Monday Open Thread
I am abstaining from celebrating “Presidents Day” this year. I’m just not in the mood. Maybe I’m not fully recovered from the week long 24/7coverage of Fords funeral, but I am way fed up with being asked to honoring powerful old dead white guys, no matter who they are.
Instead, I declare today “Other’s Day”.
A day for honoring those who march to thier own drumbeats, not ones chosen for them. A day for all who dare to not conform to the cultural/politcal/social dictates of others. A day for boat rocking, free thinking, truth tellers who have said “No Thanks” to obediently swallowing whatever they are “fed” by those in charge of everthing.
A day to honor those of all colors, cultures and ethnic backgrounds, all genders, all generations, anyone who is “different” in any way at all, from Americas mainstream white culture.
Because being an “Other” in America takes a lifetime of courage and fortitude.
Good morning to all, and the thread is open!
I figure Presidents Day is just an excuse for me to rock out to J. Geils Band todal.. DEAD PRESIDENTS.
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 10:33 am
Other… and Nannettes post got me thinking.
I’m white, blonde, blue eyes. Some freckles…
But tonight, two senators are going to tell a crowd of people that they are joining forces because people like “me” are “bad”. People like me should be feared. A reason to lock down entire buildings. That because I’m anti-war, and support war resisters that I’m evil.
It’d be kinda funny if it wasn’t so sick.
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 10:40 am
That you can still see the humor in it is a sign of sanity - in humor we trust!
Comment by arcturus1 — February 19, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Morning Arcturus! “M” of CodePink was going to go with me to Portland but she just emailed me that she’s going to the town hall mtg of Congressman David Wu to ask
The reason I’m changing is that
I will have a better chance to get in there and
actually ask a question. The question I will ask is
this:
On Feb 1st Zbigniew Brzezinski said this during a
hearing in the senate:
“A plausible scenario for a military collision with
Iran involves Iraqi failure to meet the benchmarks;
followed by accusations of Iranian responsibility for
the failure; then by some provocation in Iraq or a
terrorist act in the U.S. blamed on Iran; culminating
in a “defensive” U.S. military action against Iran
that plunges a lonely America into a spreading and
deepening quagmire eventually ranging across Iraq,
Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. ”
If there is another attack like 9/11 on the US or if
there is a provocation in Iraq that is blamed on Iran
- What will you do to insure that the incident will be
throughly and honestly investigated before our troops
and possibly even nuclear weapons are used against
Iran?
When someone like Brzezinski syas that the
administration might justify invading Iran with “a
terrorist act in the U.S. blamed on Iran” I believe
that we are going to have another war.
I’ve asked her is she wants me to go with her or stick to the other plan.
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Tried putting myself into exile (for my own good, you understand! ;)) but here I am yet again….wanted to thank you all here for a relative pool of communal sanity — happy Monday!
Comment by brinnainne — February 19, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Welcome back brinn - I wondered where you’d gone.
Comment by nlinstpaul — February 19, 2007 @ 11:49 am
thanks, Nancy — where I went was an attempt at away — I wrote cook ting and told him that I had again let myself be dragged into a bunch of complete BS and i am having serious trust issues with online communication in general these days — I am near to exploding with “things to say” but am being held back because there is just too much bullshit going ’round….it’s not fear exactly but just a sort of “nuh-uh, not going there”….
and CT and/or spider, or anyone else in the know….
I have been trying to change my email addy (that is there for everyone to see, which I do not like one bit) in my profile, but I cannot. If there is no solution to that, I’d like my account (and all traces of it) removed from here, when i can figure out how to make another without that email problem, then I will.
Thanks in advance!
Comment by brinnainne — February 19, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Morning all. This thought about the “others” that Scribe put out there. . .certainly a common and persistent drumbeat in my life, and no doubt those who participate here. It was a little confusing when I was a child, because I couldn’t quite get that everyone didn’t feel the same as I did, although they certainly made it constantly apparent that I was the one supposedly out of step with the norm.
I never was able to reconcile “their way” with my way. I am pretty sure it is still the same for those other “others” growing up now. When you are surrounded by adults and “authority” figures all around you constantly insisting that you “shouldn’t feel that way” or that you are “too idealistic” or just the constant pushing at you that you should NOT be who you are. . .I wonder now as I did then what is so threatening about not joining in the group think. What is it about those of us who insist upon being true to ourselves and our values and seeing another more integrious way of being and living that makes them want to beat us down at every opportunity?
Perhaps these are all rhetorical questions.
So, yeah, it is a great day to celebrate: “A day for all who dare to not conform to the cultural/political/social dictates of others. A day for boat rocking, free thinking, truth tellers who have said “No Thanks” to obediently swallowing whatever they are “fed” by those in charge of everything.”
Hugs all,
Shirl
Comment by shirlstars — February 19, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
I was born “trailing clouds of glory” that got wrapped around my eyes. I had this IDEAL inside of me, this standard of the way the world was supposed to be. I looked at Nature and recognized it, the beauty, truth and goodness of it. I looked at society, at many individual humans and immediately recoiled at the ugliness, lies and evil. I just knew so much was wrong about THEM while they kept telling me I was the WRONG ONE.
I thought if I fought the bad ones I could defeat them. If I reasoned with them, I could change them. Surely, the good ones outnumbered the bad and the Ideal could be realized.
I’m old now and I know that’s not true. Why haven’t I accepted it? Why does it still cause me pain and make me rage? The vision of the Ideal is blurred now and I don’t even remember exactly what it was…
Comment by sjct — February 19, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
I dunno, sjct. All I’ve been able to manage so far is to cut down considerably on the amount, frequency and and intensity of the fits of rage that send my BP into stroke range. Had to, if I want to hang around awhile longer.
But I will die without EVER accepting that what “is”.. is all there ever can be.
Your diary at Boo had me actually on my feet yelling “Yes! Yes!”, sjct. I salute you.
Comment by scribe40 — February 19, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
M from CodePink wants me to go with her to ask David Wu (Congressman - D) she feels we’ll be able to be more constructive… but none of the politicians really give a flop. And the other event will be ugly. I should be there with them. ACK
SJCT oh my I just read your diary and my spouse did as well… just.. WOW!
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Thank you, Scribe and Janet. It started percolating last night when I couldn’t post a comment on MoBetta because Blogger keeps wanting to put my full name instead of my initials because I’m a gmail user and it “recognizes” me. Spooky.
I got so anxious and agitated I was up until 1:30am playing FreeCell, trying to calm down. Then, this morning that rant poured out and I put it where I thought it might do some damage. teehee. So far, no one has been offended. Drat.
I still feel very agitated today. I’ve got a jumpy premonition feeling like something really bad is about to happen. Could just be my up-coming one year anniversary of being sober. LOL!
Comment by sjct — February 19, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
Remember it’s Just for today, (((sjct)))
I’m feeling very jumpy today, too. I wish I could chalk it up to a breakfast of nothing but coffee and hershey kissables.
But your rant… I’ve wondered the same things about the politicians. I’m just as angry at Pelosi, Dennis - wtf was he clapping for!!! and don’t even get me started about Hillary… that was a CodePink event that got really ugly.
Okay… I’m siding with doing the street action in Portland rather than the one with Wu.
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
sjct, upcoming sobriety anniversaries make me nervous too! Congrats on almost-a-year!
Ok Janet. Coffee and hershey kisses for breakfast, on a protest day?! I’m callin the self care police! Get some decent food in you, ok?
Comment by scribe40 — February 19, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
wow, great framing of a question! that’s another awesome ACT yr friend is planning. Pointed articulate public interrogation of elected officials gets attention (re: HC in NH the other day). There are only a few situations I can imagine when debating whether this or that form of protest/resistance/action is better/more appropriate than another - your personal decision today obviously being one. They (you) are all points of light in this dark night’s sky. Creating a whole that is greater & more powerful than the sum of its parts.
I’ve long appreciated polyphony.
My best wishes to you both (& all joining you today).
Be calm, be strong. You have a job & duty to do, as do any arresting officers. Power & dignity lie with the peaceful.
Comment by arcturus1 — February 19, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
Mcat posted a snip of yr piece sjct. Well put indeed!
Comment by arcturus1 — February 19, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
So did Booman in a new diary crossposted to Kos.
Comment by scribe40 — February 19, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
For sjct, everything I know I learned on the radio, but it seems like Joni knew:
Then can I walk beside you
I have come here to lose the smog
And I feel to be a cog in something turning
Well maybe it is just the time of year
Or maybe its the time of man
I don’t know who l am
But you know life is for learning
We are stardust
We are golden
And we’ve got to get ourselves
Back to the garden
Eat some protein, missy - cook up some of them chicken eggs
Comment by Alice — February 19, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
Okay I took the kids out and grabbed some grub.
Found this on a hockey site I go to from someone I knew a long, long time ago. “Azul……we just found out yesterday that my husband’s 18-year old great-nephew has landed his a## in Iraq. He was supposed to deploy in June after “training,” but got caught up in the surge. So I guess he’ll get trained on the job…ordinance specialist. Jesus. His mom is beside herself. We’re all feeling pretty helpless right now.”
Arcturus, “M” is a brilliant woman. She’s been protesting all her life it seems. She’s an author on Chernobyl illness… she interviews other authors regarding Iraq/War… I sit in awe of her. These women are simply amazing. I’m truly the fledgling around them.
I’m thinking that many bodies will be needed in Portland. If not for the action itself but also to photograph it. I know it’s dangerous but I think I should be there. “M” is doing something fantastic too. That’s the beauty of this particular CodePink - it does many different things and we all spuport each other. I’m feeling drawn to the Two Sens event. I’m scared of it… but damnit… I dunno. I’m reaching my limit today I think LOL
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 4:27 pm
DJ! Just wanted to give you a shout-out for the phone call today. Somehow, your voice just soothed my jitters! thanks! and be careful out there!
Comment by brinnainne — February 19, 2007 @ 4:42 pm
Your little guy was saying, quit talking to the phone… LOL
I have no idea how my mad ramblings could soothe you…
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
I’ve only ‘crossed the line’ once, janet - years ago in slo anti-nuke stuff - most amazing people arrested were what i’ve seen referred to elsewhere as the “cd junkies’ - people who couldn’t count how many times they’d done it - most of ‘em gray haired - eloquent speakers w/ a powerful centered presence - teachers all
Comment by arcturus1 — February 19, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
Thanks Arcturus, I’m no CD junkie that’s for sure LOL… I’m not at all settled with this particular event. But I’m usually a scaredy cat anyways. I’ll see how things are going when I get there.
Super, due to changed plans I will have to take the Max in myself. I’ll be okay.
I don’t like the idea of the fake blood… so I think I’ll probably be the CP support person and take photographs.
I love you guys. I’ll post here when I get home. Around 11ish or earlier. It depends on what goes down.
Peace… and courage.
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
An update: CodePink just called and “M” said that the other ladies will meet me right off the Max in Portland. I don’t even have to walk alone and may get a ride home.
She says it’s best I support the Wyden/Smith protestors and is glad I’m going to that instead.
I’ve got my orders… Ciao for niao.
Catnip, I feel much better now. thanks
Comment by damnitjanet — February 19, 2007 @ 6:00 pm
brinnainne, re comment 7: I understand your concern about your e-mail address. I think WordPress requires an e-mail address for you to have an account. To change the e-mail address currently recorded, have you tried logging in and then pointing to ‘My account’ in the top LH corner of the site? This opens up a drop-down menu where you can click on ‘edit profile’ and access your contact details.
BTW, I’m pretty sure that the e-mails are only accessible to those who have been made a user/administrator of the site. Not the casual reader.
Comment by canberra boy — February 19, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
Good evening to all. Getting around the left blogosphere these days is increasingly depressing. Fracturing at a furious rate.
Comment by blogistan — February 19, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
**Live Janet Action Update** (10pm ET)
Janet just called me from the Portland demonstration at the TV station where Wyden and Smith are holding their comfy town hall inside with pre-scripted questions.
She said there are about 30 protestors there right now. Some left after the cops arrived. No one’s been arrested (even though Janet got in the cops’ faces and asked them to ask the senators to let them in. She also said she called them “war pigs”. Ouch).
The protestors *might* go into the station by force but she said, at this point, there doesn’t seem to be a way to do that.
She also said the cops and TV station people have been taking pictures of the protestors - for their files, no doubt.
She’s okay and will post something here as soon as she’s able to but that might not be for at least a few more hours or until tomorrow morning, depending on what happens.
GO JANET!
Comment by liberalcatnip — February 19, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
t/y lc
Comment by arcturus1 — February 19, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
I’m home. A lady from the Peace Vigil drove me home.
Man, that was intense. twice I got up to the doors. Twice I was told I would be arrested. The news station security dude tried to push me and I had a bullhorn and got in his face. He then took a phone picture of me and called the police.
People didn’t leave when the cops came. Actually after 4 or 5 cars came - they left but one cop there. So we celebrated that.
Much to share… I’m just drained.
Politicians and the media are nothing but war pigs. They are gutless and spineless.
Don’t rely on the media or the pols. It’s up to US.
Only thing hurt is my throat. I think I blew out my voice.
Thanks everyone!
Comment by Janet — February 19, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
People didn’t leave when the cops came. Actually after 4 or 5 cars came - they left but one cop there. So we celebrated that.
oops..sorry Janet. Glad you got a ride home! So happy you made it through that safely!
Comment by liberalcatnip — February 19, 2007 @ 11:06 pm
YAY J! I’m glad you’re safe! Thank YOU.
Comment by blueneck — February 19, 2007 @ 11:06 pm
sjct,
I wanted to thank you for your BT diary as well. If you need help with posting on Mo Betta, drop me a line. Maybe I can help you figure out the problem.
I’ve always been an “other” in so many ways under so many labels. Sometimes, I’m just not quick enough at figuring out that my “otherness” sparks prejudice in people around me. I can be quite naive at times. I think I’ll be working on that as long as I’m around. What it alls comes down to for me is trusting my gut feelings. That’s really hard to do sometimes.
Comment by liberalcatnip — February 20, 2007 @ 1:45 am
speaking of posting at MoBetta…I cannot get signed in. Is there any chance we can go back to include other poster? It is very frustrating.
Comment by alohaleezy — February 20, 2007 @ 8:59 am