"Mission Accomplished NOT": 2 May 2005 - A National Day of ....

[understandinglife]

...Rememberance, Relaxation, Re-creation & Redemption

Catalyzed by Will Pitt in a provocative exchange at Truthout…:

http://forum.truthout.org/blog/story/2005/3/11/16342/7080

…a few of us decided something needed to be done, something that would be irresistible, something whose consequences would be obvious, and something that would re-create the meaning of America.

The following vision has emerged, as summarized by PuebloKnot in correspondence being sent to Will Pitt this evening:

Subject: “Bless Your Blog, Will Pitt.”

I've just recently started reading and posting here, Will, and I want to extend my thanks for your hard work with Truthout and this weblog. Your writing often takes me out of despair, and if it does not, at least I have someone of intelligence and heart with whom to privately share my inward grief.

A few days ago, I connected here with one "UnderstandingLife," who posted a comment that America needs to be willing to stage an action in which we do not report to work, do not send our children to school, don't get on a plane, and don't shop at, say, Walmart. Surrounding those comments were some which took the usual tack of saying, "You'll never get Americans to do anything like that."

I was seized with the impulse to offer aid and comfort, and my own views, to "UnderstandingLife." In the first place, anyone who is attempting to do that (understand life, that is) is of great interest to me.

In response to the idea of what sounded a bit like the traditional "general strike," or "work stoppage," and the assurances of some that it can't be done in America, I posited this scenario (which you and some may already have seen).

During the Pueblo Revolt in Northern New Mexico, in 1688 (I think), the organizers of that action against the Spanish managed to coordinate an uprising among all the various and remote pueblos in this area by sending out runners with knotted ropes, each knot denoting the passage of a day until the grand day for the uprising arrived.

I was not and am not advocating open and murderous revolt by discussing that historical event. But that image remains with me to remind me that...."Where there's a Will, there's a way." (Please note that I have capitalized the word "Will"; I'll get to that in a moment.)

Mr. UnderstandingLife (UL) and I have subsequently talked on the phone several times and we want to propose an idea which is absurdly simple on its face, but certainly not simplistic. We want to bring progressive people together to celebrate

"A National Day of Remembrance, Relaxation, Re-creation, & Redemption"

on May 2, 2005 -- Mission Accomplished NOT Day -- in contravention of George Bush's "Mission Accomplished" pronouncement on that day, two years ago.

And what would be the significance of this day? While we are relaxing and remembering, we are not participating in supporting the corporate structure which feeds the regime currently squatting in the White House, for starters. No Walmart shopping, no eating at McDonalds, in fact, no shopping at all, except for absolute necessities. We buy our food at a local farm stand, cook it at home, and ask our neighbors over. What a subversive concept!

To counter the "No's" in that last paragraph, what would we do with ourselves? We would like to propose that people of good conscience use that day to visit Veterans' Hospitals, take flowers, gifts, carrot cake, poetry to the people who have given their health and future wellbeing, in many cases, to what they believed was a good cause but turned out to be a lie. Even those who do not see it that way deserve our compassion, our love, and our practical assistance.

UL from this point forward) proposed this idea, that we travel in groups, by bus, bicycle, whatever means is most "restful" (i.e., contributes the least to corporate interests), take our children out of school for this enriching experience, and remember our own humanity in the process. And if 50,000 of us are visiting Veterans' hospitals, we might cause a bit of a stir.

You, Will Pitt, have said that we need to "get loud." I think we also need to "get lazy." The more *relaxed* we are, the less we are supporting that which we abhor.

We, of course, are not counseling violence, protest marches (although those can be beneficial), throwing bricks, or becoming too strident. We just want to do our thing and see the results. Gandhi had pretty good luck with teaching the people of India to relax!

We can start with May 2, 05, and then, by golly, we might like the idea so much that we just do it again and again.

I've given thought to what I might do on my own days of relaxation. I could write a handwritten letter to George Bush and ask this question in a vernacular he would understand: "Mr. Bush, is our children dying?" And I could answer for him: "Yes, Mr. Bush, our children is dying because you sent them to an illegal war, based on lies and deceit."

Further, I could inquire: "Is our leaders learning?"

Not so's we can tell. Instead of making plans to withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan, they continue to dig in their heels and wait for a sign that Mr. Bush's name dropping (he knows God personally) is justified, and that time will show the wisdom of his criminal wars of aggression.

On another of my days of rest and remembrance, I could meditate on a short line from a poem which I learned in high school, and which has never left me: "Things are in the saddle, and ride mankind."

We have a message for you, Mr. Bush: "We the People is in the saddle, and we is ready to ride. Don't get too comfortable in the White House, Mr. Bush. We are living under your darkness now, but 'Joy Cometh in the Morning.' It says so in the Bible!

And now, about that capital "W" in "Will": You have an awesome presence in this world, Mr. Pitt, and your support for this gentle bit of resistance could have far-reaching effects. And you are admired and supported by many other progressive thinkers, leaders, and concerned people of good will. To return to the symbolism of New Mexico again, for a moment: There is a mythical figure here known as Kokopelli. He's the local version of the Pied Piper of Hamlin. He plays his flute and lesser beings follow him into a new reality.

Attached please find a knotted rope -- five knots, space, two knots, space, five knots; to wit: May 2, 2005.

Peace.

PuebloKnot
Santa Fe, NM

I have a dream and it begins like this:

On 2 May 2005, millions of Americans will awaken to an extraordinary day. They will gather as families and communities and travel to the closest VA hospital, or to the homes of those who have been killed serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and they will share and help and ensure that everyone knows of the suffering and ultimate sacrifice so many of our fellow citizens have suffered.

Anyone at DU willing to share the dream and make it reality? I hope so, for your sake and for the sake of humanity.

Thank you and Peace.

[Nothing Without Hope]

1. May 2, 2005 - I really like this idea, UL

It could be a day of relaxing, a day of community and spiritual energy - the opposite of the anxious, isolated, and buy-till-you-drop culture that the (p)resident is promoting.

A day for doing something satisfying with our families and reminding ourselves of what is REALLY important.

A day of leaving the television OFF and sharing our very favorite dinner at home or with friends.

A day of remembering, of not being distracted by the celebrity scandal du jour, SEEING what is happening to our nation and the world.

A day of writing and emailing letters to editors and to members of Congress about issues we care about deeply.

A day of finding out what is happening in our own local communities and finding a way to participate.

A day of reconnecting, of caring, of turning down the noise, of regrouping and reenergizing.

A day of going walking in the woods or hills or by the water.

A day of peace, to remember the true things, the important things.

Who knows, maybe we can initiate some new habits, meet some good people, read a book or have a conversation that will set us thinking on new paths. Yes, I really like this idea.

Edited to add: Recommended. I'd like other people to start thinking about this.

[understandinglife]

2. Yes, Hope, your response is very much what we would like to ....

...encourage and nurture.

We want the outcome to be massive inter-ruption of the status quo using methods that simultaneously achieve community building, promotion of awareness, and true support for those who have suffered gravely, and a preparedness for the next "day."

Because, after the first "day" on 2 May 2005, we intend to have a network that is so efficient, that with less than 24 hours notice, we can launch another "day" and another and another -- random, but persistent.

We will achieve considerable economic impact and do much good, at the same time. That is the plan.

Please promote the objectives and spread the word through your networks.

And, we have zero 'pride of authorship and no interest in controlling the endeavor.' We want folk to be, like you are, creative in both actions and in communicating the intent.

Peace.

[passy]

3. Great idea, politically wise too.

To choose to bring attention to the Veteran's plight is ingenious, it makes it impossible to be called anti patriotic, it is rather very patriotic.
The * are happy fighting the war but they refuse to acknowledge its human cost.
With this action the American will be showed that war kills and mains people, people that are just like your brother or father.
By adding the element of "not doing anything" it also shows that it is possible to get your point across to express your opposition the government in a peaceful manner.
If this movement takes off we will have to coin a term for this kind of revolution: maybe the sugar and spicerevolution after the cake that you bring and the sweet and soft approach to protest.

[Carolab]

4. Beautiful and we should organize at the local level.

Like "Peace in the Precincts". There are already chapters that could be engaged in this. United for Peace and Justice has neighborhood groups too that could be asked to participate and spread the word.

We need to do reach out, make people aware that we care. Bring food to shelters. Help elderly citizens get meals. As you said, visit vets in hospitals, or vet families. Maybe Military Moms or GoldStarMoms would like to suggest some things we can do.

This is such a good idea.

It really reminds me of what happened in Montgomery. When the whole community banded together, gave each other rides, collected money in church for station wagons to take people to work, get used bikes, etc. People cooked and donated meals. It worked!

[puebloknot]

53. I second your motion

Hi.

I'm just getting my toe in the pond here, but I remember reading your post yesterday, and wanting to respond.

Yes, the strength of this is organization locally, in our own communities.

In trying to test this idea, to get up my courage to write about it and post it publicly, I decided to do a trial run. I called the national office of United for Peace and Justice and started trying to sell the "gatekeeper" who answered the phone on the idea.

He immediately told me it can't be done because, after all, that organization is faced with trying to motivate people to do various things, and he assured me that it was an uphill battle, all the time. In addition, Committee X has already met very recently, and decided on their course of action for the next 18 months, etc. etc., in true blue, bureaucratic style.

I let him know that I felt like I was talking to a bureaucrat at the Pentagon, or some such allusion, and he laughed and we ended in a friendly way. However, he did say something which has the ring of truth: "You need to try to sell this idea with your local group. If they won't buy it, we won't buy it here."

Of course, the beauty of what we're doing is that we don't have to have permission or an endorsement from any organization. If they see the concept and want to participate, fine. If they don't, we just do it anyway. There's something kind of freaky that happens with official organizations, in my experience, which sometimes ends up turning them into the very thing they organized to oppose in the first place. I bow, however, to the wisdom and knowledge of people who know how to move in a group setting, and harmonize the efforts of a lot of people.

Your reference to Montgomery is heartening. Paul Rogat has written a number of books, among them "Soul of a Citizen," in which he talks about the power of the individual to effect change in the world. One of his subjects is Rosa Parks, and her decision to sit down on a bus in Montgomery. We know the rest.

Let's raise a glass "To Life"!

[bettyellen]

5. kick..

[WilliamPitt]

6. I would be honored to participate in this

and I will do what I can to put the word out.

One suggestion: Mnemonics are important for a simple, broad message. 'Mission Accomplished NOT Day' does not roll off the tongue quite as well as 'Mission NOT Accomplished Day.'

Beyond that, let's roll. And thank you.

[Shopaholic]

7. Count me in

be happy to take part.

[understandinglife]

8. Wow! Thank you Will and I like your suggestion. Please....

...do make that modification as you spread the word.

I will send PuebloKnot an email letting her know of your support and the name change.

Peace.

[WilliamPitt]

10. Tell her

that I am going to try to craft an essay for Monday on this theme, and for this day. I will try my best to get it done.

[understandinglife]

17. Done. (nt)

Peace.

[unhappycamper]

9. me too.

[EFerrari]

11. I'm in. We can use this as a topic for our political column

in the SF Street Sheet.

We need to think outlets, too. Post it to the 527 boards, to Craigslist, send to local party newsletters -- Dem, PDA, Greens, send a suggestion to progressive columnists.

Maybe start a thread in Activism & Events to keep track of the planning phase?

[WilliamPitt]

12. Re: your column

I'm going to take a hack at writing about this for Monday morning. You are welcome to snag the article from TO for your paper.

[understandinglife]

14. Will, that would be very helpful. Thank you (nt)

[EFerrari]

16. Why, thanks, Will. We do a monthly column in the oldest

homeless paper in the US. Since many of the homeless here are vets, it will tie in nicely. I will forward your generous offer to the editor.

[EFerrari]

28. Talked to my editor

Chance says it will be too late for the May issue, BUT he also said he's a big fan of yours and thanks you for the offer.

I've an idea. If we get some momentum on 5/2, we'll want to FOLLOW UP -- why not on every /2 -- until this war is ended? In the near term and in our little corner, we'd love to reprint one of your pieces in the Sheet.

For the longer haul and thinking of the project as a whole, marking the 2nd of each month in some concrete way will help sustain the effort.

Thoughts?

[WilliamPitt]

31. I have a lot of balls in the air with TO

and can't really get wrapped up in another project. So why don't we leave it at this: Consider this blanket permission to reprint whatever stuff of mine you like, be it blog or essay. That's what it's there for.

[EFerrari]

32. Thanks, Will.

And if they do, I'll make sure it's done right.

[understandinglife]

13. Excellent ideas and ...

...key to this is neither PuebloKnot or I are interested in trying to 'control,' 'manage,' or otherwise get in the way of the flow of both ideas and actions.

I urge everyone to do the things they want to do and to do them creatively and aggressively.

If Skinner is willing to place this on the front page of DU and allow a stable thread in "Activism & Events" those would be very good ways to ensure maximum numbers of DUers and DU readers can be kept informed of all the various activities that spring from the concept.

Also, it is legitimate for folk to 'call in sick' given that so many of us are 'ill' from the situation and, as with all illness it can take more than one day to recover. It also happens that as some are recovering, some may be succumbing -- the natural history of many diseases.

And, at the Truthout reference in the original post, you will see some text relating to a potential 'cure' to the illness.

Peace.

[merh]

18. What better way to counter the hate of this admin that to protest

their evil ways with a day of peace.

Thanks UL - it is a great idea. :hug:

[merh]

15. Count me in!

A day of peace, relaxation and giving! What a wonderful idea.

[troubleinwinter]

19. ... ready to ride.

And nominated!

[understandinglife]

20. FANTASTIC ICONS for the effort. Thank you so much!!! Please...

....spread them wherever you can and hopefully others will begin doing the same.

Peace.

[Radio_Lady]

26. Not sure I understand the legend of Kokopelli (sp) in this case!

He was the male flute player who was too ill or deformed to go to war with the men, so he stayed home to entertain the women and children.

What's the connection there? Or just artistic license?

I have been drawn to the symbol for years and not sure why. Oh, perhaps because I am a performer at heart!

[troubleinwinter]

30. Kokopelli

From the original post:

"There is a mythical figure here known as Kokopelli. He's the local version of the Pied Piper of Hamlin. He plays his flute and lesser beings follow him into a new reality."

[puebloknot]

36. Kokopelli

Hi.

I think a lot of ideas get projected onto that icon. A purist might not be able to embrace the idea, but it's purely intended as a symbol to usher in a new reality.

After reading what you wrote about this, I was thinking that Franklin Roosevelt was "crippled," but he sure had an impact on this country during his lifetime.

Thanks for your input.

[puebloknot]

52. More on Kokopelli, et al.

The "et al." is because Kokopelli is just one of a million symbols that could be used to promote our idea. Since you are a performer, I'll bet your bag of tricks is full of ideas.

Our whole idea, when UL and I first started discussing this idea, was that we didn't want to be seen as the folks in charge, but just to put forth an idea which we hoped would catch the imagination of others (it seems to be happening), and let people know that every individual can take this idea and run with it.

The strength of this is that there's no organization to answer to, no infighting among staff, no budget concerns, no need for permissions/permits.

Anyone can e-mail friends about this, write to local newspapers about the idea. You can "stage" your own production and use any icon you might like. The thing that has me laughing (and weeping) about this is that trying to stop it would be like trying to stop the sun from shining!

Cheers,

PK

[puebloknot]

35. Wonderful graphics!

Thank you so much for these perfect graphics. I have been rambling around in my head, trying to figure out how to do this, and when UL sent me an e-mail, telling me I was going to love what you had posted, I took a look right away.

What a nice surprise. This is perfect for the theme we are starting out with.

You made my day with this! Can't say thank you enough times.

[katinmn]

21. I'm in. A wonderful idea and something that I think will catch on

and grow.

Thank you.

[loudsue]

22. Brilliant! And non-life-threatening. Supporting the Vets, and the others

who have been "left behind" in this republican Armageddon.

Ya know? This is something that could happen across the globe, eventually, to finally get our message of peace and humanity to the multitudes. And a "What Would Jesus REALLY Do Day" in America, for the churches who haven't bought into the "Jesus shows his favor by making you rich" crowd. "What Would Jesus REALLY Do" is He would say "Mission NOT Accomplished".

Stay home from work, join together to honor "the least of us", and those who have been wounded or spent by their experiences on the battlefield.

:loveya: O8) What a wonderful, kind, loving, REBELLIOUS idea! O8) :loveya:


:kick::kick::kick:

[hiley]

23. absolutely genius !

understandinglife thanks for the pm and I am ready and willing. Missed this earlier so do have to finish reading everything though, was busy working on changing up my blog.
Happy to see Will Pitt, truthinwinter, merh and well ((everyone)) together on this and "We Grow in Numbers" .
I am for any realistic way out of Iraq and make George W sit up and hear the "people" .




come visit my blog sometime
http://rantsbyhiley.blogspot.com/

[marions ghost]

24. kick

this is an excellent idea. Reaches out to those directly affected by the war and also recharges those who are depressed and burdened by the herculean task of having to fight so hard for what are basic rights here at home, rights we were taught were guaranteed. With such a positive focus, others not so deeply involved as we may become inspired to participate, or at least to support the idea. Given the current police state tactics, it's no wonder that many are intimidated and won't turn out for protests, but if you give people a more positive agenda, who can object? And yet the bottom line message remains the same. We want something better, much better. Mission not accomplished, neither in Iraq nor at home. We are no longer prepared to put up with oppression at home. We will not fight dubious wars foisted on us by political persuasion. We are not putting up with government by and for Big Business. We won't accept the results of sham elections. We are not prepared to watch everything we care about be ground under by the forces of greed and selfishness.

Re-creation, creation of "new paths," more enlightened ways and means. A wake-up day. I can see it....

[merh]

25. kick

:kick:

[EFerrari]

27. So, will we get a thread in Activism? kick

[understandinglife]

33. Perhaps we can launch a thread in "Activism"....

....most effectively when Will publishes his essay. What I'm thinking is that we cross-post a portion of the essay as our first "Activism" forum thread.

What do you think? I PM'd Will with the idea.

And, I'm still hopeful that Skinner may elect to have either this post or Will's essay on the DU homepage.

Thank you.

[EFerrari]

55. I"ll keep checking back to see what you all decide. n/t

[seito]

29. I'm in

:thumbsup:

[puebloknot]

34. Saying hello

Thank you, UL, for making me aware of this forum. This is my first visit, and I am grateful for the energy of the responses to our mutual idea for change.

I'm sorry that I haven't been here in the thick of it over the last 24 hours, but I'll try to get acquainted and catch up.

[understandinglife]

37. Welcome to DU puebloknot!!! So wonderful to have you here....

....with us.

And thank you for your wit and wisdom and creativeness.

Peace.

[merh]

38. Giving your thread another kick!

:kick: and a great big :thumbsup:

[understandinglife]

40. Thank you merh for all your support!! (nt)

Peace.

[merh]

41. Why you are so welcome! I thank you and the others for beginning

this effort.

I am a firm believer that this is my nation and I will not sit silent and watch them destroy it. A lot of folks will just complain and moan and groan, but when it comes to taking part in their government or being pro-active, they shy away, believing they can do nothing. We must make our government know that they work for us. Every peaceful, active step we can take must be taken. Every telephone call, fax, email, petition makes a difference and what better way to oppose the war and the evil that consumes our nation than to quietly and peacefully reach out with love to those who served the nation and at the same time, reject the corporate greed that has a strangle hold on our leaders.

:grouphug:

[understandinglife]

42. ".....and what better way to oppose the war.....reach out with love..."

So very true, and your other comments are precisely the types of messages we can deliver by what we begin on 2 May 2005.

Peace

[puebloknot]

47. Thanks for the welcome, UL, and.....

.....out of a lot of chaotic thinking late yesterday, these thoughts have arisen:

1) Is there some protocol we need to be aware of in advance with regard to visiting VA hospitals? Do we need to get lists of which veterans are in a given hospital? Can we just show up at visiting hours, roam the hallways, and spread good will, or....will we be asked who it is we wish to visit?

Should the word get out (it will) that huge numbers of "Radical Relaxers" :) are about to descend on VA hospitals, might there be any problems?

2) If there is no VA hospital in our area, but we would like to visit families of Iraq vets, or visit the vets who are now at home, how do we find out this information. And how do we make arrangements like this tactfully?

Veterans' groups may be able to help with this.

3) Consider this scenario: We begin this process, do our bit to help people in need, and quickly see that the problem is well beyond what any of us can do individually (other than continuing to stay in touch as caring human beings).

I am remembering that right after the recent tsunami hit, there was a massive effort to collect funds for the victims of that event. I was in a Borders Bookstore one day, and there was a huge sign over the cash registers, showing how much of our purchase money Borders had contributed to this humanitarian undertaking. (Good PR for them, of course.)

Imagine shining the light on the fact that our veterans are dealing with their own "tsunami," and that our government is allowing them to languish without needed medical care, and without concern for their futures, or those of their children!

Collecting money for such a project is well beyond the "keep it simple" approach which we had in mind in starting this "R&R" project. However, I would think that we could, while relaxing, write a lot of letters to newspapers, and to the same corporate entities who were so concerned about the tsunami victims, and ask them to support our victims right here at home.

May 2 is only a few weeks away, and I think we would be wise to have our ducks all in a row with regard to our VA hospital visits.

Good to be amongst you!

[puebloknot]

48. Thanks for the welcome, UL, and.....

.... thank you for your warm support and your very practical suggestions for launching this process (not *project*, which might be finite, but *process* which is ongoing). Warm, fuzzy, humorous thoughts have value, but you are the one who conceived the idea to visit VA hospitals. Flowers at your feet for that!

Out of a lot of chaotic thinking late yesterday, these thoughts have arisen:

1) Is there some protocol we need to be aware of in advance with regard to visiting VA hospitals? Do we need to get lists of which veterans are in a given hospital? Can we just show up at visiting hours, roam the hallways, and spread good will, or....will we be asked who it is we wish to visit?

Should the word get out (it will) that huge numbers of "Radical Relaxers" :) are about to descend on VA hospitals, might there be any problems?

2) If there is no VA hospital in our area, but we would like to visit families of Iraq vets, or visit the vets who are now at home, how do we find out this information. And how do we make arrangements like this tactfully?

Veterans' groups may be able to help with this.

3) Consider this scenario: We begin this process, do our bit to help people in need, and quickly see that the problem is well beyond what any of us can do individually (other than continuing to stay in touch as caring human beings).

I am remembering that right after the recent tsunami hit, there was a massive effort to collect funds for the victims of that event. I was in a Borders Bookstore one day, and there was a huge sign over the cash registers, showing how much of our purchase money Borders had contributed to this humanitarian undertaking. (Good PR for them, of course.)

Imagine shining the light on the fact that our veterans are dealing with their own "tsunami," and that our government is allowing them to languish without needed medical care, and without concern for their futures, or those of their children!

Collecting money for such a project is well beyond the "keep it simple" approach which we had in mind in starting this "R&R" process. However, I would think that we could, while relaxing, write a lot of letters to newspapers, and to the same corporate entities who were so concerned about the tsunami victims, and ask them to support our victims right here at home.

Of course, the best help for our own, and the Iraqi people's own, is to put an end to this immoral war.

May 2 is only a few weeks away, and I think we would be wise to have our ducks all in a row with regard to our VA hospital visits.

Good to be amongst you!

[understandinglife]

56. Very thoughtful and thought provoking, as always.....

...and I'll post more of a detailed response sometime later today.

So glad to see you at DU!

Peace.

[understandinglife]

57. Some specifics, within the framework of an expanding network of...

....individuals being creative and motivating others to do likewise:

1. Contact families of veterans of the Bu$h's illegal war and explain that you'd like to visit the local VA with them and take a gift of homemade food, spend some time reading to one or a group of veterans in the hospital, .....

2. Contact staff whom you know work at the VA and spend time preparing something special that they can take to one or more of the veterans as well as share with their fellow staff members -- remember the folk working in VA hospitals are under severe pressure for all the reasons we know -- the nature of the injuries they are treating, cuts in supplies, cuts in service they can provide....they need our personal attention, as well......

3. Contact all the 'homeless services organizations' in your town and organize special meals and other types of activities for the homeless given that many of them are the forgotten veterans of Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq.....

4. Spend time writing personal letters, or making some form of art (any media) ... actions that deliver a message of real effort and send those to families of those who have lost loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq....

5. Meet with families who have lost loved ones in Bu$h's criminal war in Iraq and visit the cemetery with them or cut mow their lawn, plant some flowers in their yard, clean their house, change the oil on their car.....

6. Do # 5 for the families of those currently serving in the military, especially if they are family of those in-country in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Afghanistan, South Korea....

7......................you and your friends will think of many more.......

MOST IMPORTANTLY -- EXPEND YOUR TIME, YOUR PERSON-AL CAPITAL, ON THESE EFFORTS. What needs to be done is the taking of one's precious time and giving it to others; not donations of $$, only, but the creative, thoughtful, caring donation of one's time. As much as possible, this must be about what we give of ourselves and the time we take doing it -- on 2 May 2005, and sporadically, but frequently, thereafter.

Peace.

[puebloknot]

49. Help. Double posting

The software told me I couldn't post my first message, then posted both.

How do I delete messages?

[Nothing Without Hope]

39. Welcome puebloknot! I'm glad to see you in our community.

:hi:

[puebloknot]

44. Thanks for the welcome

I'm still trying to find my way around this huge site.

Every time I log on, I'm trailing a rope behind me so I can find my way out again!

[Nothing Without Hope]

60. Everyone feels the same when they first join - there's so much!

But what DU REALLY is, is a COMMUNITY, one of a very special kind. Unlike the real world, where differences in physical location, age, gender, health, degree of beauty, and ethnic background can slow down or even derail a real meeting of minds before it has a chance, here those things interfere much less. I consider DU a prototype of a new kind of community that, if it is allowed to spread and strengthen, has the potential to transform our real-world society in a very positive way. So when I look around all the areas of DU, I envision walking around a pleasant village full of interesting people who share some common goals with me but differ individually in all other ways. There's so much to learn and share!

You'll feel at home here soon, I'm betting. With understandinglife as your inroducer to DU, you've got a great head start!

I'm glad you've joined our community, puebloknot. Again, welcome!

[bettyellen]

43. kick..

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

45. Sign me up!

I'll participate, pass out flyers and tell everyone I know who agrees with this about the great idea! I like the idea of a National Strike actually..............

[davidthegnome]

46. I'm in

Wonderful, brilliant idea. I will get this out to my list. Perhaps I'll ask my Father (A PR director up here) to write an editorial regarding this idea in the morning paper. Also, I'd just like to say, I enjoy seeing the enthusiasm and energy in this thread, and am proud to be a DU'er.

[puebloknot]

51. A lot of us...

....have been ruminating about the idea of a national strike for some time. I think we have to be careful about our language, though (and if you knew me, you'd know that my personal preference is just to say it, no beating about the Bushes -- pun intended), because a lot of people are put off by the stridency of that phrase, or they're just afraid to be associated with something that could call down fire on their heads, so to speak. I think we all have some of those fears.

By just sitting down, as opposed to rising up, we can have the same effect, with a lot less stress. Remember, a rose by any other name is still a rose.

Hey, maybe the rose is another good symbol we could use for this, ahem, "brief pause in proceedings." (I work as an editor/trainer in the court reporting field, so that phrase just popped up.)

[RetroLounge]

50. Very nice idea

RL

[Theres-a]

54. Good stuff!

[dzika]

58. kick. n/t

[understandinglife]

59. Happy Spring. And, expect more on this issue in the next 24h.

Thank you and Peace.

[bear425]

61. Oh thank you, thank you for PMing me with this!

I am so in. My friends, family and I participated in the Not a Damn Dime Day, but that didn't get any news coverage that I know of. By adding the component of giving and helping veterans and their families, this effort will do so much more! Again, thanks!

Don't forget this wonderful quote:

A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

[understandinglife]

62. We will launch the endeavor on Wed, sometime after noon EST...

....expect posts in DU Activism & Events and we will have a website operational and more.

Thank you, all, for your support. Get ready!

Peace.

[EFerrari]

63. Let's think for a second.

Some of us are working to make May 2 happen. But we need your help.

We're putting up a site that will encourage and suggest actions, simple gestures we can make on May 2.

Do you remember watching Bu$h, his chickenhawk self in uniform prancing on the aircraft carrier?

On May 2, we will respond to that piece of theater by putting arms around our people. Not like the NeoCons pretend to do, but in REALITY.

If you have a suggestion, please post it. This action request will go far and wide. Give it your best shot.

Peace,
Beth

[EFerrari]

64. Kick and read!

[dzika]

65. Hey sfexpat, thanks for turning me on to this thread.

I'm in!

[EFerrari]

66. Thanks! We're not going away.

On edit: I'm just blown away by how much response there's been to this idea.

There will be a press release, a site launched, and all our networks activated.

Thank you, DU.

[EFerrari]

67. Stay tuned, folks. There's a site going up today or tommorrow

a press release and an all out BLITZ to make this happen.

How hard do we have to work to get everyone to relax for one day, on May 2? :)

MissionNotAccomplished!

B.

[understandinglife]

68. Take a peak folks....

....site is up: http://www.missionnotaccomplished.us/

More info soon.

Peace.

[Nothing Without Hope]

69. It's beautiful! I'll look forward to watching its development. n/t

[understandinglife]

70. Thank you Hope. And, expect more tomorrow. (nt)

Peace.