Nashville

Mrs. Sheehan will be speaking about the robbery of billions of dollars to bail out financial speculators who have wrecked the economy through their greed and neglect. A small number of very wealthy people and international corporations are reaping billions of public money being bailed out and  in their pursuit of war and occupation in the Middle East. Tennesseans are losing thousands of jobs because of this irresponsible and covetous behavior. Thousands of people are saying “No more bail outs to the people and corporations that are causing so much pain and death.”

An outspoken supporter for health care justice, Reverend Henry Blaze, widely recognized as a leader committed to social justice, the social gospel, and to the philosophy of non-violence, will also speak. His 26 years in the ministry have been dedicated to the pursuit of a “Genuine Community” that recognizes the humanity and equality of all people. Reverend Blaze has consistently worked to ensure that access to health care is a reality for all Tennesseans, regardless of income or social strata. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Justice Center, a nonprofit, public interest law and advocacy firm that gives priority to policy issues and civil cases affecting the poor and marginalized communities.

David Rovics is a dangerous man who tells the truth. We all know the truth is rare these days in our media.  He asks us to think about what we would do if we knew the truth about why things are happening around us that don’t make sense. What “If every time we went to war to fight our evil foes, they told you we were really fighting for the good of CEOs — If you could feel the hunger of the many and see the riches of the few — If they told it like it is — what if you knew? David loves the ideals of our country. He thinks that we would realize the words of our national song that says we are the “home of the brave, and the land of the free” if we had unfiltered information to be the free people who would have the moral strength to make good decisions. So he sings, “If you knew that the whole planet depend on what you do now –  would you take command with the speed our times allow?  If the pundits told the truth for just a week or two, and real life was shown on TV — What if you knew?”

Our times are so exciting! It really is up to us. We must not allow ourselves to be divided left or right. We are all concerned Americans who see that real change must be brought about. So, come and party with good folks from all walks of life to show the politicians, that there are so many of us, they must pay attention. And we will have a good time showing them.

For more information contact:

• Chris Lugo: 615-593-0304
• Eliz Barger: 931-964-2119

In an interview with Amy Goodman on April 28, Ritter stated:

“There is no doubt in my mind that the US is planning right now, as we speak, a military strike against Iran.” Ritter warns that such an attack is unnecessary, and if launched, could provoke a massive response with catastrophic consequences to millions of people, including Americans.

“The most important thing to know about Scott Ritter is that he was right.” — Seymour Hersh

Ritter famously and accurately argued in 2002 that Iraq no longer had WMD when he spoke in Louisville that year. He now recommends diplomatic engagement with Iran, and supports local and national efforts to pass resolutions urging President Bush to refrain from ordering any military attack against Iran without explicit Congressional authorization.

Ritter, the author Target Iran, Waging Peace and Iraq Confidential, was one of UNSCOM’s most senior weapons inspectors in Iraq between 1991 and 1998, after having served for eight years as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Marine, he conducted arms inspections in the former Soviet Union, and provided analysis of Iraq’s missile capacity to General Schwarzkopf in the 1991 Gulf War.

Lizzie West & Baba Buffalo, whose “19 Miles to Baghdad” is played frequently on Democracy Now!, will be performing songs from their upcoming album, The Tumbleweed Cabaret (Dream #1), slated for August 2008 release. They are co-founders of Holy Road Tours Union (HRTU), a progressive arts cooperative.

Tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 at the door. For tickets & more info, go to http:www.realintelligence.org or call 310-842-8794.This event is sponsored by The Louisville Peace Action Community (LPAC) of Louisville, Kentucky.

On March 15, 2008, the sacrifices of those affected by the conflict in Iraq during the past five years will be honored. Support and sympathy will be expressed for the members of the U.S. armed forces, their families and the people of Iraq.

Citizens will gather at noon Saturday, March 15 at the Amphitheater at the Bicentennial Mall at 600 James Robertson Parkway in downtown Nashville. There will be speakers – most of them veterans and their families, and music – all expressing hope for peace in the future. The program will end on an upbeat note, with a performance by the men’s choral group “Nashville in Harmony”.

At 3PM, veterans, military family members and others will carry a large canvas, bearing the names of Tennesseans killed in Iraq, up the hill to the War Memorial Plaza. The 93 names will be symbolically added to the names of those Tennesseans who have died in previous conflicts. This event, titled “Steps to Peace”, will express the hope that there will be no further casualties to memorialize.

There is continued controversy over the most honorable and responsible way for the United States to wind up its military operations in Iraq. But Americans are united in mourning for the fallen and sympathizing with their families. They are impatiently waiting for all the members of our armed forces currently serving in Iraq to come home safe and sound.

Citizens insist that the veterans of this conflict must receive all necessary assistance to regain their physical and mental health and to readjust to civilian life. And they are determined that the suffering should not be in vain – that the people of Iraq should attain self-rule, the fruits of their labor and resources and the reconstruction of their nation.

“Our attitude towards this conflict mirrors the mood of the season”, said Jane Steinfels Hussain, a member of the Nashville Peace Coalition. “There are springtime cultural traditions throughout the world, mourning death but looking forward to new life and hoping for a better future.” “We are not blind to the death and suffering caused by this conflict. We do
not pretend that everything has gone well. But we express our hope for a more peaceful world in the future and our determination to work for the wellbeing of all.”

Sponsored by the Nashville Peace Coalition, a project of the Nashville Peace & Justice Center.

“We have had over a decade of Republican representation in the US Senate and look at where it has gotten us. We are at the bottom of almost every social indicator for quality of life. We are near the bottom of the list in terms of health, education, life expectancy and even infant mortality. It is time to invest in the health of our state instead of wasting our federal dollars on war and corporate subsidies.” — Chris Lugo

Lugo said he is seeking the U.S. Senate seat because “it is time to end the war and bring the troops home. It is time to use our taxpayer dollars wisely to provide universal healthcare. It is time to repair our nation’s domestic infrastructure. It is time to end poverty in America. It is time to end our dependence on oil by developing safe and viable alternative energy sources. It is time to leave our children a clean, healthy and peaceful environment in which to live and raise their families.”

Lugo was the Green Party of Tennessee candidate for US Senate in 2006.

“In 2006 I ran with the Green Party. I think it was the right decision in 2006 but this is a different election season. Americans waking up to the cause of peace and they are looking for leadership on health care, the environment, education and poverty I am a progressive, regardless of which party I represent. I think we need to come together this year to end the war and and bring America together as a country. We have so much work to do to reverse the damage of eight years of the Bush administration.”

He is calling for an end to the Iraq war, and has called for redirecting attention to the housing crisis which is “pushing Americans out of their homes.” He advocates a national response to the issue and impact of global warming.

Lugo said health care is a major theme of his campaign.

“It is time to insure that every man, woman and child in this country has access to quality and affordable healthcare and I believe that a universal single payer health care system is the best way to achieve that goal. I believe that most Americans now favor single payer healthcare and it is time that our legislation reflects that value.”

In 2005 Lugo was an active participant and supporter of the protesters who occupied the Governor’s office during the Tenncare protests.

“I was horrified when 323,000 Tennesseans were cut off of their health care and Tenncare was dismantled. I was an active supporter of the Tenncare protesters at the Governor’s office and I still support what they did but I think that the only solution is to address this at the federal level. I think that health care is a basic human right, and that a majority of Americans support this today. We are facing a health care crisis in Tennessee where 700,000 people do not have basic health care. In addition 50 million Americans do not have health insurance nationwide. This is a moral issue which only the federal government can address. With a strong and determined will, we can achieve this and provide health care for all Americans.”

The issue of immigration is also a key concern which Lugo plans to address in his Democratic Senate bid

“I believe that human rights are for everyone. It is time to stop breaking up families and terrorizing people who have come to this country to work hard and contribute to our economy. This is an especially relevant issue here in Tennessee, where the Hispanic population has nearly doubled since 2000. People are coming to Tennessee because they believe in the American dream and want a better life for themselves and their children. We need to issue driver’s licenses so these people can go to work. We need to stop rounding up workers and treating them like criminals. We need to offer a path to citizenship to people who have become an integral part of our communities.”

Lugo feels that the tide is turning in Tennessee.

“I think that Tennessee is ready for a liberal in Washington. The outcome of 25 years of Republican leadership in Washington DC is war, a failed economy, poverty and a domestic infrastructure that is falling apart. We can see now that the policies of trickle down economics, union busting, and poverty level wages will not make America stronger. The middle class is shrinking and the federal deficit mushrooming because of reckless war profiteering, corporate subsidies and tax breaks for the most privileged members of our community. It is time for a positive change in Tennessee. It is time to turn away from the politics of greed and fear that the Republicans represent. Americans are ready for a compassionate government that addresses real human needs. It is time to invest in this country and to invest in our future. “

Democratic candidate Chris Lugo’s full platform can be found at the website: www.chris4senate.org

Have you heard these words this Christmas season? The genocide continues in Darfur. Resolutions are passed but there is no action to protect the people. 

This past week I watched the new HBO movie, Sand & Sorrow, narrated by George Clooney, who was trying to explain why the genocide continues. It prompted me to again contact my representatives urging them to support ACTION.

I have part of my 401k with Fidelity. I recently found out they have NOT completely divested their holdings in Darfur. If you have Fidelity holdings, you may also want to write the company asking that they divest completely. Here’s my letter:

To: Ms. Anne Crowley, Senior Vice President, Media Relations and Public Affairs
Subject: Darfur — Fidelity divest

Money makes the world go ’round. Stop the money. Stop the genocide in Darfur. Formally adopt a public policy against investing in companies that support genocide in Darfur. Please let me know your decision within the next week. I realize that my funds with Fidelity are not a huge amount but I will move my funds to another plan if you do not divest ALL holdings in Darfur. My Fidelity accounts are: 401(k): 79999 $99999 & 401(k): 89999 $99999.

While I am heartened by Fidelity’s initial steps to divest from PetroChina Co. and Sinopec Corp., I urge you to divest ALL of your holdings in these companies.

Fidelity’s continued investments in these companies are providing precious funds to the Sudanese government to continue its horrifying genocide of the Darfurian people. Moreover, your still-substantial holdings in these companies are sending a message to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir that Americans are willing to fund his genocidal campaign. Before any more people in Darfur are killed, raped, or forced to flee to insecure refugee camps, Fidelity should sell its remaining PetroChina and Sinopec shares on the New York Stock Exchange and divest all its holdings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Demand implementation of Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (DPAA)

TO: Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) , Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), & Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN 7th)

I heartily support any actions the US can take to stop the genocide in Darfur. Nearly two-thirds of Americans – 62 percent – support the use of asset freezes against Sudanese leaders guilty of organizing and executing the genocide, according to a poll by the Genocide Intervention Network.

The DPAA was supposed to go into effect in November 2006. There is no point in passing legislation without implementing it. Although the law is nonbinding, it should still be implemented to increase the pressure on Sudan’s genocidal government. Funding for UN troops to protect the people is very important. This tragedy has already gone on far too long. I urge you to push for swift action on S. 2271, the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Authorization Act of 2007. What can we say when asked “Where were you during the Genocide of Darfur’s non-Arab people”?

For more info: http://savedarfur.org

Activist Bernie Ellis, who is featured in this film, will facilitate a panel discussion on electronic voting following the film.

Earnhardt was also originally scheduled to attend this session and field questions, but a traffic accident on Thursday that injured family members precludes his attending this event.

The program is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists, the Freethinkers for Peace and Civil Liberties, and Clarksville Online. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcomed to the first public showing in Clarksville of this important film.

A Peace rally is being held this Friday, Oct 19th from 1:00 – 2:00 by the APSU chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

SDS meets each week on Wednesdays at 4:00pm in the AP Bowl outside Harned Hall. Anyone who wishes to learn more about this organization is welcome attend any of their meetings. Peace!

Peace & Justice E-Blast
For the week of June 23 – July 1, 2007

Peace actions to end the Iraq War

Joyce Kisner — Monday Night Vigils on Any Corner (every Monday)

Every Monday – 6:00 p.m.
ORIGINAL CORNER: 14th and Eastland in East Nashville
SECOND CORNER: At the Wendy’s on West End Avenue , across from Centennial Park

There is no end date set for these vigils. Please join Joyce and others at the corner of 14th and Eastland in East Nashville every Monday night at 6:00 p.m. — or at that same time at ANY corner that works for you. Wouldn’t it be cool if throughout Nashville on Monday nights at 6:00 p.m. a growing number of vigils were happening on corners all around the city? Hey, why not throughout the state… even the country! To post a new corner address on the NPJC E-blast in the near future, send an email to Tamara, .

Other upcoming events

Tennessee Justice Center — Calling Parents, Doctors, Teachers, and Friends of Children on TennCare

Do you know a child on TennCare who is having problems getting what he/she needs?  Please call the Tennessee Justice Center toll-free at 1-877-608-1009 to SHARE THE STORY.

Tennessee Alliance for Progress (TAP) — Tennessee Progress Report on Radio Free Nashville (every Monday)

Every Monday, 5-6 p.m. CST
Radio Free Nashville, http://www.radiofreenashville.org/

Host Nell Levin, Coordinator for Tennessee Alliance for Progress, interviews key progressive leaders and activists, talks about current issues affecting our city, state and country, and plays her favorite musicians. Tune in!

Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) — weekly meeting (every Monday)

Every Monday, 6:30 – 8 p.m. CST
Red restaurant at Tribe, 1517 Church Street, Nashville 37203
Contact: Roger Schecter,

Fathers/Parents in Prison Support Group — weekly meeting (every Tuesday)

Every Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m.
The CBX of Centennial Boulevard, Men’s Minimum Security Prison

Fathers/Parents in Prison Support Group meets every Tuesday night at the CBX of Centennial Boulevard, Men’s Minimum Security Prison, at 5:30 p.m. It is a closely knit group of men who are seeking means to be better fathers to their children while they are incarcerated. It is a special needs group who, while incarcerated, work on maintaining contact and parenting their children from inside the prison walls. Part of the group is educational and discussion formatted. With written media, we assist the men who have low reading and writing skills and work on encouraging new healthy communication skills. Other men need a place to be and feel safe to express themselves away from the prison system environment even if it is only for a brief time.

The Fathers in Prison/Parents in Prison Project is seeking ex-cons who have been out for over a year, doing well, and are interested in talking to the group. We are also seeking Latino and African-American men to speak about fatherhood and what it means to them. And we specifically seek persons of all faiths.

We are open to ideas regarding interactive workshops at the CBX on parenting, self-parenting, relaxation, negotiation skills and child development. For contact information, call or email Deborah Jane Chadwick, or (615) 391-4079.

Fathers/Parents in Prison Support Group — Books needed for fathers in prison — please contribute!

Fathers/Parents in Prison Support Group is seeking Philosophy and Critical Thinking books in good condition. Reading level: high school — college. If you have books on these subjects to donate, please contact Deborah J. Chadwick, or (615) 391-4079. Books can be dropped off at NPJC, and Deborah will pick them up here.

United Food and Commercial Workers’ Union — Justice at Smithfield Farms, the largest hog processing plant in the world

Tuesday, June 26, 2007, 7:00 p.m. (for those that have not seen the “Witness” video – the story of these workers’ struggle in their own words — please join us early, at 6:30 p.m., for a showing)

Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse, 2509 12th Avenue South (between Beechwood and Sweetbriar), Nashville 37204
Contact: Kate Mason, UFCW organizer, at mailto:Every%20Monday,%206:30%20-%208%20p.m.%20CST or (202) 286-9626

The working people at Smithfield Inc.’s Tar Heel, NC hog processing plant, the largest one in the world, need our help!  They have been fighting for safer working conditions, respect, and a voice on the job for 14 years.  These workers can’t fight the company alone any longer.  UFCW has brought this cause to the national stage in a number of cities across the U.S. in the last year.  It is time for Nashville to join them in telling the company that it will not support products packaged with abuse any longer.  Join your fellow faith, community, labor, and political leaders this Tuesday for the campaign roll-out and help strategize for the summe rallies. 

Tennessee Health Care Campaign — Afternoon Radio Program on Radio Free Nashville (every Wednesday)

Every Wednesday, 4-5 p.m. CST

Listen to “Health Care in Tennessee ” on Radio Free Nashville every Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. Central Standard time, ONLINE. Radio Free Nashville is a low-power community radio station, currently available for listening online only (streaming audio).

Peace Coalition meeting

Every Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m.
Nashville Peace & Justice Center , 1016 18th Avenue South

Come be a part of this vibrant group, strategizing for peace! Make friends, plan events, end the war! The Peace Coalition meets at NPJC every Wednesday at 6 p.m. (with the exception of holidays). You’re welcome to join the in-person group or the online group, or both. For more info, check the online group or contact .

Earth Matters TN — Press Conference & Dedication of the DeFord Bailey Tribute Rose Garden, “Celebrating Past, Present, and Future Pioneers”

Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
1001 Gale Lane and Lealand at the Carver Pavilion

Earth Matters Tennessee, in association with LifeWorks Foundation, is pleased to honor DeFord Bailey, Nashville musician and the first star of the Grand Ole Opry, in the upcoming opening and dedication of the DeFord Bailey Tribute Garden.  The garden, located in George W. Carver Food Park at the corner of Lealand (10th Ave. South) and Gale Lane in teh Sunnyside Community, will be presented on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 11 a.m. in a special ceremony open to the public. 

Appropriately, the garden will house nearly a dozen different varieties of miniature and tea roses named for country music singers and songs including Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Lynn Anderson, Elvis, and songs “Ring of Fire,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “Rocky Top.”  The flowers are just a sampling from the Nashville Music Collection, which consists of apx. 20 different varieties of flora including flowers named after Pam Tillis, Minnie Pearl, Amy Grant and Blue Bayou, to name a few.  This is the first time the country music roses will ever be housed together in one location but it is not the last appearance these roses will make in the Nashville area.  “There is no more fitting a tribute to the man who helped make the Grand Ole Opry a household name than for Nashville to honor DeFord Bailey with a living tribute of a garden populated by flowers named after the singers and songs in country music,” explains Pat Bullard of Life Works.  The event will feature DeFord Bailey’s family including Jr. & Carlos Bailey, biographer David Morton, Sizwe Herring, Lisa Bullard, Skipper Poole, Silas Tyrone Newsome, Dr. Louis Mishu, and Gwynelle Dismukes.

Nashville Branch of the NAACP –  Mayoral Candidate Debate

Thursday, June 28, 2007, 6:00 p.m.
Nashville Downtown Public Library, 615 Church Street, Nashville, TN  37219
Contact the Nashville office: (615) 329-0999Join the Nashville Branch of the NAACP in a Mayoral Candidate Debate at the Nashville Downtown Public Library.

Women in Black — silent peace vigil (every Thursday)

Every Thursday, 12:15 — 12:45 p.m.
The bridge on Broadway across from the Tennessean building

Join local Nashvillians in protesting war by participating in Women in Black’s silent peace vigils.  Vigils happen every Thursday at the location above.  Women in Black is an international peace network.  It is not an organization, but a means of mobilization and a formula for action.  Women in Black vigils were started in Israel in 1988 by women protesting against Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.  Women in Black has developed in the U.S., England, Italy, Spain, Azerbaijan and in FR Yugoslavia, where women in Belgrade have stood in weekly vigils since 1991 to protest war and the Serbian regime’s policies of nationalist aggression.  Women in Black NY has been standing in solidarity with the women of Belgrade ever since 1993.

NPJC — Leadership Institute – Workshop #2: “Strategic Planning for Grassroots Organizations” by Cecilia Mynatt, Center for Non-profit Management

Thursday, June 28, 2007, 6-8 p.m.
Nashville Peace & Justice Center, 1016 18th Ave. S, Nashville 37212
$25 per workshop of the Leadership Institute (unless you pre-registered)
Contact: Tamara Ambar Losel, (615) 321-9066 or

Know where you’re going and how you’ll get there.  Learn to set achievable short and long-term goals, build power within your organization, research and plan strategically, identify and maximize opportunities, and lead your group in making decisions.  This workshop will be led by Cecilia Mynatt, consultant in Strategic Planning for the Center for Non-profit Management.  Don’t miss it!

La Casa (Central American Solidarity Association) — Pastors for Peace presentation & potluck dinner

Monday, July 9, 2007, 6:00 p.m. potluck dinner (presentation at 7:00 p.m.)
1925 19th Avenue South, right off of Portland Avenue, which runs between Belmont Blvd. and 21st Ave. S.
Contact: Eugene Teselle at eugene.

La Casa will host a Pastors for Peace caravan on its way to Cuba.  This will be on Monday, July 9, with a potluck dinner at 6 and the presentation at 7.

NPJC — Dialogue Circle (follow-up to May 24 Circle)

Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 6-7:30 p.m.
Nashville Peace & Justice Center, 1016 18th Ave. S, Nashville 37212
Contact: Tamara or Keith, or  

Mark your calendar for our next Dialogue at NPJC, a follow-up to the first Circle on May 24.  Inspired by the film, The Color of Fear, we will continue to discuss race and the effects of racism in our society.  Our objective is simply to have a safe space to talk and listen to each other’s experiences, respect our differences, and build trust and community.  All are welcome!  Let us build bridges of understanding together.  Coexistence is ours, if we want it!

JOB LISTINGS

Looking for jobs in peace and justice? How do you find out about them? NPJC wants to help you connect your skills and talents to meaningful work in Nashville . Please send an email to Tamara () whenever you hear about job openings in social/economic/racial justice, human rights, advocacy, and peace or conflict resolution!

• Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity seeks a Faith Relations Coordinator (Americorps)to develop and implement an annual plan for making contact and building relationships with local faith organizations and act as the liaison between organizations and NAHFH.  Work to maximize financial and volunteer support through communications and meetings.  Coordinate with and assist the Development Manager in the production of reports and lists to support the annual campaign for faith organizations and in the production and distribution of mailings for this constituency.  Interact with various program and development staff to achieve the best possible outcomes for various collaborative jobs or duties requiring a team effort.  Contribute to the team effort by willingly participating in NAHFH development events and in the Development Team staff meetings and functions.
• TN Conference on Social Welfare seeks an Advancement Coordinator for a part-time position with the possibility of full-time.  Contribute to the growth and expansion of the oldest, multi-issue social policy group in Tennessee as we approach our 100th Anniversary!  This part-time, contract position involves assuring TCSW membership, donor and conference operations are neat, organized, smooth, and efficient; positive external relations through the media; and swift response to rapidly changing electronic options for better performance.  For additional information about the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, (see: http://www.tcsw.org/).  Employment begins in July.  The position is for an average of 15-20 hours per week at $13/hr for a qualified individual, with hours being 1 to 5 p.m.  For a full job description.
• StoryCorps is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Facilitators for a year-long commitment to work part-time at our newest StoryBooth in Nashville, TN.  StoryCorps’ mission is to instruct and inspire people to record one another’s stories in sound.  StoryBoothsare small, comfortable recording studios where friends, families and neighbors bring each other to conduct 40-minute audio interviews.  The stories recorded in these booths are housed at the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center.  Each week, stories from teh project air on NPR’s Morning Edition.  Interviews from teh Griot Initiative, a grassroots national tour that brings StoryCorps directly into African-American lives and communities across the nation, air on NPR’s News and Notes.  The collection wiill become our nation’s largest oral history archive.  For more detials about the position.  
• Visit the Center for Nonprofit Management’s Job board to view job listings.
• Visit Idealist.org, Action Without Borders, to view job listings.
• Visit the job listings in the non-profit section of Craigslist, Nashville.

…AND MORE…

Visit the Middle TN Progressive Calendar and get connected to more social justice events in our area for the next two months!

Spread the word! 

Change is possible, and it happens everyday! Forward this message to everyone you know, and encourage them to join our mailing list.

To subscribe to our weekly E-blast, send an e-mail with “subscribe to E-blast” in the subject line to .

To receive our bi-monthly newsletter, Alternatives, and other mailings, include your name and contact info in the body of the email (along with issues and/or organizations that interest you).

About the Nashville Peace & Justice Center

In the 1950’s President Eisenhower issued his prophetic warning about the dangers of our nation’s Military industrial complex. We are seeing the fruits of that in our current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the administration’s drive to trigger one with Iran.

During the Second World War, he served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe, later he became the first supreme commander of NATO. He was elected the 34th U.S. President on a Republican ticket, serving for two terms. He is perhaps best known for Social Security, and the Interstate Highway System.

Lets us take a moment and listen to his farewell address to the nation…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Noam Chomsky, the Institute Professor Emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has released a similar warning in his documentary War Corporatism: The New Fascism. Here’s what he had to say on the matter…

In practice it is the program of radical statist reactionaries, who believe that the US should rule the world, by force if necessary, in the interests of the narrow sectors of concentrated private power and wealth that they represent, and that the powerful state they forge should serve those interests, not the interests of the public, who are to be frightened into submission while the progressive legislation and achievements of popular struggle of the past century are dismantled, along with the democratic culture that sustained them.

Within elite sectors, there is a great deal of concern over their brazen arrogance, remarkable incompetence, and willingness to increase serious threats to the country and to transfer a huge burden to coming generations for short-term gain.

Their war in Iraq, for example, was strongly opposed by leading sectors of the foreign policy elite, and perhaps even more strikingly, the corporate world. But the same sectors will continue to support the Bush circles, strongly. It is using state power to lavish huge gifts on them, and they basically share the underlying premises even if they are concerned about the practice and the irrationality of the actors, and the dangers they pose.

It’s quite clear that he’s describing President Eisenhower’s Military Industrial Complex. This my friend is why we are really at war in Iraq, a war they want to last for up to fifty years.

The text of President Eisenhower’s farewell Address

The farewell speech of U.S.A. President, Dwight Eisenhower. Given on 17 January 1961 and televised in the U.S.A.

Good evening, my fellow Americans.

First, I should like to express my gratitude to the radio and television networks for the opportunities they have given me over the years to bring reports and messages to our nation. My special thanks go to them for the opportunity of addressing you this evening.

Three days from now, after a half century in the service of our country, I shall lay down the responsibilities of office as, in traditional and solemn ceremony, the authority of the Presidency is vested in my successor.

This evening I come to you with a message of leave-taking and farewell, and to share a few final thoughts with you, my countrymen. Like every other citizen, I wish the new President, and all who will labor with him, Godspeed. I pray that the coming years will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all.

Our people expect their President and the Congress to find essential agreement on issues of great moment, the wise resolution of which will better shape the future of the nation. My own relations with the Congress, which began on a remote and tenuous basis when, long ago, a member of the Senate appointed me to West Point, have since ranged to the intimate during the war and immediate post-war period, and finally to the mutually interdependent during these past eight years. In this final relationship, the Congress and the Administration have, on most vital issues, cooperated well, to serve the nation good, rather than mere partisanship, and so have assured that the business of the nation should go forward. So, my official relationship with Congress ends in a feeling — on my part — of gratitude that we have been able to do so much together.

We now stand ten years past the midpoint of a century that has witnessed four major wars among great nations. Three of these involved our own country. Despite these holocausts, America is today the strongest, the most influential, and most productive nation in the world. Understandably proud of this pre-eminence, we yet realize that America’s leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment.

Throughout America’s adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace, to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among peoples and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt, both at home and abroad.

Progress toward these noble goals is persistently threatened by the conflict now engulfing the world. It commands our whole attention, absorbs our very beings. We face a hostile ideology global in scope, atheistic in character, ruthless in purpose, and insidious in method. Unhappily, the danger it poses promises to be of indefinite duration. To meet it successfully, there is called for, not so much the emotional and transitory sacrifices of crisis, but rather those which enable us to carry forward steadily, surely, and without complaint the burdens of a prolonged and complex struggle with liberty the stake. Only thus shall we remain, despite every provocation, on our charted course toward permanent peace and human betterment.

Crises there will continue to be. In meeting them, whether foreign or domestic, great or small, there is a recurring temptation to feel that some spectacular and costly action could become the miraculous solution to all current difficulties. A huge increase in newer elements of our defenses; development of unrealistic programs to cure every ill in agriculture; a dramatic expansion in basic and applied research — these and many other possibilities, each possibly promising in itself, may be suggested as the only way to the road we wish to travel.

But each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs, balance between the private and the public economy, balance between the cost and hoped for advantages, balance between the clearly necessary and the comfortably desirable, balance between our essential requirements as a nation and the duties imposed by the nation upon the individual, balance between actions of the moment and the national welfare of the future. Good judgment seeks balance and progress. Lack of it eventually finds imbalance and frustration. The record of many decades stands as proof that our people and their Government have, in the main, understood these truths and have responded to them well, in the face of threat and stress.

But threats, new in kind or degree, constantly arise. Of these, I mention two only.

A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction. Our military organization today bears little relation to that known by any of my predecessors in peacetime, or, indeed, by the fighting men of World War II or Korea.

Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense. We have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security alone more than the net income of all United States corporations.

Now this conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence — economic, political, even spiritual –is felt in every city, every Statehouse, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources, and livelihood are all involved. So is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades. In this revolution, research has become central, it also becomes more formalized, complex, and costly. A steadily increasing share is conducted for, by, or at the direction of, the Federal government.

Today, the solitary inventor, tinkering in his shop, has been overshadowed by task forces of scientists in laboratories and testing fields. In the same fashion, the free university, historically the fountainhead of free ideas and scientific discovery, has experienced a revolution in the conduct of research. Partly because of the huge costs involved, a government contract becomes virtually a substitute for intellectual curiosity. For every old blackboard there are now hundreds of new electronic computers. The prospect of domination of the nation’s scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present — and is gravely to be regarded.

Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.

It is the task of statesmanship to mold, to balance, and to integrate these and other forces, new and old, within the principles of our democratic system – ever aiming toward the supreme goals of our free society.

Another factor in maintaining balance involves the element of time. As we peer into society’s future, we — you and I, and our government — must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for our own ease and convenience the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow.

During the long lane of the history yet to be written, America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect. Such a confederation must be one of equals. The weakest must come to the conference table with the same confidence as do we, protected as we are by our moral, economic, and military strength. That table, though scarred by many past frustrations, cannot be abandoned for the certain agony of the battlefield.

Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. Because this need is so sharp and apparent, I confess that I lay down my official responsibilities in this field with a definite sense of disappointment. As one who has witnessed the horror and the lingering sadness of war, as one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years, I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight.

Happily, I can say that war has been avoided. Steady progress toward our ultimate goal has been made. But so much remains to be done. As a private citizen, I shall never cease to do what little I can to help the world advance along that road.

So, in this my last good night to you as your President, I thank you for the many opportunities you have given me for public service in war and in peace. I trust that in that service you find some things worthy. As for the rest of it, I know you will find ways to improve performance in the future.

You and I, my fellow citizens, need to be strong in our faith that all nations, under God, will reach the goal of peace with justice. May we be ever unswerving in devotion to principle, confident but humble with power, diligent in pursuit of the Nations’ great goals.

To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America’s prayerful and continuing aspiration: We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its few spiritual blessings. Those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; and that the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth; and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love.

Now, on Friday noon, I am to become a private citizen. I am proud to do so. I look forward to it.

Thank you, and good night. – Retrieved from Wikisource

I have endured a lot of smear and hatred since Casey was killed and especially since I became the so-called “Face” of the American anti-war movement. Especially since I renounced any tie I have remaining with the Democratic Party, I have been further trashed on such “liberal blogs” as the Democratic Underground. Being called an “attention whore” and being told “good riddance” are some of the more milder rebukes.

I have come to some heartbreaking conclusions this Memorial Day Morning. These are not spur of the moment reflections, but things I have been meditating on for about a year now. The conclusions that I have slowly and very reluctantly come to are very heartbreaking to me.

The first conclusion is that I was the darling of the so-called left as long as I limited my protests to George Bush and the Republican Party. Of course, I was slandered and libeled by the right as a “tool” of the Democratic Party.  This label was to marginalize me and my message. How could a woman have an original thought, or be working outside of our “two-party” system?

However, when I started to hold the Democratic Party to the same standards that I held the Republican Party, support for my cause started to erode and the “left” started labeling me with the same slurs that the right used. I guess no one paid attention to me when I said that the issue of peace and people dying for no reason is not a matter of “right or left”, but “right and wrong.”

I am deemed a radical because I believe that partisan politics should be left to the wayside when hundreds of thousands of people are dying for a war based on lies that is supported by Democrats and Republican alike. It amazes me that people who are sharp on the issues and can zero in like a laser beam on lies, misrepresentations, and political expediency when it comes to one party refuse to recognize it in their own party. Blind party loyalty is dangerous whatever side it occurs on. People of the world look on us Americans as jokes because we allow our political leaders so much murderous latitude and if we don’t find alternatives to this corrupt “two” party system our Representative Republic will die and be replaced with what we are rapidly descending into with nary a check or balance: a fascist corporate wasteland. I am demonized because I don’t see party affiliation or nationality when I look at a person, I see that person’s heart. If someone looks, dresses, acts, talks and votes like a Republican, then why do they deserve support just because he/she calls him/herself a Democrat?

I have also reached the conclusion that if I am doing what I am doing because I am an “attention whore” then I really need to be committed. I have invested everything I have into trying to bring peace with justice to a country that wants neither. If an individual wants both, then normally he/she is not willing to do more than walk in a protest march or sit behind his/her computer criticizing others. I have spent every available cent I got from the money a “grateful” country gave me when they killed my son and every penny that I have received in speaking or book fees since then. I have sacrificed a 29 year marriage and have traveled for extended periods of time away from Casey’s brother and sisters and my health has suffered and my hospital bills from last summer (when I almost died) are in collection because I have used all my energy trying to stop this country from slaughtering innocent human beings. I have been called every despicable name that small minds can think of and have had my life threatened many times.

The most devastating conclusion that I reached this morning, however, was that Casey did indeed die for nothing. His precious lifeblood drained out in a country far away from his family who loves him, killed by his own country which is beholden to and run by a war machine that even controls what we think. I have tried every since he died to make his sacrifice meaningful. Casey died for a country which cares more about who will be the next American Idol than how many people will be killed in the next few months while Democrats and Republicans play politics with human lives. It is so painful to me to know that I bought into this system for so many years and Casey paid the price for that allegiance. I failed my boy and that hurts the most.

I have also tried to work within a peace movement that often puts personal egos above peace and human life. This group won’t work with that group; he won’t attend an event if she is going to be there; and why does Cindy Sheehan get all the attention anyway? It is hard to work for peace when the very movement that is named after it has so many divisions.

Our brave young men and women in Iraq have been abandoned there indefinitely by their cowardly leaders who move them around like pawns on a chessboard of destruction and the people of Iraq have been doomed to death and fates worse than death by people worried more about elections than people. However, in five, ten, or fifteen years, our troops will come limping home in another abject defeat and ten or twenty years from then, our children’s children will be seeing their loved ones die for no reason, because their grandparents also bought into this corrupt system. George Bush will never be impeached because if the Democrats dig too deeply, they may unearth a few skeletons in their own graves and the system will perpetuate itself in perpetuity.

I am going to take whatever I have left and go home. I am going to go home and be a mother to my surviving children and try to regain some of what I have lost. I will try to maintain and nurture some very positive relationships that I have found in the journey that I was forced into when Casey died and try to repair some of the ones that have fallen apart since I began this single-minded crusade to try and change a paradigm that is now, I am afraid, carved in immovable, unbendable and rigidly mendacious marble.

Camp Casey has served its purpose. It’s for sale. Anyone want to buy five beautiful acres in Crawford , Texas ? I will consider any reasonable offer. I hear George Bush will be moving out soon, too…which makes the property even more valuable.

This is my resignation letter as the “face” of the American anti-war movement. This is not my “Checkers” moment, because I will never give up trying to help people in the world who are harmed by the empire of the good old US of A, but I am finished working in, or outside of this system. This system forcefully resists being helped and eats up the people who try to help it. I am getting out before it totally consumes me or anymore people that I love and the rest of my resources.

Good-bye America …you are not the country that I love and I finally realized no matter how much I sacrifice, I can’t make you be that country unless you want it.

It’s up to you now.

About Cindy Sheehan

Cindy Sheehan was an American anti-Iraq War activist, whose son, Casey Sheehan, was killed during his service in Iraq. She attracted international attention in August 2005 for her extended demonstration at a peace camp outside President George W. Bush’s Texas ranch garnering her both support and criticism.

* Originally posted by Cindy Sheehan at Daily Kos on Mon May 28, 2007 at 09:57:01 AM PDT

This peaceful event will include a prayer service, spiritual readings, music, guest speakers, and a reading of the names of Kentucky and Tennessee soldiers killed in the Iraq conflict. The public is welcome to attend.

While many of us oppose the War in Iraq, we join with Americans on both sides of the debate in sharing the same concerns for the men and women on the front lines, our soldiers serving overseas and those about to be deployed. We support our troops (that message seems universal) but not the flawed policies and politicians that have immersed them in this escalating conflict.

As this Memorial Day approaches, fatalities in Iraq are escalating rapidly and another landmark number, 3500, is quickly approaching. That number does not include fatalities in Afghanistan, or the civilian death toll in either country. At home, many returning troops and their families face both physical and psychological difficulties from extended (and multiple) deployments.

MSNBC ran a “Live Poll” Tuesday (5/22/07) which, as of 11 p.m. that evening, had 400,000 respondents. Of that number, 88% support a policy change to end the Iraq conflict along with a belief that the President had committed impeachable offenses on the road to war. Those offenses can be measured in lives lost and families torn apart by stress and grief.

Join us in our peaceful efforts to honor those who serve and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Join us as we ask the leaders of our country to end the insanity and bring our soldiers home. Alive.

“Hope” is a unique and powerful film with a message of peace for the future. Combining animation, archival footage and live action, in a multi-layered non-linear story, the film brings the viewer on a fascinating journey through human existence. ‘Hope’ is shaped around the knowledge and ideas of Willy Whitefeather, a man in his sixties of Cherokee ancestry, a storyteller, healer, survivalist and an individual of wisdom and heart.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We are seeing wars, genocide, diseases, climate change such as global warming, and potential earth changes which have been foretold by many seers and indigenous peoples. This is that story in animated visuals and soundtrack that will shake you to your roots. We must shift to this path, without hesitation.

Using traditions and stories from Native American and world cultures, Whitefeather combines dreams, images and reminiscences from our collective memory to send a message of hope for the future. Now is the time to reconnect with Spirit, to recognize the effects of our actions, to evaluate the underlying causes of suffering and to reshape our life and our world into a more harmonious one.

The animated scenes are in styles reminiscent of Pueblo pottery design, Sioux painted hides, Petroglyph drawings and Hopi mural paintings. The sound track is similarly layered with the sounds of a beating heart, breathing, wooden flutes, drums, rattles, a traditional Cherokee lullaby and original music. “Hope” urges us to change course and follow a path of wisdom, responsibility, beauty, simplicity and gentleness, so that one day we too can know Hope.

This film was created by Willy Whitefeather, directed by Catherine Margerin, and produced by Mary Mathaisell & Luna Media.

Eve of Destruction

Click here to view the embedded video.

Barry McGuire’s classic anti-war song, Eve of Destruction.

We can’t make it here anymore

Click here to view the embedded video.

A excellent song by James Mcmurtry, the video is by Peter Anderson

‘We Can’t Make It Here’ is a seven-minute state-of-the-union mantra that looks at the Bush claims of economic recovery and finds nothing but smoke and mirrors. – Texas Monthly

Visit James Mcmurty’s web site at http://www.jamesmcmurtry.com/

Dear Mr. President

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is not Pink’s Dear Mr. President song. It’s an original song written in 2001 by up and coming artist Jamison. This is not a pro or anti war song, but a song about the loss for victory. It’s a wonderful song by a great artist. Video by phillygrrl.

That Is the War on Terror

Click here to view the embedded video.

“That Is the War on Terror” is on Roy Zimmerman’s CD “Faulty Intelligence,” which is available on iTunes and on his website.

Bring them home

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Burns Sisters sing “Bring Them Home”

The Bush Legacy

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Randel W McGirr’s song about the legacy George W. Bush will be leaving behind in 2008

That’s enough for now… I am sure there will be more later!

This is a portion of the debate from Rep. John Murtha  (D-PA)

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is a good example of why people who really support the troops are also peace activists. You don’t send our troops into harms way when they are not trained, equipped, and ready for combat. You don’t send them to war without an achievable plan for victory. You definitely don’t send them into combat without support systems in place for when they come home again. You don’t send them into battle while at the same time cutting the medical benefits that were promised to them and their families.

This isn’t about politics or politicians. It’s not about being Republican or Democrat. Or it shouldn’t be. We do this because it’s the right thing to do.

The costs of this war won’t magically end when the troops leave the battlegrounds. Peace Activists will be commited to paying for this war and supporting our troops long after the last shot is fired, and a long time after the last combatant dies in the conflict.  Our soldiers have the right to expect no less.

At the center of the peace group was a large, stark white sign reading Every Life Is Unique, illuminated by a floodlight and clusters of candles at its base. The group also clustered candles on the marble base of the eternal flame to illuminate it, since the flame itself is not lit. Using songs, drumming,  poetic readings and personal statement, the group spoke of their support for the troops and their opposition to U.S. policies and censured the official lies that launched the war. In a moment reminiscent of the Vietnam era, the  sang Give Peace A Chance.

Carrie Strock, whose husband served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne, said they support the troops and the Constitution but feel this was entered into under “false pretenses.”

Gregg Schlanger, designer of  Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Clouds, the city’s eternal flame memorial, attended the service and spoke about his design, which was intended to honor all soldiers rather than a single era, war or branch of service.

The common message from all attending the vigil was that the war needs to end, and our troops need to return home. Concerns were voiced about the aftercare of returning vets,  in terms  of both recovery from physical injuries and mental health issues, the latter emerging in some 40% of returning troops.

Now entering year five, the war has  claimed the lives of more than 3,200 members of the U.S. military, including  180 soldiers from Fort Campbell. The 101st Airborne is readying for still another deployment this year.  

President Bush recently ordered the  deployment of an additional 30,000 troops to Iraq to stabilize the country, and handle the insurgency in Baghdad, and the cost of the war has skyrocketed far beyond any original estimates.  Democratic leaders are pushing a bill that includes a clause to pull troops out by fall of  2008, and public opposition to the war has escalated almost as fast as Bush’s popularity has fallen. Macken’s group indicated they would be present to oppose all future FreeThinkers rallies, while the FreeThinkers, who have been gathering peacefully since 2004, say they will continue to stage peaceful actions including memorial vigils.