Setting Dick Cheney's Picnic Table

"The essence of the American Revolution -- the principle on which this country was founded -- is that direct participation in political activity is what makes a free society."
-- Robert F. Kennedy; quote from "Make Gentle the Life of This World," by Maxwell Taylor Kennedy; Broadway Books; 1998; page 12.

One of my favorite books from 1968 was Gary Synder's "Earth House Hold," published by New Directions. The book describes the politics of the day in terms of family structure. He discussed Lewis Henry Morgan's "Ancient Society," a study on how family structure in Iroquois culture impacted their political structure. The Iroquois were a significant influence on our Founding Fathers, and Morgan's book led Engals to write "Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State."

Synder also wrote about how people of all ages were looking to create a healthier, more democratic society in 1968. Those of us who were alive way back then can likely recall that this year in our nation's history led to many a family discussion -- and many heated debates -- about politics in America.

I think that 2006 may be a year of similar significance in our nation's history. Today, I am hoping you will join with me in starting the initial planning of the Earth House Hold family reunion. Many of us did not enjoy some of the recent extended family picnics. After 9-11, a lot of our extended family was afraid. We remember how our cousin Michael Moore documented this fear in his wonderful family film, "Fahrenheit 9/11." Some of our relatives were afraid that terrorists were ready to attack the Wal-Marts of rural America.

Uncle Dick Cheney and cousin Byron York were considered the voices of reason at the picnic table. They had convinced a lot of the family that Saddam had pulled off 9-11. They kept saying, "We can't wait for the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud," and many in the extended family believed them. Fear does that. For those of us who remember the 1968 classic film "Yellow Submarine," President Bush did a mean version of Jeremy, even in his "debates" with John Kerry. It amazed us when some of the extended American family said, " He sure makes a lot of sense. He's a real leader." No, he's not. He's a cartoon character.

But things have changed in this country, even in the time since Jeremy Bush was "re-elected." The price of gas has gone up enough that everyone coming to the reunion will be aware of how much it costs to "fill her up." And more than 2500 of our family have paid a much higher price for the family backing Dick Cheney's plans to make the country safer. While a few years back, many in the American family thought that those who strongly disagreed with Uncle Dick were the offspring of cousin James Foreman, threatening to kick the legs out from under the picnic table if he wasn't seated, today more and more citizens are listening to Cousin Kos than to the obnoxious Byron York-types, who support Cheney's violence as long as someone else is suffering and dying.

Because 2006 is a significant election year, we need to be aware of some of the themes that will play out at this summer's reunion. In any political campaign, we need to be aware of the "three groups" that are always involved: {1} those who always agree with you; {2} those who always oppose you; and {3} the undecided. One of the most basic strategies in politics is to gear your message to group #3. You already have group #1, and you'll never get group #2. In most cases, it's a pretty even split. Group #3 decides the contest, either by participating or not participating. Our goal is to have a message that convinces them that it is important that they vote.

The Cheney "Family" is going to try to present a message that they represent democracy, the flag, and national security. They use a tactic called "perception management," made infamous by forces such as the Rendon Group. Think back to the "liberation" of Kuwait in the first Gulf War, when the corporate media filmed citizens of that country waving thousands of little American flags. Where did those flags come from? Who planned such a curious photo-op? The Rendon Group.

National polls in April showed that not only was the war in Iraq extremely unpopular, and that President Bush's approval rating was in the Nixon range, but VP Cheney was ranked with the most despised politicians in our nation's history. One of the most important factors in the public's dislike of Cheney was his heading up the effort to bring the country to war in Iraq, based upon outright lies. Those lies could be summed up as the infamous "16 words" in Jeremy's state of the union speech. The national debate expanded with Joseph Wilson's exposing those lies. And it went to a lower, very ugly criminal matter when the OVP attacked Wilson and his wife.

In April, the court documents in the I. Liar Libby case had shown the American public what Patrick Fitzgerald knew -- that VP Cheney was directly involved in the campaign to discredit Joseph Wilson. This was no surprise to our group #1. And their group #2 didn't care -- they back VP Cheney. But it was shocking to group #3 to see the evidence, which was as clear as Uncle Dick Cheney's handwriting on his copy of Wilson's NYTimes op-ed.

Thus, we knew that Cheney & Co would be conducting a serious "perception management" campaign, to distract the American public from the important facts, and to convince some, including within our group #1, that the Plame scandal is much to do about nothing. Hence, they try to focus the discussion on Rove's not being indicted -- as if that is as important as VP Cheney's role. It's a sad thing to see people on sites such as the Democratic Underground snarling that the most significant issue involved in the scandal today is some article in Truthout. It's also sad to see some people being discouraged because a few of group #2 are saying that it would be best if Libby were pardoned. Of course, at most large family reunions, we can expect a few distant cousins to get ugly drunk and try to pick fights, while a couple others will cry in their beer. We need to take a more sober approach.

The democratic/progressive left has collected and organized a huge amount of information on the Plame scandal in the past few years. Most people in our group #1 have a pretty fair grasp on what happened, and how it relates to the war in Iraq. There is really no excuse for us not to have some knowledge about the case, even though it is complex. C-SPAN recently covered a panel discussion from the annual Daily Kos "reunion." that provided some interesting opinions about where the investigation of the scandal may be heading.

Yet we must remember a scene from the wonderful movie "Gandhi," in which the Mahatma is speaking to the Indian National Congress. At first, he was being ignored. But then Gandhi reminds the audience that it really did not matter much what a small collection of lawyers said in their plush surroundings, if their message did not reach the masses. This, of course, was a simple variation of the "three groups" tactic. Gandi knew that it didn't matter if one or more of the speakers at that meeting was an "expert" if the message didn't reach the larger group #3.

How can we do this? After all, we are going up against Cheney, York, and Karl Rove? And for goodness sakes! They are posting "pardon Libby" messages like tiny flags in Kuwait. More, Karl Rove is surely as rough and tough as a young, hungry Mike Tyson. First, I would suggest we stop listening to anyone who says we should focus on Jason Leopold and not Dick Cheney. Second, we need to recognize that our cousins who are taking the Eeyore helpless stance need to take a back-row seat.

In the Nixon administration, they recognized that "letters to the editor" were a powerful part of perception management, especially so during election years. Patrick Buchanan was in charge of organizing a group of people around the country, who could be counted on to write a LTTE on a given issue when Pat gave the word. In election years, citizens in group #3 are known to read the LTTE in their local newspapers, and these are considered of high value in defining "community values."

If the progressive/democratic left had people who would write a simple, one or two paragraph LTTE of their local paper today, it would be as effective as those tiny American flags in Kuwait. These LTTE should simply state: President Bush promised to fire anyone in his administration involved in outing Valerie Plame; Karl Rove was absolutely involved; Rove lied to the public, if not to the investigators; why isn't Bush firing Rove? Four sentences, and the message will connect with group #3.

More, people should make this a campaign issue for the 2006 elections. Send a letter to your representatives and senators. Ask if they are willing to take steps to have congressional investigations on the administration's lies that led the country to war. Ask what steps they will take. Let them know that you will be using their responses (or lack of response) in LTTE.

Better yet, make a 5 or 10 question survey, and send it to a range of politicians. Let them know that you will be using the results in a public way. A local citizen actually doing this type of thing will be more effective in reaching the group #3 in your local community than one of the crusty republican operatives saying, "Jeremy should pardon Scooter for the good of the nation."

This is the type of "direct participation in political activity" that Senator Kennedy was saying was needed to breath life into our democracy in 1968. We have that same need today. I am hoping that you will be able to attend this summer's American Family Reunion.

RSVP!

Great idea! There's so much to be done. Thanks for this post. Sign me up! I will be in attendance!

K&R!

people like you at the head tables.

A funny story. At least I think it's funny. Years ago, during the Reagan-Bush violence in Central America, I had sent a survey to a number of NYS politicians. Senator Moynihan's office responded in a "pro war" way. Two days later, I got a second letter from his office, with an "oops! wrong response!" message. I wrote a LTTE and provided copies of both letters to area newspapers. It caught people's attention.

But Chuck Schumer never replies to my letters or e-mails. It's somewhat frustrating to not be ensured that my concerns are being heard. I love the idea of making the 5 5 to 10 question survey. I will be getting right on that.

As always your writing is so easy to read and to visualize not to mention so right on.
peace
:hi:

It would be interesting to see the results of DUers investing an hour a week into an organized effort to enlighten group #3.

who has the misfortune to look at me. Some turn away some, some act surprised and then there is the ones who ask questions those are the ones I want to talk to.

as sad that it has taken the deaths of 2500+ Americans, and thousands more seriously injured, for most Americans to take a closer look at this ugly war. Yet I think that, as Kevin Phillips points out in "American Theocracy," there is a reaction when the public finds that this administration exploited their fears for a petroleum war.

The administration is now trying to exploit Americans' sense of guilt in much the same manner. That weasal Karl Rove recently said democrats will have to explain to the families of the dead soldiers why we should leave Iraq. But we will not be held hostage to guilt over those deaths, and it will be Rove and Cheney who will have to answer to questions about why those Americans died.

just respond with the same rhetoric, fighting them there so we dint fight them here.

that many will respond with that old, tired batch of lies. This is good. Those people who are joining our summer festival of life are thirsty. We will place a sparkling clear glass of water next to that old, dirty glass. And we will have faith that our family will make the correct choice.

Your concrete steps and ideas are simple and not even time-consuming. Thanks for the suggestions. Count me in at the picnic.

I have compared DU to an airplane from an old story I learned many years ago. It is from Ouspensky's "The Fourth Way," in which he describes a man who hooks two draft horses to an airplane and uses it as a carriage. Then he learns to turn the engine on, and uses the plane like a car. But he doesn't realize that the plane can fly.

I do not know much about the activist forum, but I think there is a core group of DUers who are able to take the lead on group projects.

Another thoughtful and informative post from H20man....

Thank you sir :hi: :toast:

"We fight because others are too timid, or lack the conscience of the humanity we fight for. We are old, but wise beyond our years. We have fought this fight before, and won; we fight again, if for no other reason that it is simply the right thing to do."

I like that. Thank you!

every new generation needs its own revolution.

When you mention Jefferson, you bring a smile to this old face.

"We steer our ship with hope, leaving Fear astern." -- Thomas Jefferson

If we could get the idea across that we are all in this together it would be so effective, what they do to us they do to themselves. Every time they cut debate off, close their ears, try to silence us, the country as a whole is harmed. To listen to and watch them as they divide up the spoils of this country you would think they didn’t have to breathe the same polluted air as we do. And perhaps, in their delusion they don’t think they are.

It’s all a game to them. Watching O’Donnell on Hardball last night, I was struck by the fact that there was a glint in her eye and she got positively giddy while kicking Kerry and his desire to bring our soldiers home. Does she think this is funny, 2500+ dead and countless injured? Obviously she doesn’t have a family member there. How about the billions we’ve spent that could have gone to health care or feeding hungry children?

What most people don’t understand about lies is that they are corrosive. Lies lead to other lies, the truth becoming a casualty. We’re to the point where lies are accepted, easily, as equal to the truth. O’Donnell asked Mehlman if Libby was going to be pardoned, and why not do it, clear the decks.

So it has come to that, just amatter of clearing the decks, media coverage of the “august” event at Mary Matalin’s house.

It is discouraging, but what to do. Take it and lie down like a beaten dog? Or develop a bark? Other family members, who are still napping, may think we are barking mad, but if we continue to raise our voices, there will come a day when they will hear us. And let me just say that with letters to reps we must send to both parties. The pugs are naturally inclined not to hear us (yet) but there are dems who aren’t eith, Lieberman being a prime example. But Schumer was mentioned upthread and I haven’t been happy with my senator. I didn’t appreciate his whole-hearted endorsement of Chertoff, his messing in the Penn. primary or his consideration of backing Lieberman, no matter what.

As for JL and TO…I do find it interesting that he still continues to be a subject of interest (no pun intended) to the media. A case of protesting too much? There’s no point in rehashing the whole matter, but as for me, I don’t consider the story to be fully told...yet...and JL is not the one who committed the crimes…that was Rove, Libby and Cheney. As the op says, let’s put the focus where it belongs.

*shadow government*

that the movie showed was Gandhi saying that now that they had the advantage over the British, he would advocate that the nationalists not use it at unfair advantage. The British representative was surprised, because he assumed that the Indians believed the British had the advantages of power. The fact that Gandhi was redefining power meant the British were beaten.

Implied in Gandhi's statement is that he would not only advocate not using power in an unfair manner, but hat he would refuse to let his people forget they held the real power. We must do the same. We see evidence that the Rendonites are planting the "pardon Libby" flags. They know that the case is coming far too close to moldie old Dick Cheney for comfort. We need to counter their efforts. To fail to do so would be an absolute abuse of the Gandhi power that we have within our reach.

We see when they do their "up is down" bit, and see the deflections/distracting the eye and think did I just see that, am I right about what I think? Then we look for others to confirm it because they have so framed us as conspiracy theorists, tin foilers. So first off, let's face and admit there has been a conspiracy: to grab more power for the presidency, to pick our pockets clean, to form an energy policy that only serves Halliburton, to conquer and make servient, both the world and, this country. Let's look it squarely in the face and stop being afraid to say we know and believe it. And as we drop our fear and find our voices, start yelling. There is much wisdom in that squeaky wheel business.

*shadow government*

Even here on DU, we see people doubt the truth. We see people almost believe a lie told twice by their enemy, because it is repeated by some fool on Fox, or some snake from the Wall Street Journal. Now I'm not saying that I know all, or am always right on every aspect of this Plame scandal. But for two years, I've done a pretty fair job of informing folks on DU about the case. Why would someone believe Sean Hannity over their local Water Man? Because part of America has lied to them since they were children. So we must simply tell folks the truth, and in time, they will see that the lies that comes from the neoconservative-corporate-radical religious right is poison, not to be taken even with a grain of salt.

Things are good. Believe it.

of JL continues:

http://podcast.wizbangblog.com/2006/06/wizbang_podcast_26_1.php

Why? Is he so important? Are they afraid someone will still believe him?

*shadow government*

I brought two of my children and two of their friends to a grocery store so that we could have a picnic. In the parking lot, an elderly lady asked me if they were all mine, and commented on how cute they were. Then she told me there was a sale on razors, and that I would be better looking if I shaved and cut my hair. I said I thought long hair was an ad for peace, and she smiled and said, "I don't know if you realize this, but Dick Cheney is satan." I said that indeed, I was convinced he was. She said, "I'm not just saying this. Bush is just a puppet, and that woman Rice is evil. But Dick Cheney is the actual devil."

Always good to see my aunt.

Here's my RSVP, you can count on me. I do believe in LTTE's!! They worked for us in our small towns last election. Made it a Dem. town after 20 yrs. of Rep. rule ! I have been writing our "big brothers" for many a year!! Great idea, I've learned to expect only the best from you. Fight on !!! DC

LTTE are very important. They do much more good than complaining! Thus, the old saying that often, he who bemoans the lack of opportunity ignores the fact that small doors often open into large rooms.

When the story about the Rendon group's work to promote the Iraq war was publicized a few months ago, and John Rendon was interviewed (another exercise in "perception management"), one of the questions he was asked related to internet activities.

He said something along the lines of, "We have never participated in any internet discussion groups." This struck me immediately as belonging to the class of statements like Condi's that "no one could have anticipated that terrorists would slam an airplane into a skyscraper", when in fact she had received fifty warnings to exactly that effect.

And even within families, where one might assume that everyone is essentially on your side, it's important to be able to take encouragement where you find it, and not let the discouragement from some quarters have much influence on you. If Uncle Earl wants to rehash old disagreements, and there's a softball game being put together, best to politely excuse yourself and get back to the healthier, more enjoyable parts of a family reunion.

Superb post, sir.

I wrote an essay on the Rendon Group's efforts with "perception management" more than a year ago. I was surprised that a lot of people were unfamiliar with them, and with similar exercises. I think most everyone has a general idea about how the corporations (including government at many, many levels) does this, but not how their tax dollars are being spent to convince them of outright lies.

I agree fully with your advice on getting back to the healthier, more enjoyable parts of the family reunion. One of the things Snyder wrote about was how a group of his friends once found that they had a far better time hanging out together for the holidays, than in trying to go hang out with "Uncle Earl." We will improve society by re-defining what "family" means today, in this country. Snyder wrote that America in 1968 had the most barren "family" institutions in history; we have shattered that record 38 years later. It's time to start putting the pieces back together again.

First of all I agree with your post and I wonder why there is not more effort to "get in the streets" as we did in th 60ts.This is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their nation. I strongly agree that criticism of our own is not productive, not to say we should give anyone a blank check. I am old enough to have seen my friends come back from nam with their brains irreparably dam edged, and it's happening again. Talk is not enough, lets get some rallies going, it worked then and it will work now. Popular or not it is the moral and the right thing to do.

vehicle with a bumper sticker "Veterans Against Kerry." I almost asked the guy if he still felt the same way? I know another guy, a few miles away, who had been against Kerry in early 2004. He told me that he knew him in the early '70s, and didn't like him. In the summer months, his wife told me that he had changed his opinion. He didn't like Kerry more: he had spoken with the sons of a couple other 'Nam vets, who were back from Iraq. They described events that made clear that Bush and Cheney had gotten this country into another Vietnam-type situation. My friend knew that Kerry was far more capable of understanding that, because unlike George & Dick, he had gone to war.

I come from a military and police extended family. Though I am not a veteran, I do take a lot of pride in the young men and women who serve this nation in uniform. But I am repulsed by the weasals in Washington who will send these young people to fight, kill, and die for an oil war. And I fully believe that Kerry was correct in asking how we can ask the last person to die for a mistake.

The young people of today need a crash course in the 1960s and early '70s.

Excellent post. I will write a LTTE, using those simple facts - now why didn't "I" think of that? How can anyone argue with that?

One little thing - I refuse to call him "Uncle Dick", but I can think of a whole lot of other things to call him...

Thanks, H20 Man! K & R

This year is really about a fight for the hearts and minds of Americans. Group 1 is morphing into Group 3 faster than people appreciate. The goal being of course is to make Group 3 smaller and Group 1 bigger by doing the key collective actions you have wonderfully laid out. The twentieth century leaders Ghandi, MLK, Mandela, Clinton all did something that made the participation in politics more personal to the individual condition that would add to the common good of the human condition. The best way to make it memorable is with the old family tradition of telling stories.

A key component of storytelling is to evoke emotion. Please share in the letter how the horridness of the Bush regime has affected a personal circumstance. A collection of letters from the Gulf Coast on how depression and concern is part of the bleak daily condition while having the proven knowledge that Bush/Cheney has let America remain unprepared for this year's hurricane season will have an effect. A letter from a working mom on how the minimum wage defeat stops her children from being fed and clothed and this would have been key in lifting up families and the common good through private means not a tax on the public would inform. A letter from a vet on the conditions found within the VA system and how our military service members are treated in a time of reduced benefits would enlighten. A genuine letter from a person going though financial difficulties due to the passage of the recent Bankruptcy Bill would show the laws signed by the co-presidents Bush/Cheney would illustrate this too could be you soon. The key is to make them think by telling a story and tie it to the Bush & Cheney fear apparatus that has permeated every single walk of life.

Truthout will have its day when the full record is known. Nobody has all the pieces right now and to say otherwise or demand an instant report because more waiting is involved says more about the individual making the demand.

Excellent Brother H2OMan! - am I going to be at the kiddie table again...:P

Democracy is a process. A living process. It does best when we all contribute, according to our individual ability. Most, though certainly not all, people enjoy working in groups on letter-writing, etc. It can be fun. I believe that a democrat ran in 1968 on a platform that celebrated The Politics of Joy.

You can count me in for this family reunion, but could you please not assign me the task of bringing lunch up to our crazy Aunt Ann in the attic? Maybe Grandma Coulter would be kind enough to do that.

there is a process in which the group, for the good of everyone, has to reject certain people. The Amish call this "shunning." In Indian society, the person who does what Ann Coulter has done loses their identity. They give up their land, their nation, their clan, their family. When they are on tv, we do not see them. If we encounter them in a parking lot, they are not there. When they speak, we do not hear their words. It's almost like the "ignore" on DU. Her last rant about the 9-11 widows makes it where our nation needs to ignore Ann. She is not an American.

yes. turn your back. Otherwise, she will suck you over to the spirit world. :)

:kick:

It's a start. Would be interested in other's thoughts and questions.

1. Why exactly did the B**H Administration (specifically Bush, Cheney & Condi) lie us into war?

2. Why did Cheney lie and say on national television that he didn’t know who Joseph Wilson was, when clearly the annotated notes on Cheney’s copy of Wilson’s oped show that he did?

3. Bush promised that if anyone in his administration was involved in revealing the name of an uncover agent that they would be dealt with? Why hasn’t he kept that promise?

4. Why is Rove still working at the WH and within the confines of the republican party when court documents show that he did indeed reveal the name of V. Plame to reporters?

5. Is lying to the country at large and to law enforcement an acceptable practice in America now?

6. Why did Cheney set up the WHIG group and who are the members?

7. What was the purpose of the WHIG group?

8. A damage assessment report has been done regarding the harm done to the network Valerie Plame set up to monitor weapons of mass proliferation, what does it say? Did any of her contacts or associates die because of the revelation of her status and identity?

9. Why haven’t editors and journalists held Bush’s feet to the fire regarding the Plame matter?

10. Where is the accountability regarding the WH, why has no one been held responsible for all the lies, mistakes and criminal matters?

*shadow government*

I think they are all valid questions.

I like those!

Cheney chose his words carefully. He didn't say he didn't know who Joe Wilson was; what he said was, "I don't know Joe Wilson. I've never met Joe Wilson."

Great list!

are served by our being in Iraq?"

question. Very direct. Right on target.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1494726

*shadow government*

Democrats.org has a LTTE writing tool that appears to be simple and easy to use. They offer a list of current issues and democratic topics along with talking points and writing tips (that are visible on the composition page - makes it pretty easy). The zip code input generates a checklist of applicable local and regional recipients as well as national newspapers.

I haven't tried it yet but it seems like it might be a good option for those of us who would otherwise be less inclined to take the time to participate in letter writing.


http://www.democrats.org/page/speakout/letterstoeditors

at the kid's table with my nearly 5 year old, trying to convince her to eat the potato salad... (though she'll eat the veggie burger and cobbed corn without complaining). I know the whole family is invited, but have we thought about the neighbors? Seems like we haven't listened to them or paid much attention to their lives lately... maybe they'll have help to offer. Perhaps our new Southern neighbor will have some sage advice for our predicament (I hear that Mr. Fox will be moving soon). Anyway, i put up some Elderberry wine last year which has aged well, i will bring a few bottles to share...


upon removing myself from character i must say that living in MA and having Kennedy and Kerry as my Sens and Olver as my Rep, they pretty much agree with me on all the issues i bring up... though they are still getting to hear my voice from calling their offices. But i've started writing to Reps and Sens in the New England area in general, with mixed degrees of success. I've never gotten a response from Lieberman. Thrown some precious pennies towards Scheeler and Lamont... even though i'm technically poor.

It's good that our family through thick and thin will stick together... lets all hold hands and sing a circle song, shall we?

'tis a gift to be simple,
'tis a gift to be free.
'tis a gift to come 'round where we ought to be.
and when we find ourselves in that place, just right...
it will be in the garden of love and delight.

Another circle.

control! I'll have to make it a list of questions to media outlets over here to try and get them to cover Plamegate (more than the cursory US cable copy they do now)

The background that you gave to the power of LTTE's is useful and inspiring. Thanks!

odd bird, I find some of what old Pat Buchanan has done fairly interesting. Even some of the things that I disagree with are worth looking at. He understood the power of the LTTE, perhaps more so than most of the political operatives before him. His Nixon-era network was relatively small, but very effective. Ours can be better, because we are fighting for what is right.

My Republican boss is forcing me out by terminating my position and creating a new one (naturally, asserting that the new position is mine if I want it to avoid paying unemployment ---> however, it varies so greatly from the original position AND I've been commended for working my butt off, no reprimands; so, I believe and certainly HOPE LIKE HELL I'll receive unemployment, anyway). Maybe, notwithstanding the stress associated with this situation, it's meant to be.

I'm ready to get out of the closet and breathe some fresh activism. I just hope, I just really need to find employment that is consistent with my own basic principles (although, the reason why I worked so hard at the job I have is because the position is consistent with those principles).

I really love this piece, H20_Man!!! Printed it out and tacked it on the wall. Thank you so much for all your contributions. You are an amazing human being!!!!

:patriot:

My friend Rubin used to say that jobs are like tires on an automobile: sometimes they go flat, and you have to change them. I wish you luck in this, and hope that by the end of summer you tell us that you are happy that things have worked out as they have.

It's important to take time for one's self. My hobby is my roses. My sons say that they do the hard work, and I take the credit.

The Rosa rugosa was grown in Asia for more than a thousand years. In the US, early settlers brought it west after the Revolutionary War. The numerous hips are a great source of vitamin C. Mine are starting to bloom .....

some people, though you have to be careful about what you read on the internet.

Nonetheless, if you bring it to the picnic, I promise to try two or three glasses.


ed:sp

I also hanged a mini-feeder in my kitchen window: I call it the "nursery" because all the young birds go there to feed. Maybe, I'll figure how to do that next week. All I can say about my, created-from-scratch and sale materials "bird commune" is, THEY LOVE IT!!! I have so many colorful flyers visiting and nesting and eating. It's particularly satisfying since most of my paintings are of birds (lighthouses are also a favorite to paint).

Also, I am working on flowers: quite a variety I cannot even name because I am kinda' new to the process of raising those living things and hold onto the little identifiers as reference to how to raise 'em (but, gotta' tell you the weirdest thing ---> I picked up some plants on sale at a nearby Mom-n-Pop's shop, "salvia - red dragon" was hand-written on the little thingy identifying the plant with no other info about how to nurture them; I researched to figure how to care for them since that info wasn't on the id,...whew, brother, was I surprised at what I am growing, a psychoactive: but IT IS LEGAL *LOL*). My Mother is a formidable vegie and flower grower, though, and teaching me as I go along.

The one thing I did plant this year, with which I had success previously, is "Sweet Peas". I love the fragrance and colors of those flowers and my son loves to pull off the pods, fresh off the vine, and eat them. I started kinda' late BUT the weather here has changed. So, we'll see what happens. They may flourish into October, even November.

Yup, without the touch with nature, I'd be so ugly. Of course, in addition to a son who Loves me lots, I have two dogs and two cats that give me attention, and I am quite fortunate, in all those ways. Somehow, as cruel as humans can be and as unpredictable as life is,...I seem to have, hold and receive what I need to get through this trip.

So, your sons *LOL*,...whew, brother, I won't go there!!! :rofl:

before my auto accident took the ability from me, I raised chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. I also had a system of bird feeders over about 4 acres. Lots of bird houses that my late father built me.

Your comment on flowers has me laughing. My good friend Rubin also loves flower gardening. There is something funny, at least in my mind, about the very idea of the two of us, late at night when all civilized folks are fast asleep, bragging about our flowers on our late night phone conversations. Neither of us has a clue what we are growing, except that I can identify roses and lillacs. But nothing more.

One night, the good Hurricane felt bad, because I was having some post-surgery complications. He was saying, "Man, I really wish you could be here now, to see these flowers." I asked what kind they were? "Well, there's some white ones, real nice, and some red ones. You'd love them. And some blue ones." So I teased him, "You don't even know their names?" And he said, "Well, listen to you. You'll be here calling some of my flowers 'Negro" and some "white folk.' I know their real name is 'flowers'."

Or, in other words, tag-team LTTE's.

One main reason... many papers limit the number of times one person can submit a letter. I've seen a friend of mine not even have *anymore* of his letters published after a number of years of prolific letter writing.

So, preventing writer's cramp :) and continuuing to get letters published is accomplished by having a group who keep ideas flowing, and stagger the authors.

I can't wait til I'm big enough to recommend a thread. ;)

with friends is one of the most useful tactics we can use. It's almost like when that snake Judith Miller "wrote" the story that Scooter planted in the Sunday NY Times, and then four of the devils got on the Sunday morning talk shows and said, "Why, did you see this in the NY Times today?"

I have worked with several units over the years, where we have had from 4 to 12 people who sit down and plan the LTTE to a number of regional newspapers. It is a lot of fun.

I also write my Republican Representative quite often. I write to everyone. I've written to Mitofsky and he replied. I've written to reporters, and they've replied.

People do become more inspired when they see letters from their fellow citizens. Whether you agree or disagree, if you are affected by it you'll be motivated to respond. Then it's a conversation.

"And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people walking in singin a bar of Alice's Restaurant and walking out. They may think it's an organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said fifty people a day walking in singin a bar of Alice's Restaurant and walking out. And friends they may thinks it's a movement.

And that's what it is , the Alice's Restaurant Anti-Massacre Movement, and all you got to do to join is sing it the next time it comes around on the guitar."

Arlo Guthrie, 'Alice's Restaurant"

Great post and a great idea. And I don't believe I'd like to sit near Uncle Dick, thankyouverymuch.

Excellent post, H2O! :hi:

I'll bet he chews with his mouth open.

:hi:

Thanks for the VISUAL! LOL:hi:

not to let Uncle Dick have real bullets for his rifle.

:thumbsup:

And it reminds me how much I enjoyed that Gandhi movie... will watch again this weekend for inspiration.

Thanks for another inspiring post full of humor, wit and hope - it really lifted my spirits.


"...Of course, at most large family reunions, we can expect a few distant cousins to get ugly drunk and try to pick fights, while a couple others will cry in their beer. We need to take a more sober approach..."

Our family is sure a fun bunch aren't they?

:pals: Peace

I've fired off 7 or 8 to our local paper in the past 3 years and they've published all but one of them. Surprisingly, Roanoke, VA has a fairly progressive newspaper so it's not too hard to get published if you write a fairly decent letter with links to back up your point.

On many occasions, when I meet someone new in the community, they recognize my name due to the letters. I'm amazed that they've stuck in people's minds and they even remember my name. Not one person disagreed with what I wrote and am always encouraged to write more. So you're right H2O Man...a LOT of people read them and they're VERY effective. It's also very thrilling when you see your writings in print. :D

LTTE can be a rewarding surprise. The very first time I sent one, it got published. And it was to the Washington Times of all papers. I wrote to chastise them when they published something disparaging about Gen. Clark. Nobody was more surprised than me when they called to say it was going in. People should never hesitate to write a LTTE.

"It seems to be so very hard to maintain detachment of mind in the midst of raging fire." -- Gandhi



"All people whose minds are healthy can desire peace, and there is an ability within all people, especially the young, to grasp and hold strongly to the principles of righteousness. Those principles of righteousness demand that all thoughts of prejudice, privilege, or superiority be swept away, and that recognition be given to the reality that the creation is intended for the benefit of all equally. Even the birds and animals, the trees and the insects, as well as the people. The world does not belong to humans -- it is the righful property of the Great Creator."
-- the Peace Maker



"True civilization lies in the dominance of self and not in the dominance of other men. ... Is not humanness a matter of heart and mind, and is it not evident in the form of relationship with men? Is not kindness more powerful than arrogance? And truth more powerful than the sword? ... I am going to venture that the man who sat on the ground in his tepee meditating on life and its meaning, accepting the kinship of all creatures, and acknowledging unity with the universe of things was fusing into his being the true essence of civilization. And when native man left off this form of development, his humanization was retarded in growth." -- Luther Standing Bear, in Land of the Spotted Eagle.



This morning, thanks to the support of my sons, I will be able to sit for hours in the warmth of our sweat lodge. Then to take a dip in the falls. I'm hoping that 5 questions come to me.

A couple people have posted a question or questions; this is helpful for all of us. I would appreciate if each of us could list at least one or two questions we consider most important. Some will have likely been listed already: that is good.

See you all soon.

*shadow government*

Yes DUers... it's not sensationalistic crap. How about reading and replying on good posts that have substance to it?

Thank you H2O!