Let's face it. We all got off work today because soldiers died. Some in important wars. But far too many in wars that were waged to feed our military industrial complex.
51% of our federal budget is spent on defense. 51%. That's more than we spend on education, health care, energy conservation and infrastructure - COMBINED.
http://www.truemajority.org/images/Pie2.jpg
In my lifetime, I am dreaming of a Memorial Day when we honor soldiers who died so long ago that we can barely remember them or the war they fought. A Memorial Day when we spend more on helping American citizens than on sending them off to war to die.
Happy Dead Soldiers Day.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Be careful what you wish for
You just may get it!
Last Sunday we had 400 people gather on Mother's Day to shout out for peace. We were one of many vigils nationwide paying tribute to Julia Ward Howe, who was the originator of Mother's Day. Five years after the Civil War, Julia, the author of Battle Hymn of the Republic, wrote a beautiful proclamation asking mothers to take a day and ask that their sons no longer be sacrificed to war.
Yes, press releases were sent out, and as usual, our local media ignored us.
Then today our ever vigilant peace group finally got some coverage. A writer came by our Sunday vigil a few weeks ago, took pictures and interviewed us. He wrote a wonderful piece which is featured on the opinion page of our local newspaper. He accurately noted that "only a dozen or so" stand with us every week.
As much as I appreciate the coverage, I can't help but be frustrated that 400 in the middle of suburban red state hell get no coverage while "only a dozen or so" every Sunday, rain or shine, in the middle of a progressive city get press.
I did like the part of the article that noted the war monger who drove by and held up one finger (half the peace sign!) at the sign listing the names of the soldiers who died in Iraq last week. Another brainiac not paying attention!
So anyway, if you are in the KC area and you want to show your support of our troops and demand they be brought home, please come join us any Sunday at 47 and Main in front of Nichols Fountain from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. If we like you, we may even invite you to join us for food and drinks afterwards. Oh, and don't expect any press coverage.
Peace!!
Last Sunday we had 400 people gather on Mother's Day to shout out for peace. We were one of many vigils nationwide paying tribute to Julia Ward Howe, who was the originator of Mother's Day. Five years after the Civil War, Julia, the author of Battle Hymn of the Republic, wrote a beautiful proclamation asking mothers to take a day and ask that their sons no longer be sacrificed to war.
Yes, press releases were sent out, and as usual, our local media ignored us.
Then today our ever vigilant peace group finally got some coverage. A writer came by our Sunday vigil a few weeks ago, took pictures and interviewed us. He wrote a wonderful piece which is featured on the opinion page of our local newspaper. He accurately noted that "only a dozen or so" stand with us every week.
As much as I appreciate the coverage, I can't help but be frustrated that 400 in the middle of suburban red state hell get no coverage while "only a dozen or so" every Sunday, rain or shine, in the middle of a progressive city get press.
I did like the part of the article that noted the war monger who drove by and held up one finger (half the peace sign!) at the sign listing the names of the soldiers who died in Iraq last week. Another brainiac not paying attention!
So anyway, if you are in the KC area and you want to show your support of our troops and demand they be brought home, please come join us any Sunday at 47 and Main in front of Nichols Fountain from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. If we like you, we may even invite you to join us for food and drinks afterwards. Oh, and don't expect any press coverage.
Peace!!
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