Democracy for New Mexico

Today's Must Read

UP IN THE AIR: Where is the Iraq war headed next? by Seymour Hersch, in The New Yorker.

Sirota Nails It (Again)

Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) is one of the Clinton administration leftovers that irks me no end. He's a "centrist" DLC apologist to the core and heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Recall that this was the organization that pushed the ad showing Osama bin Laden and Heather Wilson in the 2004 CD1 campaign of Richard Romero. I remember that Romero's polling numbers dove precipitously directly afterwards. These guys know their stuff. Well, they know the self-serving conventional wisdom of Beltway operatives anyway. Cookie cutter blather!

Experience the Rahm Emanuel take on Rep. John Murtha's call for troop withdrawals from Iraq, courtesy of David Sirota:

And when it comes to defense-related issues, there literally is no member of Congress more informed and more pro-military than Murtha. That's why his announcement yesterday demanding an immediate withdrawal from Iraq was so important: because if someone like Murtha says its time for a withdrawal, then any Democrat in America should be able to say it's time for a withdrawal.

Yet, in response to Murtha's announcement, some Democrats seemed to leap at the chance to embarrass themselves, and publicly flaunt just how nauseatingly spineless they are. And there is no better example of this than Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) in today's Washington Post. Here is the excerpt -- try not to projectile vomit all over your computer screen when you read it:

"Murtha's Democratic colleagues reacted warily to his remarks, while Republicans pounced. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.), head of the House Democrats' campaign effort, said, 'Jack Murtha went out and spoke for Jack Murtha.' As for Iraq policy, Emanuel added: 'At the right time, we will have a position.'"

Remember, this is the same Rahm Emanuel who likes to talk about how tough he is, and who likes to have his friends go out and talk about the hardness of his testicles. His comment is not tough -- it is classic try-to-have-it-both-ways prevarication that reinforces the image of Democrats as governed only by crass political tactics and not conviction. And worse, it is a total insult to America's troops.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

The Dam Is Breaking

Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the top Democratic hawk in Congress, the senior Dem on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and a Viet Nam-era Marine vet, made an impassioned speech yesterday about the abject failure of the Bush-Rumsfeld Iraq policy. He then introduced a resolution for troop redeployment "as soon as is practible." Excerpts from speech:

The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region.

. . . I believe we need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis. I believe before the Iraqi elections, scheduled for mid-December, the Iraqi people and the emerging government must be put on notice that the United States will immediately redeploy. All of Iraq must know that Iraq is free. Free from United Stated occupation.

. . . My plan:

To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.

To create a quick reaction force in the region.

To create an over-the-horizon presence of Marines.

To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq

The DCCC Stakeholder has the complete text of Murtha's statement and resolution, as well as video. Crooks and Liars has video in both Windows and Quicktime formats.

I really believe this is a tipping point folks. If Murtha can make the case this bluntly and demand immediate withdrawal of our troops, how can anyone in Congress with a conscience, a brain or any trace of real patriotism not do likewise, regardless of Party?

Give 'Em Hell Harry

Our leader in the U.S. Senate, Harry Reid, has launched a new action website and blog called Give 'Em Hell Harry. First action: You can sign a petition to be sent to Bush on Iraq that says:

You can no longer mislead Congress and the American people and need to honestly lay out the facts about Iraq. It's time for an Iraq success strategy that will bring our troops home.

We cannot continue to stay the course in Iraq -- we must change the course.

As MoveOn says:

Since 2004, Republicans have stonewalled on a promise to investigate the Bush administration deceptions that led to the Iraq war. So Republicans thought it was business as usual Tuesday afternoon when Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid took to the floor of the Senate to comment on Iraq. Then a modern day Boston Tea Party began.

Reid stopped all other Senate business and forced the Senate into a special closed session to discuss Iraq and demand accountability in the White House CIA Leak scandal. It was a bold move, but after more than an hour, Democrats emerged victorious having won a renewed investigation into the misuse of intelligence leading to the war in Iraq—including the White House CIA leak.

Reid didn't stop there. On Wednesday, he e-mailed supporters and asked them to join him in demanding a success strategy to bring our troops home from Iraq. Now that he's fighting this important fight, it's critical that we show him how much we appreciate this act of leadership. Check out his petition and add you name.

Honor the Fallen Tomorrow

Editor's Note: Move On, Democracy for America, True Majority and the American Friends Service Commitee are all invoved with this or similar events. Here's the event announcement sent out by DFA:

Today marks the day that 2,000 brave servicemen and women have sacrificed their lives for the war in Iraq. Most of us cannot imagine what it must be like for their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. But as a nation, we can take a moment to send our gratitude and support to those families.

Democracy for America is joining with MoveOn and TrueMajority to host candlelight vigils across the country and offer our condolences to the families and friends of the American servicemen and women who have given their lives. The vigils will take place at 6:30 PM tomorrow night, Wednesday, October 26. To find a vigil in your community, visit:

https://www.democracyforamerica.com/attend_vigil

If there is not a vigil already planned in your community, then sign up to host one yourself. It's easy. All you need to do is find a place for people to congregate, register it online and gather the group together when people arrive. To host a vigil, visit:

https://www.democracyforamerica.com/host_vigil

These vigils aren't rallies or places to give long-winded speeches. They are moments to solemnly come together and mark the sacrifice of those who have died and their families.

If you can't join a vigil in your community, then please join the "Honor the Fallen" campaign and write a letter to the editor to your local newspaper asking them to place all casualty reports on the front page. With this one small action, we can continue to honor the fallen and remind the public of the dangers that our troops face everyday.

https://www.operationtruth.com/honorthefallen

Thanks for all you do,

Tom Hughes
Executive Director
Democracy for America

Set the Iraq Agenda: Sign the Pledge

From Democracy for America:
The war in Iraq began two years ago, on a promise of security—and a web of deception. Now the mistruths have fallen away—and we can see a presidency, and American prestige, sunk in a quagmire.

The cost: almost 2,000 American lives lost. $300 billion spent. A growing tab for our children and grandchildren, in the form of the largest budget deficit in American history. And for the Iraqi people, a stable democracy—and peace—remain nowhere in sight.

We captured a tyrant, but made no provision for keeping the peace. An insurgency took off. Terrorists moved in. And now, we have a country at the heart of the Middle East breeding extremist violence—and verging on civil war.

This is unacceptable. We have to address this issue, and resolve it. But from Washington, we hear little but presidential excuses and the quiet wringing of hands.

Someone needs to take a stand. Here's the deal: that someone can be you.

Take the pledge to send to Washington only those leaders with the courage to face the Iraq mess head-on. Do it today:

https://www.democracyforamerica.com/iraqpledge

We can shake our heads at Bush, and shake our fists at the Congress. In the end, though, we make the Congress. We elect it. It answers to us. And in 2006 and 2008, we can get Congress' attention by telling our elected officials to face the facts—or go home.

Use your power. As the time draws closer to select candidates for the next United States Congress, pledge the following:

I pledge to only support candidates who: 1. Acknowledge that the U.S. was misled into the war in Iraq 2. Advocate for a responsible exit plan with a timeline 3. Support our troops at home and abroad

As we sign the pledge, our names will appear on the Democracy for America pledge map. Let's fill it from coast to coast—so that candidates and the media can't help but see it.

https://www.democracyforamerica.com/iraqpledge

Why sign the pledge? Because you know America can't afford to take more of this. It's time for the public servants we sent to Washington to face the truth.

We expect our leaders to show courage and honor for the sacrifices of our soldiers in Iraq. The best way to do that: by facing the crisis that has killed thousands, emptied our treasury, and destroyed our credibility.

You have shown that courage. Let's tell Washington we expect it to do the same.

Thank you,
Jim Dean
Democracy for America

P.S. If 10,000 patriots sign the pledge today, that would make a great start. But 100,000 signatures would begin to set the nation's agenda. Help us reach that goal—sign today!

A Sad Anniversary

Three years ago today, October 10, 2002:

The House voted 296-133 to give President George W. Bush broad authority to use military force against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, with or without U.N. support. Despite an unprecedented flooding of Congress with calls, e-mails, letters, and faxes in opposition, both the House of Representatives and the Senate overwhelmingly pass resolutions authorizing President Bush to unilaterally launch an invasion of Iraq at any time for any reason.

Visit https://www.peacebuttons.info/ for more information on the history of peace and justice or to sign up for their free weekly peace calendar.

Timely Reads:
Why the U.S. must leave Iraq: Sen. Russ Feingold says it's time to admit the war was a disaster -- and accuses his fellow Democrats of going along with Bush out of fear.

Democracy Itself is in Grave Danger: Speech by Al Gore to the American Constitution Society at Georgetown University Law Center

Gore's latest speech on democracy and the media.

ACTION ALERT: Wage Peace

From Terry Riley:
The American Friends Service Committee has proposed a nationwide demonstration on the day that the number of American soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan reaches 2000. They have set up a web site where you can register to attend and from which you will be notified.  The demonstration is supposed to be non-partisan and they ask that the signs be to the issue ONLY.  I believe that this is an excellent opportunity to get the word out and make the rest of the public aware that we have to get out now.

If you would like to join us on that day please go to the following web site and register   https://www.afsc.org/2000/   

This web site also has signs that you can download so that our demonstration is as uniform as possible and our message is as powerful as possible.  Please consider joining in this opportunity to speak out in large numbers.  We HAVE to start doing things to stop the killing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have selected the intersection of Montgomery Blvd. NE and San Mateo NE.  There are several parking lots at each of the corners of the intersection and the traffic is higher here than any other intersection in New Mexico.  My plan is that we line the sidewalks coming out from the intersection with all that show up.  People driving home that day will see a consistent message and hopefully a lot of people.  We need to MAKE the average person start to do something!

You are welcome to also e-mail me here for more information.

Thank you,
Terry Riley: Terryr345@aol.com

Editor's Note: Click to learn more about the American Friends Service Committee's Wage Peace campaign, including their Wage Peace video and Homeward Bound resolution. The site also provides extensive background information on the war in Iraq, AFSC's positions and activist resources.

DC & Nationwide Antiwar Events Set for Today

Today's Demonstration in London

More than 100,000 people are expected to demonstrate today in Washington D.C. to bring our troops home from Iraq, with hundreds of related events scheduled in cities and towns across America in a national day of action. Protests were also scheduled for London and other places around the globe.

In Albuquerque, protestors will gather at 11:00 AM at the Truman gate to Kirtland Air Force Base and march to a location on Jackson Street SE near Highland High School for a Noon rally, speakers, music and more. Click for flyer and more information. Highland High School is located at 4700 Coal Ave SE. Here's a map of the area that shows Jackson SE.

Here's the speech Gold Star Mother for Peace Cindy Sheehan plans to give this afternoon at the D.C. rally. You can watch the entire Washington protest on TV on CSPAN or online starting this morning.

Meanwhile, Win Without War is running an antiwar ad in newspapers across the country today. The left side of the double-page ad pictures Bush and administration officials with quotes about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq under the headline "They lied." The right side lists the names of U.S. military personnel killed in Iraq with the headline "They died."

Congressional Black Caucus Democrats have met with anti-war leaders and two are expected to address today's D.C. rally, Cynthia A. McKinney of Georgia and John Conyers Jr. of Michigan. But other top Dem Party "leaders" all have "plans elsewhere."  Even with support caving for George's war, Dems with presidential ambitions, like Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John Edwards and Russ Feingold, as well as our Party Chair, Howard Dean, House Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Harry Reid, are avoiding taking a strong stand against the Iraq War.

Can't say I'm surprised. After all, speaking out now might dismay some mythical "swing voter" somewhere on the planet and we can't have that, can we? And despite Dean's passionate antiwar stance during his presidential campaign, I guess he's now at the mercy of the limitations imposed by Dem Party bigwigs. What a shame.

Good News Monday

I wanted to start off the week with some good news, and these stories certainly fill the bill -- even though they report good news about a bad war. Added plus: the first item comes from the city where I was born and raised:

From the Chicago Independent Media Center:

Chicago City Council Votes 29-to-9 for Iraq Pullout
CHICAGO (September 15, 2005) -The Chicago City Council Wednesday passed a resolution demanding the removal of US troops from Iraq. Passing by a Council vote of 29 to 9, with 12 abstaining or not voting, the resolution urges 'the United States government to immediately commence an orderly and rapid withdrawal' from Iraq. In addition to the death and suffering of the war, the resolution stressed that 'Chicago residents' share of monies appropriated for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan now exceeds $2.1 billion.'

Disapproval Growing: According to the latest CBS News/NY Times Poll, almost 60% of Americans disapprove of the way Bush is handling Iraq, while 63% are "uneasy" about his decisionmaking ability regarding the war. Also, 50% now believe we should not have invaded Iraq, with 75% saying Bush has no clear plan for getting out of Iraq and 90% saying cuts to domestic programs should not be used to pay for the war. Wow.

Even Bill Clinton is now down on the war:

Breaking with tradition under which US presidents mute criticisms of their successors, Clinton said the Bush administration had decided to invade Iraq "virtually alone and before UN inspections were completed, with no real urgency, no evidence that there were weapons of mass destruction."

The Iraq war diverted US attention from the war on terrorism "and undermined the support that we might have had," Bush said in an interview with an ABC's "This Week" programme.

Too bad his wife didn't vote against the war and he didn't make theses criticisms when they might have had some power to stop the war. I guess he watches the polling closely, eh?

THIS JUST IN: More good news:

L. Dennis Kozlowski, the former CEO of Tyco International Ltd., and former Tyco finance chief Mark Swartz were sentenced Monday to up to 25 years in prison for stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the company.L. Dennis Kozlowski, the former CEO of Tyco International Ltd., and former Tyco finance chief Mark Swartz were sentenced Monday to up to 25 years in prison for stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the company.