Why Code Pink Protests the Way They Do

[QueenOfCalifornia]

Dear DU,

A lot has been said about Code Pink today. People have made some accusations about the motivation of the women who dress in crazy clothes and make handmade signs and show up every time they believe that a big pile of BULLSHIT is about to be unleashed on the world by BULLSHIT ARTISTS. Today Code Pink showed up to protest and ask for the people representing the criminals of AIG to tell the bloody truth. They were there asking for the bonus money back. They were there to exercise their right to be seen and to be heard. When they were asked to relinquish their signs, they did.

The reason people here have a burning desire to burn the Code Pink women at the stake is because they make YOU feel uncomfortable because not a one of you would put your ass on the line the way they do.

Medea Benjamin and Anne Wright have traveled all over the planet trying to stop inhumanity. What have you done today to make a change? I typed on this message board. I did not fly to D.C. at my expense and dress like a 50 year old fairy to make sure that people would see my message. I applaud them for making an effort even if I do not agree with all of their methods.
Medea Benjamin and Ann Wright have been to Gaza TWICE. They are not grandstanding and they are not doing this shit to be in the spotlight. They do it because they see wrong things being done and they want it to stop. PERIOD.

I do not always agree with what Code Pink does. I am not a member of their organization because I wouldn't have the balls to dress in a pink tutu and a crown and big dumb glasses and sit right behind some asshat who is lying through his teeth:

17 months ago: WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 23: A member of Code Pink wears a pair of big glasses and a crown as Chairman of the 9/11 Commission, former New Jersey Gov. Thomas Kean (R), testifies during a hearing before the Senate (Select) Intelligence Committee October 23, 2007 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The hearing was to examine the pace of intelligence reform at the FBI.




Or to show up today to protest the fuckers who have picked our pockets, mugged us and left us wearing a barrel in the middle of the street:

[Howardx]

1. there are always people here

who try to discourage what works.

[petronius]

10. And plenty of people eager to encourage what doesn't work (nt)

[DireStrike]

105. Wait what?

What has worked?

I never weigh in on this issue because my opinion is too depressing. Bless their hearts for trying something, anything. I can see how desperately they want to make a change.

But they haven't. I can't think of anything that would work either. We are pretty fucked.

[BuyingThyme]

2. kcik

[cali]

3. oh, please. stow the dime store psychology.

Many 0f us have been arrested for protesting. Just because you don't have the guts, don't project. I happen to think that CP is ineffective, and sometimes counterproductive, but I certainly support their right to protest any way they wish.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

6. One for the team hey Cali?

You need to stow it once in a while.

I know these people personally. I'm not guessing. But you seem to be....

Like I said, I do not agree with everything they do but they sure as hell are not motivated by self aggrandizement.

[arcadian]

11. When were you arrested cali?

And the circumstances behind the arrest.

[Moochy]

32. Back in the Primary Flame Wars of 2003

The Magistrate had her locked her up overnight for being too disruptive.

[AlCzervik]

37. Back through the system with the riff raff again.

[proud2BlibKansan]

79. Yes I would like to know that too

[Subdivisions]

93. Looks like cali's quick on the "stow it" but slow on backing up her rhetoric.

I once spent a day with and around Medea B. and I think she's brilliant and she (and Code Pink) speaks for me in those hearings - which I cannot attend.

[proud2BlibKansan]

166. I have spent lots of time with Medea at Camp Casey and in DC and she never stops

I can't think of anyone who has her energy level. One Easter we spent the day on a walk delivering baskets to Bush's ranch. We got back to our hotel and I was exhausted but Medea was in her room decorating Easter eggs and writing songs. She is an absolutely amazing woman.

[EFerrari]

24. Keyboard Kommandos, Untie!

[Turbineguy]

4. They get out there.

That, I must admit, is more than I do.

[terisan]

5. Great Pics. nt

[Kahuna]

7. I think they are true patriots and also very adorable. Gotta love 'em.

:patriot:

[ogneopasno]

8. You don't know for what or how I may have put my ass on the line. It's possible to dislike Code Pink

without being someone who wants to "burn them at the stake." And frankly, I don't think it takes a whole lot of "balls" to dress up in a tutu and sit behind a liar.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

9. Haaaaa!

Sure you don't.

I have been in many a protest.

But they are in a whole other category. And yes, it takes a lot of balls to be arrested over and over.

[DinahMoeHum]

13. Why the Halloween costumes, then? Just curious.

Because there is a phenomenom call Law of Diminishing Returns; meaning that wearing those outfits is a novelty at first, but as you see it again and again and again, the act wears thin and the boos begin. Same thing with Ann Coulter and that skanky black cocktail dress of hers.

Why not just take over an office and conduct a sit-in, wearing executive business suits??

:shrug:

[Kitty Herder]

18. They dress that way in order to be noticed and to be easily identifiable.

You wouldn't even notice a woman in a business suit sitting in the senate and you wouldn't know she was part of Code Pink. What good would that do? If, however, that woman dresses silly, in pink, with huge glasses and a crown, you're for damn sure going to notice her and know which organization she's there with.

They have to make themselves and their messages as visible as possible. How hard is that to figure out?

[DinahMoeHum]

21. Please read the rest of my post to understand my point.

As I've said, the novelty starts to wear thin after a while, then people start tuning them out and not take them seriously anymore. Then what??

[Kitty Herder]

22. I understood your point.

I'm not sure you understood mine. Even if the novelty wears off, it still identifies them as Code Pink and draws the eye to them. You might be sick of their schtick, but your eye will be drawn to the unusual attire and bright pink despite yourself and you will know who they are.

Their message is one that those in power, be it congress, the media, or your average Joe on the street isn't going to take seriously no matter how they dress until the chorus of voices joining them becomes loud enough that it can't be ignored. It's not the clothing that makes people not take them seriously, it's unwillingness to hear their message. The clothing serves its purpose.

[DinahMoeHum]

28. The clothing does indeed serve its purpose, but only up to a point

After that, they will have to evolve their strategies and tactics, or risk being tuned out as irrelevant by their own allies.

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/07/17/code_pink/index.html

[EFerrari]

52. Code Pink has a huge network. And their costumes will always work

on the stuffed shirts they deal with on the Hill. It's brilliant, really.

[DinahMoeHum]

85. Yeah, they did such a great job ending the war in Iraq

:sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm:

[EFerrari]

88. Code Pink probably got more face time on the Hill than any other

grassroots group. And your hostility pretty much just proves the OPs point.

[Chorophyll]

103. What have YOU done to the end the war in Iraq lately? nt

[frylock]

128. posted three sarcasm thingys..

it's hard fucking work pissing and moaning.

[MadrasT]

185. LOLz

:rofl:

That was just funny.

:toast:

[create.peace]

139. hear, hear!

the code pink women (and men) may not always be as effective as they wish, but it is a matter of percentages, and whatever they do, i will always support them for the wonderful image of desiree's 'bloodied' hands held up to condi.

[tavalon]

177. Ending is a black and white, all or nothing concept

Do you think they had nothing to do with turning public opinion around on the subject? Remember a majority used to be for the Iraq Waqr (something I will never understand, but that's my perogative) now they are not. Code Pink had something, not everything to do with that. I marched, I screamed, I wrote, but nobody ever noticed my effort. They notice Code Pink, hate 'em, but they notice 'em.

Did you know that Nixon didn't drop the nuclear bomb on Vietnam because of the increasing crowds protesting the war. Those hippie kids may have thought they didn't make a damn bit of difference, but they did. And guess what? Those of us who post here, post at Kos, post at Buzzflash and so on make a difference too. We have provided the cover and the backbone for a few politicians and more than a few media members so that they would do their job. They hear us. They didn't for many years, but they do now. Have we stopped the Iraq war? No, but we've made a small difference, one that probably won't be recorded for a generation or two. Unlike Bush, we really will have to wait for the historians to write our legacy.

[KoKo]

101. Quote from author of article at end says Code Pink is Necessary...

(Last paragraph from Cintra Wilson's article in Salon you posted)

I was beginning to feel a bit like a big-mouth bass: Lured by a bright pink artificial fly, doing the hula on the surface. It struck me how necessary pink tiaras were in the informational black hole that enables the inscrutable machinations of Washington to move forward without public scrutiny. A successful movement depends on a media that will grant it public legitimacy. Without it, the peace movement is left to masochistic zealots like Benjamin and Murphy: They crash Congress every day and destroy their own dignity for just the tiniest effect -- a nearly inaudible yelp from the dust speck of peaceful Whoville.

I came away from the Code Pink house believing that guerrilla theater is more critical than ever. For activists, Benjamin and Murphy represent the thin pink line separating the American peace movement from muteness, invisibility and depression unto disbandment. "We are committed to being a direct action movement," said Benjamin. "We shed light through theater, through disruptions. We're going to keep doing that as long as it serves."

Code Pink may have lost a little heart, temporarily, but the ladies haven't lost their way, or their flair: I was touched that Benjamin went out of her way to compliment my fishnet stockings.

[omega minimo]

60. They send a message with just a COLOR like the Ukraine people did with orange

:thumbsup: where millions were willing to turn out in the streets when THEIR ELECTION WAS STOLEN SHORTLY BEFORE WE SNOOZED THROUGH OURS.

(not yelling at KH) :hi:


Why are people such damn PRUDES?

[EFerrari]

63. And who doesn't love a pink Statue of Liberty?

lol

:hi:

[omega minimo]

67. !

Pink Power :yourock:

[proud2BlibKansan]

82. Or the pink police!

[tavalon]

179. And the white shirts of the immigrants here in America

Yes, people also noticed because they are scared of the brown people but the pictures were riveting because of the sea of white shirts as well. The brown people know more about protest effectiveness than we do ("we" being a slippery word as my kiddo is half brown and cute as a button, not scary at all, honest!).

[omega minimo]

192. Great Post!! "cute as a button, not scary at all, honest!"

:spray: :hi:

A sea of white, a sea of pink, a sea of solidarity.

The "brown" people were supposed to scare us here in CA in early 90's with Prop 187 re: illegal immigration....... WHILE DC WAS APPROVING NAFTA TO SEND JOBS TO CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like we wouldn't notice that!!! (A lot of people didn't)

Any way... here's to your son and whatever his favorite color/s is. :yourock:

[omega minimo]

58. Then the people "tuning them out" start choking on their own constipated hypocrisy

:hi:

[QueenOfCalifornia]

41. yep...

I will say no more... you said it for me.

[progressoid]

31. Law of Diminishing Returns

I'd have to agree with that. It initially made an impact but has become a parody of itself.

Reminds me of...
http://douglaslibrarycanaan.org/resources/Red+Hat+for+post+sized.jpg



And now I have to find something to get that Zappa song out of my brain.

[omega minimo]

61. Wow that's really fucking sexist, isn't it

[progressoid]

83. Yes.

If by sexist, you mean choosing clothing as a symbol for ones identity.

pink clothes, red hats, bow ties,

[omega minimo]

109. Law of Diminishing Perceptions

[BlancheSplanchnik]

145. I think what rankles progressoid and other knee jerk CP haters is...

They're not beauty queens or sex kittens

http://douglaslibrarycanaan.org/resources/Red+Hat+for+post+sized.jpg


We are so saturated with imagery of hot babes....

And conversely, we are so sheltered from imagery of "average" and "older" women, and so inoculated with Limbaughesque ideas such as only visually appealing women deserve *ahem* "respect", that many are unable to see the hostility of such attitudes. We turn away with hastily repressed feelings of revulsion; disgust at unappetizing women is such a cultural joke, yet we must not consciously admit to internalizing the belief.
(by the way, good ol' Cyst Butt didn't invent this attitude. He's just boorish enough to publicly support it.)

So what, some may say? We lose the ability to interact or even perceive any woman who doesn't fit the narrow definition of how women ought to exist. Not to mention the effects on the woman who exists outside of the (nearly universal) adulation of female beauty.

Thanks omega for a very powerful visual comment on the imbalance.

[EFerrari]

151. That's probably right. Nothing to consume with your hind brain.

lol

[omega minimo]

165. "hind brain"

:rofl:



or your "front lizard brain" :spray:

[omega minimo]

163. Interesting comment on a thread about the term "feminized men"

"So what, some may say? We lose the ability to interact or even perceive any woman who doesn't fit the narrow definition of how women ought to exist. Not to mention the effects on the woman who exists outside of the (nearly universal) adulation of female beauty."

Absolutely. Well put and thank you. "Hot" and generic and dressed like 70's hookers in flimsy, cheap lookin crap. Hey, nothin against dressing like hookers but cheesy fashion is just cheesy.

Anyone notice how the women are trained by TV to talk now? Like little girls or Paris Hilton -- breathless and gurgling and sounding like they have a throat disease. (No offense to those who actually do). It's totally affected, it's infected generations of women and even worse than restrictive fashion and imagery IT'S THEIR OWN VOICES THEY ARE LOSING TO FIT IN AND NOT THREATEN THE STATUS QUO.

As for the images, thanks for your comments. Because it's "normal" people don't think of it as sending messages visually which is EXACLTY why code pink does what they do and why zen masters do what they do -- to bring people to the moment, to attention, to reality.

Long live the jesters and people with a sense of humor.

And WOMEN, STOP STRANGLING YOUR VOICE IN YOUR THROAT/NOSE/HEAD. COME FROM THE GUT, USE YOUR DIAPHRAGM AND TAKE BACK YOUR VOICES!!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

204. I call 'em Whiny Muffies.

I saw the lady who voices Lois Griffin on Keith Olbermann's show once.

She demonstrated Lois' voice: Clenches her teeth, gets nasal, and swallows the sound.

They are everywhere.

[omega minimo]

205. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Are we the only ones who've noticed? It's sounds like quacking or honking to me, like The Penguin. :scared:


Whiny Muffies :rofl:

I call them Get Away From Me. :yoiks:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

214. I notice, where I work

it's a college, and too many young women dressing like their tv and movie role models... like they're out at the night club. I see women in these shows playing roles as Professionals (Detectives, M.D.'s, nuclear scientists, and so forth) wearing skintight tops with their tits falling out..and lo! and behold! Classes are full of girls showing up to give class presentations dressed the same way.

hrmm, about voices..I do notice women actors doing the raised pitch at the end of every sentence. What should be a declarative sounds like weak approval seeking questions. I don't like it.

:hi:

[Chorophyll]

107. By your logic, gay activitists should retire the rainbow flag

and the pink triangle. Why don't you go over to the Lesbian and Gay forum and suggest that?

[Runcible Spoon]

195. NO. Please..we got that one out of the GLBT forum once.

Don't make us run it off again.

[Chorophyll]

212. Oh shoot. Sorry!

I hope it didn't take my suggestion.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

171. While I agree that being funny doesn't always work to get a serious message across....

I also admire Code Pink for its bravery. They're brave!!!

[QueenOfCalifornia]

44. These women

do what they do so I do not have to.

They don't want to wear that SHIT. They do it because it is noticed and they want to be noticed. Not because they want Elvis fame. They want the war in Iraq to end. They want to get out of Afghanistan. They want to stop Apartheid in Palestine. They want Islam to stop torturing women. They want politicians to stop lying. They want unions and social rights here in this country to succeed.

[G_j]

53. V

consider the masks, or the basic idea that a symbol..a color.. becomes a sign of discontent and resistance, and a threat in the eyes of fascists, dictators. and authoritarian types in general.




just a thought...

[Lucky Luciano]

112. haha...that was why I liked those Billionaires for Bush protestors

They were pretty funny!

[omega minimo]

193. That was brilliant. n/t

[peace13]

114. Ahhh 'just' take over an office?

I am sure the legal ramifications of those actions are far worse than wearing a pink slip with words on it. Maybe your group should take over an office and see how that works for you. FGS these people are actually doing something that causes no harm and gets the message across. Can you say the same? As for me, I have been to DC to demonstrate and we demonstrate locally twice a week to keep the wars in the face of the community. My attire is not pink, but I doubt you would approve.

[tavalon]

174. Because they are noticed

I have said over and over that the protests that get noticed are the ones where most are dressed in the same color. Remember the sea of white from the immigrant protests? Pink is noticed.

[Marrah_G]

80. Lots of us have been to protests.

So you think Code Pink is great. Good for you.

Some people think they hurt more then help. Good for them.

Your scolding them for not thinking like you and making accusations without basis just makes you a great big target for ridicule.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

148. Ovaries, you mean!

:)

not flaming...

just introducing a new meme

:hi:

[newtothegame]

97. Please see my post above..

Like it takes a lot of balls for Jon Stewart to do what he's being worshipped for on DU daily?

[ogneopasno]

100. I think people "worship" other people on some pretty thin reasoning.

But I was talking about Code Pink, not Jon Stewart.

[arcadian]

12. There seems to be a progression here on DU.

Or regression I should say. Cindy and Code Pink were darlings of DU back in the dark days of the Bush regime. Then Cindy fell out of favor, but Code Pink was still cool(as long as they simmered down). Now Code Pink is out of favor. It's a small but vocal few on DU, but they are extremely vocal. They wouldn't have dared voiced this shit back during the summer of 2005. Their posts would have been dog piled.

[SoCalDem]

56. DU = Dogpiles Unlimited (these days)

no matter what one says, there is always someone up and someone always ready to play the devil's advocate..

I guess we were a more cohesive group, once upon a time..

2001-2003...... energetic toddler DU
2004-2006 ......curious adolescent DU
2007-current.... angry, obnoxious teenager DU

[EFerrari]

113. Outbreak of the Uglies lately, that's for sure. n/t

[burythehatchet]

14. Highly recommended.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

42. Thank you.

I am not carrying the water for Code Pink. Just an observer. I have protested and have seen a lot of shit.

I understand that this group of women get under the skin of so many. They are what they are.

BUT they are sincere and they walk the walk.

[Uzybone]

15. Good for them

I hope someday they'll make a difference

[creeksneakers2]

16. They are OK with me

so long as they don't interrupt. There isn't anything heroic about forcing people to listen a message that they don't want to hear. If Code Pink thinks they are the only ones who can be right, then reason that their message must be heard no matter what, I see nothing but arrogance. If they have something worth saying, they can go the normal route everybody else does. Intrusion shows the speaker has doubt in what he's saying and in the people who may listen.

Don't knock the people who chat on the web, send complaint E-mails, donate a few bucks when they get the chance, and bring information to the debate. A single person might not be that powerful but is one of many. Far more good has come from the web than Code Pink.

If somebody has an important revelation here on the net they have a good chance of being listened to. One person tells another, and a great idea can go viral quickly.

[Kitty Herder]

20. "There isn't anything heroic about forcing people to listen to a message they don't want to hear." ?

I take it you don't agree with protesting? Ever? With writing to your congress critters? (Mine sure as hell don't want to hear what I have to say, but it doesn't stop me.) With unions going on strike to have their demands heard?

Democracy can't function without voices forcing us to listen to unpleasant truths we don't want to hear, without people speaking truth to power.

[creeksneakers2]

35. Protesting is fine

An idea is expressed and people can take it or leave it. What about pro-life advocates blocking abortion clinics though? Is that right? Would it be OK for Freepers to hack into DU and shut it down if they feel sure their message is the one everybody ought to be following?

Congressmen expect to receive mail and like getting it. Even the angry letters give them a chance to respond and alerts them to potential problems.

Unions picket but aren't allowed to block off the employer.

There's a pattern here.

You seem pretty confident that what you are putting out is the "truth." Its really just your opinion of what the truth is. What is true is for all of us to decide together. The "truth" doesn't belong to some sanctimonius mob who doesn't want to compete with the views of others.

[omega minimo]

65. ?"The "truth" doesn't belong to some sanctimonius mob...."

"There isn't anything heroic about forcing people to listen a message that they don't want to hear."

Yeah tell it to Rosa Parks, John Lennon, MLK, Nelson Mandela.............................................. the nation's Founders..........................






"The "truth" doesn't belong to some sanctimonius mob who doesn't want to compete with the views of others."

Truthiness belongs to the sanctimonious moochers who want to sneer at the people doing the real PERSONAL work of democracy.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

72. Your comparisons are

a bit off the mark.

[readmoreoften]

73. Which fucking side are you on?

You think that unions not being able to organize to block entrances is a GOOD thing? You think that supporting the bullshit war is just some opinion? Tell that to the piles of dead folks. What the hell good is all that sanctimonious polite speech and "expression of one's opinion"? How do you think change happens? Electing nice public officials?

Segregation was not ended by the voting booth. Labor rights didn't happen in the voting booths. Gay rights MOST CERTAINLY never happened in the voting booth. And obviously this war isn't ending in the voting booth. That means speech has to move from rational argumentation to interruption.

Life is unpleasant. Get over it. Your latte might be interrupted by a labor strike or someone trying to end the war.

[alstephenson]

26. As long as they don't "interrupt" what???

I don't get it - these gals have been doing the heavy lifting for years now. The "normal route"? What the hell is that? "Intrusion"? Why does mild civil disobedience make you so uncomfortable?

[readmoreoften]

74. Business.

As long as they don't interrupt "business" as usual.

[newtothegame]

99. Why do we worship Jon Stewart then?

There ain't much heroic about decimating people with words if you have an audience 20 ft away that you know will laugh hysterically every time you look sideways, let alone at your every utterance. Not much of a challenge there.

[LiberalLovinLug]

133. Jon IS a hero. But I do not worship him

But why are you bringing Jon Stewart into the conversation?
I understand you are trying to refute that inane comment by creeksneakers2 that "there isn't anything heroic about forcing people to listen a message that they don't want to hear" (tell that to the woman below), but to defend it by trying to equate what Code Pink does with what Jon Stewart does and deciding that Jon's job takes no courage to perform, so by comparison, Code Pink must be one brave bunch of gals, is pointless.

Firstly, who knows how much courage it takes to face a live audience, albeit a friendly one, and a national TV audience every night. Also look at what he just did with Jim Cramer. I think it takes a good pair of cohones to take on CNBC. Also I'll bet you that Jon has gotten his share of death threats by wingnuts who hate him. So I don't think you can be the judge of how 'heroic' he is.

I think it's apples and oranges. They both do their bit from way different angles. Both are heroic.

Perhaps your comparison would have better served if you had compared Jon's audience members to Code Pink. It's easy to sit and laugh at Repukes, but to actually garb yourself in ridiculous clothing and risk arrest and public humiliation for the sake of truth and justice is something else.

Personally I say more Pink Power! I think some of their protests are lost because the MSM dismisses them off hand every time. But others can hit homeruns. This image will be forever imprinted in MY brain, and will go down in history as a great piece of political theater and also photographic journalism.

[mikelgb]

155. best part of that pic is the cap police officer DOING NOTHING in the bottom corner

well maybe not the best part

but oft overlooked

[JDPriestly]

17. I love to watch Code Pink, but I wouldn't want to do what they do.

They "protest" without being overly aggressive. They don't endanger anyone. But they get attention with their craziness.

Code Pink is safe protest.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

19. They're troublemaing non-conformists who scare the bosses.

Which is exactly what citizens in a democracy are supposed to do.

[OutNow]

23. OK, stop bashing Colonel Wright

I am extremely proud to have worked with Colonel Ann Wright at Camp Casey in Crawford Texas. I also was part of the group that included both Colonel Wright and Cindy Sheehan and 400 hundred others that were arrested at the White House in September 2005 (I was working event security and did not get arrested). It was wonderful to see Colonel Wright again last July at the Oregon Country Fair when she spoke about and introduced members of Iraq Veterans Against the War.

It really pisses me off to see Democrats bash people like Colonel Wright and others in Code Pink. Yes, we should just put those all greedy Wall Street bastards in jail. Given that's not going to happen right now, I support any form of protest or demonstration that expresses my outrage.

Right on Colonel Wright!
Right on Code Pink!

[mahina]

29. Ann Wright is a true patriot, as are Medea and the other pinkers.

Pinker here.

Go Code Pink.

You all should have seen our protest at Ft. Shafter to support women soldiers. So many military women supported us, honked, thumbs up, and cheered.

CP rocks. Dissers: what. evas.

[Mike 03]

25. The reason Code Pink embarrassed me today (and I've never posted about Code Pink before

in my life) is because today they obviously had no fucking clue in the world what was going on with AIG, who was responsible, or what the issues at stake were.

It was really a shameful clownshow. I was really saddened by how far they have fallen to becoming caricatures and clowns.


They looked like a bunch of restless or lonely homebodies who had nothing else to do but come out and wave signs for someone to be fired who was brought in on their own behalf to try to set things straight.

That is called ignorance, not courage.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

47. Boo hoo

I know for a fact you are WRONG.

But then again... I am not an expert. Perhaps you should ask them?

[EFerrari]

50. So, basically, you're embarrassed by strangers to whom you assign

your own projections. Hooboy.

There are no dummies in Code Pink. I've sat in meetings with them and they could eat most people's lunch in a heartbeat.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

51. !

Bravo!

[EFerrari]

55. A picture of our helicopter that I took at the second to last Beach Impeach

I think I was in "C" that time. :hi:

[omega minimo]

64. I'm sure Kevin Danaher married Medea cuz she's so purty

:sarcasm: :think: I haven't heard Medea speak but their work in common on global justice, KD spoke on the radio and was one of the most lucid, informed, calm. progressive, reasonable voices I've ever heard.

[omega minimo]

57. What makes you claim they "obviously had no fucking clue in the world what was going on with AIG"

"It was really a shameful clownshow. I was really saddened by how far they have fallen to becoming caricatures and clowns."

Their presence monkeywrenches the clownshow that is the suits getting away with selling out the rest of us.

You gotta problem with that?

[Binka]

77. Clowns? Caricatures? Restless Homebodies?

Looking in the mirror Dr. Mike 03? But But But Mr. CEO of AIG was there to set things straight! Hey dude when the master is sad do you cry too?

Stop prattling on with your bullshit about ignorance and courage, you have displayed much of the first and know NOTHING of the latter.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

153. You out yourself: "a bunch of restless or lonely homebodies"

in other words, you're uncomfortable with un-hot-bodied older women who call attention to themselves, and leave their appropriate domestic sphere.

Naughty them for thrusting their progressive intellects, or *gasp*, bulgy bodies inyerface.

Thrusting shall be the sole prerogative of them what has balls.

Go CODE PINK> YOU"VE GOT OVARIES!!

[endarkenment]

159. Downright unladylike I say.

:sarcasm:

[Chorophyll]

169. Yeah. Those "restless homebodies" should stick to their bridge clubs

and church socials. :sarcasm:

One wonders what the DU reaction would be if the Code Pink women were all under 25 and protesting in the nude.

[AlCzervik]

27. i like them, they do a lot of stuff that's never covered, they've helped people out.

anyhow they're out there way more than i am and i appreciate it.

[KG]

30. some at DU claim to want change, as long as they don't miss their cooking shows.

they want to be part of the revolution, but can't find a place to park their SUVs. i mean they voted for obama, what the fuck more could you possibly want?

[readmoreoften]

76. I'd rec your post if I could.

I want change, so long as it only entails voting. If I don't get change, I'll just call it change anyway. Minor alterations in extreme right wing agendas are good enough for me! :sarcasm:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

129. Oh yes, I know the type

"I voted for Obama, but what I really care about is who gets voted off the island in Survivor, so get out of my face, Code Pink."

[flvegan]

33. They remind me at times of protest of a certain animal rights group

that's also well-hated here on DU.

[arcadian]

39. Same here, I don't mind that certain other animal rights group.

We need people to shake things up a bit, god knows the entire country can't be a bunch of mindless, conformist, zombies. ...or can they? Two frakin' groups, few hundred people tops, that do things unconventionally and people are out with the pitchforks.

[flvegan]

40. I love them both.

Don't always agree with either one, but I recognize talent in regards to achieving a goal.

[arcadian]

87. I should have added,

"Two frakin' groups, few hundred people tops, that do things unconventionally and people are out with the pitchforks." - They must be doing it right.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

45. One of my friends

is a Code Pinker and a member of PETA.

She is also an old broad who is a Civil War buff and who voted for Obama. She is a hoot. I think she is a bit over the top with her dog but I also think she is welcome at my house any time. She has earned her right to be who she is. If she reads this, she knows who she is... :hi:

I do not belong to PETA. I do not belong to Code Pink. I disagree with some of what each group says but I also see they have a vital function. PETA is not off base when they want to stop animals from being mistreated in farming situations, I agree with this. I will not ever be a vegetarian again, it sucked. (I do not want to turn this into a PETA thread.) I do not see any point to an illegal war. In fact, war in general is so fucking stupid I can't say enough about how much I hate it.

I just do not see how people who say they are anti war and anti political BS can hate Code Pink.

:shrug:

[flvegan]

49. Agreed.

Common ground is a nice thing, yes?

I think so.

[EFerrari]

62. I'd eat rocks for Code Pink. The awesomeness of themselves.

Once I was walked toward Market St after an appointment and they were doing something on the steps of City Hall. I just walked up and requested something pink to wear and someone gave me a sash. Don't even remember what the issue was. But, they're great, braver than I am most of the time. :)

[omega minimo]

I went to their corner table after an indoor rally when the hall was mostly cleared out

A man came from the hallway into the doorway. Started to pass me and I stopped him to talk.

That's how I met Sean Penn. :bounce: Earlier he'd been surrounded by cameras and no one could get near him.

[EFerrari]

68. Very cool. I met Medea at the kick off of Chris Daly's last campaign.

We talked about Andy a little and then there was dancing. :)

[arcadian]

144. Here I am with some Code Pinkers

July 4th Bush spoke at Monticello. Im' in the middle with my fist raised.

[EFerrari]

156. I remember that event. You guys were GREAT.

:yourock:

[kas125]

189. I know several of those people. The one second from the left

holding the peace sign is someone I love dearly.

[petronius]

91. I thought of that group as well, and I was going to suggest that CP hire that

particular organization to get some pointers, because even though there are some similarities I don't think CP is in the same ballpark.

I feel pretty confident that the response to the animal group is mostly :wtf: with a small proportion of "hmm, I'll think about that", whereas I'm pretty certain that the response to CP from outside their base is near 100% "ooh, crazy people (save the children!)"

In other words, I doubt that CP has a measurable impact outside people who already agree with them, while that animal bunch probably reaches a small but measurable batch of the outside world...

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

34. I love Code Pink!!! Always have, always will!!!

IF ONLY "I" had the courage to engage the way they have and do over the last decade.

At least, I got to live THROUGH their courage and I embrace that entire community of women, FOR THAT!!!

(((HUG)))) to those CODE PINK WARRIORS!!!!

[debbierlus]

36. Code Pink RULES

[specimenfred1984]

38. Well said!

K&R and I fully support Code Pink!

[Lost in CT]

43. I agree with the Daily Shows take on Code Pink.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=163653&title=marines-in-berkeley

Code Pink starts at about 2:30....

[EFerrari]

66. I marched with them from the marina to that recruiting station

and we got thumbs up and honks and cheers the whole way. :)

[G_j]

69. was there there anyone else marching in front of the recruiting station?

I didn't think so..

they stayed home and got embarrassed about those crazy women.

[EFerrari]

70. Look at the pix in the OP again.

He looks scared, doesn't he? The pink works, I'd say. :)

[G_j]

71. I love it

now there's something he might not have rehearsed for.
:rofl:

[omega minimo]

46. PRANKSTERS RULE, DINOS ARE FOOLS

:kick:

[G_j]

48. a few who know me, know that I support Code Pink!

these people are courageous and dedicated to the very best and worthy ideals.
they stand at the edge and shout, so that those in the muddle can feel permission to make small steps.
who, for instance, stood behind Rumsfeld with anti war signs? who chased these people down and confronted them in public, in front of cameras? who got arrested? in all honesty, I have a very hard time with people who passionately attack CP. I certainly don't come here to call people cowards, but it seems any time somebody sticks their head up, a multitude tell them to get it back down.
Code Pink will have my gratitude forever!

[QueenOfCalifornia]

54. Margaritas

at my house!

[G_j]

59. at some point in history

somebody will scratch their head and ask, why, in the face of the most injurious crimes, didn't MORE people raise democratic hell, and confront the criminals? what were they doing?


:fistbump:
I love Margaritas!

[QueenOfCalifornia]

75. I heart you

I agree and come to San Diego for a drink.

[rucognizant]

111. You

should be serving "pink ladies" cocktail, not the protest group!
I think they are fabulous. Yes they a have been arrested, but they know just how far to push it, and use humor to sweeten the pill while making a statement, so mostly they are allowed to stay!!

[Marrah_G]

78. Yeah- if people disagree with them on something it must be because they are jealous...........

:eyes:

Some of the things they do I think are great, other things, not so great.

Same way I feel about Pita.

Same way I feel about alot of groups.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

90. First it is

PETA -

Pita is a type of bread.

Nobody said or mentioned the word "jealous" except for you.

Roll your eyes someplace else because you made no sense.

(p.s. I do not dislike you but your post was sort of strange.)

[Marrah_G]

94. The bold writing in your post was what I was commenting on.

It smacked of a high school girl saying " they all hate me because they are just jealous of how perfect I am".

Yes, I realize it is Peta. I often forget to proof-read my posts and I'm okay with making an occasional mistake.

I woften roll my eyes, especially when I see posts making assumptions about people that just are not true.

Not everything is black or white, the world is full of shades of grey.

I often disagree with things Code Pink does even though I also admire the courage of their conviction.

[acmavm]

81. Good good good for you. These women were our TROOPS when

we needed foot soldiers to go out and FACE THE ENEMY AND CALL THEM ON THEIR TACTICS, LIES, WARS, AND CRIMES.

Code Pink is STILL pushing for the truth and our own little arm chair warriors are pitching a fit because they can't stand to see any criticism of Obama or any of his cabinet. So, being very short on integrity and loyalty, they throw one of this country's best and bravest organizations under the bus.

[Echo In Light]

84. Code Pink kicks far more ass (and for the right reasons) than any of their detractors do

[Marie26]

86. Kudos to Code Pink

It does take guts & it definitely brightens up a boring hearing!

[Individualist]

89. I love the patriotic Code Pink

but as you can see by some of the posts, DLC supporters detest them.

[snooper2]

92. bad usage "and make handmade signs"

I would have said, "and bring handmade signs".....


:evilgrin:

[newtothegame]

95. What I find fascinating is the marginalization of Code Pink and CS and the idolizing of John Stewart

and the Dixie Chicks.

Not that I didn't/don't agree wholeheartedly with what the Dixie Chicks said a few years ago, but where was the challenege? They were worshipped as heroes here who stood up against the man; what man? exactly They said it overseas, to a stadium they knew would cheer when they said it. How hard is that?

I feel the same way about John Stewart. People comparing him to Cronkite and Ed Murrows is a JOKE. How hard is it to "slaughter," "hammer," "decimate," and whatever other verbs people have come up with for what he does to people, when you have an audience in front of you that literally laughs hysterically when you look at the camera, let alone when you talk.

Code Pink, Cindy Sheehan, etc are not around friendlies, do not have cheering crowds or loyal watchers literally peeing their pants before they've even heard what you're going to say. They go to the ENEMY and speak the truth, and it's brutal. And yet they still say it; it's a lot harder to do it when you're not being cheered, congratulated, and worshipped for it.

[noiretextatique]

117. excellent post...i agree

"They go to the ENEMY and speak the truth, and it's brutal. And yet they still say it; it's a lot harder to do it when you're not being cheered, congratulated, and worshipped for it."
by newtothegame
:fistbump:

code pink speaks for me.

[Dreamer Tatum]

167. That is some heavy thinking. Well conceived.

I don't like Code Pink at all, but your point is very well taken.

[No.23]

96. I support anyone who seeks to discomfort...

the comforted status quo.

They deserve to be discomforted.

[mimitabby]

98. that second photo is fantastic

I have always been pleased and proud at what they do.

[EFerrari]

106. I love it, too. LOL! And Medea is about 5'3" or so.

:)

[kas125]

190. I doubt that she's even five feet tall. I'm 5'3" and she is TINY next to me.

[Chorophyll]

102. K&R

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but some people (of both genders) just don't like mature women who refuse to be invisible and keep their traps shut.

I sure don't have the gonads to travel to Gaza. I applaud anyone who does. Code Pink is visible and they never once let themselves be intimidated or beaten down by Bushco. And they're still going. Good on 'em.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

bingo!

;) :thumbsup:

my rants exactly!

[asdjrocky]

104. Love me some Code Pink.

Don't agree with everything, but I love those ladies and I admire their grit.

[cynatnite]

108. Code Pink look like idiots sometimes and I don't always agree with their tactics...

I do applaud them exercising their right to protest and they should keep it up.

[unhappycamper]

110. I love Code Pink.

I love marching, protesting and getting arrested with them.

[enki23]

115. i don't want code pink to represent my issues...

for the same reason, and to nearly the same extent, that i don't want someone in a clown suit to operate on my child. code pink protesters dress up like fools who don't take themselves, or the issues they care about seriously..

i really, really wish that so many of the bright, committed people who so often are on my side of the issues would take these things more seriously. it's not a damned game, to most of us. i'm sad, and ashamed to see that many of our self-appointed spokespeople so obviously think it is.

i'd be thrilled to have them on the other side.

[EFerrari]

116. Code Pink was in Gaza on International Women's Day. Where were you?

Not taking yourself too seriously is not the same as not taking your work seriously.

[enki23]

118. i was at a free thinkers meeting on darwin day. where was code pink? got any more non sequiturs?

their appearance *is* their work. and they don't take it seriously.

[EFerrari]

119. There you go. And their appearance has been analyzed on this thread

in depth. Either you didn't read it or you don't understand it. Even money, I'd say.

[enki23]

120. clearly, you *do* have more non sequiturs.

"their appearance has been analyzed..." well shit, then i suppose it's all decided then. there's no longer any disagreement among thinking people. code pink's appearance "has been analyzed". and that's that.

or maybe not. their appearance is analyzed by every single person who sees them. what they, and their supporters *wish* their appearance means, and what it *actually* means to those who see them are not the same thing. much to the dismay of anyone who a) gives a damn. and b) doesn't suffer from severe rectocephaly.

[EFerrari]

121. Since you don't understand the commitment it takes to go to Gaza

when not even our State Department staff will go there, it's likely that the rest of the discussion goes right over your head as well.

[omega minimo]

122. "rectocephaly"

Wow. With that nasty rejoinder, I'm gonna quit guessing and just assume you are too young/disengaged to experience active playful EFFECTIVE protest and/or pranks.

Effective why? B/C in a state such as we are in, so absurd, so Orwellian, so Dittoheaded (the whole culture toxified by his lies), shuddering in a huddle wondering where we went wrong going along with Greed Is Good for 3 decades, after 2 blatantly stolen elections, with a culpable megamedia empire... that clear messages delivered with colorful zaniness may be the ONLY thing to cut through the chatter and denial.

"Taking things seriously" is often the problem. We can play the game on their terms, put on the correct costume, jump through the hoops, speak the lingo and be shot down b/c it IS a game and the game is rigged.

Look at Arnold Schwarzenegger in his bloody green tie, pretending to be environmental, greenwashing himself while holding the state hostage, gutting the economy to benefit business, undercutting workers and the people of Kollyfonea. THAT'S a prank. Gotta love the green tie.

See also:
Comfortably Numb
Billionaires For Bush
Ladies Against Women
The Backbone Project
Punk Rock
Oscar Wilde
Court Jesters

[BlancheSplanchnik]

168. the Court Jester has historic precedent, and the status you seem to require.

When reason and dialogue are repressed, dissent's best chance is non-verbal.

[GrannyK]

132. While I don't always agree with

some of the things CP does, I have to speak up for their courage to stand witness to the powers that be.
Their courage to go into the belly of the beast, look the "bosses" in the eye and shine light on an issue that most American's are not even aware of, is an invaluable tool in a democratic republic. We should have more groups like Code Pink.
One of the main reasons for their outrageous appearance is so that the "signs" they hold will be noticed. They are being outrageous in the face of outrageous actions by our corrupt government and the corporations they are beholden to.
I know most of the leaders of this group and I have respect for their profound intelligence.
Col. Ann Wright is a true patriot and I personally hold her in high regard.

[G_j]

123. don't know what 'your' issues are

and if CP ever meant to represent them.
:shrug:

a lot of us think they do represent 'our' issues.

[alstephenson]

124. I assure you that WAR is not a damned game to CODE PINK.

And they are not operating on children, they are exercising their right to protest against WAR.

[Dukkha]

125. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to have you on the other side.

Nothing proliferates evil more than silent complacency.

[Forkboy]

127. There's something sad and shameful here. It's not Code Pink.

[enki23]

209. whew. now there's a hornet's nest like i haven't seen in a while

here are the major arguments for why the criticisms i'm proposing are wrong.

a) i'm a poopyhead
cute, and fair enough, though neither true nor related to the topic. assuming i am a poopyhead, i could be a wrong poopyhead, or a right poopyhead. this is a great non sequitur, of the sort commonly referred to as an ad hominem argument. i've nothing against calling people poopyheads. i really don't. but i don't think it's an actual argument either.

b) they're political theatre intended to mock... something
only, they aren't. let's use billionaires for bush as an example. leaving aside the question of how effective billionaires for bush might have been, they weren't associating the absurdity with *their own causes*. billionaires for bush said "look, we're ridiculous assholes, and we are bush voters". we all knew it was a joke, but at least it was a good joke. code pink says "look, we're ridiculous, and we like <insert cause>. who is the joke on then?
this thing is like that thing, and that thing is good, therefore you should think this thing is good i reject the first premise, to start. code pink is different from "effective" satire in that it only lampoons itself. satire purports to come from the perspective of its opposition. a modest proposal is satire. hiring a clown to address african AIDS in full makeup, on the other hand, is not satire. it would just be confused, and probably insulting to the people he would claim to represent. code pink is a whole lot more like that clown than like jon swift. but even if that were reversed, the question of their efficacy would still remain.

c) what have *you* done?
because, of course, going to protests (or claiming kinship with someone who does) makes one an unassailable authority on the effectiveness thereof. in the same manner, working very, very hard to shore up a new orleans levy with a toothpick makes you an expert earth mover, not to mention humanitarian. after all, who else among you has tried to shore up a new orleans levy? red herring.

d) they have every right...
the straw man is felled with a single blow

seriously. i understand many people won't like "me" (in the sense that i'm someone who says something they don't like) because i don't believe code pink's methods are effective. that's unfortunate, but it's fair. i care a little, maybe, but not enough to shut up about it. i think code pink protesters are ineffective clowns, inadvertently(?) lampooning themselves, and by extension helping to lampoon everyone else who might share their goals. as i wrote above, the only to really settle this would be to compile sufficient evidence for or against. but honestly, i don't think that evidence exists, and probably isn't even reasonably possible to obtain. so we'll just have to fall back on other sorts of arguments, probably using surrogates and thought experiments. for instance, do you think landover baptist helps forward the evangelical agenda? hey, maybe it does? but without evidence to back that claim, i think you'd have a pretty tough time making a strong case for it. i believe the same applies for code pink. you might like them a lot, and might make a lot of claims about them. but without evidence to back up the effectiveness of what they do, all we can do is make guesses based on how people are likely to perceive them. in that regard, i can pretty confidently say... no. i'm sorry, but no.

i think it's actually a pretty good analogy. both groups put on the appearance of a ridiculous parody. both lampoon the causes they purport to advance. landover baptist presents a ridiculous version of evangelical bullshit in order to make fun of evangelical bullshit. code pink presents a ridiculous version of left-liberal politics in order to make fun of...? what?

[endarkenment]

160. 'your issues'? like you own them?

Maybe they don't like the way you represent their issues?

By the way it is a damned game. If you don't understand that there is a game being played, you are very likely to lose.

[enki23]

210. colorless green ideas sleep furiously.

.

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

126. Code Pink

thank you!

:)

[Gman]

130. Code Pink are our freepers

without the port-a-potty. Just like we like to point at nutcase freepers, everyone else points at CP. They're an embarrassment that won't quit because they have convinced themselves how wonderful and effective they are. Medea Benjamin is no better than Cindy Sheehan. They're not Democrats and do not deserve any support especially here.

[G_j]

134. well

the embarrassment for me, are posts like yours.

[create.peace]

142. i agree with G_j-- what has happened here at du!

i am feeling we have been freeped.

[EFerrari]

154. DU, like any big board, has its share of authoritarians, wound pretty tight

and they hate Code Pink for their freedoms. :)

[Echo In Light]

162. Indeed

The most embarrassing ones in my estimation are the ones foolhardy enough to actually buy into this dem/repub divide-and-rule split bullshit in the first place. As Gore Vidal says, "America has one political party with two right wings."

[Chorophyll]

138. They don't embarrass me at all, and they're nothing like Freepers.

Freepers wouldn't dare to exercise their own Constitutional rights by assembling freely and protesting. Freepers cower at home listening to Rush Limbaugh and praying.

What have you done for your country lately?

[EFerrari]

146. No. You are Code Pink's freeper. n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

131. I suppose that the people who hate Code Pink also

would have thought that African-Americans shouldn't do stunts like sitting in at lunch counters or, in one case that I recall that actually did evoke some tut-tutting among white people, jump into the swimming pool of a segregated motel.

[arcadian]

147. I posted that in another thread.

:hi:

[creeksneakers2]

182. Those things sound wonderful

But they aren't what Code Pink is doing. The fantasy about bravely changing history is what drives people like Code Pink. Their activities show how they are more concerned with their pretend chivalry than changing anything in the real world. Witness all the nonsense about impeachment that never was going anywhere but drew civil delinquents in masses.

For every Rosa Parks whose bravery changed the world, there are a 1000 Bull Connors who are so consumed with their own self righteousness that they feel they are above the rules. How does Code Pink feel about the rioters in Miami who halted the Al Gore recount? Code Pink only finds breaking the law acceptable when they are the ones doing it. Its completely unacceptable to them for anybody else to do it. That's because the civil disobediencists like to believe that believing what they believe makes them better than anybody else. That's the true motivation.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

208. Nonsense about impeachment?

NONSENSE?

We had a president committing war crimes (as defined by the tribunal at Nuremberg, not in some leftist fantasy) and impeachment was "nonsense"?

As for the "rioters" who stopped the recount, they were paid shills of a bunch of Republican Congresscritters, and you know it.

[John Kerry VonErich]

135. I really fear for their lives.

I feel something tragic might happen to them. There are crazys who watch Code Pink.

[progdonkey]

136. they're a DISTRACTION, at best...

Every second that a committee chairman (now all DEMS, mind you) has to waste to tell those people to stop waving their signs, trying to get on camera, etc., is a second that isn't being used questioning those "fuckers who have picked our pockets."

Seriously, how can ANYONE look at that picture of the lady with the huge glasses on and not think "What a stupid fucking narcissistic little moron, who thinks she's making some 'grand statement,' when all she's doing is making an ass of herself and, by extension, left wingers and Democrats in general."

The first time I saw Code Pink in action was when that transgender member kept trying to get on camera behind Valerie Plame when she was testifying. Now, tell me, how the fuck is an ex-Navy transgender woman dressed in a pink Jackie Kennedy outfit who's distracting people from Plame's testimony supposed to be helping Dems or helping get the truth out about the Bush Administration?

You know, I don't have the "balls" to cut the webbing between my toes, snort wasabi like cocaine, or connect my butt cheeks with a barbell piercing like the guys on Jackass--but that doesn't mean I'm a coward. It means I'm not a stupid fucking moron who thinks embarrassing myself is productive.

Code Pink and their supporters/defenders are an embarrassment and counter-productive hindrance to the supposed values they claim to hold. The sooner they disappear from all public life, the better. :puke:

[Chorophyll]

140. Perish the thought that any American citizen would

exercise her First Amendment rights by wearing a funny outfit and carrying a picket sign in a government building that her taxes go to pay for, and distract the attention of the public servant who is supposed to be representing her.

Is this the fucking 1950s or something?

[EFerrari]

150. Yes. And some of these keyboards must be turquoise Melmac.

:)

[Chorophyll]

164. Lol. I like the test pattern on my monitor after midnight, though.

;)

[Echo In Light]

158. ..."or something," most likely.

Some can't face the fact that their elected public servants actually don't represent them.

[create.peace]

141. your bigotry is showing

what does someones gender preference have to do with your statement- what have you done lately to make your issues known?

[progdonkey]

202. Jesus, I knew SOMEONE would harp on that...

That you can't see what the problem is PR-wise with that is EXACTLY the problem with you Code Pink defenders, who don't give a shit about how you're actually received by people. I have absolutely no problem with transgendered people BUT in this case you had someone who was excessively butch (ex-Navy and a then-recent post-op, after all) and was wearing that ridiculous pink Jackie Kennedy dress--pink pillbox hat and all!--and kept trying to stay in frame over Plame's shoulder, constantly looking over to the side at the TV monitors to adjust their position. I can tell you that, from the viewpoint of most viewers, it was a dude wearing a ridiculous dress trying to bleed off some attention from Plame.

You need to stop accusing people of bigotry for thinking "that looks like a guy in a dress" when they see someone who was born a man, grew up a man, went into the Navy and put on a shit-load of muscle as a man, and then officially became a woman only a month or so earlier. Especially given the context of wearing such a ridiculously stupid outfit, where it could just as easily be either a man or a transgendered woman--and, either way, the person's acting like an idiot, just trying to get on TV.

But that's exactly the problem with the Code Pinkers: they/you are so focused on the righteousness of your "cause," that you don't stop to think about how the message is actually being transmitted/translated. It's better to do nothing than to do something that's counter-productive and embarrassing to your side.

My sister went to an all-girl college that had quite a few transgendered people (both M-F and F-M) whom she was very friendly with, and she too was upset that this person was on TV behind Plame. It's not "get that transgendered person off my TV," it's that Code Pink was totally blind to the spectacle they were creating (unless "spectacle" really is all they care about).

Or maybe that is exactly why they chose to do that: so they could accuse anyone who found it counter-productive and embarrassing of "bigotry" and maintain their belief in their righteousness. :eyes:

[EFerrari]

149. Give me a break. Did you really expect that hearing to do anything?

And you sure do seem more concerned about embarrassing yourself than with anything else. lol

[progdonkey]

197. yeah, so let's make it even less likely to succeed...

...and make the anti-war movement look like a bunch of angry third-graders who like to play dress-up while we're at it.

Especially when Plame was in the act of testifying to a Democrat. That must be stopped!!!

[Dukkha]

152. I'm glad the colonial settlers didn't think like you

How dare they throw tea in the harbor and defy the King with their rhetoric!

Due process, like an Internet forum, is the refugee of the coward

[progdonkey]

196. Yeah, the Code Pinkers are just like the Boston Tea Party...

There's a difference between making a principled, meaningful protest... and causing a meaningless spectacle just to disrupt proceedings.

And "due process is the refuge of the coward"? (I'm assuming you meant "refuge"; refugee made no sense.) Due process is what our country is fucking founded upon! You want to talk about the Americans of the Revolution, while spitting on due process?! Due process is what the Bush Administration destroyed. Thank you for clarifying that you and the Code Pinkers are just like the fascists they claim to be fighting with their pink sunglasses.

[Dukkha]

198. it was founded on dissension. learn your history.

your precious due process was destroyed not by the Bush administration but by the spineless coward Democrats who sat idly by and did nothing. As as result they got off 100% scott free and made millions at the same time. Doing nothing is far worse than committing the evil act itself. At least Code Pink, like other freedom fighters, had the courage to stand up and bear witness to the lies, not that I expect you to comprehend something like that. Were you full of poutrage at the Chinese students for not following procedures before they stood before the tanks?

[progdonkey]

200. and the Code Pinkers are NOT like the students at Tiananmen!

Dissent is good. Protest is good. Making a POINTLESS public spectacle just to make the spectacle is what Code Pink does, and it is not good.

"At least Code Pink, like other freedom fighters...."

Oh, shut up. Seriously.

[Binka]

207. You Need To Take The Prog Out Of Your ASS Donkey

You are spinning like a cheaply made top. Out of control and bound to hurt the user. PLONK. Enough. Of. YOU.

[endarkenment]

161. Q: what is a distraction from a distraction?

[midnight]

137. Every little bit helps.

[Mrspeeker]

143. I THINK THEY ARE GREAT!!!!

I'm a big time fan of Medea Benjamin and code pink, I wish I had half the courage that they do!

[endarkenment]

157. Pink!

Count me in.

[pleah]

170. K&R for Code Pink!

[Overseas]

172. I really admire them too !!

They're among the very few anti-war anti-profiteering groups that get any media coverage these days. I admire their courage, humor, tenacity and creativity.

[winyanstaz]

173. The women of Code Pink are truly great and brave Patriots

and they shall go down in history as being among the first to stand up and say NO!!
The have been vilified, ridiculed, arrested, dragged around by their frail arms and still they try to help us all.
Over and over and over again you have been at the forefront of each battle. Too bad we don't have more men and women as brave as you.
I salute you ladies..I take my hat off ..I applaud you...I admire you and your great courage to do what is right and I thank The Creator for each and every one of you.
Please never stop..we need a few million more like you with the courage and enough love to stand up and speak out and stop the rape of this planet and the destruction of our Nation.
You obviously love your people, your nation, and the world.
And I, for one, love you.

[PBass]

175. I appreciate their activism, but their "branding" is fatally flawed...

The name "Code Pink" severely weakens their impact by playing right into some well-entrenched conservative stereotypes ("Liberals are Commie Pinkos!!! A bunch of pansies!!!") Code Pink burdens themselves (and their message) right out of the gate, with unnecessary distracting baggage, IMO.

Why not name your group DAUGHTERS OF FREEDOM or the TRUTH SQUAD or CODE RED??? Is the intent of Code Pink to immediately alienate a large segment of the public, just based on their name? Because IMO that is what they do, unfortunately.

Please, don't waste your time explaining how "Code Pink" is a response to Bush's color-coded terrorism warning chart, or how there is some deeper meaning to the name... it doesn't matter!!!!! That's not the point -- the point is that they are shooting themselves (and the message) in the foot, unnecessarily. If you don't think that is incredibly important, I think you are sadly mistaken.

What would be more effective packaging in a protest:

A). Wearing "Guy Fawkes" masks (as in "V for Vendetta")
or
B). Wearing underwear on your head?

Code Pink is for all practical purposes, choosing to wear underwear on their head, IMO.

But maybe I'm wrong... maybe the point of Code Pink is to preach to the choir, and alienate people who don't agree with them.

Besides the lousy (IMO) name, I think the theatrical aspect of Code Pink sometimes eclipses their serious message.

Here's a good way to gauge Code Pink's effectiveness... what is their positive/negative poll ratings? I'm guessing it's less than 50% positive -- that would not be good for a group that is on the correct side of the issues.

[OwnedByFerrets]

176. Bravo Code Pink

Takes guts to do what you do. Not 1% of the people here have what it takes, including myself.

[windoe]

178. Code Pink demonstrated when doing so was called treason,

not too long ago, when Bush&Co were on the rampage. I am grateful for their bravery and tenacity and for their visibility.

Without Code Pink there would only be the evil clowns by themselves lying through their teeth on the screen, and many people who watch MSM do not understand that there is another point of view. Having demonstrators there definitely opens a discussion as to what is really going on.

I am also grateful for all the demonstrators who have braved arrest and being put on terror lists, for the highway blogger, and for all the other bloggers who have been keeping it real!! A lot has happened since 2001.

As far as their methods, the situation our country finds itself in cries out for mockery, sarcasm and all forms of peaceful demonstration! Words and images are powerful tools and these women use them well. The effing comedians are delivering the truth to mainstream America, why not these women? Ridicule works, because laughter is one of the best ways to learn.

[PBass]

180. IMO Code Pink would be a lot more effective, with different packaging.

Look at Jesse Jackson's "Rainbow Coalition"... what if they would have been named "Black Fist" instead? How effective would their group be?

Effective "branding" makes a big difference, and Code Pink's branding is fatally flawed IMO.

[EFerrari]

183. So you've said. But Code Red or Black Fist plays right into stereotypes

where Code Pink forces people to go, huh? Which is exactly what you want people to do if you're trying to address their frontal lobes, imo.

[PBass]

187. "Code Pink" also plays directly into negative stereotypes. Hate to tell you... (NT)

[omega minimo]

203. CODE PINK'S "BRANDING" IS ANTI-BRANDING

:eyes:

[Lint Head]

181. Sitting there dressed like every other suited lemming makes no

point. Go Code Pink! Continue to point out the absurdity and hypocrisy of the 'so-called' powers that be.
The rich and powerful get away with murder unless they steal from or murder one of their own.
The rest of us are just plain SCREWED!

[creeksneakers2]

184. Put my ass on the line?

Code Pinkers get released the same day. Its not like they are Nelson Mandela.

[EFerrari]

186. Financially, emotionally, physically. Code Pink has been to Afghanistan,

Iraq, the West Bank, Gaza as well as DC where they set up a house so people could come and stay and help lobby. I can't even remember where else. And no, they don't claim to be Nelson Mandela. lol

[Just-plain-Kathy]

188. "Error: you can only recommend threads which were started in the past 24 hours"

[windoe]

191. The women of Code Pink are expressing themselves in their own way.

If you have a voice, a typewriter, or a workable body, some creative ideas--then go and express yourself in your own way!! These women, the comedians and others expressing themselves are opening doors for expression for others, this is the gift they have provided.

Everyone has their own voice, it is too easy to stand by and criticize the way others express themselves, this is the way of the Right Wing, who lacked ideas and creativity. Instead, transform your criticism into constructive ideas, we need them now, and we do not all have to agree.

Had to say it. :)

[create.peace]

194. ITA

[proud2BlibKansan]

199. Per request

[omega minimo]

201. This is Free Speech

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5291845

[-..__...]

206. OMFG!...

I never knew Benjamin Franklin was a Code Pink member...

[upi402]

211. They're patriots

and I wish we could just swap the DCCC DLC "Dems" with those folks immediatley.

[LWolf]

213. Many DUers bash Code Pink

because they aren't partisan. They'll call out Democrats as well as Republicans.

Partisans aren't about issues, about justice, or about right and wrong. They're just about supporting the team, and opposing anyone who doesn't.

In my opinion, of course. :eyes:

This DUer has been a supporter of Code Pink since I met with some in 2002.