Progressive Springfield

More thoughts on getting the hell out.

This interesting article by Tom Hayden suggests some things we can do to end the killing spree in Iraq.

I find it ironic that a large percentage of Bush supporters are regular churchgoers; yet they don't seem to grasp the concept of the Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill."

Supposedly, our troops are still over there to enhance security during the transition to a "democratic" government (i.e., American puppet regime). And a political and military presence would strategically enhance America's global domination. But do the ends justify the means? A stronger America is a worthy aspiration; but not at the cost of more than 100,000 lives, mostly women and children (see Lancet article). Furthermore, I think the chances that a democratic government will long survive in Iraq are remote. Some countries just aren't ready for democracy.

United for Peace and Justice has just launched a White Ribbon Campaign to increase the visibility of those who oppose the Iraq war. The concept is to support our troops by advocating an immediate end to this war to bring them back safely. A worthy goal to express the sentiment of many Americans who feel that being patriotic doesn't mean blindly following the administration's lead but rather questioning the sanity and morality of the actions "our" government undertake. Patriotism means participating in activities aimed at making this country a better place, one that we can all be proud of. Although I can't keep track of what all different colored ribbons mean any more, the act of making one's political opinions more public may be the only power we have left in a political process that otherwise leaves us feeling helpless.

With so much money spent on War, why not spend a little on Peace?

Ohio congressman and former presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is sponsoring a bill (HR 1673) to create a U.S. Department of Peace. This bill establishes non-violence as an organizing principle of American society, providing the U.S. President with an array of peace-building policy options for domestic and international use.

See The U.S. Department of Peace Coalition or The Department of Peace Campaign for more info.

Central Illinoisans, contact Joe Keck to participate in the campaign.

Makes sense to me!

** Key US state certifies Bush win **
The battleground state of Ohio confirms the final result of the US presidential poll, although challenges are expected.

I must admit to being a bit ambivalent about this one. I'm HUGE on election reform, but do I really want to demand a hand recount of Illinois votes? In case you do, the march begins at noon this Sunday, December 12, in front of the State Capitol. State coordinator is Laura Cleveland.

OK...twist my arm...nothing like a bit of live protesting to spark up the weekend!

I was just getting ready to add a link to Springpatch.org when I noticed that the website is way out of date!

In all fairness to Marc, the webmaster, I understand he's extremely active within the Green Party, which may not leave him much time for updating web sites. While I twiddle on my keyboard, he's been trying to get the Ohio recount going. Maybe he'll give us an update on that. Last I heard, some judge said Kerry had to give his support to the recount in order for it to happen.

Dec 10, 4-5p, Candlelight vigil & reading of Declaration of Human Rights at the State Capitol, 2nd & Edwards, by Springfield Peace & Justice Community, 544-3997, 899-3389.

Here's an interesting web site which helps you determine which political party your shopping dollars go to:http://www.choosetheblue.com/main.php

I don't know what's more surprising: that Shell Oil is the only oil company that donated more to the Dems, or that there actually was an oil company that did so.

I was inspired to start this blog by a book I read this weekend. The book is called The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, by Joseph Trippi. Trippi was Howard Dean's campaign advisor, and a great believer in the use of the Internet to empower people and create communities. I was also inspired by a recent MoveOn house party I hosted. I was amazed that in the largely "red" community of Springfield, Illinois, there were so many others out there just like me, who had progressive values and felt a strong need to Take Back America from the corporate right-wing coalition that currently rules it.

Since hosting that house party several weeks ago, I've struggled with how to maintain that sense of community amongst the people in my cramped living room that evening. Perhaps this will be a step in that direction.

Welcome!