To put it simply, we have to shame these fuckers into doing the right thing.
Rot. These bastards have no shame, or hasn't that become apparent by now?
To get the Right Thing done requires putting people into power who will do the Right Thing — and removing power from those who won't. What won't get it done is continuing to vote for the same bunch of people who have continued to show, time and time again, that they aren't really interested in the Right Thing, in the same delusional hope as that exhibited by battered wives that, somehow, this time, things will be better.
'He'll get only my vote and nothing more'? Guess what? He doesn't want anything else — I'm not even sure he wants that. He's getting plenty more elsewhere.
Mike--I largely agree, and always have, with the concept of "more and better" Democrats (or independents, or Socialists). I'm speaking specifically for the need to stand up for accountability re: this administration's crimes. As we've seen, even the "better" Democrats we have in office presently seem little inclined to do something that is, after all, constitutionally mandated. (Let alone morally mandated.)
Well, that's just it. There isn't going to be any accountability, because the folks running things (Dem or GOP, it matters not) don't want there to be any, and they certainly aren't worried about what you or I think.
Marching didn't keep them from slaughtering a hundred thousand people for no reason; it sure won't make them hold anyone accountable for it.
Something else might, but people aren't ready for that yet.
America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to
work within the system, but too early to shoot the
bastards.
- Claire Wolfe, 101 Things To Do 'Til the Revolution
Mike--that's exactly why I suggest a march, as opposed to any other action. It is VISIBLE. Given large numbers--like those of the march immediately preceding the beginning of hostilities--and, hopefully, an international aspect, it becomes something that Washington cannot control.
I'm not expecting Obama (or, really, any other politician outside of Kucinich) to jump on the stage at this proposed protest and all of a sudden develop a spine. That comes later, if ever.
And, at worst, if it doesn't, we will have done SOMETHING very visible to register our continuing opposition to the crimes commited in our names, which is the thing that continues to gnaw at me. I vehemently loathe the fact that my beliefs have been subsumed into an America that I no longer recognize. I am NOT a fucking "good German", and I want it on record.
What's a good date?
Sept. 17: Constitution Day.
Not just DC, everywhere.
Mark--that'd be perfect. (Also, it's after both stupid conventions are over, so no interference with people's schedules.)
Ten Bears--absolutely. That's why I said "hopefully...international" above. Preferably, it *should* be the world clamoring for accountability--the crimes were committed in Iraq, but they are crimes against the global rule of law.
Re: Novak--
Wingnuts are pretty quiet about this one, understandably, but not our gal Althouse, who takes Yglesias to task for his post comparing the hit and run to firing off shots on a crowded street at random. Which, granted, *shorn of context* as it is in AA's post, looks pretty extreme.
Fortunately, her commenters are around to show us what extreme REALLY means (and this is the entire comment, so it's well contexty):
"Just saw the video. This is going to get a lot of play in the Netroots. Look at the details:
- Hated "Conservative columnist" Robert Novak
- Repeat lousy driving offender
- Hits-and-runs
- 66 year-old pedestrian
- Gas-guzzling Corvette
- Bicycle-riding hero intervened
Take a look at David Bono's politics via Newsmeat. Sure, he was a witness, but one who knew exactly who Novak was.
Bono, David
Washington , DC 20006
OBAMA, BARACK (D)
President
OBAMA FOR AMERICA $-1,000
primary 05/20/08
If I were Kos, I'd try to make this into another Perfect Storm.
Cheers,
Victoria"
That's right--the bastard's an Obamaniac! Why, he must have been following Novak around waiting for this to happen! He probably pushed the old dude into the street, even!
Weren't any of you people paying attention on February 15, 2003? The largest known protest in world history? The one which was largely ignored in the States? How many people outside of the anti-war movement even know about it?
If you think that millions of peaceful demonstrators will somehow not be ignored this time 'round, you're a lot more idealistic than I am.
Um, Anna? Althouse is the polite corporate right. Over at Ace of Spades, there are comments like the following:
“Maybe it was just a hobo. Not very sporting, but he’d have [Novak would have] had his heart in the right place.”
“Sue the lawyer for smudging his windshield and causing him a delay and damage to his reputation. WHY was a “pedestrian” on the road at the same time as a Corvette?”
“The biker was a lawyer, so there is a possibility of dishonesty here.”
“Grain of Salt Alert: David Bono (guy on bicycle) is an Obama donor.”
“It’s extremely probably that the lawyer is lying about a person being splayed on the windsheild, because if a car flees with you on the windshield, you’ll be thrown off violently with a lot of injuries. ”
“Oh, and the fact that the guy was a lawyer RIDING A BIKE in DC should have told you all you need to know about his political inclinations.”
“Actually, Novak was just doing what everyone else does at 18th and K. He wasn’t fleeing because he hadn’t done anything wrong.”
Even Ace is far from the furthest of the barking lunatic fringe of the Republican Party. He, at least, has said that what Novak did was bad.
On SCLM, could it also be that they are not taking the right wing Republicans to task for anything, and continue to dissemble and outright lie, as well as lie by omission, (such as the Katie Couric edit of McCain, I know it is TV, not print).
And of course, we needed the 12 part Chandra Levy story while so many important things are happening. Like the universal in-depth coverage of the Al gore challenge to America.
Re: Novak
Why was he not ticketed for "hit and run"?
What is the problem with DC?
A good date is Labor day -- no one can afford to go anyplace in any case.
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