The Question Alliance
Page 1 of 2
| Next
Robin Morgan the award-winning poet, novelist, political theorist, feminist
activist, journalist, editor, and best-selling author, has published more
than 20 books, including the now-classic anthologies Sisterhood Is Powerful
(Random House, 1970) and Sisterhood Is Global (Doubleday, l984; updated
edition, The Feminist Press, 1996); with the recent Sisterhood Is Forever:
The Women's Anthology for A New Millennium (Washington Square Press, Simon &
Schuster, 2003). A founder/leader of contemporary US feminism, she has also
been a leader in the international women's movement for 30 years.
GOODBYE TO ALL THAT (#2) by Robin Morgan
"Goodbye To All That" was my (in)famous 1970 essay breaking free from a
politics of accommodation especially affecting women (for an online version,
see
http://blog.fair-use.org/category/chicago/).
During my decades in civil-rights, anti-war, and contemporary women's
movements, I've avoided writing another specific "Goodbye . . .". But not
since the suffrage struggle have two communities--the joint
conscience-keepers of this country--been so set in competition, as the
contest between Hillary Rodham Clinton (HRC) and Barack Obama (BO) unfurls.
So.
Goodbye to the double standard . . .
--Hillary is too ballsy but too womanly, a Snow Maiden who's emotional, and
so much a politician as to be unfit for politics.
--She's "ambitious" but he shows "fire in the belly." (Ever had labor pains?
)
--When a sexist idiot screamed "Iron my shirt!" at HRC, it was considered
amusing; if a racist idiot shouted "Shine my shoes!" at BO, it would've
inspired hours of airtime and pages of newsprint analyzing our national
dishonor.
--Young political Kennedys--Kathleen, Kerry, and Bobby Jr.--all endorsed
Hillary. Sen. Ted, age 76, endorsed Obama. If the situation were reversed,
pundits would snort "See? Ted and establishment types back her, but the
forward-looking generation backs him." (Personally, I'm unimpressed with
Caroline's longing for the Return of the Fathers. Unlike the rest of the
world, Americans have short memories. Me, I still recall Marilyn Monroe's
suicide, and a dead girl named Mary Jo Kopechne in Chappaquiddick.)
Goodbye to the toxic viciousness . . .
Carl Bernstein's disgust at Hillary's "thick ankles." Nixon-trickster Roger
Stone's new Hillary-hating 527 group, "Citizens United Not Timid" (check the
capital letters). John McCain answering "How do we beat the bitch?" with
"Excellent question!" Would he have dared reply similarly to "How do we beat
the black bastard?" For shame.
Goodbye to the HRC nutcracker with metal spikes between splayed thighs. If
it was a tap-dancing blackface doll, we would be righteously outraged-and
they would not be selling it in airports. Shame.
Goodbye to the most intimately violent T-shirts in election history,
including one with the murderous slogan "If Only Hillary had married O.J.
Instead!" Shame.
Goodbye to Comedy Central's "Southpark" featuring a storyline in which
terrorists secrete a bomb in HRC's vagina. I refuse to wrench my brain down
into the gutter far enough to find a race-based comparison. For shame.
Goodbye to the sick, malicious idea that this is funny. This is not "Clinton
hating," not "Hillary hating." This is sociopathic woman-hating. If it were
about Jews, we would recognize it instantly as anti-Semitic propaganda; if
about race, as KKK poison. Hell, PETA would go ballistic if such vomitous
spew were directed at animals. Where is our sense of outrage-as citizens,
voters, Americans?
Goodbye to the news-coverage target-practice . . .
The women's movement and Media Matters wrung an apology from MSNBC's Chris
Matthews for relentless misogynistic comments (
www.womensmediacenter.com). But what
about NBC's Tim Russert's continual sexist asides and his all-white-male
panels pontificating on race and gender? Or CNN's Tony Harris chuckling at
"the chromosome thing" while interviewing a woman from The White House
Project? And that's not even mentioning Fox News.
Goodbye to pretending the black community is entirely male and all women are
white . . .
Surprise! Women exist in all opinions, pigmentations, ethnicities,
abilities, sexual preferences, and ages--not only African American and
European American but Latina and Native American, Asian American and Pacific
Islanders, Arab American and-hey, every group, because a group wouldn't be
alive if we hadn't given birth to it. A few non-racist countries may
exist--but sexism is everywhere. No matter how many ways a woman breaks free
from other oppressions, she remains a female human being in a world still so
patriarchal that it's the "norm."
So why should all women not be as justly proud of our womanhood and the
centuries, even millennia, of struggle that got us this far, as black
Americans, women and men, are justly proud of their struggles?
Goodbye to a campaign where he has to pass as white (which whites-especially
wealthy ones--adore), while she has to pass as male (which both men and
women demanded of her, and then found unforgivable). If she were black or he
were female we wouldn't be having such problems, and I for one would be in
heaven. But at present such a candidate wouldn't stand a chance-even if she
shared Condi Rice's Bush-defending politics.
I was celebrating the pivotal power at last focused on African American
women deciding on which of two candidates to bestow their vote--until a
number of Hillary-supporting black feminists told me they're being called
"race traitors."
So goodbye to conversations about this nation's deepest scar-slavery-which
fail to acknowledge that labor- and sexual-slavery exist today in the US and
elsewhere on this planet, and the majority of those enslaved are women.
Women have endured sex/race/ethnic/religious hatred, rape and battery,
invasion of spirit and flesh, forced pregnancy; being the majority of the
poor, the illiterate, the disabled, of refugees, caregivers, the HIV/AIDS
afflicted, the powerless. We have survived invisibility, ridicule, religious
fundamentalisms, polygamy, teargas, forced feedings, jails, asylums, sati,
purdah, female genital mutilation, witch burnings, stonings, and attempted
gynocides. We have tried reason, persuasion, reassurances, and being
extra-qualified, only to learn it never was about qualifications after all.
We know that at this historical moment women experience the world
differently from men--though not all the same as one another--and can govern
differently, from Elizabeth Tudor to Michele Bachelet and Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf.
We remember when Shirley Chisholm and Patricia Schroeder ran for this high
office and barely got past the gate-they showed too much passion, raised too
little cash, were joke fodder. Goodbye to all that. (And goodbye to some
feminists so famished for a female president they were even willing to
abandon women's rights in backing Elizabeth Dole.)
Goodbye, goodbye to . . .
--blaming anything Bill Clinton does on Hillary (even including his
womanizing like the Kennedy guys--though unlike them, he got reported on).
Let's get real. If he hadn't campaigned strongly for her everyone would
cluck over what that meant. Enough of Bill and Teddy Kennedy locking their
alpha male horns while Hillary pays for it.
--an era when parts of the populace feel so disaffected by politics that a
comparative lack of knowledge, experience, and skill is actually seen as
attractive, when celebrity-culture mania now infects our elections so that
it's "cooler" to glow with marquee charisma than to understand the vast
global complexities of power on a nuclear, wounded planet.
--the notion that it's fun to elect a handsome, cocky president who feels he
can learn on the job, goodbye to George W. Bush and the destruction brought
by his inexperience, ignorance, and arrogance.
Goodbye to the accusation that HRC acts "entitled" when she's worked
intensely at everything she's done-including being a nose-to-the-grindstone,
first-rate senator from my state.
Goodbye to her being exploited as a Rorschach test by women who reduce her
to a blank screen on which they project their own fears, failures,
fantasies.
Goodbye to the phrase "polarizing figure" to describe someone who embodies
the transitions women have made in the last century and are poised to make
in this one. It was the women's movement that quipped, "We are becoming the
men we wanted to marry." She heard us, and she has.
Goodbye to some women letting history pass by while wringing their hands,
because Hillary isn't as "likeable" as they've been warned they must be, or
because she didn't leave him, couldn't "control" him, kept her family
together and raised a smart, sane daughter. (Think of the blame if Chelsea
had ever acted in the alcoholic, neurotic manner of the Bush twins!) Goodbye
to some women pouting because she didn't bake cookies or she did, sniping
because she learned the rules and then bent or broke them. Grow the hell up.
She is not running for Ms.-perfect-pure-queen-icon of the feminist movement.
She is running to be President of the United States.
Goodbye to the shocking American ignorance of our own and other countries'
history. Margaret Thatcher and Golda Meir rose through party ranks and war,
positioning themselves as proto-male leaders. Almost all other female heads
of government so far have been related to men of power-granddaughters,
daughters, sisters, wives, widows: Gandhi, Bandaranike, Bhutto, Aquino,
Chamorro, Wazed, Macapagal-Arroyo, Johnson Sirleaf, Bachelet, Kirchner, and
more. Even in our "land of opportunity," it's mostly the first pathway "in"
permitted to women: Reps. Doris Matsui and Mary Bono and Sala Burton; Sen.
Jean Carnahan . . . far too many to list here.
Goodbye to a misrepresented generational divide . . .
Goodbye to the so-called spontaneous "Obama Girl" flaunting her bikini-clad
ass online-then confessing Oh yeah it wasn't her idea after all, some guys
got her to do it and dictated the clothes, which she said "made me feel like
a dork."
Goodbye to some young women eager to win male approval by showing they're
not feminists (at least not the kind who actually threaten the status quo),
who can't identify with a woman candidate because she is unafraid of
eeueweeeu yucky power, who fear their boyfriends might look at them funny if
they say something good about her. Goodbye to women of any age again feeling
unworthy, sulking "what if she's not electable?" or "maybe it's
post-feminism and whoooosh we're already free." Let a statement by the
magnificent Harriet Tubman stand as reply. When asked how she managed to
save hundreds of enslaved African Americans via the Underground Railroad
during the Civil War, she replied bitterly, "I could have saved thousands-if
only I'd been able to convince them they were slaves."
I'd rather say a joyful Hello to all the glorious young women who do
identify with Hillary, and all the brave, smart men-of all ethnicities and
any age--who get that it's in their self-interest, too. She's better
qualified. (D'uh.) She's a high-profile candidate with an enormous grasp of
foreign- and domestic-policy nuance, dedication to detail, ability to absorb
staggering insult and personal pain while retaining dignity, resolve, even
humor, and keep on keeping on. (Also, yes, dammit, let's hear it for her
connections and funding and party-building background, too. Obama was
awfully glad about those when she raised dough and campaigned for him to get
to the Senate in the first place.)
I'd rather look forward to what a good president he might make in eight
years, when his vision and spirit are seasoned by practical know-how--and
he'll be all of 54. Meanwhile, goodbye to turning him into a shining knight
when actually he's an astute, smooth pol with speechwriters who've worked
with the Kennedys' own speechwriter-courtier Ted Sorenson. If it's only
about ringing rhetoric, let speechwriters run. But isn't it about getting
the policies we want enacted?
And goodbye to the ageism . . .
How dare anyone unilaterally decide when to turn the page on history,
papering over real inequities and suffering constituencies in the promise of
a feel-good campaign? How dare anyone claim to unify while dividing, or
think that to rouse US youth from torpor it's useful to triage the single
largest demographic in this country's history: the boomer generation--the
majority of which is female?
Older woman are the one group that doesn't grow more conservative with
age-and we are the generation of radicals who said "Well-behaved women
seldom make history." Goodbye to going gently into any goodnight any man
prescribes for us. We are the women who changed the reality of the United
States. And though we never went away, brace yourselves: we're back!
We are the women who brought this country equal credit, better pay,
affirmative action, the concept of a family-focused workplace; the women who
established rape-crisis centers and battery shelters, marital-rape and
date-rape laws; the women who defended lesbian custody rights, who fought
for prison reform, founded the peace and environmental movements; who
insisted that medical research include female anatomy, who inspired men to
become more nurturing parents, who created women's studies and Title IX so
we all could cheer the WNBA stars and Mia Hamm. We are the women who
reclaimed sexuality from violent pornography, who put child care on the
national agenda, who transformed demographics, artistic expression, language
itself. We are the women who forged a worldwide movement. We are the proud
successors of women who, though it took more than 50 years, won us the vote.
We are the women who now comprise the majority of US voters.
Hillary said she found her own voice in New Hampshire. There's not a woman
alive who, if she's honest, doesn't recognize what she means. Then HRC got
drowned out by campaign experts, Bill, and media's obsession with All Things
Bill.
So listen to her voice:
"For too long, the history of women has been a history of silence. Even
today, there are those who are trying to silence our words.
"It is a violation of human rights when babies are denied food, or drowned,
or suffocated, or their spines broken, simply because they are born girls.
It is a violation of human rights when woman and girls are sold into the
slavery of prostitution. It is a violation of human rights when women are
doused with gasoline, set on fire and burned to death because their marriage
dowries are deemed too small. It is a violation of human rights when
individual women are raped in their own communities and when thousands of
women are subjected to rape as a tactic or prize of war. It is a violation
of human rights when a leading cause of death worldwide along women ages 14
to 44 is the violence they are subjected to in their own homes. It is a
violation of human rights when women are denied the right to plan their own
families, and that includes being forced to have abortions or being
sterilized against their will.
"Women's rights are human rights. Among those rights are the right to speak
freely--and the right to be heard."
That was Hillary Rodham Clinton defying the US State Department and the
Chinese Government at the 1995 UN World Conference on Women in Beijing (the
full, stunning speech:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/hillaryclintonbeijingspeech.htm).
And this voice, age 22, in "Commencement Remarks of Hillary D. Rodham,
President of Wellesley College Government Association, Class of 1969" (full
speech:
>
http://www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/Commencement/1969/053169hillary.html)
"We are, all of us, exploring a world none of us understands. . . .
searching for a more immediate, ecstatic, and penetrating mode of living. .
. . [for the] integrity, the courage to be whole, living in relation to one
another in the full poetry of existence. The struggle for an integrated life
existing in an atmosphere of communal trust and respect is one with
desperately important political and social consequences. . . . Fear is
always with us, but we just don't have time for it."
She ended with the commitment "to practice, with all the skill of our being:
the art of making possible."
And for decades, she's been learning how.
So goodbye to Hillary's second-guessing herself. The real question is deeper
than her re-finding her voice. Can we women find ours? Can we do this for
ourselves? "Our President, Ourselves!"
Time is short and the contest tightening. We need to rise in furious
energy--as we did when courageous Anita Hill was so vilely treated in the US
Senate, as we did when desperate Rosie Jiminez was butchered by an illegal
abortion, as we did and do for women globally who are condemned for trying
to break through. We need to win, this time. Goodbye to supporting HRC
tepidly, with ambivalent caveats and apologetic smiles. Time to volunteer,
make phone calls, send emails, donate money, argue, rally, march, shout,
vote.
Me? I support Hillary Rodham because she's the best qualified of all
candidates running in both parties. I support her because her progressive
politics are as strong as her proven ability to withstand what will be a
massive right-wing assault in the general election. I support her because
she's refreshingly thoughtful, and I'm bloodied from eight years of a jolly
"uniter" with ejaculatory politics. I needn't agree with her on every point.
I agree with the 97 percent of her positions that are identical with
Obama's-and the few where hers are both more practical and to the left of
his (like health care). I support her because she's already smashed the
first-lady stereotype and made history as a fine senator, and because I
believe she will continue to make history not only as the first US woman
president, but as a great US president.
As for the "woman thing"?
Me, I'm voting for Hillary not because she's a woman--but because I am.
RM
February 2, 2008
New York City
activist, journalist, editor, and best-selling author, has published more
than 20 books, including the now-classic anthologies Sisterhood Is Powerful
(Random House, 1970) and Sisterhood Is Global (Doubleday, l984; updated
edition, The Feminist Press, 1996); with the recent Sisterhood Is Forever:
The Women's Anthology for A New Millennium (Washington Square Press, Simon &
Schuster, 2003). A founder/leader of contemporary US feminism, she has also
been a leader in the international women's movement for 30 years.
GOODBYE TO ALL THAT (#2) by Robin Morgan
"Goodbye To All That" was my (in)famous 1970 essay breaking free from a
politics of accommodation especially affecting women (for an online version,
see
http://blog.fair-use.org/category/chicago/).
During my decades in civil-rights, anti-war, and contemporary women's
movements, I've avoided writing another specific "Goodbye . . .". But not
since the suffrage struggle have two communities--the joint
conscience-keepers of this country--been so set in competition, as the
contest between Hillary Rodham Clinton (HRC) and Barack Obama (BO) unfurls.
So.
Goodbye to the double standard . . .
--Hillary is too ballsy but too womanly, a Snow Maiden who's emotional, and
so much a politician as to be unfit for politics.
--She's "ambitious" but he shows "fire in the belly." (Ever had labor pains?
)
--When a sexist idiot screamed "Iron my shirt!" at HRC, it was considered
amusing; if a racist idiot shouted "Shine my shoes!" at BO, it would've
inspired hours of airtime and pages of newsprint analyzing our national
dishonor.
--Young political Kennedys--Kathleen, Kerry, and Bobby Jr.--all endorsed
Hillary. Sen. Ted, age 76, endorsed Obama. If the situation were reversed,
pundits would snort "See? Ted and establishment types back her, but the
forward-looking generation backs him." (Personally, I'm unimpressed with
Caroline's longing for the Return of the Fathers. Unlike the rest of the
world, Americans have short memories. Me, I still recall Marilyn Monroe's
suicide, and a dead girl named Mary Jo Kopechne in Chappaquiddick.)
Goodbye to the toxic viciousness . . .
Carl Bernstein's disgust at Hillary's "thick ankles." Nixon-trickster Roger
Stone's new Hillary-hating 527 group, "Citizens United Not Timid" (check the
capital letters). John McCain answering "How do we beat the bitch?" with
"Excellent question!" Would he have dared reply similarly to "How do we beat
the black bastard?" For shame.
Goodbye to the HRC nutcracker with metal spikes between splayed thighs. If
it was a tap-dancing blackface doll, we would be righteously outraged-and
they would not be selling it in airports. Shame.
Goodbye to the most intimately violent T-shirts in election history,
including one with the murderous slogan "If Only Hillary had married O.J.
Instead!" Shame.
Goodbye to Comedy Central's "Southpark" featuring a storyline in which
terrorists secrete a bomb in HRC's vagina. I refuse to wrench my brain down
into the gutter far enough to find a race-based comparison. For shame.
Goodbye to the sick, malicious idea that this is funny. This is not "Clinton
hating," not "Hillary hating." This is sociopathic woman-hating. If it were
about Jews, we would recognize it instantly as anti-Semitic propaganda; if
about race, as KKK poison. Hell, PETA would go ballistic if such vomitous
spew were directed at animals. Where is our sense of outrage-as citizens,
voters, Americans?
Goodbye to the news-coverage target-practice . . .
The women's movement and Media Matters wrung an apology from MSNBC's Chris
Matthews for relentless misogynistic comments (
www.womensmediacenter.com). But what
about NBC's Tim Russert's continual sexist asides and his all-white-male
panels pontificating on race and gender? Or CNN's Tony Harris chuckling at
"the chromosome thing" while interviewing a woman from The White House
Project? And that's not even mentioning Fox News.
Goodbye to pretending the black community is entirely male and all women are
white . . .
Surprise! Women exist in all opinions, pigmentations, ethnicities,
abilities, sexual preferences, and ages--not only African American and
European American but Latina and Native American, Asian American and Pacific
Islanders, Arab American and-hey, every group, because a group wouldn't be
alive if we hadn't given birth to it. A few non-racist countries may
exist--but sexism is everywhere. No matter how many ways a woman breaks free
from other oppressions, she remains a female human being in a world still so
patriarchal that it's the "norm."
So why should all women not be as justly proud of our womanhood and the
centuries, even millennia, of struggle that got us this far, as black
Americans, women and men, are justly proud of their struggles?
Goodbye to a campaign where he has to pass as white (which whites-especially
wealthy ones--adore), while she has to pass as male (which both men and
women demanded of her, and then found unforgivable). If she were black or he
were female we wouldn't be having such problems, and I for one would be in
heaven. But at present such a candidate wouldn't stand a chance-even if she
shared Condi Rice's Bush-defending politics.
I was celebrating the pivotal power at last focused on African American
women deciding on which of two candidates to bestow their vote--until a
number of Hillary-supporting black feminists told me they're being called
"race traitors."
So goodbye to conversations about this nation's deepest scar-slavery-which
fail to acknowledge that labor- and sexual-slavery exist today in the US and
elsewhere on this planet, and the majority of those enslaved are women.
Women have endured sex/race/ethnic/religious hatred, rape and battery,
invasion of spirit and flesh, forced pregnancy; being the majority of the
poor, the illiterate, the disabled, of refugees, caregivers, the HIV/AIDS
afflicted, the powerless. We have survived invisibility, ridicule, religious
fundamentalisms, polygamy, teargas, forced feedings, jails, asylums, sati,
purdah, female genital mutilation, witch burnings, stonings, and attempted
gynocides. We have tried reason, persuasion, reassurances, and being
extra-qualified, only to learn it never was about qualifications after all.
We know that at this historical moment women experience the world
differently from men--though not all the same as one another--and can govern
differently, from Elizabeth Tudor to Michele Bachelet and Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf.
We remember when Shirley Chisholm and Patricia Schroeder ran for this high
office and barely got past the gate-they showed too much passion, raised too
little cash, were joke fodder. Goodbye to all that. (And goodbye to some
feminists so famished for a female president they were even willing to
abandon women's rights in backing Elizabeth Dole.)
Goodbye, goodbye to . . .
--blaming anything Bill Clinton does on Hillary (even including his
womanizing like the Kennedy guys--though unlike them, he got reported on).
Let's get real. If he hadn't campaigned strongly for her everyone would
cluck over what that meant. Enough of Bill and Teddy Kennedy locking their
alpha male horns while Hillary pays for it.
--an era when parts of the populace feel so disaffected by politics that a
comparative lack of knowledge, experience, and skill is actually seen as
attractive, when celebrity-culture mania now infects our elections so that
it's "cooler" to glow with marquee charisma than to understand the vast
global complexities of power on a nuclear, wounded planet.
--the notion that it's fun to elect a handsome, cocky president who feels he
can learn on the job, goodbye to George W. Bush and the destruction brought
by his inexperience, ignorance, and arrogance.
Goodbye to the accusation that HRC acts "entitled" when she's worked
intensely at everything she's done-including being a nose-to-the-grindstone,
first-rate senator from my state.
Goodbye to her being exploited as a Rorschach test by women who reduce her
to a blank screen on which they project their own fears, failures,
fantasies.
Goodbye to the phrase "polarizing figure" to describe someone who embodies
the transitions women have made in the last century and are poised to make
in this one. It was the women's movement that quipped, "We are becoming the
men we wanted to marry." She heard us, and she has.
Goodbye to some women letting history pass by while wringing their hands,
because Hillary isn't as "likeable" as they've been warned they must be, or
because she didn't leave him, couldn't "control" him, kept her family
together and raised a smart, sane daughter. (Think of the blame if Chelsea
had ever acted in the alcoholic, neurotic manner of the Bush twins!) Goodbye
to some women pouting because she didn't bake cookies or she did, sniping
because she learned the rules and then bent or broke them. Grow the hell up.
She is not running for Ms.-perfect-pure-queen-icon of the feminist movement.
She is running to be President of the United States.
Goodbye to the shocking American ignorance of our own and other countries'
history. Margaret Thatcher and Golda Meir rose through party ranks and war,
positioning themselves as proto-male leaders. Almost all other female heads
of government so far have been related to men of power-granddaughters,
daughters, sisters, wives, widows: Gandhi, Bandaranike, Bhutto, Aquino,
Chamorro, Wazed, Macapagal-Arroyo, Johnson Sirleaf, Bachelet, Kirchner, and
more. Even in our "land of opportunity," it's mostly the first pathway "in"
permitted to women: Reps. Doris Matsui and Mary Bono and Sala Burton; Sen.
Jean Carnahan . . . far too many to list here.
Goodbye to a misrepresented generational divide . . .
Goodbye to the so-called spontaneous "Obama Girl" flaunting her bikini-clad
ass online-then confessing Oh yeah it wasn't her idea after all, some guys
got her to do it and dictated the clothes, which she said "made me feel like
a dork."
Goodbye to some young women eager to win male approval by showing they're
not feminists (at least not the kind who actually threaten the status quo),
who can't identify with a woman candidate because she is unafraid of
eeueweeeu yucky power, who fear their boyfriends might look at them funny if
they say something good about her. Goodbye to women of any age again feeling
unworthy, sulking "what if she's not electable?" or "maybe it's
post-feminism and whoooosh we're already free." Let a statement by the
magnificent Harriet Tubman stand as reply. When asked how she managed to
save hundreds of enslaved African Americans via the Underground Railroad
during the Civil War, she replied bitterly, "I could have saved thousands-if
only I'd been able to convince them they were slaves."
I'd rather say a joyful Hello to all the glorious young women who do
identify with Hillary, and all the brave, smart men-of all ethnicities and
any age--who get that it's in their self-interest, too. She's better
qualified. (D'uh.) She's a high-profile candidate with an enormous grasp of
foreign- and domestic-policy nuance, dedication to detail, ability to absorb
staggering insult and personal pain while retaining dignity, resolve, even
humor, and keep on keeping on. (Also, yes, dammit, let's hear it for her
connections and funding and party-building background, too. Obama was
awfully glad about those when she raised dough and campaigned for him to get
to the Senate in the first place.)
I'd rather look forward to what a good president he might make in eight
years, when his vision and spirit are seasoned by practical know-how--and
he'll be all of 54. Meanwhile, goodbye to turning him into a shining knight
when actually he's an astute, smooth pol with speechwriters who've worked
with the Kennedys' own speechwriter-courtier Ted Sorenson. If it's only
about ringing rhetoric, let speechwriters run. But isn't it about getting
the policies we want enacted?
And goodbye to the ageism . . .
How dare anyone unilaterally decide when to turn the page on history,
papering over real inequities and suffering constituencies in the promise of
a feel-good campaign? How dare anyone claim to unify while dividing, or
think that to rouse US youth from torpor it's useful to triage the single
largest demographic in this country's history: the boomer generation--the
majority of which is female?
Older woman are the one group that doesn't grow more conservative with
age-and we are the generation of radicals who said "Well-behaved women
seldom make history." Goodbye to going gently into any goodnight any man
prescribes for us. We are the women who changed the reality of the United
States. And though we never went away, brace yourselves: we're back!
We are the women who brought this country equal credit, better pay,
affirmative action, the concept of a family-focused workplace; the women who
established rape-crisis centers and battery shelters, marital-rape and
date-rape laws; the women who defended lesbian custody rights, who fought
for prison reform, founded the peace and environmental movements; who
insisted that medical research include female anatomy, who inspired men to
become more nurturing parents, who created women's studies and Title IX so
we all could cheer the WNBA stars and Mia Hamm. We are the women who
reclaimed sexuality from violent pornography, who put child care on the
national agenda, who transformed demographics, artistic expression, language
itself. We are the women who forged a worldwide movement. We are the proud
successors of women who, though it took more than 50 years, won us the vote.
We are the women who now comprise the majority of US voters.
Hillary said she found her own voice in New Hampshire. There's not a woman
alive who, if she's honest, doesn't recognize what she means. Then HRC got
drowned out by campaign experts, Bill, and media's obsession with All Things
Bill.
So listen to her voice:
"For too long, the history of women has been a history of silence. Even
today, there are those who are trying to silence our words.
"It is a violation of human rights when babies are denied food, or drowned,
or suffocated, or their spines broken, simply because they are born girls.
It is a violation of human rights when woman and girls are sold into the
slavery of prostitution. It is a violation of human rights when women are
doused with gasoline, set on fire and burned to death because their marriage
dowries are deemed too small. It is a violation of human rights when
individual women are raped in their own communities and when thousands of
women are subjected to rape as a tactic or prize of war. It is a violation
of human rights when a leading cause of death worldwide along women ages 14
to 44 is the violence they are subjected to in their own homes. It is a
violation of human rights when women are denied the right to plan their own
families, and that includes being forced to have abortions or being
sterilized against their will.
"Women's rights are human rights. Among those rights are the right to speak
freely--and the right to be heard."
That was Hillary Rodham Clinton defying the US State Department and the
Chinese Government at the 1995 UN World Conference on Women in Beijing (the
full, stunning speech:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/hillaryclintonbeijingspeech.htm).
And this voice, age 22, in "Commencement Remarks of Hillary D. Rodham,
President of Wellesley College Government Association, Class of 1969" (full
speech:
>
http://www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/Commencement/1969/053169hillary.html)
"We are, all of us, exploring a world none of us understands. . . .
searching for a more immediate, ecstatic, and penetrating mode of living. .
. . [for the] integrity, the courage to be whole, living in relation to one
another in the full poetry of existence. The struggle for an integrated life
existing in an atmosphere of communal trust and respect is one with
desperately important political and social consequences. . . . Fear is
always with us, but we just don't have time for it."
She ended with the commitment "to practice, with all the skill of our being:
the art of making possible."
And for decades, she's been learning how.
So goodbye to Hillary's second-guessing herself. The real question is deeper
than her re-finding her voice. Can we women find ours? Can we do this for
ourselves? "Our President, Ourselves!"
Time is short and the contest tightening. We need to rise in furious
energy--as we did when courageous Anita Hill was so vilely treated in the US
Senate, as we did when desperate Rosie Jiminez was butchered by an illegal
abortion, as we did and do for women globally who are condemned for trying
to break through. We need to win, this time. Goodbye to supporting HRC
tepidly, with ambivalent caveats and apologetic smiles. Time to volunteer,
make phone calls, send emails, donate money, argue, rally, march, shout,
vote.
Me? I support Hillary Rodham because she's the best qualified of all
candidates running in both parties. I support her because her progressive
politics are as strong as her proven ability to withstand what will be a
massive right-wing assault in the general election. I support her because
she's refreshingly thoughtful, and I'm bloodied from eight years of a jolly
"uniter" with ejaculatory politics. I needn't agree with her on every point.
I agree with the 97 percent of her positions that are identical with
Obama's-and the few where hers are both more practical and to the left of
his (like health care). I support her because she's already smashed the
first-lady stereotype and made history as a fine senator, and because I
believe she will continue to make history not only as the first US woman
president, but as a great US president.
As for the "woman thing"?
Me, I'm voting for Hillary not because she's a woman--but because I am.
RM
February 2, 2008
New York City
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, October 14, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Health Insurance
Question: Did you know 767,000 Coloradoans lack Health Insurance?
According to Marie Cocco from Newsday, an official, non-partisan government commission set up by Congress found that over 90% of study participants believe every American should have affordable health coverage. The commission found that, "across the board, that majorities of the population were willing to pay more to ensure that all Americans are covered." Americans are concerned and insecure about their health-care future. Let us ask our community members to think about how this issue affects them and their neighbors.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on October 14th, is:
Did you know 767,000 Coloradoans lack Health Insurance?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, October 14, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Health Insurance
Question: Did you know 767,000 Coloradoans lack Health Insurance?
According to Marie Cocco from Newsday, an official, non-partisan government commission set up by Congress found that over 90% of study participants believe every American should have affordable health coverage. The commission found that, "across the board, that majorities of the population were willing to pay more to ensure that all Americans are covered." Americans are concerned and insecure about their health-care future. Let us ask our community members to think about how this issue affects them and their neighbors.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on October 14th, is:
Did you know 767,000 Coloradoans lack Health Insurance?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, October 7, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: U.S. Foreign Policy
Question: Is current U.S. policy spreading Hope or Hatred?
U.S. foreign policy has changed a great deal in the last 6 years. The United States used to symbolize hope- in and around the world. Let us ask our neighbors if they think that is still the case. Are we exporting hope or hate? It is distressing to have reached a point where we feel the need to ask such a question?
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on October 7th, is:
Is current U.S. policy spreading Hope or Hatred?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, October 7, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: U.S. Foreign Policy
Question: Is current U.S. policy spreading Hope or Hatred?
U.S. foreign policy has changed a great deal in the last 6 years. The United States used to symbolize hope- in and around the world. Let us ask our neighbors if they think that is still the case. Are we exporting hope or hate? It is distressing to have reached a point where we feel the need to ask such a question?
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on October 7th, is:
Is current U.S. policy spreading Hope or Hatred?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, September 23, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: National Debt
Question: Is it moral to leave our children our $8.5 trillion National Debt?
This is the second time we will address the issue of our enormous National Debt. During our action last June, 2005 the debt was $7.7 trillion. That debt has now grown to $8.5 trillion. Every man, woman and child would have to pay $28,500 each in order to pay it off today. Let us ask our community if it is ethical to leave our children this amount of debt? Should our government exercise some fiscal responsibility? There is considerable concern about U.S. debt among international financial markets as well. The possible consequences of such debt are disturbing. Please google for more information.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes.
Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on September 23rd, is:
Is it moral to leave our children our $8.5 trillion National Debt?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, September 23, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: National Debt
Question: Is it moral to leave our children our $8.5 trillion National Debt?
This is the second time we will address the issue of our enormous National Debt. During our action last June, 2005 the debt was $7.7 trillion. That debt has now grown to $8.5 trillion. Every man, woman and child would have to pay $28,500 each in order to pay it off today. Let us ask our community if it is ethical to leave our children this amount of debt? Should our government exercise some fiscal responsibility? There is considerable concern about U.S. debt among international financial markets as well. The possible consequences of such debt are disturbing. Please google for more information.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes.
Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on September 23rd, is:
Is it moral to leave our children our $8.5 trillion National Debt?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, August 26, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Question: Should our soldiers die in an Iraq Civil War?
This action will address the Iraq War again. Do you think a civil war in Iraq has already started? What should the U.S. do if we are occupying Iraq when an 'actual' civil war breaks out? Which side should our soldiers defend- the Sunnis or the Shiites? Should the U.S. allow themselves to be in a position to have to make that decision? What are the probabilities that we will have to face this predicament? Let's ask the public to think about the consequences for such a dilemma.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on August 26th is:
Should our soldiers die in an Iraq Civil War?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
Children need to be supervised. This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, August 26, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Question: Should our soldiers die in an Iraq Civil War?
This action will address the Iraq War again. Do you think a civil war in Iraq has already started? What should the U.S. do if we are occupying Iraq when an 'actual' civil war breaks out? Which side should our soldiers defend- the Sunnis or the Shiites? Should the U.S. allow themselves to be in a position to have to make that decision? What are the probabilities that we will have to face this predicament? Let's ask the public to think about the consequences for such a dilemma.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on August 26th is:
Should our soldiers die in an Iraq Civil War?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
Children need to be supervised. This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
We sent the following letter to The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News along with petition signatures from over 800 concerned Colorado citizens addressing the need for more prominent, front-page, detailed news and information about the Iraq War and its consequences. We know that there are many other questions that need to be answered. So please contact the newspapers (The Denver Post at newsroom@denverpost.com and The Rocky Mountain News at letters@RockyMountainNews.com) and ask them to respond. We also asked for the daily notation of the war's death and injury numbers on the front pages of the papers in order to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices of our countrymen and women, their families, and friends. We are hoping The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News will be brave enough to work harder at fulfilling their public duty. Thank you for your time.
James and Diane Schrack
10170 Charissglen Lane
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
720-344-7696
2 August, 2006
Mr. Gregory Moore
The Denver Post
1560 Broadway
Denver, CO 80202
Mr. John Temple
Rocky Mountain News
100 Gene Amole Way
Denver, CO 80204
Dear Mr. Moore and Mr. Temple:
Newspapers matter. What newspapers report on or fail to report on matters even more.
When The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News exercise their First Amendment right of freedom of the press, they assume an underlying responsibility to fulfill the public's trust by upholding the accuracy and totality of their coverage. In this sense, newspapers are a true public service.
Newspapers impact history by spreading information about our communities, society, and the world. They help produce knowledgeable and informed citizens who can then more ably participate in life. When newspapers fall short, whether by choice or in response to pressure, the public trust is compromised--an offense that is particularly egregious during wartime.
It has become disappointingly clear that The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News failed in investigating events leading up to the Iraq War. There is no excuse now for the lack of depth in reporting the numerous consequences of the war. The public deserves fully researched and all-encompassing stories about the present and future effects of the Iraq War. The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News have an enormous responsibility to the public. We present to you here over eight hundred of your readers from all over the state of Colorado asking you to be brave for us.
Your newspaper public wants thoroughly investigated and detailed information about the Iraq War concerning questions and issues such as:
Which domestic programs are being cut due to the cost of the war? Are domestic programs dealing with public safety and homeland security, education, the environment, alternative energy sources, health and scientific research being jeopardized due to the diversion of funds to support the war? How might these decisions affect future generations?
What are the costs and consequences of our nation's debt being transferred to future generations? How does the $1.5 billion spent on the war each week compare to other government expenditures?
Which companies have benefited from contracts with the U.S. in Iraq? How is the public's money being spent in support of the war? Who is profiting illegitimately from those contracts? What are the specific abuses and are they ongoing? Which government officials made the hiring decisions? What are the effects of the lack of U.S. Congressional oversight?
Please report on why 90% of the war costs have been authorized in supplemental appropriation bills or "emergency" funding, rather than included in the overall budget. What are the consequences of these actions?
What changes have occurred in regard to civil liberties and freedoms due to the Bush administration's claims of security and the war on terror? How do NSA activities, wiretapping, communication company cooperation, etc. affect the lives of individual citizens?
What is the real status of our military's ability to deal successfully with additional conflicts? We need detailed and thoughtful research into the potential consequences regarding difficult situations such as those present in North Korea, Iran, and other trouble spots in the Middle East and around the world.
Please work to provide us with more information about U.S. rendition flights and secret prisons.
What are the impacts of the Bush administration and military's mistakes on death and injury statistics for soldiers?
Are all veterans getting the care they need? Are veterans' programs properly funded? Which programs are in jeopardy and how might that affect Iraq War veterans' futures?
What are the potential numbers of and future costs for soldiers who have been injured and will require long-term or even lifetime care? Where are the stories that show the overall volume and impact of such injuries on our soldiers and their families? What do their futures honestly look like?
Has the military been perfectly honest about recruitment and retention of soldiers? Are the incentives ethical? Have any forms of coercion been involved? Has the quality of future military personnel and officers been degraded due to recruitment problems? Has U.S. troop readiness changed in any way? What about the mental health consequences for our soldiers due to multiple or extended deployments? Has anyone made an honest assessment of troop morale?
What are the details about Iraq oil production and the security of oil facilities in Iraq? When will those facilities become fully functional? Which U.S. companies fit into the picture and how? What is the status of other reconstruction projects? What are the most recent statistics on Iraqi citizens' access to electricity and other basic services?
What is the economic impact of many of Iraq's educated middle-class citizens leaving the country for security reasons? How has this phenomenon affected other societies in similar situations?
How has the daily violence affected individual Iraqi citizens? Has this led to an increase in violence or weapons trade among young members of that society? In what ways has the war affected Iraqi youth? What are the unemployment statistics in Iraq and how does that situation influence the lives of citizens and the economy in Iraq?
Where are the legitimate estimates of Iraqi citizen deaths and injuries? How are Iraqi health facilities handling the situation?
What are possible international consequences to our damaged reputation and credibility as a world leader due to our unilateral actions in Iraq? How difficult might it be to repair relations with other nations? Has the war made a relationship with the U.S. a liability for other countries? Are other Arab nations no longer finding it necessary to pay attention to the U.S.? Have Bush administration and U.S. military policies demonstrated an understanding of Iraqi and Middle-Eastern culture? Is there evidence that Arab and Muslim communities sense intolerance or racism on the part of the U.S.?
What is the evidence of terrorism spreading into other areas around the world because of our invasion and occupation of Iraq? Has the degree of anti-American sentiment changed? Is there evidence of U.S. policy producing more radical regimes abroad?
What has happened in other countries that have broken out in modern civil wars? How have those civil wars affected countries around them and around the world?
What are the consequences of permanent U.S. military bases being built in and around Iraq? What impact could that have on other countries in the region?
Have you communicated with international press agencies regarding these Iraq War issues? Do you find that these reports correspond to yours?
Tell us if the press is being hindered in reporting the real news about Iraq. What are the obstacles to reporting on the Iraq War? Does The Denver Post or Rocky Mountain News feel a need to demand better access?
The Iraq War has changed our nation, and we will live with its consequences for decades. Our newspapers must have the courage to tell us the whole truth -- whether the public or advertising companies are receptive to it or not. Both papers have touched on some of these issues, and reporting on them can indeed be a truly dangerous job, but failing to tell the whole story--in each and every detail -- lets our country down. Sometimes one story on a particular issue isn't enough to educate your readers fully -- please give us more. We're not asking you to be partisan; we simply want the facts. Our democracy depends on newspapers.
Please tell us the number of U.S. and Iraqi deaths and injuries on the front-page every day. This is a war of choice and we need to be constantly reminded of the sacrifices made by our fellow countrymen and women, their families, and friends.
Inform us about the consequences of our nation's actions. We must make competent and deliberate decisions about our lives, our country, and our world. News about the Iraq War deserves more front-page, above-the-fold prominence. We rely on you, so please fulfill this important public duty for us.
Respectfully yours,
James L. Schrack
Diane M. Schrack
James and Diane Schrack
10170 Charissglen Lane
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
720-344-7696
2 August, 2006
Mr. Gregory Moore
The Denver Post
1560 Broadway
Denver, CO 80202
Mr. John Temple
Rocky Mountain News
100 Gene Amole Way
Denver, CO 80204
Dear Mr. Moore and Mr. Temple:
Newspapers matter. What newspapers report on or fail to report on matters even more.
When The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News exercise their First Amendment right of freedom of the press, they assume an underlying responsibility to fulfill the public's trust by upholding the accuracy and totality of their coverage. In this sense, newspapers are a true public service.
Newspapers impact history by spreading information about our communities, society, and the world. They help produce knowledgeable and informed citizens who can then more ably participate in life. When newspapers fall short, whether by choice or in response to pressure, the public trust is compromised--an offense that is particularly egregious during wartime.
It has become disappointingly clear that The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News failed in investigating events leading up to the Iraq War. There is no excuse now for the lack of depth in reporting the numerous consequences of the war. The public deserves fully researched and all-encompassing stories about the present and future effects of the Iraq War. The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News have an enormous responsibility to the public. We present to you here over eight hundred of your readers from all over the state of Colorado asking you to be brave for us.
Your newspaper public wants thoroughly investigated and detailed information about the Iraq War concerning questions and issues such as:
Which domestic programs are being cut due to the cost of the war? Are domestic programs dealing with public safety and homeland security, education, the environment, alternative energy sources, health and scientific research being jeopardized due to the diversion of funds to support the war? How might these decisions affect future generations?
What are the costs and consequences of our nation's debt being transferred to future generations? How does the $1.5 billion spent on the war each week compare to other government expenditures?
Which companies have benefited from contracts with the U.S. in Iraq? How is the public's money being spent in support of the war? Who is profiting illegitimately from those contracts? What are the specific abuses and are they ongoing? Which government officials made the hiring decisions? What are the effects of the lack of U.S. Congressional oversight?
Please report on why 90% of the war costs have been authorized in supplemental appropriation bills or "emergency" funding, rather than included in the overall budget. What are the consequences of these actions?
What changes have occurred in regard to civil liberties and freedoms due to the Bush administration's claims of security and the war on terror? How do NSA activities, wiretapping, communication company cooperation, etc. affect the lives of individual citizens?
What is the real status of our military's ability to deal successfully with additional conflicts? We need detailed and thoughtful research into the potential consequences regarding difficult situations such as those present in North Korea, Iran, and other trouble spots in the Middle East and around the world.
Please work to provide us with more information about U.S. rendition flights and secret prisons.
What are the impacts of the Bush administration and military's mistakes on death and injury statistics for soldiers?
Are all veterans getting the care they need? Are veterans' programs properly funded? Which programs are in jeopardy and how might that affect Iraq War veterans' futures?
What are the potential numbers of and future costs for soldiers who have been injured and will require long-term or even lifetime care? Where are the stories that show the overall volume and impact of such injuries on our soldiers and their families? What do their futures honestly look like?
Has the military been perfectly honest about recruitment and retention of soldiers? Are the incentives ethical? Have any forms of coercion been involved? Has the quality of future military personnel and officers been degraded due to recruitment problems? Has U.S. troop readiness changed in any way? What about the mental health consequences for our soldiers due to multiple or extended deployments? Has anyone made an honest assessment of troop morale?
What are the details about Iraq oil production and the security of oil facilities in Iraq? When will those facilities become fully functional? Which U.S. companies fit into the picture and how? What is the status of other reconstruction projects? What are the most recent statistics on Iraqi citizens' access to electricity and other basic services?
What is the economic impact of many of Iraq's educated middle-class citizens leaving the country for security reasons? How has this phenomenon affected other societies in similar situations?
How has the daily violence affected individual Iraqi citizens? Has this led to an increase in violence or weapons trade among young members of that society? In what ways has the war affected Iraqi youth? What are the unemployment statistics in Iraq and how does that situation influence the lives of citizens and the economy in Iraq?
Where are the legitimate estimates of Iraqi citizen deaths and injuries? How are Iraqi health facilities handling the situation?
What are possible international consequences to our damaged reputation and credibility as a world leader due to our unilateral actions in Iraq? How difficult might it be to repair relations with other nations? Has the war made a relationship with the U.S. a liability for other countries? Are other Arab nations no longer finding it necessary to pay attention to the U.S.? Have Bush administration and U.S. military policies demonstrated an understanding of Iraqi and Middle-Eastern culture? Is there evidence that Arab and Muslim communities sense intolerance or racism on the part of the U.S.?
What is the evidence of terrorism spreading into other areas around the world because of our invasion and occupation of Iraq? Has the degree of anti-American sentiment changed? Is there evidence of U.S. policy producing more radical regimes abroad?
What has happened in other countries that have broken out in modern civil wars? How have those civil wars affected countries around them and around the world?
What are the consequences of permanent U.S. military bases being built in and around Iraq? What impact could that have on other countries in the region?
Have you communicated with international press agencies regarding these Iraq War issues? Do you find that these reports correspond to yours?
Tell us if the press is being hindered in reporting the real news about Iraq. What are the obstacles to reporting on the Iraq War? Does The Denver Post or Rocky Mountain News feel a need to demand better access?
The Iraq War has changed our nation, and we will live with its consequences for decades. Our newspapers must have the courage to tell us the whole truth -- whether the public or advertising companies are receptive to it or not. Both papers have touched on some of these issues, and reporting on them can indeed be a truly dangerous job, but failing to tell the whole story--in each and every detail -- lets our country down. Sometimes one story on a particular issue isn't enough to educate your readers fully -- please give us more. We're not asking you to be partisan; we simply want the facts. Our democracy depends on newspapers.
Please tell us the number of U.S. and Iraqi deaths and injuries on the front-page every day. This is a war of choice and we need to be constantly reminded of the sacrifices made by our fellow countrymen and women, their families, and friends.
Inform us about the consequences of our nation's actions. We must make competent and deliberate decisions about our lives, our country, and our world. News about the Iraq War deserves more front-page, above-the-fold prominence. We rely on you, so please fulfill this important public duty for us.
Respectfully yours,
James L. Schrack
Diane M. Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, August 5, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Government Spending Priorities
Question: You choose: Tax cuts for the rich or more funding for Homeland Security?
This action will address how our government chooses to spend tax payer's money. Do our elected officials place a higher priority on tax cuts for the rich at the expense of our safety and Homeland Security?
Do those tax cuts make us safer? Are tax cuts the best way to solve our security problems?
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on August 5th is:
You choose: Tax cuts for the rich or more funding for Homeland Security?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised. This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, August 5, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Government Spending Priorities
Question: You choose: Tax cuts for the rich or more funding for Homeland Security?
This action will address how our government chooses to spend tax payer's money. Do our elected officials place a higher priority on tax cuts for the rich at the expense of our safety and Homeland Security?
Do those tax cuts make us safer? Are tax cuts the best way to solve our security problems?
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on August 5th is:
You choose: Tax cuts for the rich or more funding for Homeland Security?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised. This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, July 15, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Question: Who "pays" for Pres. Bush's Stay The Course Iraq Policy?
This action will address some of the "costs" of the Iraq War. Whether it be the loss in soldier and civilian deaths and injuries, cuts in funding for Veteran and health programs, cuts in education and environmental programs, curbs on our civil liberties, damage to the reputation of the United States to the increase in terrorism and the enormous debt left to future generations- this war is costly. Let us ask people that support the war if it is still worth it. Let us encourage them to think about who is paying for this war.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on July 15th is:
Who "pays" for Pres. Bush's Stay The Course Policy?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
Children need to be supervised.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, July 15, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Question: Who "pays" for Pres. Bush's Stay The Course Iraq Policy?
This action will address some of the "costs" of the Iraq War. Whether it be the loss in soldier and civilian deaths and injuries, cuts in funding for Veteran and health programs, cuts in education and environmental programs, curbs on our civil liberties, damage to the reputation of the United States to the increase in terrorism and the enormous debt left to future generations- this war is costly. Let us ask people that support the war if it is still worth it. Let us encourage them to think about who is paying for this war.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on July 15th is:
Who "pays" for Pres. Bush's Stay The Course Policy?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
Children need to be supervised.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Are our soldiers dying for Pres. Bush's mistakes?
The next Question Alliance action is on July 1st. This is a difficult question that needs to be asked. Our soldiers, their families and the public deserve an open discussion and honest answer to this question. Real people are dying in this war. Real people are responsible. Isn't it time to talk about that?
It would be helpful if we had a good turn-out for this action in order to cover all four intersection corners with a number of people because there will probably be some dissent from the passersby with this particular question. Our question last weekend about terrorism seemed to create some angst -- please consider joining us to continue encouraging our community members to think. It can be interesting and fulfilling- you do make a difference! People definitely read our signs. Please bring your friends and your sunscreen!
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, July 1, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on July 1st is:
Are our soldiers dying for Pres. Bush's mistakes?
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The next Question Alliance action is on July 1st. This is a difficult question that needs to be asked. Our soldiers, their families and the public deserve an open discussion and honest answer to this question. Real people are dying in this war. Real people are responsible. Isn't it time to talk about that?
It would be helpful if we had a good turn-out for this action in order to cover all four intersection corners with a number of people because there will probably be some dissent from the passersby with this particular question. Our question last weekend about terrorism seemed to create some angst -- please consider joining us to continue encouraging our community members to think. It can be interesting and fulfilling- you do make a difference! People definitely read our signs. Please bring your friends and your sunscreen!
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, July 1, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on July 1st is:
Are our soldiers dying for Pres. Bush's mistakes?
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
There were more than just righties Saturday June 17 at the Highlands Ranch Question Alliance event.
We did hear the typical retorts: "Nooooo"; "Get a life"; "Get a job"; "F--- Y--"; "Remember 9/11"; "Thank God for George Bush". But there were some thoughtful and insightful responders, as well.
We feel that even the negative responses are indications that people are reading the signs and contemplating the questions, which is what we want. It felt like there was some extra tension in the air this morning that has been missing the past couple of months -- perhaps due to all the activities this past week. There seemed to be a bit more anger from some but also more people seemed willing to express their opposition to the war by giving us the thumbs up and friendly waves.
Our plans are to press on with Iraq War related questions for the next few times probably. Keeps people thinking.
By the way, this was the 20th Question Alliance event since we started 14 months ago. We had all 4 corners covered by 6 people- hurrah!!!!
Our next event is July 1. We'll send information soon on the exact wording we intend to use!
We did hear the typical retorts: "Nooooo"; "Get a life"; "Get a job"; "F--- Y--"; "Remember 9/11"; "Thank God for George Bush". But there were some thoughtful and insightful responders, as well.
We feel that even the negative responses are indications that people are reading the signs and contemplating the questions, which is what we want. It felt like there was some extra tension in the air this morning that has been missing the past couple of months -- perhaps due to all the activities this past week. There seemed to be a bit more anger from some but also more people seemed willing to express their opposition to the war by giving us the thumbs up and friendly waves.
Our plans are to press on with Iraq War related questions for the next few times probably. Keeps people thinking.
By the way, this was the 20th Question Alliance event since we started 14 months ago. We had all 4 corners covered by 6 people- hurrah!!!!
Our next event is July 1. We'll send information soon on the exact wording we intend to use!
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, June 17, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Terrorism and Iraq
Question: Does U.S. occupation of Iraq incite more terrorism?
According to Warren Strobel of Knight Ridder Newpapers: The number of terrorist attacks documented by the U.S. intelligence agencies jumped sharply in 2005- crossing the 10,000 mark for the first time. Do you think that our presence in Iraq has anything to do with this increased number of terrorist attacks around the world? Does our occupation of Iraq breed hate? Please join us in asking people to think about this issue. You can Google-- Iraq increase terrorism, etc-- for more information.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on June 17th is:
Does U.S. occupation of Iraq incite more terrorism?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, June 17, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Terrorism and Iraq
Question: Does U.S. occupation of Iraq incite more terrorism?
According to Warren Strobel of Knight Ridder Newpapers: The number of terrorist attacks documented by the U.S. intelligence agencies jumped sharply in 2005- crossing the 10,000 mark for the first time. Do you think that our presence in Iraq has anything to do with this increased number of terrorist attacks around the world? Does our occupation of Iraq breed hate? Please join us in asking people to think about this issue. You can Google-- Iraq increase terrorism, etc-- for more information.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on June 17th is:
Does U.S. occupation of Iraq incite more terrorism?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, May 13, 2006
10-11:30 a.m.
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Genocide in the Darfur Region of Sudan
Question: How much does the current genocide in Darfur, Sudan disturb you?
Since 2003, the Sudanese government and Janjaweed militias have killed tens of thousands of people, raped and assaulted thousands of women and girls, bombed, burned and destroyed hundreds of villages, forced more than 2 million Darfurians from their homes and created at least 1.5 million people in need of food assistance because of the disruption in the local economies, etc. Although the United States has declared the treatment of black Sudanese in Darfur as genocide, we and other nations around the world have not taken the necessary steps to end the slaughter of innocents. Let us bring more attention to this unacceptable situation. Google-- genocide darfur sudan-- for more information.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on May 13th is:
How much does the current genocide in Darfur, Sudan disturb you?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes.
Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, May 13, 2006
10-11:30 a.m.
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Genocide in the Darfur Region of Sudan
Question: How much does the current genocide in Darfur, Sudan disturb you?
Since 2003, the Sudanese government and Janjaweed militias have killed tens of thousands of people, raped and assaulted thousands of women and girls, bombed, burned and destroyed hundreds of villages, forced more than 2 million Darfurians from their homes and created at least 1.5 million people in need of food assistance because of the disruption in the local economies, etc. Although the United States has declared the treatment of black Sudanese in Darfur as genocide, we and other nations around the world have not taken the necessary steps to end the slaughter of innocents. Let us bring more attention to this unacceptable situation. Google-- genocide darfur sudan-- for more information.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on May 13th is:
How much does the current genocide in Darfur, Sudan disturb you?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes.
Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, April 22, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Question: Is it easier to support the Iraq War knowing there is no draft?
This action will address the Iraq War again. Is it easier to support a war that is far away and doesn't impact you personally? Would our politicians have been so easily swayed to support the Iraq War if their own children or grandchildren faced the prospect of being drafted? Would the U.S. public think twice about supporting a war if all young people were required to serve in the military? Did the Bush Administration knowingly use this lack of personal risk and involvement to gain support for the war? This is an important question for people to think about. Please join us!!
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on April 22nd is:
Is it easier to support the Iraq War knowing there is no draft?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, April 22, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: Iraq War
Question: Is it easier to support the Iraq War knowing there is no draft?
This action will address the Iraq War again. Is it easier to support a war that is far away and doesn't impact you personally? Would our politicians have been so easily swayed to support the Iraq War if their own children or grandchildren faced the prospect of being drafted? Would the U.S. public think twice about supporting a war if all young people were required to serve in the military? Did the Bush Administration knowingly use this lack of personal risk and involvement to gain support for the war? This is an important question for people to think about. Please join us!!
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on April 22nd is:
Is it easier to support the Iraq War knowing there is no draft?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
We would like to invite you to our next Question Alliance action. Happy Earth Day!! Hope you can join us.
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, April 8, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: The environment and children's health
Question: How does the environment affect your children's health?
In observation of Earth Day this action will address the connection between the environment and children's health. Traces of man-made chemical compounds are now found in all humans and animals. Exposure to certain environmental toxins through our air, water and food can lead to permanent and irreversible damage -- everything from mercury in tuna fish sandwiches to pesticides on fruits and vegetables to exposure to ozone and air particulates Children are more vulnerable than adults to environmental hazards due to their size, activities and developmental stages. For more information you can google- environment children health, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on April 8th is:
How does the environment affect your children's health?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as announced and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, April 8, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
Topic: The environment and children's health
Question: How does the environment affect your children's health?
In observation of Earth Day this action will address the connection between the environment and children's health. Traces of man-made chemical compounds are now found in all humans and animals. Exposure to certain environmental toxins through our air, water and food can lead to permanent and irreversible damage -- everything from mercury in tuna fish sandwiches to pesticides on fruits and vegetables to exposure to ozone and air particulates Children are more vulnerable than adults to environmental hazards due to their size, activities and developmental stages. For more information you can google- environment children health, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on April 8th is:
How does the environment affect your children's health?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as announced and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
We would like to invite you, your family, and friends to join us as we ask the passersby about the morality of allowing so many of our fellow Americans to live in poverty. Hope you can come - you do make a difference!!
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, March 11, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
(1.5 miles south of C-470 on University)
Topic: Poverty in America
This action will address the fact that 37 million Americans live in poverty. 36 percent of those individuals are considered the "working poor," 3 million are senior citizens and 9 million are children. Is this a moral issue that should be addressed? What does this situation say about America? For more information you can google- Americans living in poverty, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on March 11th is:
Is it moral to have 37 million Americans living in poverty?
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, March 11, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
(1.5 miles south of C-470 on University)
Topic: Poverty in America
This action will address the fact that 37 million Americans live in poverty. 36 percent of those individuals are considered the "working poor," 3 million are senior citizens and 9 million are children. Is this a moral issue that should be addressed? What does this situation say about America? For more information you can google- Americans living in poverty, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on March 11th is:
Is it moral to have 37 million Americans living in poverty?
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Jim and Diane Schrack
Should we expect the truth from our government?
That was the question posed during the February 18 Question Alliance action today in Highlands Ranch. Responses were varied.
But many thumbs up, some clapping, a few mouthed "thank yous," and friendly honks were also received making the single digit temperatures more bearable. There were enough participants this morning to cover all four corners at Highlands Ranch Parkway and University from 10:00 to 11:30. We expect that several hundred vehicles had the opportunity to read the message.
So, the message is being read and we feel more support is received each time the Question Alliance holds an action. Our thanks to weather-brave participants today and an open invitation to others who would like to help make passersby be more mindful about what is happening in our country and world.
That was the question posed during the February 18 Question Alliance action today in Highlands Ranch. Responses were varied.
"People in Douglas County are asleep."
"Get off the street corner!"
"You lost the last two elections -- give it up!"
"What sort of truth do you want? Our troops are out there risking their lives to protect you. You should respect that."
"Asshole. Asshole. Asshole."
"Why don't you get a day job?"
But many thumbs up, some clapping, a few mouthed "thank yous," and friendly honks were also received making the single digit temperatures more bearable. There were enough participants this morning to cover all four corners at Highlands Ranch Parkway and University from 10:00 to 11:30. We expect that several hundred vehicles had the opportunity to read the message.
So, the message is being read and we feel more support is received each time the Question Alliance holds an action. Our thanks to weather-brave participants today and an open invitation to others who would like to help make passersby be more mindful about what is happening in our country and world.
We would like to invite you to our next Question Alliance action. Please bring your family and friends!
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, February 18, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
1.5 miles south of C-470 on University
Topic: Truth in Government
Should we expect the truth from our government?
This action will try to address truth in government. Should the Bush administration be forthcoming about their actions and policies that affect our country? Is openness in government part of Democracy? Who gets to draw the line on secrecy and the public's right to know? For more information on this topic you can google: Bush administration and secrecy, Iraq War, torture, global warming, domestic spying, energy policy, medicare policy, Katrina, Jack Abramhoff, Halliburton, etc, etc, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on February 18th is:
Should we expect the truth from our government?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed to February 25th if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand the Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, February 18, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
1.5 miles south of C-470 on University
Topic: Truth in Government
Should we expect the truth from our government?
This action will try to address truth in government. Should the Bush administration be forthcoming about their actions and policies that affect our country? Is openness in government part of Democracy? Who gets to draw the line on secrecy and the public's right to know? For more information on this topic you can google: Bush administration and secrecy, Iraq War, torture, global warming, domestic spying, energy policy, medicare policy, Katrina, Jack Abramhoff, Halliburton, etc, etc, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on February 18th is:
Should we expect the truth from our government?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed to February 25th if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand the Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, January 21, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
(2 miles south of C-470 on University)
Topic: Minimum Wage
This action will try to raise awareness about the minimum wage. 72.1% of minimum wage earners are adults. Is it moral to pay these workers $5.15/hour? Why have our elected politicians given themselves cost-of-living raises regularly and yet refused to raise the federal minimum wage for the last 9 years? For more information on this topic you can google: minimum wage poverty, living on minimum wage, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on January 21st is:
Could you live on today's minimum wage of $5.15/hour?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed to January 28th if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day.
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
The Question Alliance
Saturday, January 21, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway
(2 miles south of C-470 on University)
Topic: Minimum Wage
This action will try to raise awareness about the minimum wage. 72.1% of minimum wage earners are adults. Is it moral to pay these workers $5.15/hour? Why have our elected politicians given themselves cost-of-living raises regularly and yet refused to raise the federal minimum wage for the last 9 years? For more information on this topic you can google: minimum wage poverty, living on minimum wage, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign. The exact wording for the question on January 21st is:
Could you live on today's minimum wage of $5.15/hour?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed to January 28th if the weather is too nasty.
You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day.
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
Please sign onto the petition drive to increase the prominence of Iraq War news coverage in the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. We are also asking them to post a tally of the dead and injured on the front pages each day in order to keep the cost of this suffering as a constant reminder to the public.
We would truly appreciate your assistance in gathering signatures. If you are a member of a group, would you consider posting the petition on your group's website and mentioning it to your members through your group's typical communication routes? If your members have connections to other groups, etc. this could also be very leveraging. We have gathered about 200 signatures so far but it feels as though more signatures would present a bigger opportunity to make the press more accountable in the war coverage. We've been hearing news stories around the U.S. about posting casualties more prominently lately -- so maybe this is a good time to bring it up in a more visible and vocal way.
We are also the founders of a group called The Question Alliance. We stand on street corners with signs that pose questions about important issues of the day -- health care, education, Iraq War, environment, etc. We feel that when people are asked questions that provoke thought, better decisions will be made. Similarly, we intend for the petition to promote awareness and bring the consequences of the war closer to home.
We would appreciate any extra signatures. There are two ways to access the petition: (1) either printing a hard copy of the attached file and mailing it to us (10170 Charissglen Lane, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126), or (2) by electronically accessing it at this website:
www.ProgressNowAction.org/DemandTheWholeStory
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
We would truly appreciate your assistance in gathering signatures. If you are a member of a group, would you consider posting the petition on your group's website and mentioning it to your members through your group's typical communication routes? If your members have connections to other groups, etc. this could also be very leveraging. We have gathered about 200 signatures so far but it feels as though more signatures would present a bigger opportunity to make the press more accountable in the war coverage. We've been hearing news stories around the U.S. about posting casualties more prominently lately -- so maybe this is a good time to bring it up in a more visible and vocal way.
We are also the founders of a group called The Question Alliance. We stand on street corners with signs that pose questions about important issues of the day -- health care, education, Iraq War, environment, etc. We feel that when people are asked questions that provoke thought, better decisions will be made. Similarly, we intend for the petition to promote awareness and bring the consequences of the war closer to home.
We would appreciate any extra signatures. There are two ways to access the petition: (1) either printing a hard copy of the attached file and mailing it to us (10170 Charissglen Lane, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126), or (2) by electronically accessing it at this website:
www.ProgressNowAction.org/DemandTheWholeStory
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
We would like to thank everyone who bravely stood on the street corner and asked questions that needed answers in 2005! We truly appreciate your efforts. We would like to encourage everyone else to join us in 2006!! You can be part of a group that will not go away. We are persistent and we will continue to ask about important issues that affect our community and our country. Please join us and bring your friends and family!!
Take care,
Jim and Diane
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, January 21, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway (in Highlands Ranch, 2 miles south of C-470 on University)
Topic: Minimum Wage
This action will try to raise awareness about the minimum wage. 72.1% of minimum wage earners are adults. Is it moral to pay these workers $5.15/hour? Why have our elected politicians given themselves cost-of-living raises regularly and yet refused to raise the federal minimum wage for the last 9 years? For more information on this topic you can google: minimum wage poverty, living on minimum wage, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on January 21st is:
Could you live on today's minimum wage of $5.15/hour?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed to January 28th if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
Take care,
Jim and Diane
Next action for:
The Question Alliance
Saturday, January 21, 2006
10-11:30 AM
Corner of University & Highlands Ranch Parkway (in Highlands Ranch, 2 miles south of C-470 on University)
Topic: Minimum Wage
This action will try to raise awareness about the minimum wage. 72.1% of minimum wage earners are adults. Is it moral to pay these workers $5.15/hour? Why have our elected politicians given themselves cost-of-living raises regularly and yet refused to raise the federal minimum wage for the last 9 years? For more information on this topic you can google: minimum wage poverty, living on minimum wage, etc.
Please remember that it is important to have the same exact wording on your sign.
The exact wording for the question on January 21st is:
Could you live on today's minimum wage of $5.15/hour?
Please bring family and friends to join The Question Alliance. All are welcome!! Children need to be supervised.
This action will be postponed to January 28th if the weather is too nasty. You might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
We encourage others to participate in this action in your own neighborhood if you'd like. Just let us know your plans, make sure the question is worded exactly the same as above, and let us know how it goes. Remember we are a peaceful, respectful group that abides by local requirements. We'd like to expand The Question Alliance by having drivers read the same important question at multiple locations the same day!
Please contact us with any questions, etc.
TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
Thank you,
Diane and Jim Schrack
Page 1 of 2
| Next
Posts By Month
Posts
Prop 8: The Musical
Posted Dec 03, 2008 11:11am
Comments (0)
Donate an Hour: Join Cast of Network PSA
Posted Dec 02, 2008 1:41pm
Comments (0)
An Administrative Climate Change Blueprint
Posted Nov 30, 2008 5:35pm
Comments (1)
What change?
Posted Nov 25, 2008 5:03pm
Comments (1)
Pickens Plan garners support
Posted Nov 25, 2008 2:09pm
Comments (0)
(1,246 comments so far) Detroit Free Press Impeachment article Needs Your Comments & Support, Now! Forward to your lists, Please!
Posted Nov 25, 2008 11:02am
Comments (2)
Four to Eight-times Expected Turnout for Free Food in Weld County
Posted Nov 24, 2008 3:03pm
Comments (0)
More Evidence of "Bushies" Burrowing
Posted Nov 24, 2008 10:53am
Comments (2)
Green Jobs Now
Posted Nov 24, 2008 9:24am
Comments (0)
Why Not a "Bailout" that Restructures Health Care to Benefit All?
Posted Nov 23, 2008 10:33pm
Comments (2)
All Network Posts >*NOTE: ProgressNowAction is not responsible for the content of member postings.
