Tuesday, October 10, 2006

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER



[reprinted from March 2006]

Are we looking for Heros ? Are we looking for Voices that speak the Truth? Are we looking for Someone to Speak up Against the Criminal Administration ? I watched the Harpers Magazine Impeachment Panel on March 2,2006 ( it is being aired on C-Span this week). The Panel was made up of some very well respected folks speaking very honestly about Impeachment and Options.They also pointed out that Speaking up to this Administration is Intimidating for All, even our elected Representitives. They also pointed out that The People need Someone to educate them regarding High Crimes and Abuse of Power. John Dean explained that the Watergate Impeachment Process actually took time, but it also was aided by the People, the Public Demanding the Truth.

********++++++++*********++++++********

In Spring 2004 I found a book about Robert F. Kennedy that spoke about this issue. This Book spoke to me at a time when I was disillusioned and sad about leaving my home due to circumstances beyond my control. I had driven over 1500 miles hoping to find a safe home for my son and pets after too much harrassment due to my Whistleblower situation had escalated. I had lost faith in My Government. This one book gave me Hope. The book is called The Spiritual Biography of Robert F.Kennedy, written by Konstantin Sidorenko.I sat in an old dilapitated Victorian Rooming House on the California Coast. It was very stormy that spring and the power would go out, and I would sit in the Dark and read this book while the Sea raged, seals bellowed and gulls squawked. This Book made me realize that the Truth needs to be Sought, but it needs a Leader. A Leader that has Courage and Heart , and is willing to take on a Journey fighting a larger darker Evil. I sat in the Dark and realized that we are in the Dark waiting for that Leader to come to the Helm of the People and Speak Truth to Power.

The Book spoke about taking a Stand on Controversial Issues in a Time of Social And Concience Unrest, because it would bring Change. Bobby Kennedy took a stand on an Unpopular War and also took a stand against a Sitting President. He reached out to The People, but he didn't just Reach to the people, he Listened to them and their pain. There were many that needed to be heard, college students, coal miners and impoverished in Appalachia, Watts, migrant workers, women,minorities, and more. He remembered the Real People , and he came to Them, he hit the Streets. He was fearless, but not reckless. He was compassionate but fierce in seeking Justice and Change. He remembered We the People had built this Country, Our Country.

It is now March 2006, we now Know Some of the High Crimes and Abuse of Powers, and we know that our Country has suffered, and Our Constitution is Suffering. And now Millions of Americans are as disillusioned as I was in Spring 2004. I am not alone in the Dark anymore. We are waiting For a Voice to arrive on the Scene. Someone who remembers We The People and how Important Our Constitution really is to Our Country.

We Need Someone to Speak Truth to Power.
Now is the Time.

68 comments:

The (liberal)Girl Next Door said...

What a beautiful, passionate plea. I hope that someone answers. I hear rumblings of career lawyers at DoJ and longtime bureaucrats who have served this country well, trying desperately to work through the proper channels to have their voices heard, but I fear they may not be able to take that next step. We are at a crossroads and we need those with the knowledge to come forward, but in doing so, they must make great personal sacrifices. I was heartened to hear Sandra Day O’Connor’s stark words of warning today, and if she fears the rise of a dictatorship, I am inclined to believe that my similar fears are justified. Those on the inside are in a unique position to know how far we have already traveled down the road, and we will need them to turn the ship around. I hope they are up to the task.

Thank you Enigma4ever! I will be coming back for more.

jurassicpork said...

A free press also demanding justice and bringing scumbags screaming and kicking into the light of day would also help.

enigma4ever said...

LIBERAL GIRL: Thanks for coming by and your eloquent thoughts...let's hope a Change is coming....and that Courage is Building...I am heading over to your blog tonight....

JP: Amen Brother...amen..Media screaming with us and Covering Real issues would be Something...and we know until then it is up to the Resistance Movement of the Bloggers... ( late night underground papers...)Blog On...

Side Note: The Person I am Watching right now ....is Russ Feingold....Hearings on CSpan he rocks....but I need to watch him more...Time will tell...

Anonymous said...

You are speaking truth to power, Enigma. We all are. When RFK found his voice & stood up, even that old power-hungry-wolf LBJ stood aside & stood down. It was the people in Russia who finally ended totalitarianism there, not Reagan regardless of what Fox TV said at his funeral. In the Ukraine, the people demanded a fair election for Yuschenko. As Patti Smith sings, "People have the power to redeem the work of fools". Our voices cannot be stifled much longer. In that Impeachment Panel on C-Span, Conyers made it clear that if we can just take back the House of Representatives this November, we can wrestle this beastly band of bullies out of our lives. Even compromised electronic voting machines cannot prevail against an overwhelming turnout. November 2006 can be our turning point. I believe people still do have the power. D.K.

ps--love your new picture!!

Yukkione said...

Now is the time. I have sent 46 letters concerining this to elected representitives. I write aboput it in my blog and I tell anyone who wil listen. It's all a person can do.. legally lol
You keep fighting too E4e!

enigma4ever said...

LOC: Thanks for coming by...Good on you for writing all those letters...[[[ ]]] < That is me clapping for you>

You Blog is rocking and that is part of the battle too- I am updating my blogroll- and I put some new souls at the bar with You ( I view it like a counter at a smokey little coffee house...) Keep bloggin it ...

DK: Great Comment..and I love the Patti Smith song...and that you bring up Yushenko....and yeah Conyers said best about getting the power back...NOW...

meldonna said...

I can't think of anybody more appropriate to speak truth to power than you, e. A lot of us have known for years that the Emperor has no clothes; I hope Middle America is starting to wake up and actually notice how often he shows his ass.

Patricia said...

I don't think there's a single voice out there to speak for everyone. This is a weird time. Bits of truth are being spoken by unexpected people sometimes, while some of those we'd like to count on don't always seem to come through.

Blogs like this one and so many others help keep the truth bubbling to the surface. Maybe it's just as well that there isn't one single voice for everyone to coalesce around. Those voices tend to end up dead, sooner, rather than later.

Stephen McArthur said...

The voice must be collective...all of us. We must be out there between now and November, persuading in the strongest voices we have. Not in shrill voices, not in strident voices...but in voices that are filled with facts and ideas and truth about what these men are doing to this country. Use the voice of Sandra Day O'Connor who has just warned America about dictatorship. Use the voice of Cindy Sheehan who gently calls us to peace and paints a clear portrait of the horrors of this war. Use the voice of John Murtha who clearly enunciates the arrogance, ignorance, and lies of the Bush government.

Don't be hateful. Don't get personal. Don't curse. Just be righteous. We have the truth and facts on our side. Use them to persuade other Americans that, as Enigma says, NOW IS THE TIME to stop the exploitation and repression of this government and this Congress.

Go to work to win in November. Because if we can't throw the bums out in November, and bring about a sea change in the House and Senate, then all our other efforts will be lost.

meldonna said...

No disrespect or dissagreement at all intended, zenyenta, and I do agree with you that we need some real leadership, but let me put forward some thoughts I've been having on the big picture.

I don't think there can ever be one voice that speaks for everyone; the people who want that want theocracy, not democracy.

Democracy is messy, but it's simple. Any other person's rights end where mine begin. That's precisely why the Constitution and the Bill of Rights prohibit religion in law.

In America, the pendulum will once again swing back from the right; the vocal minority who want a white rich Christian country are waning in power, slowly but inexorably. I'm hoping sooner than later.

September eleventh was horrible, but in the long run, the devestation of Katrina is in fact a bigger tragedy, affecting more Americans, simply because a huge geographic portion of our country is still quite frankly rubble. The myth that took us to war in Iraq is becoming evident to the many struggling down south -- in simple terms, six months after the storm, if you are still camping next to your former home in Mississippi, you got a hard time understanding why it's important for your National Guard to be stationed in a desert. The tragedy is that so many Americans had to be displaced, disowned, and have their lives turned upside down by a simple natural disaster to make them and the rest of the country realize the terror the leaders of this country made out of the terrorists pales in comparision.

We do desperately need a voice to coelesce around, Z. I'm just afraid we are never going to find it in the Dems, as tied in to money interests as all politicians are now. That being said, I will still be fighting tooth and nail this spring and summer to try to wrest the House back from the Republicans, with a goal in mind: Impeach Cheney FIRST. Cards will fall at that point.

Good people like you, zenyenta, are what are going to make that happen! Keep it up with your good opinions, and keep the conversation going; getting people talking around you will help getting them to listen to common sense instead of a message of fear. And thanks for an oportunity you gave me to get at the meat and potatoes of the problem in my own assessment; writing this helped me pull together some ideas towards a better place for us all.

Would that ANY member of Congress spend as much time think about what's really right for our country as we do!

peace out

Anonymous said...

Wow, Enigma, that was really powerful and extraordinarily, extraordinarily eloquent. I admire your passion. I can just 'see' you reading this book, with the wind and waves about you.

I'm glad there are people like you, and Left of Center, and others, who are really taking action and believe that change is possible. I need to hook into that energy. Because I feel a little like 'what's the use' ... you know what I mean?

Anonymous said...

excellent, thought-provoking post, enigma, as evidenced by the rich comments above...sent me scrambling all morning for references to back up my thoughts on the one-liner posted by jurassicpork...A free press also demanding justice and bringing scumbags screaming and kicking into the light of day would also help....that's us, bud, the bloggers and commenters, 'cuz there sure as hell ain't no "free press" today!!!

in the meantime, I could not agree more with meldonna...IMPEACH CHENEY first!!! going after the second banana will force the republitards to divert their resources to protecting the top dog, and going after bush first will just give them time to spin things their way for the real puppetmaster, who would be MUCH worse as the leader of this country...shit, going after bush just might inspire a cheney candidacy for 2008, how evil would 4 or 8 years of cheney be???

Anonymous said...

that's me (some_maineiac) above, too worked up to proofread!

eProf2 said...

Good morning:

I could actually see you sitting in that house on the coast with the rain and waves washing over you. Nice piece of writing.

A technical matter, however: To impeach a president or vp (no vp has ever been impeached because they used to have the most useless job in government waiting only for the president to die), the House Judiciary Committee would have to take up articles of impeachment. The Republicans control the committee. The entire House would have to approve the articles. The entire House is controlled by Republicans. And, then by a 2/3 vote in the Senate, the president could be removed from office. The Senate is, likewsie, controlled by Republicans.

The best we can hope for is that the mid-term elections in November bring a Democratic sweep in both houses of the Congress. Possible, but not likely, this time around. Let's hope and work for more of the opposition to be elected.

Also, I agree with Meldonna, we should be careful not to embrace an all powerful leader. Democracies are, indeed, messy, but there is an overriding faith, not in religion, but in the goodness of the people who elect our representatives to see when things are going wrong or that the system is in need of change. We've got to be careful what we wish for!

Believe me, no one is more frustrated about BushCo than I am, but I really don't want a Knight on a White Horse trying to rescue us. I want us to make the changes in leadership and then hold that leadership accountable. What did Pogo say, "I've met the enemy and it is us!"

Don't be dismayed by these comments today. Continue your political insights through your writing, as we all know and can tell that they come from the heart.

You may want to read Morning Martini today. While not exactly the same subject, there are some interesting parallels to your writing.

Kathleen Callon said...

Love Botticelli and your image, and love this post. Still getting to know you, and my, you are eloquent... your words resonate. I feel like I'm get a glimpse behind the "enigma" and I like it a lot... even though I wish it weren't necessary to voice what you've written. Peace.

Kat

Mark Prime (tpm/Confession Zero) said...

Hello enigma4,

Here is the latest. I'll probably get a couple more up today if my muse strokes me... Here it is simply titled... Tom

Anonymous said...

link to info about a media appearance by Russ posted at the rhotidian attic for those who choose not to sign up for e-mail notifications from "progressive patriots"

enigma4ever said...

GOOD AFTERNOON TO THE ENIGMA CAFE CROWD:
Wow...I walk the dog , do some laundry and then I stop back to the Cafe and realize I have missed an amazing discussion. As I work my way down the counter offering you fresh brew I have to say nice it was to come back and be greeted by all these Thinkers.Thank you...And maybe just maybe Discussions like this are occurring at Coffee Counters across the Country.( Please check the BlogRoll- the "Coffee Counter" I did some rearranging...

POETRY MAN: Simply beautiful...To the Cafe if you are craving some Whitman, Browning or Highland Crooning head over to this man's page.

KAT: Thanks for your kind words and I hope we do all get to know each other better even if it is due to Dark Times....We have to value what matters and appreciate the moment. This Blog is many things, sometimes rants, some angst thoughts,some humor, some hope....

PROF: Really well written perspective and yes, the technical aspects- please try to see the Harpers Impeachment Panel on Cspan , Dean and Hotlzman , Conyers and others are not just talking about Bush, Cheney too. They also pointed out that Cheney's office is being investigated for basically some pretty High Crimes at this point- and might even face worse than Impeachment. But that our Constition is Endangered right now- and Republicans need to be reminded of that as well.

To be honest I am not talking about just one leader, one Voice, but even just ONE to start would be a start. At this point it is not about looking for, and waiting for such a Leader, but as Stephen and LOC say above , it is about the Dialogue and speaking to elected officials that WE THE PEOPLE need TRUTH AND CHANGE....and give support to the People that are speaking up- I write to all of them- in mulptiple states ( Edwards, Kennedy, Conyers, etc) Just to tell them to keep fighting.
And I really appreicate this string of conversation- we as americans need to have this....

MAINE FRIEND: Yes, everyone here is bringing up good points and talking to each other about some amazing aspects of this mess we struggling to slog through....And yes, indeed JP really did hit the nail on the ol head...We need FREEDOM OF THE PRESS again....

ANITA: Thanks, but it is ALL of us speaking to each other, thinking together, that is speaking Truth to Power and to each other , that is the Building of Momentum for CHange....have Hope...I read these comments today and that was the richest part of the discussion...

MEL: I have to say that over in the Corner is the Soapbox, and you good woman may climb up Anytime, because what you wrote was so eloquent and well said, it was amazing what a chord it hit with so many here today.... Let's hope that the Elected Leaders and Media start listening to the Mels...Until then - you can come here and we are Listening with an open mind and open heart...but you know that...
( I put some new friends down at the counter by you...meet up)

enigma4ever said...

ROUND II OF THE SATURDAY AFTERNOON ROUNDUP ( 3-11-06)
MORE TO THE ENIGMA CAFE COFFEE COUNTER:

STEPHEN: Thank you so much for what you said....and what you said is so true, We need to speak Clearly and Carefully and eloquently, not shrill, and the Collective part of this is Key.

ZENYENTA: please have faith and have hope...read all these comments,and look around at some of the previous posts, I think and believe a Movement is happening- and as a child of the 60's I know it is Slow and disjointed but it is happening.

MEL: ah gee , you say the nicest things...but truth be told- we all Speak the Truth...and now we get to listen to each other and Spread that Truth...and that Power Bushco does not have....it is ours..

EVERYONE: Keep thinking and blogging and talking to each other , It matters....Our Country depends on it...

Unknown said...

I do not expect miracles..aka liberating the Constitution. Presidents are there because they crave power. They no longer wish to advance the causes of the impoverished and down-trodden. The mold that created the Bobby Kennedy's of the world was broken long ago.

Politics is the world of power and when you have a struggle for that power, people will do what they have to in order to advance upward.

I think there are liars and crooks in both parties..some are just more obvious, like the K St bunch and Tommy DeLay. The issue I have with the Dem's is that they talk out of both sides of their political mouths.

Damn..we are having a major storm..gotta go..I will return to finish this thought however..damn I hate thunderstorms.

enigma4ever said...

DUSTY: Thanks for coming by...storms ....batten down the hatches and bring out the candles...high winds here by the Lake too.....I am still thinking about what you wrote...need to think some more...I don't think the Mold is Broken...maybe cracked...and I still have Hope some New Voices will emerge in these Dark Times...And about Miracles, Yeah I am not expecting any, but I do want Some to Remember our Constitution and be willing to Stand Up for It...so I guess I don't expect Miracles, but I do have some Hope...and I hope others do too....

ABOUT THE NEW IMAGE:
a couple of you have noted and commented on the new image- my teenage son, WS Art Director selected it..because he pointed out that he likes that she is Watching...looking over her
shoulder- not forgetting others around her...and he also said that he likes that she looks thoughtful, even worried...

Peacechick Mary said...

I saw the Impeachment Forum,too and gasped when one of the audience said if we don't have the path of impeachment, then it is up to the people to overthrow the government. Then a memeber of the panel agreed. I thought - Well, the FBI will be on them now. That's how bad it is, when people can not congregate to talk openly about the wrongdoings of their government. Hmm, I believe that is part of the 1st Amendment we just lost. Good site here. Keep up the beating drums.

enigma4ever said...

KVATCH: I don't believe that ONE voice will work either...or that we will find one voice, but one Voice to open the Dialogue , build a movement, build courage would surely be a start...but I do also think that Stephen above put it very eloguently that we need a Collective awakening , Voice ( he said it better...but you get the drift)...and frog friend- you never ad nauseum here- your perspective is always welcome. the Nauseum Title is solely owned by Bushco- for amount of maalox I have inhaled thanks to them.

PEACE CHICK: good for you for watching that forum too, it was amazing...Dean is doing them all over the country- keep an eye for him..."worse than watergate"...( I wish I had named my blog that now). And you keep beating the Drum too...

enigma4ever said...

A VOICE TO HEAR :
RUSS FEINGOLD ON GEORGE STEPHENOLOUS (SP?)
TOMORROW MARCH 12TH ....GIVE HIM A LISTEN....THANKS

( thanks Maine Friend for alerting the blogosphere)

PTCruiser said...

Enigma, what can I say that hasn't already been said by your intelligent readers here? I wish I'd arrived sooner, but I was in the back room all day making new signs to hang on the freeway this week. I've got a nice new IMPEACH sign that you'll love. I'll take pictures and post it when I've got them up. The weather hasn't been very cooperative this past week here in SF.

But I digress. I loved your post today. I'll have to look for that book on Kennedy at the library. And kudos to your son for your new picture. Outstanding. Blog On!

Crackpot Press said...

We do speak unfortunately, we do not speak loudly enough.

We as bloggers need a bigger mike.

I mean I think the two biggest liberal voices out there are Bono, who is not American.

And Green Day.. who are so pretentious I can't even listen to what they have to say.

Rory Shock said...

very beautiful post enigma ... you've really got soul

Kathleen Callon said...

When we go through Dark Times, it makes it easier to see Light. You, my friend, are Light. Hope you have a wonder filled weekend.

Internal growth and eternal happiness,

Kat

Beth said...

High Crimes and complete misuseof power!!! and still in office, I just don't understand it.

If you wish The Heretik says leave links

enigma4ever said...

Sat.nite March 11th

LIZZY: thanks for coming by, I left links over at the Heretik, thanks...and WHY are the Criminals still in office? I have not a clue...

KAT: Thank you...there is a lot of Light here at the Enigma Cafe tonight...Such good Souls...namaste....
( hey folks go over to kat's beautiful bog- and see her lovely Desert Snow photos)

RORY: ah,shawks you are making me blush....

CRACKPOT PRESS: you are right we need a bigger mike... we like BONO( okay I LOVE Bono...) and we still like Green Day...sorry...

PT Cruiser: Good for you working on your projects...can't wait to see them...yup..new Image- son- the art director said he was looking for a "worried Hippy Look"...( that and I am not known for having a brushed hair look...he did good - didn't he?)..thanks for coming by....

BLOG ON GOOD SOULS....SNL IS ON...G'NITE...

Unknown said...

I think the truth seeps slowly through the corruption, but like grass growing in a sidewalk, it's unstoppable. The folks in charge will seperate as the truth grabs hold of them and they turn on each other.

Perhaps our leader is not one, but many - and bloggers shall rise up like the meak to inherit the earth.

Anonymous said...

Hi enigma:
Harpers Impeachment Panel on CSPAN RealPlayer Only:
THX CSPAN

enigma4ever said...

LUCKY: Thanks for putting the link...good job...and thanks for visiting...

WINDSPIKE: WOW... that was so well said..the idea of a rat fest ( hmm, kind of like Nobody remembers "Jack", hmm, they did when they took money from him, didn't they? and boy I bet there wasn't a goodbye party for Scooter..)

and I love what you said about Bloggers Rising Up....We kind of have to, don't you think? I always think about Paul Revere would have been a late night blogger...

Graeme said...

I watched that same Harpers impeachment forum. It is nice hearing from John Dean, someone who drank the kool aid but spit it back up. he is right to call this administration "worse than watergate"

Anonymous said...

Enigma ... Bono? Oh no.

Maybe it's my inherent mistrust of people with gigantic sunglasses. Actually, I have very mixed feelings about him. On one hand, you have to give U2 credit for some amazing music, Sunday Bloody Sunday and on and on. And their latest CD, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb was surprisingly good. But still and all, seeing pictures of Bono and GWB (and other Repugs) together, shaking hands, etc., kind of makes my stomach turn.

Anyway, it's Sunday morning at the Cafe. Yay ! Have a Great Day !

(Methinks I AM a poet!!)

;)

Anonymous said...

speaking truth to power..what does that really mean???

speaking truth in the blog-o-sphere is easy...much like preaching to the choir, we're a captive, attentive and empathetic audience...take these fine ideas (even somebody else's) and put 'em down on paper or in an e-mail to your representatives...somebody will read your words, if not the representatives themselves, and you might just influence one person with your eloquence...do a google search for your representative and you'll find some ways to contact them...

need some practice? how do you feel about this? (HR 3824, passed by the House)? let somebody in power know...and now I'm off to watch Feingold give 'em hell!!!

"NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY: CALL YOUR SENATOR TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT!

For over thirty years, the Endangered Species Act has been a safety net for wildlife, fish and plants on the brink of extinction. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 99% of species given the Act’s protection are still with us today. It has been successful in preventing the extinction of the American bald eagle, the gray wolf, the pacific salmon, as well as many other species.

However, the Endangered Species Act is under threat from special interests. The House of Representatives has passed a bill (see below) that would significantly weaken protections for endangered species and habitat. It is now up to the U.S. Senate to save the Endangered Species Act!

It is critically important that Senators from across the country hear from their constituents that the American public supports the Endangered Species Act and the fish, plants and wildlife it protects in their state. Please join with Americans across the country by calling your representative today. Please ask your friends, relatives and colleagues to join you in calling. It only takes a few minutes of your time, but the results could last a lifetime. For more information, see the links at the end of this email.

lease make one call to each Senator in Washington, DC, then make calls to their district offices if you have time! Make sure you give them your name and address and reason for calling; “You support a strong Endangered Species Act, please oppose any efforts to change or weaken the Act”.

For More Information:
Center for Biological Diversity at http://www.esasuccess.org/reports/
For the text of the bad bill that passed the house (HR 3824): http://thomas.loc.gov/home/c109query.html in search box type in 3824.
Endangered Species Coalition: http://www.stopextinction.org/site/c.epIQKXOBJsG/b.736051/k.DDF6/About_ESA.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BACKGROUND:
The House of Representatives passed a bill in September of 2005 that would significantly weaken protections for endangered species and habitat. If Representative Pombo’s bill (HR 3824) becomes law, it would eliminate habitat protection, abandon the commitment to recovering species on the brink of extinction, repeal protections against hazardous pesticides, and politicize the scientific decision-making process. In addition, it would set up an unprecedented entitlement program that would require the federal government to use taxpayers dollars to pay developers for complying with the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition against killing or injuring endangered species.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will take action on an Endangered Species Act bill shortly. We need your help to make sure the Senate supports the Endangered Species Act and ensure that no bill passes the Senate!

Please make your calls today!"

Anonymous said...

But, Anita (above), Bono has said he would shake hands with the devil himself if it would bring aid to Africa. I see his point & think he understands exactly who he is shaking hands with. Maybe he needs those gigantic sunglasses to repell the pure evil he's seeing.

Anonymous said...

A little something for your Watergate Summer!
Have a nice day.

enigma4ever said...

ANONY OF 12 NOON SUNDAY: Thanks for what you said- I agree...I also think he works hard on things that matter. We need more men/women that can be said of....

MAINE FRIEND: At this point we are becoming endangered.....and there isn't any piece of our inffrastructure that hasn't become mauled by Bushco....at this point I do think we are going to alos need to at some point be specific about High Crimes....there are too many at this point...

IT'S NOON SUNDAY...I NEED TO GO IN SEARCH OF COFFEE....BUT ANYONE THAT COMES BY MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME...

Anonymous said...

you are right, enigma...but you DID watch Feingold this morning on "This Week", right? perhaps his stated actions on censure will get that "high crimes" point out for discussion...unless the press tries to bury him as some liberal wacko...he is most definitely not a wacko, rather a quite reasonable person...

link for those who missed it...

even more morbidly entertaining was listening to Frist rally 'round the president (there's a war going on, doncha'know?) and tap-dance around the direct questions that he was asked...had me shouting "bullshit" at the TV...Feingold, on the other hand, gave direct answers to direct questions

enigma4ever said...

STILL LUCKY: Thanks for the Watergate goody. very nice. ( The Hunger Link is interesting too -check it out folks) Actually check out the Watergate Link and the Hunger site....

Maine Friend: Thanks for mentioning Feingold. Frist remains an idiot. But for some odd reason that made Feingold look better...Censure statement was poignant..maybe it will be posted on C&L....we can hope

Anonymous said...

Hi enigma, I'm (re)working an email to you. But I needed to peek in so I thought your readers might like these:
DINO JOE
RUSS SPEAKS
Frist is F*Kd

Look for mail in a bit!

meldonna said...

I guess everybody's perceptions are different, but for years Bono's seemed far more pretentious than Green Day. But I suppose any performer or band with a unique style, presentation, or penchant for outspokenness can be accused of pretentiousness.

Why does Kanye come to mind? (she says, laughing)

Personally, Bono kind of gets on my nerves, but I'm more than happy to have him on our side...

Which does in a way get back to the original point here; I think all of us need to make more of a point of focusing our justified anger at those in power, and save our critisms of those with similar goals for another day. Not an easy thing to do; Lord knows I'm as guilty as the next person, but recognizing one has a problem is the first step...

No Blood for Hubris said...

Hear, hear. (Nice graphic top right, too.)

pissed off patricia said...

Feingold is trying to speak for us, we need to support his efforts. By the way, Feingold is a Rhodes Scholar.

enigma4ever said...

PATRICIA: Did everyone see him this am? He was not on my station- they had an hour long Ladder show- I was pissed- I think Mr.Lucky posted Links- or you can go to Crooks&Liars too. His site is also at the top of my blog- there is RUSS 2008 Organizing in 14 states now.

NB: thanks....

MEL: Hear Hear..It isn't about what celebrities say...but that we listen to each other.. I can't even remember how Bono came up...We do need all kinds of people speaking out though...I hope that makes sense..

AND THANKS TO LUCKY he sent some GREAT LINKS...

Anonymous said...

I keep missing you enigma. I'm running OJ and black coffee. Maybe I'll just watch some TV for a while. We'll meet up somewhere in here. I see you've been having an interesting day at C&L. mirth is GREAT. You two could be sistas. Power to the People!

enigma4ever said...

STILL LUCKY: I step out to get bagels for the masses and I keep missing you too ;-(
Now I will head over your way...or you can sit here...and yes, I think Mirth and I must know each other ( sistas for sure)...I heard a rumor about May First , did you hear it too?.....Thanks for the Great Links...

Anonymous said...

enigma - you tell me?
Good Idea???

Nate said...

Hi everyone... was wondering why Haloscan went quiet. Anyone see my last post there?

Anonymous said...

Hey Nate, I don't where everyone is but I'm in. May 1st. What has to be done from here I don't know but I'm with you!

Nate said...

Still lucky... On my haloscan post I suggested we make it a little bit later than May 1st. I like that day for my own reasons but as a leader of campaigns in the past, I can tell you we need more time to go bigger and do this right.

I want media coverage, massive blogosphere coverage, coordinated national events and initiatives. More than just a strike. Don't even like that name. I want a day of action. Take that day off but devote it to action. Freeway bloggers out en masse, calling campaigns to senators/congressman. Every type of civil action afforded us under the Constitution.

I've created a blog and starting a website to coordinate some of this through. Called June Revolution. www.junerevolution.blogspot.com and I bought the URL JuneRevolution.com. Every school let's out... Every college and high school senior now has time on their hands...

The name of this site we're on now says it wall. WatergateSUMMER! Let's make this the Summer of ending the Bush Tyranny.

enigma4ever said...

I am trying to salvage my sick computer...I will head over to the Thread okay? Please know that I have not left you guys sitting here in the dark....I am on my way over...

Anonymous said...

Nate, you know you can't get the MSM to cover anything that doesn't fit Rovesamas plan. That's just the way it is. I say MAY 1st because that 'Mission Accomplished' sticks in everyones craw. I don't know how the military feel about being used for these propaganda photo-ops with our fearless cheerleader but I'd be pissed. May 1st links is with the rest of the world. BIG DAY for them and we're gonna need their support if we're gonna dig outta the hole they've dug us into. Solidarity baby!!! Think about it!

AND enigma...do whatever it takes and good luck!

Tina said...

So much has already been said that I fear I don't have much more to add, other than we bloggers are trying, and those of us who took the time and money to call & fax our elected officials, and write letter after letter to the editor are trying to make a change, but I really think that if we do NOT make sure that our votes are counted fairly and our elections are NOT free from fraud, all of our birching, ranting, and eloquent discussions will amount to squat. THAT is what keeps me up at night... that we will have done this all in vain. I am trying really hard to keep the faith, but upcoming elections are making me very nervous. Especially since we (Enigma and I) have that insane Blackwell as Sec of State. He is the picture of evil and theocracy all rolled into one.

Mark Prime (tpm/Confession Zero) said...

Yes! It is time! Rise up!
Perhaps if you require inspiration other than enigma's beautiful work here you might try Poetic Justice.
(Don't burn the flag, Wash it!)

FRIST RANT

enigma4ever said...

POETRY MAN: You speak the truth...and it will set you free? Blog on Good Brother- been trying to send people your way....

TINA: Is right, there are millions of DISENFRANCHSED in this country right now trying to figure out if they have a Voice , much less a Vote.

STILL LUCKY: I am still here, trying to figure out what we can do to wake people up, spread the word, and help people find a Voice.....THEIR OWN...

Anonymous said...

enigma, I'm still going too. Seems like around the world and back. I know I'm typing better. Having trouble reading...my eyes keep crossing and glazing over. But you really can stoke a fire. You gotta decide where you fit in this whoke thing. Let's see what perculates up and go from there. Nate's ex-military, doesn't backdown and fears nothing. There's a good soldier there. Never doubt the ability of a small group of people to change the world. It's the only thing that ever has. L&L

enigma4ever said...

STILL LUCKY: Where do I fit in this whole thing ? and that is a huge question for all of us isn't it? And you quoted Mead, I just quoted her two days ago on the Woman's Post, and her spirit must be haunting us this weekend- because her words have been used as a rallying cry and as a Plea on and off this Blog. I never back down, but I do play chess.And in this situation we must try to reclaim our country with Dignity and Courage, and some Strategy. And we must work together and listen to So Many Voices, So Many Disenfranchised.The NOLA Drive Video is Horriifc and added a new level to my concern about the Condition of this Country. We are in trouble as a Country, and in the coming monthes we all need to take a role and a part, our country depends on it. You good blogging brother know this, but the momentum wil be needed to Spread The Word.

POETRY MAN: Evrey time I read your latest I hear Marley "Stand up for your rights"...

Blog on ....

TFLS said...

I was on the bus coming home from school when I heard the news that Bobby Kennedy had been shot. Summer was, for all intents and purposes, already here – it was June – and classes were scheduled to end on the 10th. Kennedy was shot on the 5th and died the next day. The bus driver pulled over and began to cry. We all were crying – he meant that much to everyone – even us kids. When was the last time someone inspired like that? Who was the last politician to stand up and tell the truth – no matter the consequences? When Bobby Kennedy died, so did America’s idealism. We became small; almost mean. Obsessed with our Imperial aspirations – manifest destiny ruled; it was every man for himself. Decades of egocentric self-absorbsion eventually yielded the quintessential politician for the ‘greed is good’ crowd. George Bush speaks to the lowest common denominator; he is the Peter Keating of our times; and Cheney is his Ellsworth Toohey. Perhaps, like Roark, its time to burn down (metaphorically speaking) the bastardization that man has made of our founding fathers creation. As Jefferson said: A little revolution now and then is a good thing.

Nate said...

Fat Lady... I don't know if it's Kharma, Kismet or just Cosmic Alignment but the owner of this blog started a brilliant brainstorm last night over at Crooks & Liars and I've since bought a website and started a blog to support the idea.

The blog name is 'June Revolution' at www.junerevolution.blogspot.com and eventually I'll get a site up this week on www.JuneRevolution.com as well.

The tagline for the site is: "A little revolution now and then is a healthy thing..." :-)

Nate said...

I'll have the first major post on the blog done later tonight.

Nate said...

Oh and Fat Lady... Your blog Rocks! I love your open letter to Helen Thomas.

meldonna said...

Good people! don't let's us all lose hope. The pendulum always swings back, and take heart in the bust Dubai deal, the public reaction to dead-eye Cheney, and the waning support for keeping troops in Iraq. We just need something better for this vaccuum than tired old Democrats in Congress riding the fence for so long they have crotch-fatigue. Cut off all money money for these bastids, and make 'em work for the people. Where is the hell does it say in the constitution government for the corporations, by the corporations, and of the corporations?

god we need Barbara Jordan!

enigma4ever said...

WHAT WE NEED WE HAVE RIGHT HERE, IN FLS, MEL, NATE, THE POETRYMAN, LUCKY, AND MORE,
( all that posted this weekend stirred the embers, rekindled a fire that needs to burn oh so bright)

WE HAVE US.
WE ARE THE HOPE.
WE ARE THE STRENGTH.
WE ARE THE CHANGE.


new post up later...namaste.

meldonna said...

damn right, e.

WE THE PEOPLE

Anonymous said...

let's not forget the Honor that enigma advocated in the middle of that brainstorm; to go along with the Dignity and Courage she mentions here...the nuts and bolts will fall into place when that is found...any brainstorm, no matter how noble the cause, can turn into a shitrain without those qualities...

gugon said...

This post reminds me of something I used to think about. What if God himself sent a new son or daughter to Earth, to lead the human race - a new Jesus. (This is purely a mental exercise and is not meant to make a statement about anyone's faith.) What would happen to the new Jesus? Of course he would face incredible opposition, but when I work it out in my mind, this is how it would come out: He would be (at least figuratively) crucified by the Christian Church and the religious right in general. However, I think he would probably be embraced by the left and even more so by independents.