When I began this blog in 2001, I was appalled by President Bush's headlong rush to an illegal war (we were not in fact under attack). As time wore on and Bush began his assault on the Constitution and any people bold enough to criticize, I believed that "the republic is endangered more by actions of our own government than by those of any terrorist." With the election of a high-minded, compassionate, intelligent man like Barack Obama, my fears have ceased.
"Honor them with peace, not war"
United for Peace
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
While the ruins of the World Trade Center smoldered, the Bush Administration launched an assault on the Constitution: see this review of loss of liberty since September, '01 in The Village Voice
Wrapping themselves in the flag... Isn't about time the rest of us recaptured the American flag from the right wing? They laid claim to it during the Vietname War and have held onto it tightly ever since. Some of my friends say they don't like flag-waving (or flag-wavers, most likely) -- but I say it would be okay if the right people waved it, for the right reasons.
I say we should wave the flag to remind ourselves of the liberties that belong to the people, the assurances in the Constitution that Ashcroft and his ilk cannot in times of high emotion go beyond the law.
I say, take an American flag with you to your peace vigils and wave it proudly. Exercise your Constitutional rights daily, lest you become flabby.
I attended the downtown peace vigil tonight between 5-6 at the corner of Jackson and Main, right by the new frog bridge. My friend Laurel and I held a peace flag (stars and stripes with a peace sign replacing the stars). Others hald various banners that said our grief at our loss doesn't mean we want war with Iraq. Randy, who has been making anti-war statements with ingenious artistic creations since the first Bush presidency (and the last failed effort to bomb a bad guy into submission) carried a sign that said "Honk for peace." Honk they did.
The good news (to me) is that many of the passing motorists responded very positively, with horn beeps and thumbs-up, peace signs, and waves. We are not alone in our belief that people can learn to seek redress around a table instead of revenge on a battlefield.
Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
Things We Lost in the Fire
While the ruins of the World Trade Center smoldered, the Bush Administration launched an assault on the Constitution: see this review of loss of liberty since September, '01 in The Village Voice
Wrapping themselves in the flag, they have shredded the Constitution. They have sneered at, ignored, or defied the courts and legislatures that are designed to provide checks and balances on uninhibited executive power. They have eroded the precious Bill of Rights protections of free speech, assembly, and association and its assurances of privacy, due process, equal protection, legal counsel, and a fair trial—practically everything but the right to bear arms.
Wrapping themselves in the flag... Isn't about time the rest of us recaptured the American flag from the right wing? They laid claim to it during the Vietname War and have held onto it tightly ever since. Some of my friends say they don't like flag-waving (or flag-wavers, most likely) -- but I say it would be okay if the right people waved it, for the right reasons.
I say we should wave the flag to remind ourselves of the liberties that belong to the people, the assurances in the Constitution that Ashcroft and his ilk cannot in times of high emotion go beyond the law.
I say, take an American flag with you to your peace vigils and wave it proudly. Exercise your Constitutional rights daily, lest you become flabby.
Update
I attended the downtown peace vigil tonight between 5-6 at the corner of Jackson and Main, right by the new frog bridge. My friend Laurel and I held a peace flag (stars and stripes with a peace sign replacing the stars). Others hald various banners that said our grief at our loss doesn't mean we want war with Iraq. Randy, who has been making anti-war statements with ingenious artistic creations since the first Bush presidency (and the last failed effort to bomb a bad guy into submission) carried a sign that said "Honk for peace." Honk they did.
The good news (to me) is that many of the passing motorists responded very positively, with horn beeps and thumbs-up, peace signs, and waves. We are not alone in our belief that people can learn to seek redress around a table instead of revenge on a battlefield.
Palema
6:57 AM
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Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
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