Who am I: an archive of political & other letters

This is a sampling (!) of political and other letters I’ve written in the past few years … starting around, oh, 2002 or 2003. I hadn’t read these letters myself in a long while, so it struck me how steadily things have been declining from then to now. It’s kind of fun reading my own stuff: with my battered old copy of Roget’s by my side, I can write a darned good letter.

Yes, I lavished my own printer toner, paper, and stamps to make the point to the recipients that these issues really matter a lot to me. Of course, one difference between many of you readers and me is that I am retired, so I have the time to write these letters and voice my vast displeasure with the state of our nation today. If you have the time and this blog inspires you to contact your elected (or bought) officials, then I will feel as though my efforts are justified. If you share the same concerns and deep sadness I do but are too busy to write letters (ask me what my life was like when I was rearing my daughters -- believe me, I was there!), then maybe you’ll sleep better at night knowing that I am out here working on your behalf. Nothing less than devastating frustration and nightmarish fear for the future of my country would have persuaded me to step out from behind the scenes and show myself to the world as I am now doing through this blog.

*****
A letter to our Senators regarding drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge:

I strongly urge you to support the Cantwell amendment to strike language authorizing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from the Senate budget bill. As your constituent, I urge you to vote against ANY budget measure that would allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The inclusion of any such measure in the budget is an unacceptable sneak attack on our precious wildlife and wild lands.

Drilling in the Arctic Refuge is not a path to energy independence or lower prices at the pump. The United States Geological Survey estimates that the Refuge has less than a single year's supply of oil that would not reach the market for at least 10 years. Meanwhile, the harm to wildlife and to our greatest wildlife refuge would be irreparable. We need to save national treasures like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for future generations.

*****
A letter to our local Toyota dealer regarding our 2003 Prius when it was new:

On the occasion of our first “fill-up,” we want to touch base regarding some interesting discoveries about our PRIUS.

The car is solid in the pouring rain. Ten bags of pine bark nuggets fit (trunk and back seat). Toyota needs wider advertising of this jewel of the environment. Our PRIUS meets and/or exceeds the demands of the gas-guzzling SUV, and it is more stylish. It can and should be used for so many everyday driving needs.

We sing the praises of Toyota PRIUS whenever we get the opportunity. We’re surprised at how few people are aware of this new technology. Many are still under the impression that it needs to be plugged in.

We’ll be taking our PRIUS on its first long-distance trip in July. It will be exhibited to family members, many of whom have already expressed interest.

Keep up the good work! Get the word out! Advertise more!

*****
A letter to our Senators regarding freedom of the press in the Middle East, including occupied Iraq:

Is the United States one of the chosen countries worthy of managing freedom of the press? That being the case, why would it attempt to control such an important freedom in Arab countries? Is the United States that insecure? Is it setting a good example for democracy?

Many people depend on news from al Jazeera for a “fair and balanced” view of current events in that part of the world. It disappoints me to learn that al Jazeera is barred from covering the U.S.-installed Iraqi Governing Council’s activities--for allegedly inciting violence against U.S. occupation forces and its supporters.

Who has installed the Governing Council? Might that be us? Again, the question is this: are we setting a good example for democracy?

*****
A letter to al Jazeera condoling with the Arab world on the egregious offenses committed by Americans on Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib:

This correspondence has been composed specifically to address our concern and displeasure re recent behavior by some individuals in Iraq. We are deeply saddened.

If we are demonstrating uncivilized behavior by some American troops, with Iraqis attempting to trump them, there will be no winners. The loser will be humanity.

Whatever God one prays to, that being must be terribly disappointed in all of us.

Please publish this letter or one of similar concern. We all need to step back, take a deep breath, and pray to our respective God for guidance and cooler heads in these violent and bizarre times.

*****
This is something I frequently include with my correspondence … lest we forget:

The Arrogance of Power

Forget the sentimental notion that foreign policy is a struggle
between virtue and vice with virtue bound to win.
Forget the utopian notion that a brave new world without
power politics will follow the unconditional
surrender of wicked nations.
Forget the crusading notion that any nation,
however virtuous and powerful,
can have the mission to make the world over in its own image.
Remember that diplomacy without power is feeble
and power without diplomacy is destructive and blind.
Remember that no nation’s power is without limits and, hence,
that its policies must respect the power and interests of others.

Professor Stanley Hoffmann
Harvard University

These observations were penned in 1966 (published in 1968)
during the Vietnam War.

This passage was taken from a Charlie Rose interview
with Prof. Hoffmann, Wednesday, May 26, 2004.

*****
A letter to the Greek National Tourism Organization for their stellar efforts in producing the Olympic games:

May we take this opportunity to express gratitude to the people of Greece for their effort in putting forth a most memorable experience as the 2004 Olympics unfolded.

The smooth and seamless production of each event supported by an unseen army of capable people made watching these Games a joy.

What better backdrop than the beautiful and historic city of Athens.

Once again, thank you.

*****
A letter to our Senators regarding reports of Americans using napalm on Iraqis:

Many American citizens, including me, have grave concerns over the terrible war this country has waged against Iraq. We have not forgotten that America INVADED this hapless country. Remember? We were attempting to capture Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan for the Word Trade Tower tragedy. Suddenly, America took a hard right and attacked Iraq with all its might.

If America’s invasion of Iraq is not terrible enough, or its handling of Abu Ghraib, this administration has apparently chosen to implement the use of napalm against Iraqi citizens.

What has America become? For the first time in my life, I am ashamed to be an American. No, those who don’t agree can’t use the expression “America. Love it or leave it.” That expression had to do with the war in Viet Nam. We didn’t leave it. We stayed the course and waited for the rest of the country to follow.

There is a growing concern in America. Its behavior is shameful. It seems out of control. We who conscientiously object to the use of napalm in Iraq are following events closely. My concern is that there may eventually be an uprising not unlike that in Ukraine.

*****
A thank-you to Air America’s Randi Rhodes shortly after Diebold et al assisted with Bush’s second election theft (2004). Probably only cost Poppy Bush a few paltry tens of thousands of dollars (can you say “chump change”? – we knew you could …).

Hi Randi,

Thank you for the fervor in your voice as you do your show. It prompts? begs? demands? your listeners to take action. I did.

I called your show one day and spoke with the screener.

Unfortunately, he wanted me to talk to you on-air. I wimped out. I’m good behind the scenes. I did all humanly possible in letter-writing, emailing, and financial donation to unseat a-h...er, I mean Bush.

My engineer-daughter worked just as diligently. In fact, she had more financial resources than I. Today she is putting all her hope in the re-count. I’m older and more cynical; I don’t see it happening.

Keep up the good work, Randi. Without you we’d be looking at undisguised fascism. Perhaps we already are.

P.S. - Let’s pray Air America isn’t forced off the air in favor of more “acceptable” programming.

*****
A letter to Martha Stewart while she was languishing in jail after the neoCON witch-hunt against her over some $43,000 that harmed no one (she wasn’t even convicted on insider trading, did you know that?) … meanwhile, human filth Kenneth Lay struts around free, even though he raped Enron and its employees, robbing them of their livelihood and their retirement funds through the miracle of government-approved corporate fraud … Ain’t America great?!??

Hello, Martha!

Tomorrow is my sister’s birthday. As kids, we would watch the grownups scurry about preparing the Christmas Eve feast. One year, my sister suddenly began wailing. Mother asked why. After some coaxing, my sister bawled: it’s my birthday! It isn’t good to have a birthday on Christmas Eve, I thought.

My birthday is December 21st. What a great time for a birthday! People are in a holiday mood. This past Tuesday, my husband and I spent a few days in Atlantic beach. It’s off season and only an hour’s drive. Our room faced the ocean, so I’d rise before dawn and watch the sun peak slowly over the horizon. Its spectacular brilliance reflected off the rolling waves. One night was especially clear. The north star dominated the black sky. As it drifted, its brilliance faded then disappeared completely over the horizon. For a moment, earthly concerns washed away and nature commanded the leading role.

Isn’t it interesting how we take the sun, clouds, rain, indeed all the miracles of nature for granted? Too bad. We clearly acknowledge those things when something goes wrong, like the terrible tsunami in Asia. For me, it took a room facing the ocean with no cell phone, no doctor or hair or nail appointments, no visitors, or host of other distractions.

A letter you wrote recently is being read today (12/26) on Air America. In it, you ask for mercy and fairness on behalf of the women incarcerated in American prisons. Martha, I just know you will champion causes on behalf of these women.

Now for a quick topic change. Are you aware the ex-president of Enron is on the planning committee for the Bush “coronation” on Jan. 20th? The many galas are being funded entirely by corporations. I imagine the pharmaceuticals will play a significant roll, even with the Vioxx debacle. It was almost a sure thing Celebrex would follow closely behind Vioxx with bad news. Poor American “sheeple.” That’s my engineer-daughter’s word. Meanwhile, Kerry’s lack of engagement in the fight for our democracy is staggering. Why aren’t more people speaking up?

Martha, have you heard of the terrible tsunami in S. Asia?

Bush was so slow in committing American resources to those affected, it was appalling. Then our country pledged a measly $35 million. Today’s news showed a spokesman explaining the United States’ strategy. I’m glad they finally adopted one. Not being an engineer, I asked my engineer-daughter if desalination equipment should be sent to S. Asia with the next concern being contaminated water. She thinks it should at least be considered. All we can do is pray. The loss of human life is incredible, and they aren’t finished counting. Using Google to find an address for the Red Cross/Red Crescent, I sent a personal check.

As I close, I’d like to wish you a better New Year than this past one, Martha.

Affectionately,

Dot Calm

*****
A letter to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones:

I learned of you today. Your kind face appeared on your website. I see that you are a representative from Ohio.

I want to thank you for your courage today in supporting Senator Boxer. These are hard times for Democrats. These are hard times for women. For my sisters of color, these are unbearable times.

As I watch women's rights devolve, I have great concern. It is difficult to anticipate what these evil people will do next. There is a move afoot to gut Social Security. What a shame. This is a wealthy country. Once that wealth and generosity is compromised, it is difficult to see anything but a fading future. As human beings, we have responsibility for sisters and brothers less fortunate. That seems self-evident. There appears to be a "cut loose" philosophy wherein our government has become callous and insensitive. No longer are we the "big-hearted Americans." Instead, we are a government of the corporation, by the corporation, and for the corporation.

Thanks for listening to my concerns, Congresswoman. Please continue working for the good of our country.

copy to: Senator Boxer

*****
Here’s another letter to our Senators begging them not to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve. To save space here (!) I am not including the “enclosed e-mail correspondence” I mention below:

Please take a moment to peruse the enclosed e-mail correspondence. As you can see many Americans throughout our country are expressing grave concern for the future of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The indescribable beauty of this refuge is fast disappearing. Its pristine elegance is God-given and can never be replaced.

As you become aware of the many creatures that depend on this environment for their survival, I’m sure you will agree that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge must be preserved at any cost.

Thank you for your consideration on such an important concern.

*****
I sent this letter to every elected official whose address I could get my hands on. It is hard to express in words my disgust and frustration with the fiasco that was the election of 2004.

I’ve enclosed a copy of specific information I’ve received recently in the form of e-mail.

After reading, I printed the contents. You are receiving a copy along with my state Senators and Representatives.

It seems to me the ineffectual methods of American voting are no accident. Additionally, it appears not to be a particularly difficult problem to solve, at least not for any one of the engineers in the technical community.

While the dishonesty perpetrated may fool the less sophisticated voter, it will only be a matter of time before the educated, especially the American engineers, rise up against Diebold, et al. I look forward to that day.

While I may not be the brightest bulb in the string, I recognized the staged protest against the “evil” Dixie Chicks. Remember? Their CDs being smashed? How long will it take for the rest of us to awaken from this nightmare?

What exactly is becoming of our democracy? Have we taken it for granted for too long? Is it time to pay the piper?

I’m fearful for the future of America. A pall seems to have fallen upon it. The evil is palpable.

*****
A letter begging my Senators not to confirm John Negroponte:

You are invited to consider the attached article with respect to John Negroponte’s appointment as Ambassador to Iraq in light of his recent nomination to be a director of national intelligence.

Negroponte has yet to emerge from the dark cloud of suspicion that hangs over his tenure as ambassador to Honduras in 1981-1985. For the past twenty years, he has been unable to dispel the charge that he underplayed human rights abuses by death squads to ensure that (the country) would continue to serve as a base for U.S.-backed Contras (L.A. Times, 4/20/04).

As recently as September 2001, at his highly contentious confirmation hearings for the U.N. post, several senators expressed deep concern over his failure to respond to the emergence of Honduran death squads.

In addition, enclosed is an excerpt from a May 26, 2004 Charlie Rose interview with Professor Stanley Hoffman on the arrogance of power.

Any vote on the confirmation of John Negroponte to the post of super intelligence chief should take into consideration the contents of the enclosures and other available information sources.

*****
I mailed copied of the letter below to every media outlet I could get an address for; Newsweek was the last on the list, so that’s what got saved on the computer. I was amazed that I only received one reply; however, I was not surprised that it was from Jim Lehrer of News Hour on PBS. All I can think is that the corporate media are happier than pigs in poop to help the fanatics and fascists that use George W. Bush as their tool to flush our democracy down the toilet. Don’t they realize that they and their own families and loved ones will suffer along with the rest of us if our country goes down the crapper? Go figure.

Newsweek
251 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019

Attn: Editor

Subj: The Silenced American Press

I’ve come full circle. Heard about/read about McCarthyism, where American citizens were accused of everything from communist sympathy (ending careers, ruining reputations) to spying (Ethel and Julius Rosenberg). Those were not our finest hours.

I’m struck by the lack of sound and fury – the deafening silence – in today’s press. Intense investigation hounded the Clinton administration daily. Remember? New accusations lodged constantly. Remember Ken Starr? Those people must be hiding something, we thought.

Fast forward to the present administration. Let’s start with the president. Did he dodge the draft? Did he receive preferential treatment regarding National Guard? Was he ever absent without permission? What was the BCCI scandal all about? Remember the BCCI scandal? How was the Bush family involved in BCCI? Did this president ever engage in insider trading to the tune of $600M with Harken Energy? We imprisoned Martha Stewart for a comparatively paltry $40k. Shouldn’t George W. Bush’s record be investigated as robustly? More importantly, would it withstand investigation?

Then came an image of decent folk smashing Dixie Chicks CDs. Remember why? A Dixie Chick made an unflattering remark, thereby demonstrating a “lack of patriotism.” Better stay in line, we thought, lest we’re Dixie Chicked. How opportune it was that some reporter’s camera was present to record the event.

Our president assures us that he didn’t invade Iraq for its oil. Has anyone from the media investigated why we invaded Iraq? What percentage of voters were for/against the initial invasion? How would those numbers look today? Despite the media’s lack of coverage, anti-war protests began long before the invasion and continue to today. Don’t we as Americans have the right to know what our friends, family members, and neighbors are thinking as they participate in these protests? Don’t we deserve to know that not every American backs this war?

And what about recent voting manipulation in this country – isn’t that an important issue that every American deserves to know about? Why was there a media lock-down on coverage of Republican fraud, misconduct, and abuse during the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections? Don’t the American people deserve to know?

I respectfully include a list of additional subjects begging thorough investigation. Voters in this country, myself included, hunger for the degree of effort put forth during the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, OJ Simpson murders, and Watergate, to name a few:

Gannon/Guckertgate
The Conyers Report
Job Exportation (Why/Where)
Medicare Cuts and Big Pharm Pork
Fright Mail to Seniors re Voting
Food for Oil Program
Effects of Tax Cuts
Halliburton Profits
Environment (Nuclear Waste)
U.S. Policy on Torture
America’s Reputation
Military Budget and White Collar Welfare
Social Programs in U.S.
Who Outted Valerie Plame
Privatizing Social Security
Perfect Storm: Fascism/PNAC/Christian Right

These are dangerous times for America; the balance of power has been usurped by a neo-fascist regime; it has been accomplished in a bloodless coup. Please consider exploring/exposing some or all the topics listed above. I’m hopeful the results will cover this and the next chapter of history – and perhaps prevent more than one disaster.

*****
A thank-you to Barbara Boxer.

Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

Enclosed is a three-page mailing recently sent to the major and some minor newspapers in this country. I am sending this enclosure as a courtesy to express gratitude for your tireless effort on behalf of the voting population. I am confident I’m not alone--the flood of roses surely expressed that--in professing my gratitude.

You may not have planned on being a lone, shining beacon defending our democracy; yet, it appears that is exactly the case.

I admire your courage in the face of such a formidable force as the neo-fascist movement threatening the United States of America.

The realization of what is at stake has provoked many of us to work for change before too many of America’s institutions are weakened or destroyed. I mention this to let you know the voice of democracy is escalating.

Once again thank you. I only wish all elected officials were as conscientious.

*****
A letter to our Senators imploring them not to wage war on the poor and middle classes by imposing draconian bankruptcy laws:

Enclosed is a page from the American Progress site. It highlights two disturbing situations where sweeping bankruptcy legislation will hurt average Americans while protecting the interests of credit card companies.

America is blessed with great wealth. It historically has been compassionate, willing to help those in their time of need. The government eventually made a generous donation to the tsunami victims. Can’t we find compassion for our fellow countrymen? An investigation seems the least that should be done to determine why there is a default in payment. If legitimate circumstances are evident, the loan should be forgiven.

In this time of great turmoil for America, let us attempt to legislate with understanding and compassion.

*****
Another desperate plea to our Senators to save ANWR:

Thank you for your letter of March 4, 2005. In a recent email to your office I expressed concern for drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). While it is commendable the U.S. plan for drilling is in an area with a harsh environment, there remain issues that warrant further consideration.

Living on a waterway for the past eighteen years, I’ve seen the effects of pollution up close and personal. Depletion of fish and fowl population is dramatic. A once pristine environment is nothing more than a temporary stop for occasional survivors of those species. The environment never returned to its past glory.

Dependence on foreign oil is not an option. Plans to drill any part of the Arctic should not be an option either. Drilling offers no more than a temporary solution. The U.S. needs to explore and exhaust all alternative energy sources before making such a serious and bold decision. To do less than seriously research other forms of energy may very well end in irrevocable damage to a delicate, irreplaceable ecosystem. Once drilling begins, there is no turning the clock back.

It is unconscionable not to have laws limiting use of SUVs. Conversely, use of hybrids, for both public and private transportation needs to be encouraged and rewarded. Mass transportation routes across this great country needs to be developed, much like those operating in Europe.

We can do these things. We should do these things. American ingenuity is not dead. It only needs a strong, bold leader to light the way.

*****
Out of frustration with the lack of media response to my letter pleading for them to cover the stories that really matter, I sent out a follow-up post card:

Thank you for NOT replying to my letter of March 3rd.
You’ve confirmed my worst fear.
The media IS IN BED with this administration.
We NO LONGER have a FREE press.
This administration wants to spread democracy?
How? By invading other countries?
Thank God for alternative news.
Thank God for Democracy Now! and Air America.
This is unbelievable.

*****
Because Jim Lehrer was kind enough to respond to my letter, I couldn’t help writing back:

News Hour
Attn: Jim Lehrer
WETA-TV
3620 South 27th Street
Arlington, VA 22206

Dear Mr. Lehrer:

Thank you for responding to my letter of March 3rd. It was sent to every media address published by Media Research Center. This amounted to approximately 90 pieces of mail. Interestingly, yours was the only response.

Follow-up postcards were sent this week. I don’t expect responses to these either.

The point of the effort was to get media people to examine the reasons the United States finds itself where it is today. My purpose was to let media managers understand that people like me are frustrated and feel helpless. The nasty invasion of Iraq caused so many unnecessary casualties. What made it worse is not seeing any acknowledgment of lives lost...American and Iraqi.

The lack of regard for human life was especially hurtful to me, the mother of two. Raising responsible children is a tremendous challenge and privilege. Mothers are hurting today because of someone’s decision to bring our country to war without examining all the consequences.

Thank you for letting me vent my frustration.

*****
I wrote this letter to the Center for American Progress.

To Whom It May Concern:

I learned of your site on Air America. I, like many Americans, am frustrated. There is a palpable feeling of helplessness unlike any experienced in a long time.

Why can’t we initiate provision for a vote of confidence in our elected officials much like that in other countries? The UK and Israel have such a provision.

We must act. Our country is being destroyed institution by institution, program by program. At the same time evil, people have infiltrated our government and are depleting its treasury.

*****
Sadly, what with this August’s record-high gas prices -- meaning record-high profits for American oil corporations -- my husband and I saw gas price gouging at its worst: gas pumps jury-rigged to overcharge consumers. Watch yourselves out there, folks, especially if you are buying Sunoco gas and/or traveling through Penn’s Grove, NJ. It’s a jungle: the corporations are the predators, and we are the unwitting prey.

Vice President, Marketing
SUNOCO, Inc.
1735 Market Street Ste LL
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7583

Subj: Consumer Fraud

Re: SUNOCO Full-Service Station, Penn’s Grove, NJ

Dear Sir:

The 2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid averages 50 miles/gal. with a tank capacity of 11.9 gal. A flow chart on the dash indicates when the automobile is consuming gasoline and when it is running on electricity. It is a rather simple concept leaving little wiggle room. A handy light appears when the Prius is looking for gasoline. On pulling into the service station, the dash display indicated a remaining fuel supply of approximately 3 gal. (1/4 tank). What took place next is only mildly amusing. The Gala Tours bus driver filling the bus’s tank probably wasn’t amused at all.

The attendant took my credit card and directed me to drive to an island adjacent to the bus being fueled. As I pulled up, the attendant shouted This pump don’t work, right? to his fellow worker fueling the bus. I was then directed to a second set of pumps on the same island. Once my tank had been filled, I was handed a receipt showing that 11.218 gal. had been pumped.

This can’t be right, I thought, as I hastily exited the car. The attendant said: Are the last four digits of your credit card ----? Then that’s your bill. Now comes the amusing part. The hybrid would have to be running on vapors, the dash light would have to be blinking for the last several miles, and both driver and passenger would have been wigged out. None of those happened. Our net loss was about $5. Nominal, right?

The passenger riding in the Prius watched as the next event unfolded. The Gala Tours bus driver bolted from the bus and confronted the attendant who serviced the bus. The pumps don’t lie, he was told. Given the sizeable capacity of his vehicle’s gas tank and the already record-high fuel prices, the bus driver clearly took a substantial financial hit that was obviously no laughing matter.

There are a few questions I’d like answered and, finally, some closing thoughts.

1. Certain pumps are obviously rigged at SUNOCO. How prevalent is the practice? Which pumps and where? What criteria are used to target a vehicle?

2. What level of management is aware of (or implements) this fraudulent practice?

It seems to me oil companies are presently doing extremely well. It is unconscionable to set prey on hard-working, unsuspecting travelers.

copies to:
SUNOCO, Philadelphia, PA
SUNOCO Customer Service, Conshohocken, PA
60 Minutes, New York, NY
Attorney General, Newark, NJ
Better Business Bureau, Arlington, VA
The Times, Trenton, NJ
Courier-Post, Cherry Hill, NJ

*****
A letter to Paul Lang after his interview on Air America:

Hello Paul!

I was listening to you chat with Mike Malloy on Air America. You sound like a wonderful young man, exactly the kind needed in the Democratic Party. Once you win there will be yourself and Barack Obama, who broke through the Republican noise machine in Chicago. You and Barack will have to rebuild our Party, one win at a time.

Your concern for Darfur is my concern as well. It seems futile to write a check for that troubled place; the chance of it reaching the intended people is remote. It was hurtful to watch the extravagant Republican convention; I mentally fed thousands in Darfur.

As you requested, I followed through and wrote my own federal representatives as well as a few others who, I am sure, are sick of hearing from me.

If I sound like an activist, I’m not. It’s just that I see so much wrong with our government today. I feel strongly that Bush is merely a shill for an agenda being set by corporations and benefiting the wealthiest few. I was deeply concerned when Bush distributed the surplus to those wealthy people. Not to be too blatant, he had to do the deed in three installments. Now the middle class will finance a premeditated war on a sovereign country, killing innocent Iraqis and American soldiers. Which brings me to Cindy Sheehan. Cindy has announced to the world: the Emperor indeed has no clothes. Too bad she had to lose her precious son before anyone would listen. Certainly the press had no desire to report on real news. In fact, the only way to learn what is happening is to read alternative news such as al Jazeera and BuzzFlash.

These are not kind times for the middle class: the class in which I was raised, as well as my parents and their parents. I have great concern for the Social Security program. The Republican scoundrels are circling Social Security, their sweaty palms lusting after the fund. The image of Bush stating: See, there’s nothing here but IOUs. He sounded every bit the carnival shell game huckster. The American people seem to be catching on. It remains to be seen how much damage these evil people can do in the next three years.

Well, Paul, thanks for letting me vent. I wish you great success in your quest for political office. I surely hope you have no skeletons in your closet. I’ve never witnessed politics so dirty as they’ve been played since poor unwary Clinton.

*****
This is a letter to the DNC imploring them to get a clue, get a collective spine, and get their butts in gear. I left the address on it hoping that anyone who reads this blog and who values preserving American democracy will do as I did and take pen in hand and flood our “floundering fathers” with snail-mail letters to straighten up and do their jobs for a change!

Democratic National Committee
410 S. Capitol Street SE
Washington DC 20003

TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE:

It is time to begin steering! A message needs to be developed now! It needs to be a united message. Candidates running in 2006 should run a united message emphasizing missteps of this administration. There is a treasure trove of Bush et al. best quotes. The best, of course, is Bush on Lott’s summer home on the Gulf: It will be rebuilt, only this time bigger and better, as the folks in New Orleans lost everything, from their lives to their homes, to any worldly possessions they had accumulated. The contrast was numbing.

The democrats need to explore and emphasize basic differences between Republican (patricians) and Democrats (working class) platforms. Start examining film now to support statements! There isn’t a moment to lose! Get a PR agency to articulate these differences.

John Edwards needs to run for President. Remember his two Americas? Voters will respond now that it is s self-evident.

Kucinich needs to be his running mate. He has a strong platform; all he lacked was money to get it out nationally. American voters are ready to listen.

These candidates should never run opposing messages. The opposition will be archiving and researching film, too.

I don’t plan on donating money to the DNC until I’m convinced the DNC is serious about winning elections.