act on oil prices -- an interesting idea!

Take a look at the following and consider acting upon it and passing it on....    I think the potential for this idea is tremendous.    It was sent to me by an extremely conservative aunt, making me think that the appeal of the idea cuts across a wide political spectrum.

GAS WAR - an idea that WILL work This was originally sent by a retired Coca Cola executive. It came from one of his engineer buddies who retired from Halliburton. It’s worth your consideration. Join the resistance!!!! I hear we are going to hit close to $4.00 a gallon by next summer and it might go higher!! Want gasoline prices to come down? We need to take some intelligent, united action. Phillip Hollsworth offered this good idea. This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the "don't buy gas on a certain day" campaign that was going around last April or May! The oil companies just laughed at that because they knew we wouldn't continue to "hurt" ourselves by refusing to buy gas. It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem for them. BUT, whoever thought of this idea has come up with a plan that can really work. Please read on and join with us! By now you're probably thinking gasoline priced at about $1.50 is super cheap. Me too! It is currently $2.79 for regular unleaded in my town. Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75, we need to take aggressive action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace..... not sellers. With the price of gasoline going up more each day, we consumers need to take action. The only way we are going to see the price of gas come down is if we hit someone in the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves. How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act together to force a price war. Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from the two biggest companies (which now are o n e), EXXON and MOBIL. If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit. But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of Exxon and Mobil gas buyers. It's really simple to do! Now, don't wimp out at this point.... keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people. I am sending this note to 30 people. If each of us sends it to at least ten more (30 x 10 =3D 300) ... and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 =3D 3,000)...and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth group of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers. I f those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted! If it goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!! Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. That's all. (If you don't understand how we can reach 300 million and all you have to do is send this to 10 people...Well, let's face it, you just aren't a mathematician. But I am, so trust me on this one.) How long would all that take? If each of us sends this e-mail out to ten more people within one day of receipt, all 300 MILLION people could conceivably be contacted within the next 8 days!!! I'll bet you didn't think you and I had that much potential, did you? Acting together we can make a difference. If this makes sense to you, please pass this message on. I suggest that we not buy from EXXON/MOBIL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE $1.30 RANGE AND KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK.

Fw: Action Alert: supplemental vote this week-Rep. Delahunt has a third chance to vote NO

This just in.

 

I've emailed Mr. Delahunt, thanking him and urging him to hold the line.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

----- Original Message -----

From: Diane Turco

To: ccpj-news@lists.riseup.net

Cc: THEODORE A. CURTIN ; clarkland@verizon.net ; Fayegeorge236@aol.com ; June M. Freedman ; nleewood@netzero.net ; S.G.Wall ; ae-talk@lists.riseup.net

Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 7:09 PM

Subject: Action Alert: supplemental vote this week-Rep. Delahunt has a third chance to vote NO

Forward Widely!

 

1.  This week, the Dems will vote on yet another version of war funding as an 'emergency supplemental' bill.  On this 3rd vote, if it passes, President Bush will get all the funding he has requested to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Call Rep. Delahunt and insist on a vote NO on the supplemental funding.  A NO vote would be consistent with his YES vote on the McGovern bill and his NO vote on the National Defense Authorization Bill which passed the House 397-27 (see below) and his verbal committment to a NO vote at the Provincetown meeting in January.  Bring the troops home.  End the funding, end the war.  Support human needs.  BASTA! peace, Diane

 

Call DC-202-225-3111

 

 

Democrats Drop Insistence on Iraq Withdrawal Timeline
    By Noam Levey
    The Los Angeles Times

    Tuesday 22 May 2007

The major concession to the president on the war spending bill comes as leaders in Congress cannot muster veto-proof majorities.

    Washington - Scrambling to send President Bush an emergency war spending bill he will sign, Democratic leaders have decided to drop their insistence on a timeline for withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq.

    The move - which comes just days after senior Democrats insisted that White House officials should support nonbinding timelines - is a significant concession to the president and his Republican allies on Capitol Hill, who steadfastly have rejected any dates for bringing U.S. troops home.

    But it reflects the simple mathematics of a closely divided Congress in which Democrats cannot muster veto-proof majorities for any proposal that would compel a pullout.

    Democratic lawmakers are under pressure to send the president an emergency spending bill before the Memorial Day break or risk being blamed for withholding critical funding for U.S. troops.

    Under the developing Democratic plan, which leaders still are negotiating, Congress would fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq through Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year, according to sources familiar with the proposal.

    Democrats also are working to include a minimum-wage hike in the funding bill in an effort to push that long-delayed legislative priority into law.

    But further discussion of withdrawal timelines that have been central to the Democratic legislative campaign to end the war would have to be delayed until Congress considers other legislation, probably the defense appropriations bill necessary to fund the military for fiscal year 2008, which begins Oct. 1. Democrats plan to take up that bill later this summer.

    More immediately, Democratic leaders must rally majorities for an emergency spending bill that might be deeply disappointing to the party's most vehement war critics.

    Many members of the House's influential Out of Iraq Caucus have said they will not support any legislation that does not attach strict conditions to the continued deployment of U.S. troops.

    And as recently as Friday, the top two Democrats in Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, insisted on a nonbinding timeline at a meeting with top White House officials.

    White House chief of staff Joshua B. Bolten emphatically rejected any timelines at the meeting, signaling White House support only for a far less restrictive proposal linking economic aid to the performance of the Iraqi government.

    That approach, which senior Democrats are looking at incorporating into the bill being finalized this week, has won broad support among GOP lawmakers.

    Last week, 52 senators, including 44 Republicans, voted to support a similar proposal sponsored by GOP Sens. John W. Warner of Virginia and Susan Collins of Maine.

    Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri, the second-ranking Republican in the House, said Monday that such a proposal might be attractive to GOP members of the House as well.

    Meanwhile, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., a leading war critic and member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, said Monday she would be looking for Democratic leaders to explain when timelines will be passed if they are not part of the emergency spending bill.

  ********************************************************************************************************

2. Thank Rep. Delahunt for this vote!!!  A sign of leadership- the majority voted against!   Rep. Delahunt is in good company with Lee, Woolsey, and Kucinich among others.

 

 

Recent House Votes

National Defense Authorization Act - Vote Passed (397-27, 8 Not Voting) The House passed this bill authorizing $504 billion in Defense Department spending and $142 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the upcoming fiscal year. Rep. William Delahunt voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

 

Scituate School Committee votes 5-0 to move military recruiters from the cafeteria to Guidance!

Friends --


Yesterday evening, the citizens of Scituate scored a major victory in protecting our children from military recruiters.   The recruiters who previously set up among students in the cafeteria are now limited to the Guidance Office.  This effort was a few months in the making, and the critical factor  was having the committee hear from so many of their constituents within the community.

Several of us have been working with the American Friends Service Committee to implement the same restrictions state wide.  We had a hearing at the State House earlier this month, which went very well, and yet House Bill 562 does not have much activity right now, because our state senators and repersentatives need to hear from you, and know that you are concerned about this.  Please see the attached document which contains more information, and consider sending an e-mail to your state senator and representative.   It makes a big difference.   Also if you could forward on this e-mail to your own distribution lists, that would be very helpful!



Louellyn Lambros

Memorial Vigil Coverage in the Patriot Ledger

Well, the vigil was covered by Mat Lynch of the Patriot Ledger:

http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2007/05/21/news/news09.txt

I was, however, disappointed that he did not use any of my photos - he
asked me to send him some, and I did, but... Oh, well - the important
thing BY FAR is that the vigil got favorable coverage, so that even
people who didn't know about it may now know about it (and think about
it, which is the important thing, right?).

Fred

Hello

From The Desk Of Malcam Naaman.
Bill and Exchange Manager
CAJA DE FORTUNA BANK (FOREIGN PAYMENT AND PROCEESING CENTRE)
Calle Vizcaya 2 Atocha,28045 Madrid Spain

ATTN.

With due respect and humility, I write to you this proposal.I am the Manager of bill and exchange at the foreign remittance department of Caja De Fortuna Banco in Madrid. I am writing following the impressive information about you, l got your contact in my quest for a reliabe and capable person to assist me in this deal.

Though I know that a business of this magnitude will make any one apprehensive, but I am assuring you that all will be well at the end of the day. We have decided to contact you by email due to the urgency of this "deal", as we have been reliably informed of your honesty and ability in a transaction of this nature.

In my department we discovered an abandoned sum of US$30m dollars (THIRTY Million US dollars) in an account that belongs to one of our foreign customer (MR. ANDREAS SCHRANNER from Munich, Germany) who died along with his entire family in July 2000 in a plane crash.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/859479.stm

About his death, we have been expecting his next of kin to come forward and claim his money because we cannot release it unless somebody applies for it as next of kin or relation to the deceased as indicated in our banking guidelines and policies but unfortunately we learnt that all his supposed next of kin or relation died alongside with him at the ugly plane crash leaving nobody behind for the claims. It is therefore upon this discovery that I have decided to make this businness proposal to you to transact this DEAL with you and to act as the next of kin or relation to the deceased for safety and subsequent disbursement since nobody is coming forth and l dont want this money to go into the Bank treasury as unclaimed Bill.

According to our Banking policies and guideline here which stipulates that if such money remained unclaimed after five years,the money will automatically be transfered into the Bank treasury as unclaimed fund. My request for a foreigner to ac t as next of kin in this business is by the fact that the customer was a foreigner and a citizen of this country cannot stand or put claims as next of kin to a foreigner. l agreed to offer 30% of the total fund to you, for your assistance, to act as the next of Kin to the foreigner,to provide account, 10% will be for reimbursement of any expenses incured during the curse of the transaction.

There after, I and my family will visit your country for disbursement and for investment in your country. Therefore to enable the immediate transfer of this fund to you as arranged, you must apply first to the bank as relation or next of kin of the deceased indicating your bank name, your bank account number, your private telephone and fax number for easier and effective
communication and location where the money will be transfer. Upon receipt of your reply, I will send to you by fax or email the text of the application. I will not fail to bring to your notice that this transaction is hitch free and that you should not entertain any atom of fear as all required arrangements have been made for the transfer.

Let truth and honesty be our watchword in this transaction while I look forward to receiving your immediate response.

Yours faithfully,
Malcam Naaman

Bridge Vigil on Memorial Day

Dear Friends,

 

Initial responses are positive that we might do a two-hour bridge vigil on Memorial Day, from 12 to 2.

 

Here's a thought: This might be easier if people stood vigil on the overpass nearest to their homes, and we can provide some signs, most with a PEACE motif. If you make your own signs (they are easy to make with poster board),letters must be big and bold, at least 6 - 8 inches tall, 2 inches thick, to be seen from speeding cars below; and message should be short, for the same reason.

 

Let's hear from you!

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Photos from the 5/19/07 Memorial Vigil

Hello.

To view photos of the Memorial Vigil on the Training Green in Plymouth
from 5/19/07 -

http://fredw.smugmug.com/gallery/2602961#154154467

(If you want to see just thumbnail photos to select which ones to view
in a larger size, select "all thumbs" in the "style:" dropdown box
near the upper right corner of the SmugMug window.)

Thanks to all the dedicated people who made the memorial possible.

Fred (Frederick Wasti)

Fw: Overpass prayerful demonstration against the war on Memorial Day

Any comments or ideas?

Ted

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ellen Snoeyenbos" <ellens8@yahoo.com>
To: "nancy landgren" <clarkland@verizon.net>; "Pine duBois"
<pine@jonesriver.org>; "Ron Maribett" <ron_maribett@hotmail.com>; "Paul
Bourque" <pbourque@comcast.net>; "THEODORE A. CURTIN"
<tacurtin@verizon.net>; "diane grant" <dgrant9437@yahoo.com>; "Judy Randall"
<info@KingstonUU.org>; "rosemary donahoe" <bdonahoe17@yahoo.com>; "Davalene
Cooper" <davalenecooper@aol.com>; "Nancy Doyle" <ncarolynd@verizon.net>;
"Carie Johnsen" <cjohnsen@uusc.org>; "rachel jordan" <rbinderman@uusc.org>;
"Elizabeth J. Kenyon" <teched1@cox.net>; "Marilyn McDermott"
<m.marilynmcdermott@verizon.net>; "Carol Norman" <mworld@comcast.net>;
"Leonard Nowak" <nowak2@adelphia.net>; "Susan Robinson"
<artsue45@hotmail.com>; "Donna Savicki" <dsavicki@comcast.net>; "Ellen
Snoeyenbos" <ellens8@yahoo.com>; "Karen Trais" <karen@tenhoor.com>;
"Barnstable UU Church" <buu@barnstableuu.org>; "Duxbury UU Church"
<uuduxbury@verizon.net>; "Fairhaven UU church" <uufairhaven@aol.com>;
"Murray UU Church" <murray.ch@verizon.net>; "Norwell UU Church"
<office@firstparishnorwell.org>; "Providence UU Church"
<admin@firstunitarianprov.org>; "Old Ship Church UU Hingham"
<oldship@verizon.net>; "Cindie White" <dresdenisfree@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2007 10:23 AM
Subject: Overpass prayerful demonstration against the war on Memorial Day

> Hi folks,
> A number of us are talking about doing a short
> overpass demonstration on Memorial Day from 12 - 2
> p.m. to remind people that the best way to honor the
> fallen warriors is to de-escalate the Iraq war. A
> prayerful, respectful presence would be in order.
>
> Please get the word out about doing this with your
> churches, neighboring churches and/or townspeople and
> let us know what your plans might be. It would be
> great to have a continuous Route 3 (at least) presence
> from the Cape to Boston...
>
> As of May 16, 2007: (US Military count)
> American dead: 3401
> American wounded: 25,245
>
> British medical journal, Lancet, reports:
> Iraqi deaths: 655,000 since war began through 2006.
>
> (These numbers are in contrast to US and British
> military estimates but the survey was done by Iraqi
> physicians and overseen by epidemiologists at Johns
> Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public
> Health, who stand by the scientific credibility of
> their methodology.)
> See Washington Post article:
> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001442.html
>
> 2 million Iraqis have fled their country.
> Newsweek article:
> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17997100/site/newsweek/
>
> Thanks,
> Ellen
>
>
>
>
>
> Ellen Snoeyenbos
> 106 South Street
> Halifax, MA 02338
> 781-294-1091 home
> 781-934-2721 x106 work
>
>
>
> ____________________________________________________________________________________
> Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.
> Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.
> http://sims.yahoo.com/

Vigil Report, May 19, 2007

Dear Friends in Peace,

 

Though the moisture in the air led to cancellation of our vigil in Shirley Square, I want to report on today's Memorial Vigil on the Training Green.

 

Hearty thanks to Irene Caldwell and her dedicated band at First Parish, Unitarian-Universalist, Social Action Committee, who planned, engineered and presented a moving memorial tribute in memory of all who have fallen in the current war. Hundreds of white crosses, sprinkled with a few stars of David and star and crescent markers, each representing more than ten fallen servicemen and women, stretched away in even lines reminiscent of Arlington Cemetery. The two inner rows bore the names of the Massachusetts dead, 57 at the latest Defense Department accounting, including that of Plymouth's own Lance Corporal Jeffrey Burgess, USMC. A placard bore witness to the deaths of Iraqi civilians.

 

At intervals during the four-hour tribute, the names of our state's dead were solemnly announced, and a folk-singer sang appropriate songs. Despite the foul weather, people came and wandered among the markers,thinking of the losses and the grieving families. We wish more people had come. The closing ceremonies included reflections and prayers from local clergy and others, and a final reading of the names.

 

We congratulate Irene and her group for their ingenuity and their perseverance in bringing this impressive tribute to Plymouth, as we join her in regret that the weather put a damper on this well-prepared and well-advertised event.

 

Sincerely, in peace,

 

Ted

 

 

Vigil Reminder, May 19, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

The forecast right now, on Weather Channel local for Plymouth says "Few Showers" with 30 percent chance of precipitation. Following usual procedure, if it's pouring near noontime, vigil is canceled.

 

Some of us will, if weather permits, be working at the Training Green to set up the special Memorial Vigil to those who have fallen in the current wars, and taking part when it begins at 10:00 AM. Hope you will attend sometime during the day.

 

Weather permitting, I'll be at Shirley Square with the signs at Noon.

 

Hope the weather clears so that we'll see you somewhere tomorrow.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Re: Vigil Reminder, May 12, 2007

Six of us enjoyed the beautiful weather at Shirley Square this noon time, at an almost completely silent vigil.  Ted and Grace were missed.  We would love to see more people show up, especially now that it is not a hardship to stand for an hour (neither too cold nor too hot).  We had a lot of positive responses.  The Gatra Bus driver gave a thumbs up (haven't seen our old, thumbs down, friend in a while!).  We had an old timer drive by who yelled "remember Pearl Harbor"!  Don't know if it was the same person who did this months (?) ago.  Then, reportedly, the same fellow drove back; this time stopping his vehicle at the 1st post (thereby impeding motor traffic).  He first asked for directions; then asked if we knew what Purgatory was ! !  Go figure ! !   I wasn't witness to this as I was standing north, where usually, Grace stands.

Eileen

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: THEODORE A. CURTIN

To: Wil Curtis ; Virginia Wilcox ; Ted & Grace Curtin ; Ted & Barbara Bosen ; Steve Kerr ; Sarah Clark ; Sarah Altherr ; Ruth Blake ; Ruth Betty Shippee ; ROBERT LEAVER ; Paula Marcoux ; Melissa Bowering ; McGonagle, Cecelia ; Mary Farrell ; Marie Fehlow ; Louellyn Lambros ; Lois & Doug Post ; Larry Erickson ; John Bates ; John & Dianne Pinto ; Jennifer Yaeger ; Jeanne Lane ; Jean O'Brien ; Jan Nigro ; Irene Caldwell ; Gail Begley ; Fred Wasti ; Frank Mand ; Fae Smelser ; Ellen Snoeyenbos ; Elaine Ganska ; Eileen McElhinney ; Donnamarie Kavanah ; Donna Camy ; Diane Kuhn ; Delia Cosentino ; Claire Power ; Christy Roman ; Bob & Lois Saba ; Ben McKelway ; Barbara P. Ward ; Barbara Brooks ; Ann Archambault ; Aileen Chase ; Blog for Peace

Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 7:35 PM

Subject: Vigil Reminder, May 12, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

The weather report indicates nice weather for tomorrow.

 

We will be out of town at a family gathering. Hope you can make it to Shirley Sq. at noon.

 

Sincerely, in peace,

 

Ted

Re: Vigil Reminder, May 19, 2007: Our schedule is listed.

Hello Peacemakers,

 

If you are helping, I need to have confirmation so I can plan.  We have changed set up to 8AM.  I am thinking it should take about 1 - 1 1/2 hours to do this.  That should give us time to duck into a restaurant and get coffee and breakfast before our 10 AM opening.

 

Tear down will begin 15 minutes after the last speaker.  We have received $150 thus far for the memorial markers.  Our original crew has narrowed with changing Spring schedules so if you are available, we can use the help for set up.  Tear down should be easy. 

 

We are looking for someone to help Diane read names throughout the morning.

 

We have a good musical sound system, if you are a musician we still have times available for you to sign up in 15, 30 and 45 minute increments. 

 

I am expecting a wide breath of clergy to offer healing prayers and/or make comments.  One soldier's family has told me of their intention to come and speak.   Many of the people who signed on for the 4th Anniversary Vigil appear to be busy, so it remains to be seen who will actually come.

 

If you cannot make it on SAturday and want to send your words so that someone else can read them, that would be great.

 

Remember, this is a time for community healing and solidarity and grieving.  Hope you will be with us. 

 

In peace, Irene Caldwell 508-747-3760  cell 774-454-3361

 

In peace, Irene Caldwell 508-747-3760 

 

Thanks, Irene
 

---

Don't pick lemons.
See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos.

Re: To Honor and Bear Witness to the Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War: May 19th 10 - 2 PM. Training Green, Plymouth

caldwell irene <ivcaldwell@yahoo.com> wrote:

Memorial Vigil: Training Green, Plymouth:  To Honor and Bear Witness to the Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War: May 19th 10 - 2 PM.

 

There is still time to sign up to speak, play music, help set up or tear down, come up with suggestions on how to make this a "gentle, solemn, and dignified" memorial to all who have lost their lives or been wounded in this war.  Speakers begin at 1 PM.  For musicians,  you just need to sign up for a time. 

 

In Peace, Irene Caldwell 508-747-3760



"THEODORE A. CURTIN" <tacurtin@verizon.net> wrote:

Dear Friends,

 

The weather report indicates nice weather for tomorrow.

 

We will be out of town at a family gathering. Hope you can make it to Shirley Sq. at noon.

 

Sincerely, in peace,

 

Ted

---

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.
Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

---

TV dinner still cooling?
Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.

Re: Vigil Reminder, May 12, 2007

Memorial Vigil: Training Green, Plymouth:  To Honor and Bear Witness to the Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War: May 19th 10 - 2 PM.

 

There is still time to sign up to speak, play music, help set up or tear down, come up with suggestions on how to make this a "gentle, solemn, and dignified" memorial to all who have lost their lives or been wounded in this war.  Speakers begin at 1 PM.  For musicians,  you just need to sign up for a time. 

 

In Peace, Irene Caldwell 508-747-3760



"THEODORE A. CURTIN" <tacurtin@verizon.net> wrote:

Dear Friends,

 

The weather report indicates nice weather for tomorrow.

 

We will be out of town at a family gathering. Hope you can make it to Shirley Sq. at noon.

 

Sincerely, in peace,

 

Ted

---

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.
Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

Vigil Reminder, May 12, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

The weather report indicates nice weather for tomorrow.

 

We will be out of town at a family gathering. Hope you can make it to Shirley Sq. at noon.

 

Sincerely, in peace,

 

Ted

Re: Memorial Vigil 10 - 2 PM, May 19th, Rain date May 20th. TRaining Green, Plymouth

Dear Friends in Peace,

 

We hope you will be participating in Plymouth's own Memorial Vigil to Honor the Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War including people of all countries. 300 Memorial Markers will be erected with a special section for our Massachusetts soldiers.  Markers may be adopted for $10 a piece with checks made payable to Disabled American Veterans or Massachusetts Families Speak Out.  Checks should be mailed to Social Action Committee, First Parish, 19 Town Square, Plymouth.  We are looking for speakers and musicians.  Speakers are at 1 PM.  Musicians may play at a time of their choosing.

 

Also please contact your US Representatives about our soldiers needing an Outpatient Clinic In Plymouth.  This was approved and funded and then ? things changed.  WE are told only public input will put this back on the burner.  Thank you.  Irene 

 

Please forward this reminder to your network of friends.

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Irene Caldwell,

Social Action Committee

First Parish

"THEODORE A. CURTIN" <tacurtin@verizon.net> wrote:

Dear Friends,

 

It was great to be back on station again, 11 of us altogether, on a fine mild day in Shirley Square.

 

I'm afraid I was a bit of a chatterbox, catching up with what had been happening, but breaking the silence of our vigil. Sorry about that. So I'm reminding myself and all of us that we have agreed to stand in silence, not chatting and not responding to people except to give a quiet answer to a sincere question about our vigil.

 

See you next week. Peace,

 

Ted

---

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos.

Vigil Report, May 5, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

It was great to be back on station again, 11 of us altogether, on a fine mild day in Shirley Square.

 

I'm afraid I was a bit of a chatterbox, catching up with what had been happening, but breaking the silence of our vigil. Sorry about that. So I'm reminding myself and all of us that we have agreed to stand in silence, not chatting and not responding to people except to give a quiet answer to a sincere question about our vigil.

 

See you next week. Peace,

 

Ted

Vigil Reminder, May 5, 2007

Hi Friends,

 

We're back with you, and expecting a fine day tomorrow.

 

Hope to see you at noon in Shirley Square.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

First Parish Plymouth Vigil: Your are urged to participate: May 19 Training Green: Please Forward to your groups

Dear Friends In Peace,

 

The Social Action Committee of First Parish Church, Plymouth has rescheduled the Memorial Vigil to Honor and Bear Witness to The Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War for May 19th from 10 to 2 PM., with a raindate of May 20th.   Speakers are scheduled for 1 PM.    Originally scheduled for  the Fourth Anniversary of the Start of the Iraq War, the Vigil was cancelled due to rain.  This May date allows the community to come together, to grieve as a group and to bear witness to all that has happened.  We hope you will consider visiting our recreated cemetary and we ask that you forward our letter and the flyer to your network of people.  

 

This is a gentle, solemn and dignified vigil. 300 Memorial Markers will be erected  A special section of memorial markers will bear the names of the fallen Massachusetts soldiers.  The remaining markers will represent the people of the world who have died in this conflict.   

• We urge you to participate and to help plan this event.
  
•  Musicians are urged to plan to participate.  You may set up in one corner of the field or you may walk  within the recreated cemetary. Should you choose to play, we are asking that you register for an assigned time so that we may accomodate all those who wish to play.
  
• Speakers must register.  If you wish to speak, speeches should be short,and limited to two minutes. Special guest speakers representing participating groups may have more time. 
  
• Markers may be adopted for $10/marker with checks made payable to Disabled American Veterans or Military Families Speak Out.    Checks should be mailed to First Parish, 19 Town Square, Plymouth, Ma. or you may bring them to the Vigil.  To date we have raised $150.
• We are supporting the efforts of many in the Military Community including Disabled American Veterans to open an outpatient clinic in Plymouth.  This has been approved and funded but not implemented.  We urge you to contact your representatives reguarding this important issue.  The holdup seems to be in the planning process and whether or not the clinic opening must wait for a total review of the VA Hospital system.  In the meantime our local soldiers urgently need your support.  The more this Clinic receives attention from you, the local citizen, the sooner our soldiers will have local medical support. As you know from your own personal experience, the further you must travel, the less likely you are to get attention in a timely manner.  The sooner that medical issues are addressed, the less costly, both medically and financially, they become. 

Please contact me.  We can really use your energies now,  no matter how limited, to make this a really significant Vigil, one that honors and pays homage to all.

 

Respectfully,

 

Irene Caldwell, Social Action Committee, First Parish, Plymouth

Home number - 508-747-3760 

 

 

---

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4/28/07 Vigil Report

> The Weather Channel is forecasting a cloudy Saturday with showers
> later in the day. Fred and I will be at Shirley Square tomorrow at
> noon with the signs. If the rains hold off, we will vigil until 1
> PM.

Today, on the 1500th day of the Iraq War, seven of us "braved" the
bright sun and the pleasant temperatures to stand up for Peace in
Shirley Square today. Most responses were positive, with (to my
knowledge) no really strong negatives noted (a smattering of negative
head shakes and the occasional thumbs down, but that's about it).

"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq,
the United States and our allies have prevailed." [George W. Bush,
5/1/2003]

Mission Accomplished ???

It is now 4/28/2007.

Number of days since the start of the Iraq War (3/20/2003) = 1500

Days since the declaration of "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/2003) = 1457

Number of US soldiers killed since the start of the Iraq War = 3337

US soldiers killed since "Mission Accomplished" was declared = 3197

:-|

Fred

RE: Vigil Reminder

Friends for Peace,

 

The Weather Channel is forecasting a cloudy Saturday with showers later in the day.  Fred and I will be at Shirley Square tomorrow at noon with the signs.  If the rains hold off, we will vigil until 1 PM.

 

Diane

 

 

---

From: THEODORE A. CURTIN [mailto:tacurtin@verizon.net]
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2007 7:26 PM
To: Wil Curtis; Virginia Wilcox; Ted & Grace Curtin; Ted & Barbara Bosen; Steve Kerr; Sarah Clark; Sarah Altherr; Ruth Blake; Ruth Betty Shippee; ROBERT LEAVER; Paula Marcoux; Melissa Bowering; McGonagle, Cecelia; Mary Farrell; Marie Fehlow; Louellyn Lambros; Lois & Doug Post; Larry Erickson; John Bates; John & Dianne Pinto; Jennifer Yaeger; Jeanne Lane; Jean O'Brien; Jan Nigro; Irene Caldwell; Gail Begley; Fred Wasti; Frank Mand; Fae Smelser; Ellen Snoeyenbos; Elaine Ganska; Eileen McElhinney; Donnamarie Kavanah; Donna Camy; Diane Kuhn; Delia Cosentino; Claire Power; Christy Roman; Bob & Lois Saba; Ben McKelway; Barbara P. Ward; Barbara Brooks; Ann Archambault; Aileen Chase; Blog for Peace
Subject: Vigil Reminder

 

Dear Friends,

 

Weather tomorrow should be fine for vigiling - and for flying. We'll be away for a week. Diane has the signs.

 

Our hearts will be with you. Peace,

 

Ted and Grace

Memorial Vigil Rescheduled for Saturday, May 19th, raindate May 20: please share with your networks.

Dear Friends In Peace,

 

Our Memorial Vigil has been rescheduled for May 19th from 10 to 2 PM., with a raindate of May 20th   Speakers are scheduled for 1 PM.  This Vigil is  Honor and Bear Witness to The Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War.  This is a solemn, gentle and dignified vigil. 

300 Memorial Markers will be erected.  A special section of memorial markers will bear the names of the fallen Massachusetts soldiers.  The remaining markers will represent the people of the world who have died in this conflict.   

• We urge you to participate and to help plan this event.
  
•  Musicians are urged to plan to participate.  You may set up in one corner of the field or you may walk  within the recreated cemetary. Should you choose to play, we are asking that you register for an assigned time so that we may accomodate all those who wish to play.
  
• Speakers must register.  If you wish to speak, speeches should be short,and limited to two minutes. 
  
• Markers may be adopted for $10/marker with checks made payable to Disabled American Veterans or Military Families Speak Out.    Checks should be mailed to First Parish, 19 Town Square, Plymouth, Ma. or you may bring them to the Vigil.  To date we have raised $150. 
  
• We are supporting the efforts of many in the Military Community including Disabled American Veterans to open an outpatient clinic in Plymouth.  This has been approved and funded but not implemented.  We urge you to contact your representatives reguarding this important issue.  The holdup seems to be in the planning process and whether or not the clinic opening must wait for a total review of the VA Hospital system.  In the meantime our local soldiers urgently need your support.  The more this Clinic receives attention from you, the local citizen, the sooner our soldiers will have local medical support. As you know from your own personal experience, the further you must travel, the less likely you are to get attention in a timely manner.  The sooner that medical issues are addressed, the less costly, both medically and financially, they become. 

Please contact me.  We can really use your energies now,  no matter how limited, to make this a really significant Vigil, one that honors and pays homage to all.

 

Respectfully,

 

Irene Caldwell, Social Action Committee, First Parish, Plymouth

Home number - 508-747-3760 

---

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Vigil Report, April 21, 2007

Friends in Peace,

 

 

There were 11 of us to vigil for peace today in Shirley Square under bright sun that reportedly was too warm for Eileen (it may have had a little to do with the heavy sweatshirt she was wearing <g>).  The weather was spectacular!

 

Traffic was heavy coming into town creating a captive audience that was given ample time to read all our signs!  The responses were very positive.  Thumbs-up, peace signs, car honks, waves, and nods from drivers and passengers far outnumbered the negative responses.  There were many words of appreciation from passers-by. 

 

What a great time for peace!

 

But still they die; the total Americans to date is 3317!

 

Diane

 

Vigil Reminder

Dear Friends,

 

Weather tomorrow should be fine for vigiling - and for flying. We'll be away for a week. Diane has the signs.

 

Our hearts will be with you. Peace,

 

Ted and Grace

Fw: Call to Action-Friday-Vote No Funds for War on the Compromise supplemental

Dear Friends,

 

The country is on the threshold of building momentum for actions to bring our troops home and to end the war. Please read this from our friends and fellow Peace and Justice advocates on the Cape.

 

I hope all will be moved to urge Mr. Delahunt to vote to limit funding to that needed for safe withdrawal of our troops, as in the McGovern bill.

 

Ted

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Diane Turco

To: ccpj-news@lists.riseup.net

Cc: THEODORE A. CURTIN ; clarkland@verizon.net ; Fayegeorge236@aol.com ; June M. Freedman ; nleewood@netzero.net ; S.G.Wall ; ae-talk@lists.riseup.net ; Becky Lane ; Jennifer Smith ; Valerie Haskins ; Maure Ryley ; Gail Goulart ; gaile callo

Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:09 PM

Subject: Call to Action-Friday-Vote No Funds for War on the Compromise supplemental

Please forward widely/contact friends and neighbors

 

Next week, Congress may be voting on the compromise supplemental appropriations.  At this point, the 'compromise' is being worked out in committee. We hear that the bill will get to the floor of the House next week for a vote possibly on the 23rd or 24th. The peace and justice community must send a strong message to Rep. Delahunt that he exercise the power of Congress to end the war.  There is no compromise for the death and destruction the Bush administration seeks to continue with our tax dollars. End the funding, end the war.

 

ACTION:  Call in to Rep. Delahunt Friday, April 20th

 

Washington  202-225-3111

Hyannis 800-870-2626

South Shore  800-794-9911

 

"Exercise the power of Congress to end the war in Iraq.  Send Bush a strong bill that will end the occupation and war by only funding  the safe and orderly withdrawal of our troops now." 

 If the supplemental 'compromise' includes funding for the war as in the original bill passed on March 22 (which had $97 billion), Rep. Delahunt must vote against it.

 

 Rep. Delahunt has co-signed H.R. 746 (McGovern's bill) which calls for the withdrawal of troops to commence 30 days after enactment of the bill and provides only for funding for the safe and orderly withdrawal of troops.   We applaud him for that position.   http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c110:2:./temp/~c1103d5zs3   It also provides assistance to Iraqi security forces and multinational forces in Iraq, and continuation of social and economic reconstruction activities.   Support for both the supplemental appropriations to provide only funding for withdrawal and H.R. 746  is consistent.  We are calling on Rep. Delahunt to represent his constituents by voting to end the funding and bring the troops home.  In January, when Rep. Delahunt originally stated that he would vote against the supplemental bill, he stated, "It's time."    While he did vote for the supplemental funding, he now has an opportunity to change that vote. 'It's time' and we agree. At this point,  Rep. Delahunt has issued no public position on the supplemental. Contacting his office to state the peace position is vital.

 

So, on Friday, call Washington and then call your friends and neighbors to do the same. Congress needs to hear from us now! 

 

peace, Diane

Vigil Report, April 14, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

It was fairly nice downtown today during the noon hour. Six of us stood vigil, and did double duty, each holding two signs! Response was overwhelmingly positive, with several people stopping to say, "Thanks for doing this." We noticed only one negative, and it was the same young man who accosted us last week, in the same car with the Marine Corps plate. This time he was more restrained, and confined himself to giving us the finger as he passed.

 

Grace and I will be away on the next two Saturdays, and Diane has taken custody of the signs. Thanks, Diane. We will be thinking of you all. Good luck!

 

And Peace,

 

Ted

Vigil Reminder, April 14, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

Sorry to be late with this - family gatherings.

 

Weather looks OK for tomorrow, partly cloudy and in the 50s. Hope to see you tomorrow noon in Shirley Square.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

 

 

Re: Memorial Vigil for Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War

Dear Friends In Peace,

 

Springtime means busier schedules and I have been unable to attend our Saturday vigils. Several weekends ago, on a trip to Boston, I came across and even joined the Peace March that was taking place.  I felt uncomfortable with the aggressiveness of the marchers and so much more appreciated our quiet vigils.

 

I know that the man who charged the vigil today was a suffering individual.  I hope that we will be able to unite with the Disabled American Veterans to bring an outpatient clinic to Plymouth.  I will email you all when the specific facts about the necessary actions are better known.

 

A petition has been refiled with Plymouth Town Officials to hold our Memorial Vigil to Honor the Fallen and Wounded of the Iraq War. I am awaiting confirmation but it is anticipated that this will take place the weekend before Memorial Day.

 

I am hoping at that time to:

•  focus our attention in a gentle, dignified, and solemn way on all those who have already given so much to this war including the 92 reporters and all the people of Iraq.
• provide an opportunity for individuals to adopt a marker to support Disabled American Veterans and/or Massachusetts Families Speak Out.
• support through petition and letter writing the campaign to open the Outpatient Clinic for Veterans in Plymouth.  Not only would this be a cost effective means to provide health care, it would insure that indiviudals have a local place to go when they are feeling stressed or medically in need.

Should you want to participate in the day through witnessing, music, prayer, song or contributions please let me know. 

 

Sincerely, in Peace, Irene Caldwell

"THEODORE A. CURTIN" <tacurtin@verizon.net> wrote:

Dear Friends,

 

We didn't have snow, but we did have 8 stalwart vigilers on a chilly, breezy noonday in Shirley Square.

 

Again, positive responses far outweighed the negative, although there were two negative shouters. One of them, barefooted and wearing only a t-shirt, leaped from his car, which had a Marine Corps plate on it, and charged our line, ranting about losing his buddies, every other word the F word. His manner was intimidating, and one of our men moved in to prevent anything further.

 

This is the first time anything so vituperative has happened. It may be that he was a returned veteran of Iraq, possibly suffering some form of mental anguish. It is hard to maintain a silent vigil in the face of such provocation, but let's keep at it as best we can.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

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Vigil Report, April 7 2007

Dear Friends,

 

We didn't have snow, but we did have 8 stalwart vigilers on a chilly, breezy noonday in Shirley Square.

 

Again, positive responses far outweighed the negative, although there were two negative shouters. One of them, barefooted and wearing only a t-shirt, leaped from his car, which had a Marine Corps plate on it, and charged our line, ranting about losing his buddies, every other word the F word. His manner was intimidating, and one of our men moved in to prevent anything further.

 

This is the first time anything so vituperative has happened. It may be that he was a returned veteran of Iraq, possibly suffering some form of mental anguish. It is hard to maintain a silent vigil in the face of such provocation, but let's keep at it as best we can.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Vigil Reminder, April 7, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

The weather forecast for tomorrow looks grim: cold with snow showers.

 

As always, if it is snowing around 11:30, we'll cancel.

 

Take care, Peace,

 

Ted

Fw: Fw: Credit Card Scam-Verified on Snopes

Dear Friends,

 

I feel this is important. Note that it has been checked on Snopes. I checked it too.

 

Forwarded for your protection.

 

Ted

 

 

---

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Vigil Report, March 31, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

Eight of us spent a sunny but chilly noon hour standing for peace in Shirley Square. As has become usual, positive responses were overwhelmingly in the majority, with only one 1-finger salute from a young man with a US Marine plate on his car, and one older man who asked if we remembered Pearl Harbor! Who can explain such associations of the mind?

 

Hope to see you next week.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Vigil Reminder, March 31, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

Weather report looks fine for tomorrow. See you at Shirley Square at noon!

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Re: Memorial Vigil: Reschedule dates

Dear Friends in Peace,

I am petitioning the town for use of the Training Green to conduct our Memorial Vigil on the weekend before or during the Memorial Day. This time around we have the support from the state branch of Disabled American Veterans.

I am hoping that we can continue to count on other veteran and peace groups. Please think about how you would like to see this Memorial Vigil implemented. We again have enough time to plan. Will let you know when I have received final approval.

Irene

Vigil Report, March 24, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

Eight of us basked in a warm sun this noon at Shirley Square; wish you were there!

 

Responses were overwhelmingly positive and supportive, though we had a few one-finger salutes and catcalls. I can't understand the vehemence of such folks.

 

Thanks to all who turned out.

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Vigil Reminder, March24, 2007

Dear Vigil Friends,

 

Sunny and warmer weather forecast for tomorrow. Barring an unforeseen upheaval, hope to see you at Shirley Square at noon.

 

In Peace,

 

Ted

Fw: Please forward: Benefit Concert for Iraqi Famlies April 20th

Dear Friends,

Forwarded for your possible participation.

Louellyn and her husband have joined us at vigil and have assisted in
preparations for the Memorial Vigil.

Ted

----- Original Message -----
From: "Louellyn Lambros" <llambros46@hotmail.com>
To: <rudybean@yahoo.com>; <hebesan@earthlink.net>; <vakelty@aol.com>;
<tacurtin@verizon.net>; <jennymaas3@riseup.net>; <agnesmccann@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 9:13 AM
Subject: Please forward: Benefit Concert for Iraqi Famlies April 20th

>
>>A message from Citizens for an Informed Community in Bridgewater:
>>
>>Dear Friends in Peace:
>>
>>Ordinary Iraqis suffering the consequences of war are often overlooked.
>>Please join us at a benefit concert for some of the
>>families caught in the crossfire.
>>
>>TALES OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP IN A TIME OF WAR
>>- Bridgewater Benefit Concert for Iraqi Families -
>>
>>featuring storyteller George Capaccio
>>World Musician Salil Sachdev
>>Hearts with Ukes youth ensemble
>>
>>Friday April 20th 7:30 PM
>>First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
>>50 School Street
>>Bridgewater MA 02324
>>(508) 697-2525
>>
>>Suggested Donation: $10/$5 Student/Low Income
>>
>>Since 1998 professional storyteller George Capaccio has assisted a small
>>group of Iraqi families, first helping them deal with punitive
>>UN sanctions, then with the worsening situation after war was declared in
>>2003. Today George assists 10 families, one of which has gone into exile
>>in
>>neighboring Jordan, where its members live in limbo awaiting the outcome
>>of
>>the war.
>>
>>All donations will directly benefit the families George has met during his
>>trips to the Mideast. Please join us as we extend the hand of
>>compassion to those who suffer the brunt of war: the civilians living in
>>the combat zone.
>>
>>PROGRAM NOTES: George Capaccio is an acclaimed professional storyteller
>>who
>>uses myths, fables and poetry to illuminate universal themes of humanity
>>and peace. Salil Sachdev composes for various media and is the director of
>>Khakatay, the Bridgewater State College West African drumming ensemble.
>>Hearts With Ukes is an "Arts for Youth" ukelele ensemble dedicated to
>>raising money for children's charities.
>>
>>PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE. THANK YOU.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> It's tax season, make sure to follow these few simple tips
> http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/PreparationTips.aspx?icid=HMMartagline
>

Re: HONOR THE FALLEN VIDEO

> Dear Irene and friends,
>
> In the spirit of the March 17th event, now to be rescheduled, I
> thought
> you would want to want to see this video, of folks remembering their
> loved
> ones who died in the Iraq War.
>
> Louellyn

Hi, Louellyn.

I also have the video hosted on one of my web sites at
http://www.allgeektome.com/memorial.asp , and I also have set up a
related "Mission Accomplished ???" page at http://www.allgeektome.com/
(each page has links to the other at top and bottom). (Full info on
war casualties is, of course, at http://icasualties.org/oif/ .)

Fred

HONOR THE FALLEN VIDEO

Dear Irene and friends,

In the spirit of the March 17th event, now to be rescheduled, I thought you would want to want to see this video, of folks remembering their loved ones who died in the Iraq War.

Louellyn

http://iraqmemorial.org/

An Iraq War Vigil TONIGHT in Scituate

FYI

• Vigil time and location:

4th anniversary of the war
Host(s): Louellyn L.
When: Monday, March 19, 6:00 PM
Where: Lawson Common
Lawson Common
Scituate, MA

• Bring candles and friends. At tonight's vigils we will be holding signs that call on Congress to bring our troops home and reading stories from family members of fallen US troops. We will also hold candles and silently reflect on this tragic anniversary, so please be sure to bring a candle or two to ensure that everyone who comes (or joins in from the street) has a candle to hold. Also, one great way to grow your vigil and make the experience more inclusive is to invite your friends and family to attend.

 

Diane

 

Veterans'Centers

Dear friends,

 

Here is a rundown on Vets' Centers and what they are doing.

 

Let's plug for one in Plymouth.

 

Ted

 

 

 

Vet Centers Making a Difference in Communities

A recent VA briefing to military and veterans' service organizations highlighted the positive differences being made by community-based outreach programs.

Currently, the VA has 209 Veteran Service Centers across the country, with 23 more approved for construction.  One of their key purposes is to make the post-war adjustment easier for vets and their families, providing a continuum of care in the home community.  They are the key access link between the veteran and other services in the VA, including:

• Individual and group counseling
• Marital and family counseling
• Bereavement Counseling
• Military sexual trauma counseling and referral
• Community outreach and education
• Substance abuse assessments
• Medical referral
• Assistance with VA benefits
• Employment counseling, guidance and referral
• Information and referral to community resources

A plus to the program is the 100 Global War On Terrorism veterans who have been hired specifically to reach out to their fellow Iraq/Afghanistan veterans where they live, at National Guard/Reserve component demobilization sites, active duty transition points, and elsewhere in their local communities. 

Their shared experience provides a bond and trust that helps personalize the VA's service and promotes the veteran's successful integration back into hometown America.  More than 165,000 OIF/OEF veterans have been provided services since 2005 when the outreach project began.

Vigil Announcement, March 17, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

I can hardly see across my back yard, and the forecast is for things to worsen before they get better sometime late tomorrow.

 

Thus, I feel we must cancel our vigil for tomorrow.

 

As some have been informed, the special Plymouth Memorial Vigil scheduled for tomorrow, from 10 to 2, has also been canceled.

 

Also, as some of you have been informed by Irene Caldwell, we are all encouraged to support the movement to bring a Veterans' Administration clinic to Plymouth. This clinic had been planned, OKed and budgeted, then suddenly canceled in the general VA budget cuts. In the interest of Peace and Justice we should support this effort to provide much needed, easily accessible medical service to the rapidly growing population of veterans in this area.

 

Please take the time to write your congressman and our senators, urging their strong support for this Plymouth clinic:

 

For Plymouth area residents:

 

Congressman William Delahunt email william.delahunt@mail.house.gov

 

Senator Edward M. Kennedy email  feedback@kennedy.senate.gov

 

Senator John F. Kerry email  john_kerry@kerry.senate.gov

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Why Libby case will be remembered

I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby.

Chief of staff and longtime close friend of Vice President Dick Cheney.

Convicted felon.

The conviction of Libby, for lying to FBI agents and to the grand jury investigating the leak of CIA officer Valerie Plame’s identity, is one of those moments in legal history that only has significance if taken in context. Lying to the FBI and a grand jury is not honorable behavior, but how many people do we hear about being successfully prosecuted, following a lengthy and expensive investigation, and, as is likely in Libby’s case, spending some time in jail? Some wag on television compared it to convicting mobster Al Capone on tax evasion charges. It’s not getting at the heart of the matter, but it’s better than nothing. You go to court, as it were, with the evidence you’ve got.

So, Libby’s conviction won’t make the history books because of the resoundingly egregious nature of his offense. It will make the history books because he lied in the process of being investigated for his role in leaking the name of a CIA agent to the press -- another serious felony. And that eventuality was linked closely to the dominant point of view within the administration, one that required an attitude of invulnerability, righteousness and the sense of being beyond the reach of law.

That view, in turn, becomes significant because it is necessary to underwrite our assurance when we undertake campaigns of redemptive violence, as we have in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is difficult to bring religious principles into consideration these days without stirring up theocratic jingoism or getting into useless debates over individual interpretations of selective sacred texts. Isn’t it enough to say, however, that it would be impossible to find justification in the Christian scriptures for preemptive massive violence?

The projection of overwhelming power has no foundation in the Beatitudes; that notion, which knows no partisan limits, comes from somewhere else.

In Salon.com, Glenn Greenwald wrote following the trial that Libby “has long been one of the most well-connected neoconservatives in the country. Along with Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz, Jeb Bush and Norman Podhoretz, Libby was one of the 25 signatories to the founding statement of Bill Kristol’s empire-embracing Project for a New American Century in 1997.”

That initiative had Iraq in its sights, as Greenwald notes, long before Sept. 11, and long before the trumped up evidence for invading Iraq that was the subject of former Ambassador Joe Wilson’s curiosity when he took the trip to Niger in Africa, from which Iraq was allegedly importing material for nuclear weapons. The charge was incorrect. Wilson ultimately wrote a piece critical of Bush administration rationale for the invasion, and not long after, his wife’s identity as a CIA officer made its way into print.

The Libby case will also make the history books because of other realities made clear during the trial. This is a case in which the legal system showed it can serve in oblique but beneficial ways. What became disturbingly evident was that Libby was, indeed, the fall guy for many in the administration, not least among them his immediate boss, Mr. Cheney.

What also became clear was the bare-knuckles approach that Mr. Cheney and others in the administration employ when combating those who dare question their strategies and motivation.

New York Times columnist David Brooks laments what has happened to Libby because, guilt in this case aside, “I’ll always believe he’s a good man.”

“Yet that doesn’t begin to cover the sadness that this trial arouses,” he continued, “for the proceedings have revealed the arc of what the administration was and could have been.”

Since the period of 2003 covered by the trial, a time of “a feverish sense of mission” at the White House, cruel reality has worn away the sense of invincibility so that now, says Brooks, “there’s a greater tendency to match ends to means, and to actually think about executing a policy before you embark upon it. There’s much more tolerance for serious thinkers. … In short, this administration’s capacities have waxed as its power has waned.”

But hubris and intolerance for serious thought is not an inevitability for every administration. This administration has been an unusual experiment born of extremist ideologues, secrecy and a disregard for the Constitution and traditions of accountability.

Libby may indeed be a good man who toiled admirably as a diligent public servant, obedient to superiors.

The problem is, we have become reluctant, even reticent, when it comes to asking the essential questions about what is being served.

National Catholic Reporter, March 16, 2007

Advance reminder for March 17

Dear Friends,

 

This is to remind you of the Memorial Vigil that will take place next Saturday, March 17, and to urge you to set aside some time between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to visit, in communion with all those who have been affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

The Memorial, a symbolic display of markers in honor of those who have died in the war, is to be set up on the Training Green, the park with the tall Civil War monument, on Rte. 3A, just south of the bridge over Town Brook at Brewster Gardens (about a mile south of the junction of Rte. 44 and Rte. 3A).

 

We also suggest that, if possible, you plan to "adopt" one of the markers at a cost of $10.

These donations may be designated for Disabled American Veterans, Military Families Speak Out, or the USO.  Make out your check to the organization of your choice in an envelope marked "First Parish Church" and deposit it in a designated receptacle on the Green.

 

We plan to hold our usual vigil in Shirley Square from Noon to 1:00 PM. I expect that those who have not visited before noon will then proceed to the Memorial. We will not bring any signs to the Memorial, because of its solemn nature. There will be music, and speakers after 1:00.

 

Hope to see you there. In Peace,

 

Ted

 

 

Re: Vigil Report, March 10, 2007

Thanks, Fred,

And thanks to all who turned up.

Wonder if that older gent thinks Osama and Saddam were behind the attack on
Pearl.

Peace,

Ted
-----

Vigil Report, March 10, 2007

> The weather forecast is for warmer weather - up to 48 - A heat wave!

Well, not exactly a heat wave (it was mostly cloudy, cool, and
blustery), but it certainly was better than some of the absolutely
bitterly cold days some of us have endured this winter - <g>.

We had nine brave souls standing up for Peace and Justice in Shirley
Square today. Most responses were positive, with a smattering of
negatives noted. Most unusual was the older gentleman who, at barely
12:00, just as we were just getting started, yelled out of his car
window at us, "What about Pearl Harbor?". No, not 9/11, but Pearl
Harbor. (Heck, even Darth Cheney doesn't go back that far.) I guess
the guy's been fighting the rest of the world ever since 1941 (?).

Warmer weather is coming. Peace is coming. Too bad that the warmer
weather will arrive first...

Pax,

Fred

Vigil Reminder, March 10, 2007

    Dear Friends,

 

We are called out of town tomorrow, and won't be able to attend the vigil.

 

Eileen has the signs, and will meet you in Shirley Square at noon.

 

The weather forecast is for warmer weather - up to 48 - A heat wave!

 

Peace,

 

Ted

Fw: Storming Capitol Hill. . .by Phone (pass it on!)

Hi Friends,

This is forwarded for your interest and consideration as another avenue
towards PEACE.

Ted

----- Original Message -----
From: "Cindy, Medea & Tom" <info@pdamerica.org>
To: <tacurtin@1949.usna.com>
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 10:41 AM
Subject: Storming Capitol Hill. . .by Phone (pass it on!)

> HEED THE CALL FROM CINDY SHEEHAN, MEDEA BENJAMIN, TOM HAYDEN Join the
> national *Call-In for Peace*. PDA and its allies are coordinating a
> unified phone campaign to get Congress to reject additional Iraq war
> funding - the Bush supplemental appropriations request for $93
> billion more. With the Democratic leadership signaling weakness and
> half-hearted amendments aimed at undermining the surge but not the
> war, our coalition is /phoning/ in a loud and clear message: NO MORE
> FUNDING FOR WAR. VOTE NO ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL. BRING OUR TROOPS HOME.
> . .AND OUT OF IRAQ'S CIVIL WAR. *PDA's big day is Tuesday, March 6.
> Mobilize all PDA members and supporters to phone Congress on Tuesday.
> Our special number into Congress is 1-888-851-1879.* When you call
> your Senate and Congressional offices, /politely/ tell them one or
> two of the following points: Most Iraqis - both Sunni /and/ Shia --
> want US troops out of their country and most believe attacks on our
> troops are justified. US military force is no solution in Iraq -
> especially given the tainted rationales for invading Iraq, cultural
> gaps, Abu Ghraib, etc. Diplomacy, not war, is the solution. The
> American people at the polls in November and in opinion polls have
> expressed their view that the US needs to get out. Four years is
> enough! With its Constitutionally-granted "power of the purse,"
> Congress has the duty to end the war by cutting off war funding,
> except what's needed for the prompt, safe, orderly withdrawal of all
> our troops.
> Each day from March 5 through March 13, different national groups in
> our alliance will spark phone calls to Congress. Instead of just one
> day of calls, we'll keep pressure on Congress for over a week leading
> up to the Iraq Supplemental vote. Thanks to our toll-free number
> (connected directly to the Capitol Hill switchboard), we'll track how
> many calls we can generate when we all work together. Mon., March 5 -
> Voters for Peace *Tues., March 6 -- PDA, **AfterDowningStreet**,
> **US** Labor Against the War* Wed., March 7 -- CodePink, Global
> Exchange Thurs., March 8 - GSFP Fri., March 9 - Peace Action Mon.,
> March 12 - UFPJ Tues., March 13 - All together now! *Join with PDA
> members/supporters this Tuesday, March 6 and call Congress: 1-
> **888-851-1879.* ** *Please take a minute to share with us how things
> went with your call! {http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=1011}*
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Powered by PHPlist, www.phplist.com --
>
>
>

Vigil Report, March 3, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

It was a lovely, warm, but gusty noon hour in Shirley Square. Ten of us stood vigil in the sun and observed many positive responses from all ages. I didn't see or hear any negatives, except for our old "pal" the bus driver.

 

Please be on the lookout for more information from Irene Caldwell about the Memorial Observance at the Training Green on Sat. March 17, and plan some time for it around mid day.

 

Peace,

 

Ted and Grace

Vigil Reminder, March 3, 2007

Dear Friends,

 

The rain is stopping, and the forecast for tomorrow is for cloudy and warmer weather - up into the 50s!

 

Hope to see you at Shirley Square at noon.

 

In Peace,

 

Ted