L.A. Anti-War Protest - Military Families Speak Out

This is a speech given by Pat Alviso of Military Families Speak Out. She is joined on stage with her family.

She talks about her son currently serving in Iraq and the contradictions of elected democrats that ran on an anti-war platform only to plead they have no power once in Congress. Pat got me thinking hard on this point.

This is the 17.4 MB Windows Version

This is the 11.3MB QuickTime Version

The only time the Democratic party wants me to know anything is when they want me to contribute money. In no way is this a two way conversation. I think they think it is business as usually.

Maybe, if we have failed to learn the lessons of non-engagement with our elected officials. Maybe not. But it don't smell good from here.Once seated into the chambers the RepDems are so scared of doing anything to upset the status quo they put out non-threatening (to themselves) non-binding resolutions.

Dubya has ignored a bi-partisan panel, his military advisory committee and the even his own boys who are trying to point out things aren't going so well. What the hell does a non-binding resolution do anyway but document the passion of in-activity?

To be fair, I'm just as angry at Republicans who all of the sudden have seen the light. Wrong is wrong and why did it take losing the election to see that? Who removed the scales from their eyes? I doubt it was conscious or a latent strain of ethics.

But don't they look good in those shiny contemporary presidential cut designer suits.

For more information about Military Families Speak Out visit http://www.mfso.org

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See ya Round The Bend - Another Leaves the Salt Mine

Saying goodbye is hard. I try not to do it but it happens. Sometimes it is for the best. One of our team members has left for a better opportunity. My friend is returning to school to start a new career. There was a lot of waiting, trying to save enough money and dealing with the day to day activities of the salt mine.

But there comes a time when you have to take a chance. You have to go beyond what you know.

It is fearful. It might not work. Then again, it just might work. In fact if you do the planning, affirming and walk your soul down the road 9/10 times it will work. Just not always when you thought it would or when you expected. In this case after a year and a half of searching this opportunity it came quickly into reality in about three weeks.

I'm not trying to be cryptic. This is how these things sometimes work. So we gave her a going away lunch. At a Sushi joint. Where everyone ordered cooked food.

So the message for today is "Make that move". Take that chance. You'll sleep better when you do what you always said that you wanted to do.

Wolf tickets are redeemable.

Granny Peace Brigade Support Protests

A bunch of grandmothers, elders, crones and first class dames headed for Washington, D.C. to speak with Senators about the war in Iraq.

In my area a group of ladies had a mini protest - tribute to the Granny Peace Brigade. It was windy and cold but they represented.

This is the 3.11 Windows Video

This is 1.91MB QuickTime Video

There were only a few people on the corner. It only takes a few to stand for truth but it takes a few more to stand for what they believe. For more information about the group visit http://www.grannypeacebrigade.org

If you would like to do more than honk your car horn there will be a large national protest on January 27, 2007. Many of the anti-war organizations are joining to show support for not increasing troops levels and for planning an exit to this situation.

One of the places you can check out for more info is http://unitedforpeace.org
You don't have to go to D.C. There should be something in your city or town.

Downtown On Ice - Skate and Swing

In Los Angeles you have to be ready, flexible and above everything else open minded. The week before it was very warm. There is a month long event "Downtown on Ice" It is coming to an end so I wanted to snag a video.

The possibilities spin in my head so I hop on the Gold line and then the Red Line to Pershing Square.

This is the Windows Version

This is the QuickTime Version

Pershing Square is a contradiction within itself. It is a place for homeless people to gather unless there are special events being held in the square. Then the security guards or police chase them out.

It also has a criminal element but name me a place that doesn't. Toss in growing renovation projects, the contrasts between money and poverty and you could get very perplexed. The city is trying to change the perception and image of the area. It is changing, at its own pace.

Anyway, there was warm weather, ice skating and Pershing Square. Something is missing. Ah yes. Swing dancing. So without further ado I bring to you a little taste of Los Angeles.

P.S. January 14, 2007. It is no longer warm in Los Angeles. Special plea to Washington state or Washington, D.C. Please come get your weather and take it home. I do not function well at 20 degrees Fahrenheit and I am almost at the point where I need to buy a new winter coat. I have not bought a winter coat in years.

Global warming or El Nino it does not matter to me cuz I am really cold and the cactus are very upset.

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I'm back! Whew! I had some technical difficulties, mainly when I'd tried to post the beloved Blogger would not recognize the new stuff. Tried to go to new Blogger but it didn't want me just yet. Finally found a way to kick old Blogger in the pants and just as I did, new Blogger opened the door and I raced on through.