Tricounty DFA: Four Years Ago
Hello Everyone!

Four years ago today- February 21st-- at the DNC's Winter Meeting, Governor Howard Dean stepped to the podium and uttered the now famous words that began Dean For American and now Democracy For America: "What I want to know..." then, quoting Paul Wellstone, "I'm Howard Dean and I represent the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party."

There should be no doubt that speech will go down as one of the pivotal moments in American history, comparable to Lincoln's House Divided speech. Just after the disastrous 2002 election, America-- and perforce the world, faced a profound choice, just as it did was when Lincoln spoke on freedom and slavery in 1858. We could go down the ultra conservative road to fear, authoritarianism and dictatorship, or America could return to its original path and begin fighting for the rule of law, constitutional government and human rights, freedom and dignity. After years of their democracy being under siege from within, Americans began fighting back. We have made great strides for progressive causes, yet, the battle will go on for a long time. Governor Dean's speech still makes electrifying reading. Read it, know where we began, and then know where we are going.
http://www.crocuta.net/Dean/Transcript_of_Speech_to_DNC_Winter_Meeting.htm


In This Update:

1. War Tapes Successful Showing
2. Show Support For Murtha Standard On War
3. Reid Fillibuster Petition
4. Gore To Stage Massive Rock World Wide Rock Concert
6. Drowning Paradise
7. Friday Night film fest
8. On The Lighter Side


1. War Tapes Successful Showing

Less than 24 hours after one of the worst single day snow storms in a generation, 45 people came together at the auditorium of the Glens Falls Crandall Library last Thursday for a showing of The War Tapes. This extraordinary video, made from footage shot by soldiers in Iraq, made an extraordinary impression, and we were privileged to show it thanks to DFA National. This week, DFA Link-Ups across the country are showing it. (Thanks also to Drew Monthie for his projector and Bob Rockwell for arranging the room.)

If you were unable to make it to the previous showing, please let me know and we will try to schedule another. George and Linda are also trying to set up a showing at the UUA.

2. Murtha Raises The Ante On War

Last week all our regional Democratic members of Congress: Gillibrand, Hall, McNulty and Welch, voted for the non-binding resolution disapproving Bush's escalation of the war in Iraq. (Republican, McHugh, in the 23rd, voted no.)

Rep. Jack Murtha has now come up with the next step, legislation that would set a standard for deployment of troops that would paint the Bush administration into a corner and prevent the troops from being deployed. Murtha described the plan in an interview last week:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20070215/D8NAAGD02.html
http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/009858.php

At out last meeting we signed cards urging the Senate to vote yes on the resolution calling for an end to the war. It might also be good to let our members of Congress know we believe they should support this legislation as well. Writing a note has the most effect. Here are their addresses.

Sen. Hillary Clinton
476 Russel Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Charles Schumer
313 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand
120 Cannon House Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5614

Also, Lisa asked me about a Zbignew Brezinski's remarkable testimony at the end of January before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the subject of Iraq and Iran. "Zbig" essentially accuses the administration of again manufacturing a pretext for war. It's really worth reading.
http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/001916.php

3. Reid Fillibuster Petition

Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid is calling on everyone to sign a petition to demand Republicans end the fillibuster of the comparable Senate resolution disapproving of the war: http://giveemhellharry.com/page/petition/iraqfilibuster

4. Gore To Stage Massive Rock World Wide Rock Concert

On July 7th, Al Gore is going to state a series of concerts on all seven continents to raise money and awareness of Global Warming/Global Climate change. These may be the biggest series of concerts in years. From VOA News:

Al Gore Announces ‘Live Earth’ Concert Series
February 19, 2007
VOA, VOA Arts and Entertainment
By voanews

Former Vice President Al Gore has announced plans for a series of concerts to bring attention to the threat of climate change. The “Live Earth” concerts will take place on July 7 in Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Sydney, Australia; London, England; and yet-to-be-announced cities in Brazil, Japan and the United States. More than 100 artists will take part in the events. Bon Jovi, Fall Out Boy, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, John Mayer, Melissa Etheridge, the Black Eyed Peas, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others are already confirmed as performers. In a statement, Gore said, “In order to solve the climate crisis, we have to reach billions of people. The climate crisis will only be stopped by an unprecedented and sustained global movement.” Promoters expect the concerts to reach two billion people worldwide via radio, television and Internet broadcasts. Al Gore chairs The Alliance for Climate Protection, which works to find solutions to global warming. The group will use proceeds from “Live Earth” to create a foundation to combat climate change.


6. Drowning Paradise

On the subject of Global Warming, this sad article in the Times reflects on the fact that we are about to drown paradise-- Polynesia will eventually vanish below the waves. This is hearbreaking when we think what this vision of paradise has meant to humanity.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/02/18/travel/18explorer.html?8dpc=&pagewanted=all

7. Friday Night film fest

The Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe Friday Night Progressive Film Fest continues at 7:30 with:

Feb 23 EL CHE: INVESTIGATING A LEGEND (1997) Maurice Dugowson 140 min.
A prismatic portrait of the man and the Cuban revolutionary, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, whose Bolivian guerilla campaign ended in disaster when he was captured and shot. Since his death he has become one of the most symbolic political leaders of our times. An inspiration to millions of people, he has also been condemned by countless others. His legendary character has been inspiration for millions, but those who condemn him, do so bitterly. For all, he is a subject of controversy and passion. This fascinating film uncovers the truth behind the myth of this "most idolized revolutionary of the 20th century" (NY Times).

8. On The Lighter Side

Drew sends this along, and it is both horrifying and hilarious. (It's also an object lesson as to why political messages have to be kept simple.)

"Think Americans could use more education? -you bet!!!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCkYfYa8ePI

Thanks Everyone!

Larry Dudley
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 12:39 AM