Photos Continued...

Photos Continued...

Photos From Today's Protest...

That's all for now...Thanks Bill and Nancy!

And Some More...

More Pics...

An Orange Wave...

Everyone kept asking me today if we should wear orange again next week. I hadn't even thought that far ahead (not surprising for me!), but sure, why not? It was pretty eye-catching. Don't worry if you don't have anything orange to wear or if you'd rather not, but for those who want to, I say let's make it our signature. Here's some pics from today.

Our September Surge: Saturday the 8th

We were told to be patient until "Magical September" to allow time for the "splurge" to work. There's a lot of spin out there, and a lot more is coming our way. The fact is, violence is up in Iraq, the "unity" government is no closer to a political solution than they ever were, and ethnic cleansing is just the latest disaster in Iraq. There is no military solution.

In an effort to send a very clear message to Congress as they take up the issue of Iraq once again, and the Petreaus White House report is foisted upon us, we are designating this Saturday, September 8, as our surge. This is the week to call and email everyone you know and get them out to the protest. I know of so many people who really want to come and haven't been able to make it. Lots of folks came in the beginning and haven't been able to make it back for a while. We understand. People are working, have other commitments, are out of town, whatever. This protest has always been about come when you can, we'll be there, same day, same time, same place. No pressure if you can't make it. Somehow it's always worked out that we have a good crowd, with new people joining us all the time. That's how I intended it to work and that's how it shall remain.

Except for this week. I'm asking that we turn out as many people as we can, our own "September Surge." We have got to stand up and say NO MORE FUNDING, NO NEW "PLAN." WE ARE OUT OF PATIENCE AND WE WANT OUR LEADERS TO LEAD AND BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW. FIND A WAY, THAT'S WHAT WE HIRED YOU FOR.

Please come Saturday and bring an army of protesters, or at least a new person or two. Wear orange if you can, for visibility and as a show of solidarity. If you can't wear orange, come anyway. I'll give you an orange ribbon. Just be there. One of the reasons I think our protests have been so successful is because it's been, by design, low pressure. Come when you can, no questions asked, no RSVP, and everyone is always welcomed with open arms. This week is the exception...I'm nagging. (In a nice way, I hope!) I just think it's so important that we have a huge presence at this moment time, when Iraq is back on the agenda in D.C. We cannot let the Democrats capitulate or compromise this time. I plan to forward pictures to our Senators and Congressman, to let them know that we expect, that we demand, results, so feel free to bring a sign saying exactly what you want them to hear from you. Of course we will still have our usual signs available for everyone, but if you have a special message, bring it. Now is the time to stand up.

Please forward this far and wide, and make some phone calls. I hope I've convinced you to help make this the biggest protest yet, and I truly appreciate all your efforts. I'm honored to know, and to stand with, such a dedicated, committed group of citizens. Thank you, thank you, thank you. See you Saturday...I'll be the one wearing orange! ~: )

Peace,

Pam

War Today, War Tomorrow, War Forever...

If you didn't get a chance to see Keith Olbermann's "Special Comment" the other night, here it is, for your viewing pleasure. He always manages to say exactly what I'm thinking, but oh so much better. It's a little over 7 minutes that you won't want to miss - be prepared for your outrage meter to register off the charts!

As They Say, All Politics is Local...

Well, we had some excitement last week, and our protest caused a (little) bit of a buzz on the internets because of the appearance of Congressman Conyers. (To his credit, the Congressman stood in his own district in Southgate to protest.) I sent some of the pictures to The Young Turks radio program, and they said they will be mentioning our protest on the show and posting the pics on the livestream this morning, so watch if you can at their website or listen on 1310 am from 6am-9am. If you miss it live, they loop the show all day, so you can catch it any time today. Update at 9:45 am: Didn't hear anything on the show today, maybe tomorrow? ~: (

We also got a mention from a political blogger in Rochester New York. They are working hard up there against some pretty tough odds, and they have a really impressive blog. It focuses mostly on local issues, but there's lots of general interest items, and I personally enjoy learning what other local groups are up to. I added them to the blogroll here, so check them out every once in a while. I think, in the end, that the way we will change the direction of our country is a lot of grassroots, netroots, local activists taking matters into their own hands, as we are doing here. If there are enough of us, in enough places, eventually they won't be able to ignore us!

Here's to all of us who are trying to make a difference in our own back yards. Whether we protest, attend organized meetings, petition our neighbors, blog, or merely put a bumper sticker on our car, we are all doing something to raise awareness in our communities, and that's perhaps the most important thing we can do as individuals.

And because I can't resist, here's another picture from Saturday!A constituent gets a chance to speak to both his Congressman and State Representative, Kathleen Law, on Saturday ~ how cool is that?!

Hey Congress, Can You Hear Me Now?

Maybe, just maybe, we made a real difference this week. We were honored to welcome Congressman John Conyers to our protest, and to his credit he didn't just make an appearance, he stood with us the whole time, and really listened to what people had to say. Perhaps he will take our message back to D.C.? One of my sisters had a long talk with the Congressman and stressed a most important point: WE HAVE YOUR BACK! It's imperative that we let our Reps and Senators know that it's okay to take some risks to do the right thing, and that we will support them (and reward them!) for standing up for the Constitution, for our troops, and for all of us. We desperately need real statesmen to take the reigns and set our country back on the right path, and damn the consequences. Although I do think our elected representatives might be surprised at the response of the people if they actually did take the bold steps necessary to restore this great country. Follow the evidence, wherever it leads, and take appropriate action - that's all we ask. If it's impeachment, so be it. Impeachment is the remedy provided by the Constitution. It's to be used wisely and judiciously, but it is there for a reason. Ask yourself this: if we take no action now, what are we saying to future presidents, of either party, about executive power? The possibilities are truly frightening.

And so today our voices were heard, by the powerful Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. I know that he listened...I can only hope that he will take our message to heart as he continues his important work. He's one of the good guys, and we are lucky to have had his ear. Thank you Mr. Chairman! Take a minute to call his office and let him know that we appreciate his support and his hard work, and that we have his back!

• D.C. Office 202-225-5126 (or see the list of toll free numbers listed on the right sidebar - scroll down)
• Detroit Office 313-961-5670
• Trenton Office 734-675-4084
  

I know you want pictures...they're coming! Bill did a fantastic job as usual, and I will be posting some of the best ones shortly.

UPDATE at 3:20 pm: Bumped. Lots of pictures now posted below.
Peace,
Pam

And Some More...

Photos are thumbnails ~ click for a larger version

Photos Continued...

Photos are thumbnails ~ click for larger version

Here ya go...thanks Bill!

Photos are thumbnails ~ click for larger version

What a Day!

Just got back from the protest, and if you were there you know that today was terrific. I just wanted to let everyone know that I have a family thing today, so the pictures won't be going up til later. When I get home I will post at least a few pics, no matter how late it is, so check back.

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend everyone, and don't forget to celebrate the laborers this Labor Day!

Peace,

Pam