the decision to go to war on Iraq without UN Security Council authorization.

Editor's Note: Col. Ann Wright will also be speaking the following evening, Sunday, April 22, at the Mennonite Church in Albuquerque, on the topic, "Iraq Now - Iran Later?" Click to read our previous post on this event.

Col. Ann Wright to Discuss Iraq Now - Iran Later?

"IRAQ NOW - IRAN LATER?"
A Presentation by COLONEL ANN WRIGHT
Army Colonel (Ret.), Foreign Diplomat

Sunday, April 22, 7 to 9 PM
Albuquerque Mennonite Church
1300 Girard N.E. (2 blocks north of Constitution)
Albuquerque NM
Suggested $10 donation at the door

Colonel Ann Wright served 29 years in the Army and then later worked in the State Department. In 2003, she resigned from her State Department post due to her disagreement with the decision to go to war on Iraq without U.N. Security Council authorization.

"I have served my country for almost thirty years in some of the most isolated and dangerous parts of the world. I want to continue to serve America. However, I do not believe in the policies of this Administration and cannot --morally and professionally -- defend or implement them. It is with heavy heart that I must end my service to America and therefore resign."

Sponsored by the School of the Americas Watch - New Mexico. For more information, contact Judy Bierbaum at 268-1040.

Editor's Note: Click to read Col. Wright's resignation letter to then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. Wright was most recently the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She helped open the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, in January 2002.

Video Available of Iraqi Voices Project

From Dal LaMagna, Iraqi Voices Project, Progressive Government Institute: Teamwork between visionaries, technologists, and Iraqi and American politicians may just give us the solutions we need to end the killing that is continuing in Iraq. A live video-conference with members of the Iraq Parliament and the U.S. House of Representatives was convened by Representative Jim McDermott with the help of Dal LaMagna and Raed Jarrar, both of the Progressive Government Institute.

The exchange between the members of Parliament and the Congressmen demonstrates the importance of thinking outside the box and listening to varied perspectives. Over the course of the conference, it became very apparent that there are solutions - concrete solutions that are likely acceptable to all sides - to ending the killing in Iraq. A half hour edit of the two hours of video is available online at the Progressive Government. A transcript of this edited video is also available from that same page or directly by clicking here.

First-Ever Online Living Memorial to Iraq Veterans Unveiled Today

(Cick on image on right to select another memorial.)

Brave New Foundation Opens Iraq Veterans Memorial on Fourth Anniversary of Iraq War at https://iraqmemorial.org

LOS ANGELES—On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Iraq War, the Brave New Foundation today unveiled the first-ever online living memorial to fallen servicemen and women. The Iraq Veterans Memorial can be seen online at https://iraqmemorial.org/ and at any one of the hundreds of websites hosting the video memorial via YouTube. (We feature the Memorial above.) The memorial bears witness to our heroes with 60-second video testimonies sent in from around the country by family, friends, co-workers, and the military colleagues of those killed.

Events around the nation will showcase the Memorial, some are listed below. There are also select quotes from the memorial printed below.

"Inspired by the AIDS Quilt, the Vietnam memorial, and The New York Times biographies of the 9/11 victims, we decided to create a living online memorial to U.S. soldiers killed during the Iraq War," said filmmaker Robert Greenwald, who conceived the project, "No matter what you think about the war, the memorial is a place to honor the brave men and women who have been killed in Iraq serving our nation."

Unlike traditional memorials, the Iraq Veterans Memorial will be shared across the world via the internet and added to over time, with those wanting to contribute having the ability to upload testimonials to YouTube. For the past two months, Brave New Foundation has been working with numerous Iraq veterans groups to create the memorial.

Those who participated in the memorial did so to celebrate the lives of those who have been killed.

"I got involved in the Iraq Veterans Memorial because of the community that will build from it and the access people will have to see the humanity behind the numbers of those who were killed in Iraq," said Marc Porterfield, a West Point graduate who participated in the memorial. "My father was killed in Vietnam. His name is on the Wall in DC. With this type of memorial I can access it from anywhere in the world."

Over 500 websites and blogs have signed up to host the Iraq Veterans Memorial, cable stations and community groups will also screen the memorial to mark the fourth anniversary of the war.

Quotes from the Iraq Veterans Memorial:

"My angel was given to me on October 7th, 1980 and he remains my angel to this day. Jamaal was killed March 23rd, 2003 in the Iraq War. He was with the 7th Maintenance Company. He was with Jessica Lynch and the POW's, that was his convoy. He died the fourth day of the war. I just want to tell those that never got the opportunity to know him and know what kind of person that he was, he was definitely an angel and he was a hero. But he was a hero long before he ever got killed in this war."
--Patricia M. Roberts in a testimonial her son, Army Spc. Jamaal Addison, age 22, who was killed in ambush near Nasiriyah, Iraq.

"He was a guy who loved what he did, loved serving our country. It's what he always wanted to do. His goal was to come home and be a Border Patrol Agent."
--Frances Renee Mercado talking about her brother Army Spc. Genaro Acosta of Fair Oaks, CA, who died November 11, 2003 in Taji, Iraq at age 26.

"My son is Sergeant Alex Carbonaro. He is a reconnaissance Marine. He was killed in his second deployment to Iraq in Al-Anbar province. My son, he was my only child. He was very special to us. He was loved by so many … he was an ambassador. He was able to make people get along. He could be the prefect diplomat. He brought a whole variety of friends together. He was the glue that held them all together."
--Gilda Carbonaro in her memorial to her son, Marine Sgt. Alessandro Carbonaro of Bethesda, MD, who died at age 28.

"When he came to me, he said I'm gonna miss you most of all, Scarecrow. Because both of us love the Wizard of Oz. And I didn't really understand that it was the last time I would ever see him or hold him. And finally, he gave me a hug and I turned away and I started to cry. And he spoke to the rest of the family and then he walked back into his barracks and raised his hand as if in a salute to us.

And that night an incredible full moon rose in the sky, the biggest full moon I've ever seen. And I thought it was a sign but I didn't know what kind of sign it was, now whenever I see full moons I always think of Sherwood."
--Celeste Zappala in her video memorial for her son Army Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker of Plymouth, PA, killed in Baghdad, Iraq at age 30.

"This was a child that every parent would be very, very proud of. Every parent should have the relationship that I have with my son. He was my right hand. He was my friend, my son, my confidant. And to lose somebody such as Seth is a tremendous lost to me as a mother. I've lost what I felt was going to be a young man with a phenomenal future that would have everything that he needed or wanted …"
--Sue Niederer talking about her son Army 2nd Lt. Seth J. Dvorin of East Brunswick, NJ, killed in Iskandariyah, Iraq at age 24.

"I'm amazed constantly that he was my child. I thought he was such a gift. And I believe that what most of the people that he served with will always remember about him is his cheerful attitude; his willingness to always jump in and help; and his sense of humor; his love for music and all the arts; and just the way he loved his fellow man."
--Alfred Zappala speaking about his son Army Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker, killed in Baghdad, Iraq at age 30.

"When Paul died I was given his laptop computer. It was a bitter sweet gift. On it was hundreds of photos documenting his time in Iraq. He had documented how him and his buddies, making the best of a difficult situation. I could see his life loving nature come through those pictures. The day I heard the news, his helicopter was shot down, I knew he was on it before the call came. There was an instant void. He died doing what he loved. There is some comfort knowing that. The thing that most people remember about Paul is how much he loved life and his infectious smile. Without Paul in this world, the sun just doesn't shine as bright. He is desperately missed by his family, his friends and most of all his son."
--Dawn Brastad in her video memorial to her brother Army Staff Sgt. Paul M. Neff II of Fort Mill, SC, shot down and killed in Tikrit, Iraq at age 30.

You can host the memorial on your website, download video to play on your iPod or laptop, to burn on a DVD, learn how to project it for showings at events or host a screening or vigil by https://iraqmemorial.org/hosts.php

CodePINK joins Stop the War Machine and a long list of local organizations, including Democracy for New Mexico, that are supporting tomorrow's antiwar march in Albuquerque marking the fourth anniversary of the Iraq invasion. Gather at Civic Plaza downtown, march to Robinson Park with stops at the offices of Sen. Pete "Prosecutor Purge" Domenici and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, and rally at Robinson Park for Peace-A-Palooza.

The South West Organizing Project is organizing music and dancing: Aztec dancers will be performing as the march reaches Robinon park to bless the festivities. Plans include Slam Poets (ABQ Slam Team), Bands (including Mezcla Experience, Hakim Bellamy and Members, Raging Grannies), Dance Groups, live painting by local aerosol artists, and Inti-Illimani a Chilean band, which has promoted Latin American folk music worldwide and collaborated with artists such as Federico Fellini, Mercedes Sosa, Wynton Marsalis, Sting, Pete Seeger, and Bruce Springsteen. (Inti-Illimania is also performing March 17 at 8 pm at the National Hispanic Cultural Center; see NHCC calendar).

Visit the March17.org website for the latest information. Download a flyer.

Peace events will be taking place Saturday in other New Mexico communities including Taos, Los Alamos and Santa Fe, with a March on the Pentagon in Washington DC and other actions all over the nation.

On Monday, March 29, you can organize or join a candlelight vigil for peace supported by MoveOn, True Majority and other progressive and peace organizations.

And don't forget the gathering at 4:30 PM today in Corrales at the town hall meeting with Rep. Tom Udall.

MoveOn Needs You at Corrales Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Udall TODAY

Hey All,
We need numbers here tomorrow:

What: Rep. TOM UDALL TOWN HALL MEETING

WHEN: Friday March 16th 5pm (gather at 4:30 PM)

WHERE: CORRALES MUNICIPAL COURT (Corrales Rd. across from post office)

We will gather with signs, attend meeting, initiate serious dialog with Tom, etc.

TV AND LOCAL PRESS IS EXPECTED

Thanks for your support!

Mike Davis
Duke City/Corrales Council
MoveOn.org

Taos Speak Out Against War Set for Saturday

From Jeff Conant: A coalition of groups is protesting war, including the Action Coalition of Taos (ACT), on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 2 PM on the Taos plaza.

• The Nation-Wide Commemoration of the 4th Anniversay of the War and Occupation of Iraq
• Voice Your Strong Opposition to This Illegal and Immoral War and Torture In Our Name
• Protest the Continuing Troop Buildup
• Resist the War in Iran!
• Bring the Troops Home Now!

John Nichols, Lila Johnston and others will be speaking, reading poetry, playing music and rapping. Bring signs and colorful representations against war and empire! Also check out my very civilized little article on Rumsfeld in Counterpunch ... Taos Fights Back. For more information, please call 776-1932.

DFA: Edwards Wants You to Know Where He Stands on Iraq

From Democracy for America:

Hear Senator Edwards' Response

Last month, Democracy for America members petitioned the presidential candidates to oppose any escalation of the Iraq War, demand a swift end to the occupation, and propose a plan that brings our brave men and women home. We delivered over thirty thousand signatures and comments to every candidate and asked them to respond.

Senator John Edwards took time to shoot a video response to you and we are excited to make it available today.

Senator Edwards believes Congress should use their funding authority "to force George Bush to steadily bring troops out of Iraq." He believes troop levels should be "capped initially at one hundred thousand" and wants all combat troops out of Iraq in about a year. Senator Edwards closes his remarks with a thank you:

"Thank you for organizing at a grassroots level and building a movement to try to end this war in Iraq... and for helping build a movement to deal with all the big issues that matter in this country."

This video is just the beginning.

Over the next several months, DFA members will work together to pressure the presidential candidates on the most important issues. The road to the Democratic nomination is a long one and each candidate will be working hard for your endorsement and your vote. Victory in 2008 is up to us.

Thank you for everything you do,
Tom Hughes, Executive Director

P.S. John Edwards is the first candidate to answer your call for a direct response. If you like what you see and hear, I encourage you to sign up for his campaign and help in any way you can:

https://www.johnedwards.com

That said, this message should not be construed as an endorsement of Senator Edward's candidacy. In the months ahead other candidates for president will be reaching out to Democracy for America members too, because you have the power to shape the presidential primaries in a way no one else can.

Editor's Notes: Democracy for New Mexico is loosely affiliated with the national group, Democracy for America, which has its origins in the presidential campaign of Howard Dean when it was known as Dean for America. Click to learn more about DFA.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetups are held on the first Thursday of the month in Albuquerque. To become a member and join our email list, visit our Meetup site. You should also register at Democracy for America so you can be kept informed of their actions on the national level. Once registered, you can also join our DFA Link group. Although we still use Meetup for our meeting organization, members are urged to also register at our DFA Link page.