Quote:
Iran’s leader has been demonized, their role in Iraq accented, and Bush topped it off with what amounted to a causus belli a week ago.
—-
Yes, but no one believes WH propaganda any more…not even humble intellects in USA (let alone anywhere else)…World seems to be helpless in front of this madness so what actually Americans can do at all, I wouldn’t know. Except to do what Serbs did…

Posted by: vbo | Feb 1 2007 15:09 utc | 3

@Rowan – great post. And the article you linked to made my blood run cold. One thing we can all do is forward it to everyone we know and ask them to forward it.
I like your suggestion b.
MoveOn.org has organized a massive virtual march on Washington for this Saturday. Check it out and participate.
And here is another thought:
International and US law gives us the right to make a citizen’s arrest. It is a fairly outrageous proposal, but the circumstances certainly merit it. One would have to research it very very carefully and go into it en masse with a lot of others, and expect to be perhaps arrested and charged, but it could send a powerful message. Note that you don’t have to physically show up and arrest the person but can request the police to do so, I believe. Whether you can make such a charge against a sitting President in the US or not I have no idea. Someone would have to take this on as a full time research and organization project. More at these links (I don’t have time today to research beyond providing links):
A lawyer’s comment
An imagined scenario
Wikipedia
Police Dept of Oklahoma – form to make a citizen’s arrest
Previous Attempt to instigate this vs. Bush?

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 15:26 utc | 5

Good point, Rowan. The Lyndon Johnson nasty trick of “I know it’s bullshit, but I want him to have to deny it” may be helpful this time again.
That said, I think we’re coming close to a time where the US military will have to decide if it’s here to protect the US Constitution and people or just to obey the president in office.
And if I was in a bad mood, I’d quote Thomas Jefferson here, as to what could be done. But that’s not exactly the kind of constructive posts you’re looking for, and I’d probably have some FBI goons coming pay me a visit later today.

Posted by: CluelessJoe | Feb 1 2007 16:00 utc | 7

Must…close…..tags………..Cursor

Posted by: Rowan | Feb 1 2007 16:07 utc | 9

I believe that a tension threathening to lead to war was resolved when the french socialists organised with their comrades on the german side a serious threath of general strike. I do not remember the year but it was in the early 20th century.
An attempt at repeting the performance in 1914 was cut short by the murder of socialists leader Jean Jaurès.
Prospects for a general strike might however be dim in America today. Critical sectors (energy, transportation, food) could also manage it by shutting down a sector, but I guess this is not likely either.

Posted by: a swedish kind of death | Feb 1 2007 16:13 utc | 11

paid open letter in the media coridinated with many groups??
This is very good thinking. Except you would, I believe, also address the letter to the appropriate arresting authority… the police? Again, as I said, someone would need to dedicate themselves to research and vetting this thoroughly with the appropriate legal experts.

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 16:23 utc | 13

ASKOD,
Not likely that energy sector would cooperate, considering today’s news:
Exxon Mobil Corp. on Thursday posted the largest annual profit by a U.S. company — $39.5 billion
[snip]
Exxon Mobil’s record annual earnings followed a year of extraordinarily high energy prices as crude oil topped $78 a barrel in the summer — driving up average gasoline prices in the United States to more than $3 a gallon. Prices retreated later in the year.
[snip]
War – What is it good for? I guess we all know the answer to that.

Posted by: Rick | Feb 1 2007 16:33 utc | 15

Prospects for a general strike might however be dim in America today.
Very, very dim I would say.
re: citizen’s arrest: Note that this tactic can also be levied against the CEOs/responsible parties of companies that make the many and varied killing machines that we are using in Iraq and potentially in Iran.
I recall one such action I believe by ISM (International Solidarity Movement) who does very interesting things on behalf of Palestinians. They attempted a citizen’s arrest of a high-level official of Caterpillar, the company that makes the bulldozers that destroy Palestinians’ homes.

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 16:44 utc | 17

Bea,
Yeah again – I would like a citizen’s arrest against the mercenaries and their corporations like Blackwater here in NC. Hey, pretty brave of me posting this and using my name eh? – say, if you don’t here from me for awhile, please investigate.
I had a whole post written up but never sent about helping the Palestinians. Not much in the media for this decades old struggle. I was going to ask Bernhard to have a link of the week on Moon’s Home Page highlighting articles on Palestinian troubles. The problem is Biblical in proportion. So many refugees living all over like Jordan, Iraq, Syria, etc. The media is so silent and how many poor Palestinians in Israeli controlled areas have a voice, or Internet to even convey us their troubles to the world?

Posted by: Rick | Feb 1 2007 16:59 utc | 19

Sometimes, in the investment world, when a company gets in really bad shape, investors (sometimes called vultures) swoop in to make short calls, borrowing shares to sell at a lower price. Their aim is to drive the company either into liquidation, or until new, better management comes in. This new management will find a new direction for the company, eventually bringing it back to profitability.
I used to think that this rule should not apply to nations. After all, nations had citizens, and the citizens should not be held accountable for the actions of their leaders.
I have come to the conclusion that American exceptionalism, the belief that America is somehow superior because of its morals and values, is an intrinsically evil philosophy. It has been used by politicians on the left and right, conservatives and liberals, to justify military intervention all over the world, and the mass murder of innocents (called collateral damage by the US military).
This belief needs to be replaced by a new philosophy, which most other countries have, which is that the country has interests. On certain rare occasions, these interests need to be defended by military means, but only when diplomacy and all other means have been exhausted.
As a belief, American exceptionalism must be squeezed out of the system. And I believe that it will be squeezed out only when it destroys and bankrupts America as we know it today. Only when this philosophy destroys America will it reveal itself for the true evil it is to all Americans.
In this way, America is like the Germans after WWII, who did not believe that the Nazis had concentration camps. It was only when the Allied soldiers forced them to visit the camps and see the victims were they aware of the true evil nature of fascism.
American exceptionalism is stuck just as deeply in the American soul.
For this reason, I support an attack on Iran. I realize that many innocent people on all sides will be killed, but I see no other way out. Even if Bush/Cheney wanted to invade Pakistan, Russia, China and all the Muslim countries, I would support them if it brought about the bankruptcy and end of American exceptionalism.
The sooner that day comes, the sooner we can rise again, like a phoenix, out of the ashes. This new America should look completely different from the current one. It should be more open and willing to listen, more accomodating, and walk around without a swagger. Instead of trying to talk down to other nations from a position of moral superiority and arrogance, it would treat them as equals, with their own interests. Americans would realize that the government sometimes lied to them, and it is necessary to check out what the government says through its corporate media outlets.
For more on this, I’d recommend an article by Chalmers Johnson on the perils of Empire:
http://www.tomdispatch.com/index.mhtml?pid=160594

Posted by: Chris Marlowe | Feb 1 2007 18:01 utc | 21

I think what we need to do is hire one of those high powered ad agencies to get the word out, the ones that can sell pet rocks or turn ugly daughters of hollywood producers into movie stars (or at least a TV personality). We need a producer like the character Dustin Hoffmann played in “Wag the Dog”
how much could it cost? certainly a lot less than what we give to the DNC or Green Party or any other major party.
dammit, if the government can do it, why can’t we? I am deadly serious. what would be the long pole in the tent for this?

Posted by: dan of steele | Feb 1 2007 18:30 utc | 23

DM writes – The US military has never opted to prevent a war and I have not read of anything to indicate that this is even a remote possibility.
Some signs are there … at least some don’t really like the idea …

Within the Pentagon, many active-duty officers are wary of an aggressive military response to Iran, arguing that there is no need to risk starting another war.
Some Pentagon officials worry that an escalation of military pressure that included strikes on Iranian territory could prompt Iran to go after targets it could easily hit, such as oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.
“We need to be very careful about getting into one-to-one trades,” the senior Pentagon official said. “That can very quickly get out of control.”

link

Posted by: b | Feb 1 2007 18:37 utc | 25

d o s, you and i are thinking similarly, except my thoughts were more towards public relations than advertising because public relations is more affordable. it seems like this is what it would take to crack the corporate media. this has to happen.

Posted by: conchita | Feb 1 2007 18:39 utc | 27

Bea,
Re: A post about the Palestinian situation…
Well, there was a very defeatist attitude in response to your great post, Cauldrons of Malcontent, implying that there wasn’t much that could be done (like that never happens, eh?), and I was trying to take an opposite view. Sort of worried I would step on toes, though. Things have been sort of quiet in the fights here lately, except for maybe slothrup, (again not unusual) and I didn’t want to offend (not that offending would stop me) but it has been sort of nice that things have been congenial here. Mainly, I just never finished the post (again, not unusual). Of course, there is an old saying, ”A job 80% done is better than not done at all.” Hmmm, that’s not always true either. I would hate to be 80% done with open-heart surgery and then not have the surgeon “sew me up”. But then again, maybe the “sewing up” is part of the 80%, and the natural healing is the 20% of the job! (Gee, I even argue with myself!) And also, the post seemed to ramble just as this paragraph has. Anyway, I may work on the post tonight after work.
Speaking of stepping on toes, a disagreement with Chris in what follows.
Chris,
As others have pointed out in other threads, this type of talk (i.e. supporting U.S. war with Iran) just gives credence to those whose influence many here, including yourself, wish to diminish. Not to mention the immorality of killing innocent people in large numbers. And for what reason exactly – to rid Americans of “exceptionalism”? Such a debate here reminds me of a thread by Monolycus that became very argumentative; Bernhard finally shut down the thread entirely.

Posted by: Rick | Feb 1 2007 19:08 utc | 29

What would be a good bumper sticker?
Something like:
NO TO WAR WITH IRAN.
Aagh! -pretty lame – see what you all can come up with…

Posted by: Rick | Feb 1 2007 19:14 utc | 31

Good bumper sticker: MAKE LOVE, FUCK WAR
(read somewhere)

Posted by: beq | Feb 1 2007 19:43 utc | 33

I personally don’t think we necessarily need a fancy ad agency (nor, if mid-Feb is really the date, do we have time to collect money, etc etc). I think innovative teams can do this on their own in fairly short order. For example, think of the brilliant Mac and PC ads. Couldn’t we do something along those lines, and videotape it on a home video, upload to You Tube, and then do a massive linking to everyone campaign?

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 20:09 utc | 35

Ooo here is another idea — how about a virtual bumper sticker campaign? We could design a Desktop message or screen saver and EVERYONE could display it on a given day/time.

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 20:12 utc | 37

How about STAYINGALIVE.COM
just kidding (kinda)

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 20:17 utc | 39

Bea,
The desktop message idea is great!! The message could even upload in real time with the latest news release concerning an upcoming Iranian war. Stories like “trumped up” intelligence claims, or that story today about the Retired Airforce General who wants “a bomb dropped in Iran for every Iraqi IED”.

Posted by: Rick | Feb 1 2007 20:21 utc | 41

I am glad conchita is here, I think she probably has some insight into how to get things like this done.
we have a product that needs to be sold, there are many people who are very good at this. we need to engage them and if they need money to make it happen then so be it.
if things are indeed as grave as most of us think they are, then it is probably not the best time for amateur hour. bring in the big guns and let them blast away.
for pete’s sake, the republicans sold gw bush to the US public! are we looking at something more difficult than that?

Posted by: dan of steele | Feb 1 2007 20:30 utc | 43

I tend to agree with b real – call it the Myspace revolution. Social networking. Unlike Iraq, I suspect that a pretty clear majority of Americans oppose war against Iran – anyone have poll numbers?
So let’s consider things that we need:
1) a name and web presence
2) an information piece indicating the very real, imminent potential of an attack. The Vanity Fair piece b linked to could be used. That kind of thing.
3) a planned campaign to make this as widely known as possible. Word-of-mouth preferable, or subversion of traditional media.
4) a statement of principles for the organization. Something as specific and inclusive as possible. (I’ve been kicking things around in my head and may write something this evening.)
5) a specific set of goals to reach, i.e., disseminating the concept of a citizen’s arrest, or demanding impeachment.
6) a specific methodology to reach those goals. Viral marketing, civil disobedience, a PR blitz.
This is kind of an easiest-to-hardest list. I’ll try to go into how to achieve these things later.

Posted by: Rowan | Feb 1 2007 20:46 utc | 45

in terms of naming, I like the word “refuse.” not “No War on Iran” but “I REFUSE War With Iran.” It’s much more active.

Posted by: Rowan | Feb 1 2007 20:55 utc | 47

We should definitely involve kids. They are so much more linked up electronically with one another.

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 21:20 utc | 49

One micropamphlet can be distributed both ways — by hand and electronically. For the widest possible distribution. You know, send it to your entire address list and ask them to send to theirs. Then go around your whole neighborhood for a 10 block radius and leave at every house and on every car. Ask everyone on your address list to do the same.
It could spread fast.

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 22:13 utc | 51

Also of course such a pamphlet can be posted on many blogs in downloadable form.

Posted by: Bea | Feb 1 2007 22:16 utc | 53

freewayblogger.com

Posted by: beq | Feb 1 2007 22:23 utc | 55

it is bittersweet to come back to the moon and find enthusiasm to somehow make a difference in this world. bitter because i feel like we are fighting such an enormous battle. sweet because we are fighting.
i see three areas where i think we could make a difference:
1) person to person as b real suggested, as in just talking with people rather than looking at a computer screen. as much as we as a community communicate via the internet it does not feed the soul like in the flesh human interaction. not the same as going door to door nor handing out fliers, but i spent an hour or so last night making calls for moveon asking moveon members to call their senators today about opposing an escalation of the war in iranq. it was a good exercise for me and for those i called – there is something about hearing someone agree with your point of view and even bouncing ideas off that person. however, what an enormous disappointment to read about the biden warner levin non binding compromise resolution. so fuck the 64% of the country who are looking for congress to show a little spine. at least russ feingold is out there trying to do the right thing. but i digress…
2) i like deanander’s idea about micropamphleteering. seems simple, direct, and intimate. we did this when we protested the 2004 election results and people did take our mini pamphlets with them to read. also, these days in new york i see IMPEACH stickers all over. what once might have looked radical now just looks like it a no brainer. i made a promise to myself today to find them on line and order some or print out a bunch and join those forces.
3) i also like bernhard’s banner action. i have had a united for peace and justice banner flying off my fire escape since 2004 that says “we the people say no to the bush agenda.” in 2004 you saw them posted in people’s windows throughout the city and it gave you a warm and fuzzy but powerful feeling because it made you think that the people could actually make a difference. can’t tell you how reassuring it was to walk down the street and see them all.
4) on sunday i was forwarded a piece from danny schechter’s news dissector blog about the march the day before – the march meets the media – which amplified what had been going through my mind. to me the most important snippets from it were:

I support marches as PART of a bigger strategy, not as THE strategy. And at least this time, many activists were planning to lobby Congress.
As readers know by now, I think its kind of important to get this message out to the people through the media, and not just the message that there’s opposition to the war but that there’s a movement opposing it. We need to show activism in action as a way for citizens to try to hold politicians accountable and participate in the process. Did that double message get through?
This approach requires a media strategy–and a challenge to the media— beyond sending out press releases and getting on Pacifica radio outlets.
It also requires a commitment to forging a stronger movement by ON GOING organizing and efforts to democratize and INVOLVE member groups and individuals in independent action outside of the Democratic Party. There needs to be some discipline too and a better presentation. Personally I think Dennis Kucinich has a strong message–but he shouldn’t be given time on the program just to hype his campaign. That shows no respect for the movement. We need some independent journalists to really analyze this movement’s strengths and weknesses, a former peace movement organizer told me. In that sense the numbers issue is not necessarily the only issue even if it does deserve comment. Another criticism I heard was that indy media was not represented with no blogger speaking.
…
Don’t the anti-war organizers see this as a problem? Don’t they think they should try to do something about it and take it as a challenge, and protest this ritualistic treatment? Shouldn’t they make the media coverage a issue? Are they only listening to themselves?
I was on Air America in LA on Saturday afternoon and host Bree Walker, a feisty former TV anchor agreed. But the anti-war movement continues to pay lipservice to this problem, perhaps for fear of “alienating” the press. Give me a break! Back in 2003, the Washington Posts own omsbudsman Michael Getler indicted his own newspaper for “downplaying protests.” He now works for Public Television.
This coverage is deplorable but worse: the anti-war movement had not made it an issue. With more than half the country opposing the war, the movement is still being under reported and marginalized! And, naively, not doing anything about it.
We still need a march on the media. Anyone with me?

i hear his challenge on this and think he is right on point. advertising is outrageously expensive – everything from making a spot to the media buy. organizations like moveon and truemajority are producing ads that will air on national television and could use your support. others have made videos which have been aired on youtube – but you have to a media campaign to back these up so that people will actually see them. i believe mike stark from dkos did something very effective during the webb/allen contest.
mike stark has also done some amazing work in radio – organizing people to call in to wingnut shows and expose the truth. on behalf of another blogger he recently organized an effort to convince advertisers to pull their ads from a right wing talk show in san francisco on a station owned by disney. it is a complicated and long story, but he managed to not only get advertisers to pull ads, but the station began to rein its talk show hosts, and more importantly the action was covered by major news outlets like the nyt, etc.
essentially, i feel like there needs to be greater, more consistent, and more widespread visibility of the opposition point of view. not to be negative, but i do wonder how much we can accomplish on our own? does it make sense to join forces with other organizers whose ideals and goals we share? to be honest, i have been hard-pressed to find one yet that speaks for me, but i also think the key word for me is becoming IMPEACH and i need to spend more time getting directly involved in that effort.
lastly, while this morning’s headline about the biden warner levin compromise made me question whether calling senators made a whit of a difference, i don’t feel that we can stop. my hope is that pressure on our legislative and executive branches backed up by visible dissent – signs, banners, marches, bumper stickers, etc. – and media coverage should build a movement with momentum. i agree with danny schecter – we do need to analyze what is/not working and adjust how we do things. in case anyone else is interested, his email is Dissector@mediachannel.org.

Posted by: conchita | Feb 1 2007 23:39 utc | 57

DeAnander” | “Micro pamphleteering” -Sounds like a good idea too.
Conchita: It is limited for me to go person to person here – this is a rural, military base area and things aren’t so easy for me. However, I would be happy to submit a letter to the editor to our local paper – every letter I have ever submitted has been published, and I have no qualms about signing my name. Unfortunately, the readership is only about 5 to 10 thousand. Of course, I (and others) could reference a Website for further action and info. Actually, I need further info myself – I don’t have a place for reference about the truths, trumped up charges, current plans etc. Pat Buchanan last night on cable TV said the plans are for six days of continuous bombing but he would not name his source. In short, I need some info before I can write a letter to the editor.
It is hard to beat mass news media. Mass Media will only come about if something happens (or someone) attracts the news media. Catlady’s point is right on target, evil is darkness – In this case, we need to shine the light on the untruths and myths. The neocons have already made this Iranian leader into a Hitler, just like they did with Saddam Hussein.
I don’t think the task of shinning a light on the Iran situation is hopeless, nor is any attack going to happen tomorrow (for one reason, the stock market hit a new record high today). Of course, Israel is part of the equation, and maybe they will make the first move or somehow cause the chain of events.

Posted by: Rick | Feb 2 2007 0:18 utc | 59

“I REFUSE War With Iran.” It’s much more active.
i like the idea of one word that sends the message. but, it should be an acronym, preferably w/the letter I in it. (for iran of course).
i like deananders idea. what if the leaflet a postcard. once they were passed out people could place stamps on them and have target dates to mail them to designated recipients whether it be the local media,local businesses, radio stations, politcal figures,corporations, or anyone. slam mailing. one could also place them next to cash registers, stacks of them.
an awesome graffic
i also like the idea of getting kids involved. high school students, they are going to be the ones getting recruited.
LISTEN light iran solutions take energy now
of course that sounds totally dumb but my point is i like something positive, dealing w/diplomacy and open mindedness. catlady’s #48 resonated w/me.
strategic thinking requires open…
i’m thinking an acrony for strong.. i’m terrible w/words. whats the message, beside don’t attack iran. what’s the creative positive action? not the don’t do. who said, don’t think outside the box, think there is no box.

Posted by: annie | Feb 2 2007 2:49 utc | 61

so, the statement of purpose should be:
To disseminate information about the Bush administration’s plan to attack Iran to as many people as possible, via as organic a methodology as possible.

Posted by: Rowan | Feb 2 2007 3:16 utc | 63

“All though at that time Milosevic already lost all of his wars…
So?
US has never won a war on it’s own….Ever.
Oops! Sorry,…I forgot Greneda.
And. Brush has failed at everything he ever tried. Yet he is foaming at the mouth about Iran and we are sitting here worrying the new congress may give him ‘one more chance’. Gees.

Posted by: pb | Feb 2 2007 4:05 utc | 65

Chain letters are also sent via email, greatly magnifying the rapidity with which they spread and their potential impact.
I really like the idea of a massive school walkout. How about a march to the offices of someone – a local media outlet or politician?
I think someone creative could take all these ideas and put them together in a simple but powerful way and start a campaign. But it might be best to link up and do it in conjunction with existing organizations that already have their huge mailing lists. Such as Moveon.

Posted by: Bea | Feb 2 2007 4:26 utc | 67

Part of the information disseminated and emphasized should be the probable outcomes of an attack. Usually logical arguments for self-interest will register before an appeal to morality does. Bluntly, many Americans may care less about the loss of Iranian lives, but may care about $6.00 per gallon gas. The precarious position of American soldiers in Iraq must be highlighted; use of the term “hostages” is putting it too mildly, many American deaths most likely. The obvious and worst possibility is, again most likely, instant regional escalation. What would be Israel’s fate? And if the Iranian government is militarily defeated (Bush’s famous “mission accomplished”), what scenario would remain? Another disaster like Iraq would be too optimistic to hope for.
All this is obvious and has been posted before, but maybe it will be helpful to repeat for this endeavor. Someone more articulate than I could maybe expand on all this.

Posted by: Rick | Feb 2 2007 4:38 utc | 69

@vbo
Inspiring.
Makes me think of another idea that is not practical or particularly useful now, but perhaps for the longer term. It would be nice to have a web site celebrating the accomplishments of political protests in history. With first-hand testimonials such as you have just provided. Very moving. And imagine teaching a high school course on that. Wouldn’t that be cool? “Popular protest 101.”

Posted by: Bea | Feb 2 2007 5:34 utc | 71

something my wife has taught me over the years is to simply ask for help. being the kind of person I am, the thought never occured to me before…I want to do everything by myself.
most of us go to other web sites, two that I visit are FDL and GlennGreenwald. lawyers hang out in both places, lawyers can be helpful even when you are not in trouble so it would behoove us to enlist their suppport as well.
listening to Jim Hightower this morning he mentioned a website called Random Kids who have raised over 10 million for Katrina relief. seems to be something we could emulate.
I am ecstatic that others have joined in. I remember the excitement of watching a bunch of bloggers discover/uncover Jim Guckert in that whole Jeff Gannon thing. It was fascinating watching the PTB try to hide their missteps in real time while smart techies knew where to look to find the proof. Unfortunately I am sure the PTB learned a lot during that episode and it will be much more difficult to find the roaches in the future. but I digress.
the heart wrenching stories of vbo, and they are especially hard on me as I was a part (not active but there all the same) of the organization that dropped bombs on his/her country should serve to show us just how urgent this is. Even though vbo and others “failed” to stop the destruction they can hold their heads up and say that they tried. I can imagine no greater same than having to tell my grandchildren that I couldn’t be bothered to do something about what is happening now.
/rant

Posted by: dan of steele | Feb 2 2007 7:23 utc | 73

Saw this good link from a Yahoo News/Huffington Post opinion article
linked to from Juan Cole’s site this morning. Haven’t been keeping up with all the posts and threads lately here at Moon –maybe this site is known to many here – but just thought it might be helpful to this discussion and any action we might partake as a group.
justforeignpolicy.org – Iran

Posted by: Rick | Feb 2 2007 13:53 utc | 75

Bea #76
I have no idea why they pulled the story but you can find it here

Posted by: dan of steele | Feb 2 2007 15:41 utc | 77

Bea/Dan of Steele,
A quick look at the Board Members of ‘Just Foreign Policy’ tells me that this is a top class outfit. Mark Weisbrot is on the Board and also co-author of the two articles –Huffington Post of Jan.31 2007 (that I referred to), and the Common Dreams article that Dan referred to of Oct. 11, 2006. Maybe pulled because of out of date and getting updated. Just thinking out loud. – don’t know either for sure.

Posted by: Rick | Feb 2 2007 16:22 utc | 79

May….Could….If……Sources say……Any speaches or utterences using these weasel words need to be red tagged immediately as fork-tongued coersion.

Posted by: pb | Feb 2 2007 17:30 utc | 81

If the Persian Gulf is set a-blaze, gas may climb to $10.00 a gallon.
Put that on the front page NYT.

Posted by: pb | Feb 2 2007 17:37 utc | 83

“Are you being sarcastic?”
No, just fear mongering to demonstrate that it works if you read it quickly. If you stop to analyze it you are already ahead of most people.

Posted by: pb | Feb 2 2007 18:46 utc | 85

rowan, let us know what your ‘team’ comes up with once you solidify a plan will you please?

Posted by: annie | Feb 2 2007 22:00 utc | 87

Rowan,
Just sent you an email. I am at your service if I can help.
Rick

Posted by: Rick | Feb 3 2007 3:57 utc | 89

Next on Bush’s ‘Hit List’ by Gordon Prather
Gordon Prather: “…while most Congresspersons busy themselves debating Bush’s intended escalation of the war in Iraq, Senator Byrd has once again risen to the occasion
’In the State of the Union Address last night, the President called out Iran no less than seven times.
‘Was this speech the first step in an effort to blame all that has gone wrong in the Middle East on Iran? Was the focus on Iran during the President’s address an attempt to link Iran to the war on terrorism, and by extension, start building a case that our response to the 9/11 attacks must include dealing with Iran?
‘I fear that the machinery may have already been set in motion which may ultimately lead to a military attack inside Iran, or perhaps Syria, despite the opposition of the American people, many in Congress, and even some within his Administration.
‘Today I am introducing a resolution that clearly states that it is Congress, not the President, that is vested with the ultimate decision on whether to take this country to war against another country. This resolution is a rejection of the bankrupt, dangerous, and unconstitutional doctrine of preemption, which proposes that the President may strike another country before it threatens us.
‘If there exists a reckless determination for a new war in the Middle East, I fear that the attorneys of the Executive Branch are already seeking ways to tie this war to the use of force resolution for Iraq, or the resolution passed in response to 9/11.
‘But the American people need only be reminded about the untruths of Iraq’s supposed ties to the 9/11 attacks so see how far the truth can be stretched in order to achieve the desired outcome.
‘If the Executive Branch were to try to prod, stretch, or rewrite the 9/11 or the Iraq use of force resolutions in an outrageous attempt to apply them to an attack on Iran, Syria, or anywhere else, this resolution is clear: the Constitution says that Congress, not the President, must make the decision for war or peace.
‘The power to declare war resides in Congress, and it is we – the elected representatives of the people – who are the “deciders.’”
[Rick here: Hard to say it any better than this. And no need for partisan labels here either. (…of course, ‘to me’ these words of Byrd sound ‘conservative’.)]

Posted by: Rick | Feb 3 2007 8:55 utc | 91

Bea, can you e-mail me? You seemed to have a lot of energy I’d like you in from the start.

Posted by: Rowan | Feb 4 2007 1:28 utc | 93

When your up to your neck in alligators, its hard to remember that your goal was to drain the swamp
Monolycus; “If you wanted my input… and experience tells me you don’t… you’d be better off fighting the head of the beast at home rather than expending your efforts fighting symptoms of the empire as presented by its insane foreign invasions.”
Who(m) do you mean here by “you”? My thought is that most of us, including myself, are all but begging for your ideas. I agree that attacking the head is more important than attacking the symptoms, but should an immediate concern be for the many lives that would be instantly destroyed in such an attack on Iran?
In any case, any of your ideas towards ‘draining the swamp’ or ‘killing the alligators’ would be welcomed for sure.

Posted by: Rick | Feb 4 2007 5:07 utc | 95

“” but that tends to lead down paths of “it’s too big, I don’t know what to do!””
That’s probably because most of us ‘rugged individualists’ don’t even know our neighbor’s name.
I think old JC described ‘synergy’ when He said: “Whenever two or more of you are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of you.”

Posted by: pb | Feb 4 2007 18:06 utc | 97

Resistance in any way possible. Creating as much drag as possible on the march to more war. Cumulative drag from many actions.
What is possible at state levels?
Does anyone think that in certain states there might be broad popular consensus for refusing to send National Guard units? National Guard troops are becoming increasingly important to filling the troop numbers.
Any lawyers around? Is there a credible Constitutional legal argument that governors and legislatures could make to refuse to send their state natonal guards?
If even two or three states were to announce their refusal to send further national guard troops, people in other states and the press would take notice. Even the possibility of further state refusals, would force Cheney/Bush to reconsider their fighting resources. Or, if they are too far gone in the evil fantasy universe, it would give military leaders (who, by all evidence, are already trying to resist expansion) new arguments to advance for Congress and the press.

Posted by: small coke | Feb 5 2007 2:21 utc | 99