Happy Leap Day...see you in four years!
19 more days until we "leap" into a new era
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Those were tough times
Three Presidents of the United States were assasinated between 1865 and 1901: Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield and William McKinley. All three were Republicans and all were directly involved with service in the Civil War: the first as President and the latter 2 as Generals.
Alas, none of them were fortunate enough to serve a second term, with the unluckiest being the 20th President Garfield, whom was slain just 6 months and 15 days into his first term.
It goes to show you that in life you sometimes only have a short time to make your mark, so take advantage of all the time we have to make this world all you want it to be.
In 20 days you will have that chance...
Alas, none of them were fortunate enough to serve a second term, with the unluckiest being the 20th President Garfield, whom was slain just 6 months and 15 days into his first term.
It goes to show you that in life you sometimes only have a short time to make your mark, so take advantage of all the time we have to make this world all you want it to be.
In 20 days you will have that chance...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Let's hear it for our boys
A big shout out to # 21, Brooks Laich of The Washington Capitals.
You had the best game of your pro career yesterday:"keep it up".
The sky is the limit for our boys in red, white and blue...
The Nations Team on the Net: The Washington Capitals
You had the best game of your pro career yesterday:"keep it up".
The sky is the limit for our boys in red, white and blue...
The Nations Team on the Net: The Washington Capitals
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Is there a place for us?
22, the number of hours it seemed like I spent today, while I waited to see the District/US "justice" system prosecute the valiant actions of Tina Richards, Adam Kokesh and Ian Thompson.
The former two were acquitted, the latter unfortunately was unjustly given a "guilty" verdict.
I just sat there and was reminded how unfair the "judicial system" is to the working class-especially men- of this realm. This was poignantly demonstrated when the men(brown and black) were brought out in chains: chattel slavery has ended with the master becoming the state instead of private plantation owners. Reminds me of a passage in WEB Du Bois' "Black Reconstruction 1860-80," where he points out that as a result of black labors' general strike and subsequent armed uprising leading to the destruction of the plantation system; this led the planter oligarchy to institute "Black codes" to deal with the emancipated black labor.
As plantations depopulated throughout the confederacy the prison population skyrocketed. The excuse used today to criminalize men and women thereby holding there labor hostage is the "war on drugs." 90% of those I see when I am in the Superior Court Building are there for crimes of pleasure: sex and drugs...things one uses to harmonize themselves to life in the concrete jungle.
Moreover, I was unfortunately also reminded(at age 25) because of activism and more importantly the vision I had in San Francisco June 1, 1992: We the people cannot reform this system; we must begin to build a new nation in its place. I saw this future world(today) collapsing and tried my damnedest to set things in motion so my people could survive NOW, as the old world was dying...
Realize that nobody took me seriously in the majority of the circles I had traveled in especially during the go-go 90's. Another reason I am glad I came back to dc, I could act within a nearly blank canvass without the annoying pc-lefties to get in my way.
See, fortunately for me, I am good at not giving a shit what people think anyway, and in hindsight, fuck 'em: I was tragically right!
Alas, there is no place for a rational, caring human being in this realm and only by separating ourselves from it, can we the people begin to live in freedom and equality...
Therefore, in 22 days, we can strike forward for a new reality; we can strike in unison for our future...
The former two were acquitted, the latter unfortunately was unjustly given a "guilty" verdict.
I just sat there and was reminded how unfair the "judicial system" is to the working class-especially men- of this realm. This was poignantly demonstrated when the men(brown and black) were brought out in chains: chattel slavery has ended with the master becoming the state instead of private plantation owners. Reminds me of a passage in WEB Du Bois' "Black Reconstruction 1860-80," where he points out that as a result of black labors' general strike and subsequent armed uprising leading to the destruction of the plantation system; this led the planter oligarchy to institute "Black codes" to deal with the emancipated black labor.
As plantations depopulated throughout the confederacy the prison population skyrocketed. The excuse used today to criminalize men and women thereby holding there labor hostage is the "war on drugs." 90% of those I see when I am in the Superior Court Building are there for crimes of pleasure: sex and drugs...things one uses to harmonize themselves to life in the concrete jungle.
Moreover, I was unfortunately also reminded(at age 25) because of activism and more importantly the vision I had in San Francisco June 1, 1992: We the people cannot reform this system; we must begin to build a new nation in its place. I saw this future world(today) collapsing and tried my damnedest to set things in motion so my people could survive NOW, as the old world was dying...
Realize that nobody took me seriously in the majority of the circles I had traveled in especially during the go-go 90's. Another reason I am glad I came back to dc, I could act within a nearly blank canvass without the annoying pc-lefties to get in my way.
See, fortunately for me, I am good at not giving a shit what people think anyway, and in hindsight, fuck 'em: I was tragically right!
Alas, there is no place for a rational, caring human being in this realm and only by separating ourselves from it, can we the people begin to live in freedom and equality...
Therefore, in 22 days, we can strike forward for a new reality; we can strike in unison for our future...
Monday, February 25, 2008
This town is full of suckers...
Yup,
DC is full of sucker punchin pussies...
Zeus was just outside barking at these two young black men who were waiting for the bus outside the house.
I saw his agitation cuz one of the guys was leaning on the fence; I see the source of his angst and ask from outside the back door " hey stop leaning on the fence". As always-- hard headed abstinate bros. cannot take advice pleasantly so I go out and try to reason with them; they protest and then proceed to sucker punch me( my fight against prostitution, against a suburban car african. am anti gay pricks).
I take action by giving back as I come across the fence and begin to defend myself and property; mind you Minnesota avenue is busy and there are two against me. I am luckily joined by my brother and my mom comes outside to bring her version of sanity; I wanted to smash the one kids head against the pavement but I got a reprieve because they saw that they could not physically overcome me and my brother. So I made my way back inside the house.
This town and the people here are so fucking stupid and deserve all they have awaiting them; this is not the first time I had to fight for what is right: I believe that to fight Reagan, Bush I, Clinton,Bush, demands that I also fight those rogues who are small in name but tyrants none the same: this is called equal justice...
In 23 days I hope justice rains down on all alike mighty and the mightily stupid
Peace and justice for all!
DC is full of sucker punchin pussies...
Zeus was just outside barking at these two young black men who were waiting for the bus outside the house.
I saw his agitation cuz one of the guys was leaning on the fence; I see the source of his angst and ask from outside the back door " hey stop leaning on the fence". As always-- hard headed abstinate bros. cannot take advice pleasantly so I go out and try to reason with them; they protest and then proceed to sucker punch me( my fight against prostitution, against a suburban car african. am anti gay pricks).
I take action by giving back as I come across the fence and begin to defend myself and property; mind you Minnesota avenue is busy and there are two against me. I am luckily joined by my brother and my mom comes outside to bring her version of sanity; I wanted to smash the one kids head against the pavement but I got a reprieve because they saw that they could not physically overcome me and my brother. So I made my way back inside the house.
This town and the people here are so fucking stupid and deserve all they have awaiting them; this is not the first time I had to fight for what is right: I believe that to fight Reagan, Bush I, Clinton,Bush, demands that I also fight those rogues who are small in name but tyrants none the same: this is called equal justice...
In 23 days I hope justice rains down on all alike mighty and the mightily stupid
Peace and justice for all!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
oh, enough already
25vente cinco 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 twenty-five 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20 11111 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 XXV12+1325252525252525
in just 25 days...
in just 25 days...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Is that it?!
2.22.82: let's go back 26 years and see what people saw.
Same old stuff, personal persecution; it seems it never ends.
Well, in 26 days we will make history and give the world something different to read
about in 26 years!
I love you
Oh no, snow fizzled and the ice dried up...
pitiful!
This town: Conspiracy! (hehe)
Oh, well--back to the drawing board.
Think: " snow."
lol
Same old stuff, personal persecution; it seems it never ends.
Well, in 26 days we will make history and give the world something different to read
about in 26 years!
I love you
Oh no, snow fizzled and the ice dried up...
pitiful!
This town: Conspiracy! (hehe)
Oh, well--back to the drawing board.
Think: " snow."
lol
Thursday, February 21, 2008
It is happening, again
It is eerie watching the burning of the American embaasy live from Belgrade Serbia. The destruction of the sovereign state of Yugoslavia, all in the name of "saving" ethnic minorities in Croatia, Bosnia, and lastly, Kosovo fulfilling the dream of those who have worked for a New World Order. Creative destruction again and again...all in the name of "democracy".
9 years ago a "war" was being waged by NATO forces led by the British-American oligarchy against the people of Serbia. 77 Days of bombings including the use of Depleted Uranium(DU).
It was used heavily in the bombings of 1999; a continuation of its horrific use in Iraq during the first genocidal onslaught in 1991, an furthered during this current apocalyptic action against the great people of what is left of the nation state known as Iraq...
I am now listening to the evil Richard Holbrooke justify the continued chaos brought by the hidden hand of the dark oligarchy.(Notice the same names appear from crisis to crisis)
This is the continuation of the destruction of the old order; the new order is being born through the blood and tears of all who live in this realm. I should know..I was one of the few who witnesssed and PROTESTED all of the above!
Lastly, this same "movement" will find its way here(unless we wake up) on these shores because all nations are to change--even one which was once the "new world order" for our contemporary AGE.
In 27 days you have a choice to continue this or begin to involve yourself with "change", by starting first with yourself...
peace and love
9 years ago a "war" was being waged by NATO forces led by the British-American oligarchy against the people of Serbia. 77 Days of bombings including the use of Depleted Uranium(DU).
It was used heavily in the bombings of 1999; a continuation of its horrific use in Iraq during the first genocidal onslaught in 1991, an furthered during this current apocalyptic action against the great people of what is left of the nation state known as Iraq...
I am now listening to the evil Richard Holbrooke justify the continued chaos brought by the hidden hand of the dark oligarchy.(Notice the same names appear from crisis to crisis)
This is the continuation of the destruction of the old order; the new order is being born through the blood and tears of all who live in this realm. I should know..I was one of the few who witnesssed and PROTESTED all of the above!
Lastly, this same "movement" will find its way here(unless we wake up) on these shores because all nations are to change--even one which was once the "new world order" for our contemporary AGE.
In 27 days you have a choice to continue this or begin to involve yourself with "change", by starting first with yourself...
peace and love
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Oh, so pretty
Cool, it snowed today!
Keep it up!!
Now, let us see what we can conjure by Friday.
In 28 days you have no more excuses
and best of all... no fucking regrets
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Is that light?
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
They loved snow back in the 1970's
Let's all think: "snow"...
Thirty years ago the east coast was hit by "the blizzard of 1978...
Even DC got 18 inches; the city was frozen solid:loved it as a 10 year old boy, though shoveling out took all day.
Let's channel another storm--let's have a "white out"!
Thirty years ago the east coast was hit by "the blizzard of 1978...
Even DC got 18 inches; the city was frozen solid:loved it as a 10 year old boy, though shoveling out took all day.
Let's channel another storm--let's have a "white out"!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
And Again...
Kathy Carr(1959-2008): Rest in Peace
I love you, cousin Kathy...and I will never forget all you brought to me.
So much time is spent worrying about tomrrow while today is
never found to be enough
because the thought of what "needs to be"
blinds all to what "is" for now...
Ave Anima!
I love you, cousin Kathy...and I will never forget all you brought to me.
So much time is spent worrying about tomrrow while today is
never found to be enough
because the thought of what "needs to be"
blinds all to what "is" for now...
Ave Anima!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Saturday, Sophistry and Saints...
I woke up early Saturday morning to feed my nieces, mom, and dog zeus too, a good quick meal of Oatmeal, bacon and fried apples, with cinnamon and brown sugar...
A warm, tasty meal to energize me in my quest to get out by 9 in order to get to Busboys and Poets by 10 o'clock to attend a regional Green Party Presidential Candidates forum.
The ride was pleasant: brisk 40's, with a light wind constantly kept at bay by a cloud dancing sun.
Nice morning for a ride even consideriing a car I cleverly missed while it made a legal right hand turn unto Massachusetts Avenue at Lincoln Park on Capitol hill Se.
I continued along gingerly across the city, glad to be out of the house and occupied this fine Saturday morning. I got to the corner of 12th and U st. NW. and proceeded to walk the next two blocks because I was tired of riding that damn bike. I knew I had some time because I make that trip in 46 minutes giving me at least 15 minutes if I use "standard time"...
Though since it is lefty politico time, I knew I had at LEAST, 13 more, cuz they never get off on time; thus giving me time to pass out US Constitutions. Got rid of 22 in 7 minutes or so... the last one, moved after dropping off bike at 14th and V st. nw.
B&P was lively inside; the morning brunch was popular: plates coming and going. I walked through the front dining area and headed to the back room, which contains the stage. There, manning the gate am are 2 campaing workers handling out fliers.
Start chatting, and discover they are Nadar people; I ask: Why was Nader getting a surrogate--Howie Hawkins, to be on the ballot for the District of Columbia's Presidential Primary, February 12th 2008? She gave me the know it all liberal look and pause and then begins to explain there "strategy": Hawkins was being used to collect delegates in case Nader STRATEGICALLY JUMPS INTO THE RACE IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. "
"I know, I know" I said, adding " it just makes him look like a political opportunist", than I sat down on a cushioned seat- which sat just off the rooms entrance- and drank my coffee.
After 10 mintes or so of watching black pants waiters shuffle between tables, customers, and staff... I look up from my empty cup and see a entourage of 3 with pre-candidate Nader in tow. They make a turn at the door heading to the nearest table which sat nearest the door; seat themselves and begin to puruse the menu, while people continue to enter and exit the already packed green gathering.
It was roughly 10:20, and we were given the word that the forum was to start in 5 minutes, so I grabbed my stuff, and took my seat just inside the door on a padded stool; though excellently placed it was only occupied with vaious civic tools: voter registration forms and a of sundry papers of that nature. Great spot(I leave after 5 minutes so a late arriving woman can sit, while I stand) if I could say so myself...
The 6 members on stage consisted of 4 candiates and a stand-in: no, not Hawkins but Head-Roc, dc hip-hop and a voice for the McKinney campaign; McKinney has registered as a Green and is on the ballot for their nomination. She was in NY for a "more important" engagement but was excellently represented by Citizen Roc.
Kat Swift, Jesse johnson, and Kent Mesplay were running for the Presidential nomination; with Sedinam Kinamo Christin Moyowaisfzo-Curry and her "epiphany" of a "new America", championing her bid for Vice Presidentcy, of this once great nation. It was her voice and the passion of Mr. Roc connected with me as an independent voter: passion and inndividual vision in action, building a better world through of social and green economics.
A beleif in the Unity of red, white, brown and black people.
Traditional, lefty soundbites that still satisfy my soul after all these years.
Good...
Of the 4 who spoke as Presidential "candidates" (including Nader) it was Mr. Johnson whom was closer to my independent beliefs; his mix of mountain ethics with green politics, can sell in post America. He was one of the peopple who took a copy of a Constitution. I provided unknowingly to him outside earlierbut he did not need a copy cuz he had a nicely, old style fit leather edition he kept in his pocket...
Hour one was spent with meet and greet; very little of any debate over the differences between the "rival" candidates. Though to be fair if they stuck to a Green party script making them and their party appear bland and passive. To believe that the future is dire does not make for an successful party or future society: sustainabity, global warming, downer, downer, downer. The only saving grace is there support for impeachment. Its a negative issue but it at least got the crowd in an mild uproar.
(Zero population growth: come on... who you gonna kill?)
Then, pre arranged questions from the audience for maybe 20 minutes.
Still no fireworks, more cheeerleading, and a growing sense of boredom. But that was about to change, as the candidates were asked to leave, the stage is cleared, adding only a large stand alone micraphone, alone at center stage. "Will everyone please stand out of the walkways, firehazard," we were demanded, so I move to the back a to watch "star" about to be born.
He steps on stage and heads easily to the micraphone; and delivers his tested and true rap about "corporate control" of the electoral system.
I was amazed how much more "press" the Party was giving an unannoucned candidate, the "real green" candidates were not treated this well. Nor were they permitted to personally fundraise; they just passed "hats" through the crowd not delineating its ultimate breakdown once it is in the hands of the "Party". Nader's act was different in style and substance providing a clear baramoter of his character and ability to lead this once great nation.
How does he view your money ?
His fundraising took the form of an "auction"; he had a pen, yes a pen-- he was to auction that had some significance, which I have already forgotten.
The bidding began at $50, then jumped to 100; I thought we had a ceilling but a man from behind me, offers 150. "Once, twice", no, $200 from across the room; I was surprised that this gathering would kick down that type of cash but then a new bid of $ 250 topped the previous high. "No way", I muttered aloud as the room grows quiet with the customary hush that follows when an unexpectd bid enters the market of competitive bidding. Nader begins to work the room, cajolling a higher offer by naming some of the qualities of this aformentioned pen: it was a signer of this... a marker of that documment.
Let's make a deal!!
A voice, stage right left gallery mentions $275; the man, named "John", seemingly an acquaintance of Nader's due to the jovial exchange they have after Nader mentions him by name. A acquantance which does not spare him the Nader funding net as Ralph then unbelieveably holds the whismy comment at face value, an uses it to inflate the tally: can we now get 300?
"A used car salesman, has better taste" I thought, but there is more...
How about $300, said the Green Gantry, preaching for public goods and saved as before by the voice emanating from behind me: "300 dollars". I was amazed at this display, and "he did not even offer them a book", I said aloud, as the crowd stood and offered this good samaritan a public round of applause.
Nader then asks Mr. 300: would he mind taking another pen just like the one offered, so he can give the auction pen to his acquaintance, his "John 275"?
To my surprise, he said :""Yes".
As I watched the on stage switcharoo of pens, from his hand to his "john"...I thought: "hmh...I bet he gets that pen back before the day is out...
Unprecedented in my nearly 20 years of direct political operations and indirectly being in this shit and in this town for most of my 40 years, I had witnessed nothing like "that".
Now for the cherry: he then "suggests" that all those whom bid be held to them as donations to his campaign!
WHAT!!!
Can you imagine if Bush or Clinton had been so brazen with other peoples money at a similar event?
"That is called a shakedown on the street..." I said aloud, laughingly recognizing this classic hustle being unfortunately perpetrated against such innocent, sympathetic sheople.
"He at least could have given these people a copy of his lame ass book"(up front), I added aloud, though to no avail as he smiled, having pocketed over 1100 dollars, as the crowd moved on to Q&A.
I tried really hard to be one of the first to ask a question, taken directly from the raised hands in the audience. Then a party member began collecting names of people she knew; adding another 4 to a list being compiled by Vice President Curry; this resulted from a surprise question from a Dem. party mole who brought up the spoiler angle to the disgust of party members throughout the room...
The questioned ranged from his lack of Party identification to corruption in ballot access. NO hard hitting issues like the economic crisis and the institutions which have caused it. So as they tried to end the proceedings I yell out: what about the Federal Reserve...do you support the Federal Reserve System? He looks to the back of the room says"wait a minute", then begins to yap about some "green" issue. After he finshes, he 'thanks the crowd', and tries to walk off stage; I yell it again, but the mic closes, the lights dim, he turns and the crowd begins to make its exit...
"Damn", I thought as I head to the front of his table, where I congratulate Mr. Johnson; then I briefly wait for the great, fake, shake(r)to arrive.
So Mr. Nader the federal Reserve?
"Well it is a private bank" to which I said "of course."
He then gives the old brush off: you should read a book by some liberal jewish writer whose name I had never heard of and did not see how it related to his opinion. Seeing his uncomfort and his focus on signing his "book", I leave him and his fans to themselves...
So I left, and on my way out, I meet DC homegirl and Statehood stalwart Anise Jenkins; we exhannged hugs and kisses and chat about the gathering I just had experienced. She was late, but fortunately still had time to confront Nader about his lack of support for a party he quadrannually wants to use to further his own name. " Girl he wants that press" I say as, we chuckle, hug and part as Ms. Anise goes to find out more for herself; while I get outside and into the real world...
After unlocking my bike, I turn to walk down 14th st. towards U st., where I am stopped and engaged in conversation by 2 Greens, John and his female(sorry about name) friend. The conversation was aboout what we had just witnessed.
We agreed that they as a party should promote themselves and not a man who seems to have a personal agenda first and the Green Party somewhere below.
I told them "I loved them" and "good luck" as we parted because they will need much support in consolidating a party with many well intentioned voices but few microphones available to hear them...
happy birthday adam
A warm, tasty meal to energize me in my quest to get out by 9 in order to get to Busboys and Poets by 10 o'clock to attend a regional Green Party Presidential Candidates forum.
The ride was pleasant: brisk 40's, with a light wind constantly kept at bay by a cloud dancing sun.
Nice morning for a ride even consideriing a car I cleverly missed while it made a legal right hand turn unto Massachusetts Avenue at Lincoln Park on Capitol hill Se.
I continued along gingerly across the city, glad to be out of the house and occupied this fine Saturday morning. I got to the corner of 12th and U st. NW. and proceeded to walk the next two blocks because I was tired of riding that damn bike. I knew I had some time because I make that trip in 46 minutes giving me at least 15 minutes if I use "standard time"...
Though since it is lefty politico time, I knew I had at LEAST, 13 more, cuz they never get off on time; thus giving me time to pass out US Constitutions. Got rid of 22 in 7 minutes or so... the last one, moved after dropping off bike at 14th and V st. nw.
B&P was lively inside; the morning brunch was popular: plates coming and going. I walked through the front dining area and headed to the back room, which contains the stage. There, manning the gate am are 2 campaing workers handling out fliers.
Start chatting, and discover they are Nadar people; I ask: Why was Nader getting a surrogate--Howie Hawkins, to be on the ballot for the District of Columbia's Presidential Primary, February 12th 2008? She gave me the know it all liberal look and pause and then begins to explain there "strategy": Hawkins was being used to collect delegates in case Nader STRATEGICALLY JUMPS INTO THE RACE IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. "
"I know, I know" I said, adding " it just makes him look like a political opportunist", than I sat down on a cushioned seat- which sat just off the rooms entrance- and drank my coffee.
After 10 mintes or so of watching black pants waiters shuffle between tables, customers, and staff... I look up from my empty cup and see a entourage of 3 with pre-candidate Nader in tow. They make a turn at the door heading to the nearest table which sat nearest the door; seat themselves and begin to puruse the menu, while people continue to enter and exit the already packed green gathering.
It was roughly 10:20, and we were given the word that the forum was to start in 5 minutes, so I grabbed my stuff, and took my seat just inside the door on a padded stool; though excellently placed it was only occupied with vaious civic tools: voter registration forms and a of sundry papers of that nature. Great spot(I leave after 5 minutes so a late arriving woman can sit, while I stand) if I could say so myself...
The 6 members on stage consisted of 4 candiates and a stand-in: no, not Hawkins but Head-Roc, dc hip-hop and a voice for the McKinney campaign; McKinney has registered as a Green and is on the ballot for their nomination. She was in NY for a "more important" engagement but was excellently represented by Citizen Roc.
Kat Swift, Jesse johnson, and Kent Mesplay were running for the Presidential nomination; with Sedinam Kinamo Christin Moyowaisfzo-Curry and her "epiphany" of a "new America", championing her bid for Vice Presidentcy, of this once great nation. It was her voice and the passion of Mr. Roc connected with me as an independent voter: passion and inndividual vision in action, building a better world through of social and green economics.
A beleif in the Unity of red, white, brown and black people.
Traditional, lefty soundbites that still satisfy my soul after all these years.
Good...
Of the 4 who spoke as Presidential "candidates" (including Nader) it was Mr. Johnson whom was closer to my independent beliefs; his mix of mountain ethics with green politics, can sell in post America. He was one of the peopple who took a copy of a Constitution. I provided unknowingly to him outside earlierbut he did not need a copy cuz he had a nicely, old style fit leather edition he kept in his pocket...
Hour one was spent with meet and greet; very little of any debate over the differences between the "rival" candidates. Though to be fair if they stuck to a Green party script making them and their party appear bland and passive. To believe that the future is dire does not make for an successful party or future society: sustainabity, global warming, downer, downer, downer. The only saving grace is there support for impeachment. Its a negative issue but it at least got the crowd in an mild uproar.
(Zero population growth: come on... who you gonna kill?)
Then, pre arranged questions from the audience for maybe 20 minutes.
Still no fireworks, more cheeerleading, and a growing sense of boredom. But that was about to change, as the candidates were asked to leave, the stage is cleared, adding only a large stand alone micraphone, alone at center stage. "Will everyone please stand out of the walkways, firehazard," we were demanded, so I move to the back a to watch "star" about to be born.
He steps on stage and heads easily to the micraphone; and delivers his tested and true rap about "corporate control" of the electoral system.
I was amazed how much more "press" the Party was giving an unannoucned candidate, the "real green" candidates were not treated this well. Nor were they permitted to personally fundraise; they just passed "hats" through the crowd not delineating its ultimate breakdown once it is in the hands of the "Party". Nader's act was different in style and substance providing a clear baramoter of his character and ability to lead this once great nation.
How does he view your money ?
His fundraising took the form of an "auction"; he had a pen, yes a pen-- he was to auction that had some significance, which I have already forgotten.
The bidding began at $50, then jumped to 100; I thought we had a ceilling but a man from behind me, offers 150. "Once, twice", no, $200 from across the room; I was surprised that this gathering would kick down that type of cash but then a new bid of $ 250 topped the previous high. "No way", I muttered aloud as the room grows quiet with the customary hush that follows when an unexpectd bid enters the market of competitive bidding. Nader begins to work the room, cajolling a higher offer by naming some of the qualities of this aformentioned pen: it was a signer of this... a marker of that documment.
Let's make a deal!!
A voice, stage right left gallery mentions $275; the man, named "John", seemingly an acquaintance of Nader's due to the jovial exchange they have after Nader mentions him by name. A acquantance which does not spare him the Nader funding net as Ralph then unbelieveably holds the whismy comment at face value, an uses it to inflate the tally: can we now get 300?
"A used car salesman, has better taste" I thought, but there is more...
How about $300, said the Green Gantry, preaching for public goods and saved as before by the voice emanating from behind me: "300 dollars". I was amazed at this display, and "he did not even offer them a book", I said aloud, as the crowd stood and offered this good samaritan a public round of applause.
Nader then asks Mr. 300: would he mind taking another pen just like the one offered, so he can give the auction pen to his acquaintance, his "John 275"?
To my surprise, he said :""Yes".
As I watched the on stage switcharoo of pens, from his hand to his "john"...I thought: "hmh...I bet he gets that pen back before the day is out...
Unprecedented in my nearly 20 years of direct political operations and indirectly being in this shit and in this town for most of my 40 years, I had witnessed nothing like "that".
Now for the cherry: he then "suggests" that all those whom bid be held to them as donations to his campaign!
WHAT!!!
Can you imagine if Bush or Clinton had been so brazen with other peoples money at a similar event?
"That is called a shakedown on the street..." I said aloud, laughingly recognizing this classic hustle being unfortunately perpetrated against such innocent, sympathetic sheople.
"He at least could have given these people a copy of his lame ass book"(up front), I added aloud, though to no avail as he smiled, having pocketed over 1100 dollars, as the crowd moved on to Q&A.
I tried really hard to be one of the first to ask a question, taken directly from the raised hands in the audience. Then a party member began collecting names of people she knew; adding another 4 to a list being compiled by Vice President Curry; this resulted from a surprise question from a Dem. party mole who brought up the spoiler angle to the disgust of party members throughout the room...
The questioned ranged from his lack of Party identification to corruption in ballot access. NO hard hitting issues like the economic crisis and the institutions which have caused it. So as they tried to end the proceedings I yell out: what about the Federal Reserve...do you support the Federal Reserve System? He looks to the back of the room says"wait a minute", then begins to yap about some "green" issue. After he finshes, he 'thanks the crowd', and tries to walk off stage; I yell it again, but the mic closes, the lights dim, he turns and the crowd begins to make its exit...
"Damn", I thought as I head to the front of his table, where I congratulate Mr. Johnson; then I briefly wait for the great, fake, shake(r)to arrive.
So Mr. Nader the federal Reserve?
"Well it is a private bank" to which I said "of course."
He then gives the old brush off: you should read a book by some liberal jewish writer whose name I had never heard of and did not see how it related to his opinion. Seeing his uncomfort and his focus on signing his "book", I leave him and his fans to themselves...
So I left, and on my way out, I meet DC homegirl and Statehood stalwart Anise Jenkins; we exhannged hugs and kisses and chat about the gathering I just had experienced. She was late, but fortunately still had time to confront Nader about his lack of support for a party he quadrannually wants to use to further his own name. " Girl he wants that press" I say as, we chuckle, hug and part as Ms. Anise goes to find out more for herself; while I get outside and into the real world...
After unlocking my bike, I turn to walk down 14th st. towards U st., where I am stopped and engaged in conversation by 2 Greens, John and his female(sorry about name) friend. The conversation was aboout what we had just witnessed.
We agreed that they as a party should promote themselves and not a man who seems to have a personal agenda first and the Green Party somewhere below.
I told them "I loved them" and "good luck" as we parted because they will need much support in consolidating a party with many well intentioned voices but few microphones available to hear them...
happy birthday adam
Friday, February 1, 2008
No she didn't: yes she did!
Ann Coulter added her name to the growing list supporting the election of Hitlary Clinton...
The fix is on to replace the current abomination, with an even more difficult opponent.
She and Obama represent "oppressed" minorities; It will take four years to convince establishment lefties that our oppostion to her is not because we are "sexist".
I and others whom were active in the 90's, learned this during the first Clinton White House: the left-wing opposition goes home when one of their perceived own is given the keys to the store(remember election 2006). The same is found on the right wing too.
The betrayal of Conservative princlples by the so-called conservative movement is now evident with the passage of nearly 8 years. They sold their souls in order to get Nero in the White House. The result: he has destroyed the movement leaving only a bunch of divided groups arguing about a new direction to take their movement. All by design: this same movement a decade ago was forming militia's and holding rallies...not today!!!!!
To these followers, principles are only words not values one lives by, because power and the masters acceptance is all they crave. Bush was "created" to do everything Gore could not; reverse names-- they would be outraged!
I remember saying these very things to the gathered masses, whom had gleefully arrived to celebrate his inauguration in 2000. I was surrounded but undaunted, because it is really frustrating to see all these out of towners, whom THINK, they know how things really work here in Capital city. Those fools actually thought it was the man, Clinton, who had betrayed the principles and values found in the Constitution; when in fact he (and Bush) represent an "order" of secret associations and families whom detest the principles of this country(We the People) and have worked since 1776 to oppose the long life of the worlds first(though imperfect) Citizens Republic...
So as we wave good bye to the right hand of the ruling class get ready to feel the left, white gloved reply, to the face of this once great nation.
We must hold this place together by holding on to the truths we hold dear.
ps:The only thing worse is if Mc Cain is elected; oh shit he is the other choice!!!!!
The fix is on to replace the current abomination, with an even more difficult opponent.
She and Obama represent "oppressed" minorities; It will take four years to convince establishment lefties that our oppostion to her is not because we are "sexist".
I and others whom were active in the 90's, learned this during the first Clinton White House: the left-wing opposition goes home when one of their perceived own is given the keys to the store(remember election 2006). The same is found on the right wing too.
The betrayal of Conservative princlples by the so-called conservative movement is now evident with the passage of nearly 8 years. They sold their souls in order to get Nero in the White House. The result: he has destroyed the movement leaving only a bunch of divided groups arguing about a new direction to take their movement. All by design: this same movement a decade ago was forming militia's and holding rallies...not today!!!!!
To these followers, principles are only words not values one lives by, because power and the masters acceptance is all they crave. Bush was "created" to do everything Gore could not; reverse names-- they would be outraged!
I remember saying these very things to the gathered masses, whom had gleefully arrived to celebrate his inauguration in 2000. I was surrounded but undaunted, because it is really frustrating to see all these out of towners, whom THINK, they know how things really work here in Capital city. Those fools actually thought it was the man, Clinton, who had betrayed the principles and values found in the Constitution; when in fact he (and Bush) represent an "order" of secret associations and families whom detest the principles of this country(We the People) and have worked since 1776 to oppose the long life of the worlds first(though imperfect) Citizens Republic...
So as we wave good bye to the right hand of the ruling class get ready to feel the left, white gloved reply, to the face of this once great nation.
We must hold this place together by holding on to the truths we hold dear.
ps:The only thing worse is if Mc Cain is elected; oh shit he is the other choice!!!!!
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