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Rocky Mountain Railroad blogging

October 2, 2006

Wooster Collective: BREAKING: The Story Disneyland Doesn't Want You To Know

Families visiting Disneyland on their holiday this week saw a life-size Guantanamo bay inmate standing inside the Rocky Mountain Railroad ride at Disneyland in Anaheim California.

Posted at 9:17 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Greek Protests

April 27, 2006

Bombs and Shields linked up a couple of articles detailing protests in Athens directed at a visit by Condoleezza Rice.

Posted at 10:08 AM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

What the 9-year old knows about immigration reform

April 11, 2006

Since I'm a total goob and missed the Day of Action entirely, I figured the very least I could do was read some news stories about the important events of the last couple of days to the children as our morning circle reading material. I read this one first:

The crowds at many of the protests also cheered speakers who denounced a system that has driven more than 11 million illegal immigrants into shadowy lives of subterfuge, and who called for a new deal that would extend basic rights to them and a chance of eventual citizenship. Organizers said the protests would not stop until Congress passed laws to improve their lives.
Much of the anger yesterday and at the protests in recent weeks was directed at a bill passed by the House of Representatives last December. It would have authorized a 700-mile fence along the Mexican border; raised the crime of illegal immigration to a felony; and criminalized giving assistance, including food and water, to illegal immigrants.

After I read that article, I went to move on to another. Monk stopped me. "I get the picture, mom," he said.

"OK," I replied. "What do you think?"

That's a scary question for a parent. Asking what your child thinks, especially when at least attempting to run somewhat of an egalitarian household, opens you up to a world of shit. I want to support and encourage their honest opinions, but there is always a part of me that wants to guide the thoughts into "correctness."

Thankfully, Monk has played enough computer-simulated war games to know where it's at.

"I think that people should just be checked over briefly to make sure they aren't criminals, then we should exchange their money, then maybe offer some basic english classes, and that's it."

At that point, I attempted to play devil's advocate with him, but he stood firm. "Like the article said, mom...we're all immigrants."

I asked him what he thought of borders, and he said that borders were too much work (!) (my little anarchist!) and that they only served a purpose during war. So I asked him if maybe he thought borders might CAUSE war.

He said Yes.

"One time, when I was playing Civilization IV, Ghandi and I were always at war over our borders because I wanted to maintain my territory, and Ghandi wanted to expand. It was never ending. Borders are dumb. People should live where they want to."

Posted at 10:06 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

I support you, Joseph DuRocher

March 9, 2006

A Veteranâ€™s Letter to the President: â€œI Return Enclosed the Symbols of My Years of Serviceâ€

As a citizen, a patriot, a parent and grandparent, a lawyer and law teacher I am left with such a feeling of loss and helplessness. I think of myself as a good American and I ask myself what can I do when I see the face of evil? Illegal and immoral war, torture and confinement for life without trial have never been part of our Constitutional tradition. But my vote has become meaningless because I live in a safe district drawn by your political party. My congressman is unresponsive to my concerns because his time is filled with lobbyistsâ€™ largess. Protests are limited to your â€œfree speech zonesâ€, out of sight of the parade. Even speaking openly is to risk being labeled un-American, pro-terrorist or anti-troops. And I am a disciplined pacifist, so any violent act is out of the question.

Posted at 9:40 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Laundromat Revolution!

February 20, 2006

If I were to attempt to instigate a revolution, I would begin at the laundromat. In fact, I wish I had more time today to hang out and talk to the men who were there, talking about hard times and how "Those people in the government need to be told, once and for all, that there's no incentive to work! Making money only forces you to owe more money, and they get it all in the end!" Wow! If that's not the seed of revolution, I don't know what is. And it's all happening at the laundromat.

In fact, when I think about it, what better place? Generally speaking, laundromats are utilized by people who are not property holders and who have limited means. You have to sit there and wait for your clothes, so there is plenty of time to gab and shoot the shit and you are also sort of trapped there to listen to the opposing viewpoints of your neighbors. In such close quarters, civility is a necessity. I think, when my kids are a bit older and more able to do without me here for an hour or so at a time, I might just start hanging out at the laundromat - at least on wet, cloudy days like today where the clothesline is not an option. Maybe I'll just start hanging out there without even doing any laundry. Reading a book and waiting for an opportunity to engage in interesting conversation with my neighbors.

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Where you will find me tonight.

January 31, 2006

With my notebook and my camera. Also, my yo-yo.

First here:

January 31, 2006
Annual State of the Union Bridge Action

5:00-6:30 on the sidewalks of the Congress Ave bridge. People are encouraged to bring signs and be vocal. We may also have a fund raiser immediately following featuring Guy Forsythe.

Then here:

Austin: Austin City Hall (downtown, where S. 1st St. Bridge meets Cesar Chavez) 7:00 pm, Rally with speakers: Laurie Felker, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas (formerly TARAL) Davis Ferris, Adjunct Professor of Government, more TBA
8:00 pm Drown Out Event - (Real time-State of the Union Address)

Join me.

Posted at 12:28 PM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

While I'm not a huge fan of organized atheism OR porn...

December 6, 2005

This cracks me right the fuck up!

XBiz - Students Trade Bibles for Porn

SAN ANTONIO — A group of atheists at the University of Texas at San Antonio is putting a novel twist on the toys-for-guns programs run by many urban police departments. But instead of toys, they are handing out porn in exchange for bibles.
“We consider the bible to be a very negative force in the history of the world,” student Ryan Walker said. Walker is part of a student group that calls itself the Atheist Agenda.

[link via Pandagon]

Posted at 9:20 AM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

This is freaking GENIUS.

December 1, 2005

Pound: - Time for Plan Brat!

Who says a pharmacy isn’t a kid-friendly place? Some of these pharmacists like children so much, they want you to have the ones you didn’t even mean to have! And when you think about it, pharmacies are awesome places for young children to run and play, especially behind that door marked PRIVATE (Go on in! These folks don’t care about privacy!) which leads to a wonderful land of bottles and jars to shake shake shake. Plus plenty of childproof caps to challenge them, hundreds of colorful little beadies to count, lots of new words to learn (Say it: “Meth-o-trex-ate.”) and no shortage of arthritic elderly friends to trip up. Really, it’s like a Montessori school with Muzak.

Best. Protest Idea. Ever.

[link via Redneck Mother]

Posted at 8:58 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Klan, 14; People With Brains, 3000

November 7, 2005

You heard it right, the paltry Klan of 14 was met by 3000 protestors. The clan was out in support of Proposition 2, or, rather, they were evidently channeling God in support of Prop 2. Redneck Mother had this to say about that:

If re-banning gay marriage is that important to the almighty, why doesn't he just amend the state constitution directly, maybe with some smoke and lightning, rather than leave it to a citizenry that apparently didn't get the memo? Oh, wait. I think I know.

I guess I wasn't aware that God speaks through the KKK.

Posted at 7:56 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Walkin' to New Orleans

November 5, 2005

Well, actually, I'm driving. Anyone want to join me? I have room for 5-7 adults (depending on how comfortable you want to be) and I should be leaving sometime around Thanksgiving Day (either the day of or the day after). Here's the scoop:

Come lend a hand over the week of Thanksgiving until November 27th. That's less than three weeks away!
The folks at Common Ground invite you to join an estimated 300 volunteers from around the continent to converge in New Orleans the week of Thanksgiving.We want to encourage those in attendance to arrive with building & clearning supplies, donated equipment and, if possible, funds that can apply directly to help rebuild and the 9th Ward.

For more information, visit the Common Ground Road Trip for Relief page.

Gah! I just realized the relief party ends ON Thanksgiving. I'm going to see if I might be able to leave the day before. It just depends on work. If I can't, then I am definitely leaving early early Thanksgiving morning or after 9 the night before.

UnGah! I was looking at a stupid October calendar. The relief party continues through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Which means I will leave either Thanksgiving Day (which I'm hoping would be a good travel day) or the day after. And coming back either Saturday night or Sunday morning...although I'm pretty open to whatever days are best for whoever wants to come with.

Posted at 6:17 PM • Comments (2) • TrackBack

Graffiti: Political, Self-Expression, Both?

August 26, 2005

Hello again from Living on Less. I'm a guest here. (I'm really just here to rummage through Dru's drawers and try on her shoes... :))

Graffiti has been in the news recently here in New York City, because an art project to decorate simulated subway cars by graffiti artists was quashed by the mayor and then resurrected by a court order. You can read all about it in Soul Imperialist's very cool blog.

And you can read my post on graffiti, along with some quotes from Jeff Chang, author of the book Can't Stop Won't Stop: a history of the hip-hop generation, in my blog: here.

Posted at 11:19 AM • TrackBack

Yay! Zagg is back!

August 16, 2005

randomWalks: Defend Cindy Sheehan!

I've missed you, Zagg!

Posted at 1:26 PM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Oh, great...here comes the left wing "put the women in their place" brigade.

August 14, 2005

I have been trying to figure out how to articulate the feeling I'm getting from some of the (decidedly male) reactions to the phenomenon that is Ms. Sheehan and her form of protest/grief. Then I read this post by Redneck Mother:

An email loop I'm on was apoplectic this weekend after a guy wrote a vicious screed attacking a fellow list member for mentioning that she was going to Camp Casey. Another dude jumped on board to second that emotion, and some women on the list (including, I must say, me) shut them down.

And, I gotta say, I was still feeling a little stung about the earlier quoted post by Bellman, when I read this post by David Scott Anderson:

I have come to the conclusion that Progressives have hurt their own cause more than helped it by the form of our dissent. Rather than taking an aggressive political and legal course to address our grievances, we create circus side shows that as much alienate those who we would seek to sway, as convince anyone of the justness of our cause.

And now I'm just spitting mad.

Listen up, Men. Just because it seems to be more difficult for you to grasp the depth of emotion involved in this situation does not mean what is happening in Crawford is a "circus side show" or a "media whoring" event or a "publicity stunt."

What I'm seeing in reactions like these from both the left and the right (and I'm not going to link directly to anyone on the right, but amanda does a good job of calling out John Cole in this post*) is the same argument that emotion is somehow inferior to logic, without the acknowledgement that emotions ARE logic.

Fuck that. Fuck all of that. Maybe I've got my uterus-colored glasses on, but I'm seeing all sorts of male privilege in these posts, and I'm not liking it. It brings me back to an earlier post by Robert Arjet where he was talking about (abusive/insensitive) men and their refusal to do the emotional work, and the tendency for men to dismiss emotion, and therefore put women in their place, by accusing people (mainly women) who express strong emotion of being manipulative.

Yes, Camp Casey is a spectacle. Yes, it's a protest against the war. Yes, it's a media show. And, yes, DAMNIT, it's a raw, emotional fucking deal. I know there are radical fathers out there, but I'm not hearing the same thing from men that I have heard from women. Women who cried when walking past the crosses representing our fallen soldiers. Women who jumped at the chance to take a trip to Crawford Texas from Massachussetts like it was a fucking game show prize. Women who have husbands and children in Iraq and have to deal with the constant worry that comes with that. Women, like me, who are trying to raise their boys to be honorable men...and who don't feel like feeding those honorable men to the war machine when they turn 18. Women who are sick and fucking tired of having MEN define the word HONORABLE in such a sick, fucking, twisted way. This is gritty, emotional stuff. And it's about fucking time someone stood out in the heat and said "Look at us! We are here, and we aren't going to hide conveniently behind the flag (OR some crusty old hippy protestor dude) just because you tell us to."

What Cindy Sheehan represents to me is a mama who has, quite fiercely, decided that she has had enough. And fuck you for trying to put her in her place. I think Robert, actually, nails it when he identifies the perfect place for Cindy Sheehan and the other military families who are courageous enough to take a stand in spite of the cynical naysayers who want us to attempt to "logic" our way out of this war. That place? Shackled to George Bush like Jacob Marley's chains.

And suddenly I had this image of a crowd of grieving mothers, fathers, children, trailing behind Bush everywhere he went. He would have to drag them around the country behind him like a human ball and chain. Like Jacob Marley, with his tangle of chains and cashboxes and ledgers. Far from escaping his sins, he'd be condemned to drag them along behind him.

Let's keep in mind here that this is a legitimate protest being forwarded by people with legitimate grievances against an illegitimate war. I am not going to tolerate so-called "progressive" men trying to minimize this woman's efforts by asserting their perceived authority about "right" and "wrong" ways to draw attention to the issues we, as mothers, as women, as parents, as people face.

If you've got a better idea for stopping this war - turn off your fucking computer, get off of your fucking ass, gather the necessary resources and FUCKING DO IT. But for fuck's sake, in the meantime, have the decency to shut the fuck up and let people do what they feel is necessary without spouting your bullshit about "substance" and "spectacle."

P.S. Aldon Haynes says it much better, and with less froth. If that's what you prefer.

ETA: Oh good fucking Lord, will you SHUT UP, already.

She is a mother, not a person, and only then will she have the power and moral authority to challenge the ruler. As a person, she is nothing. As a mother, she has the moral authority of all mothers through the ages.
[...]

That's why she is having no effect (none / 1)

She is not effective, because she is one person.

As a universal archetype, she has power.

As an individual, she has nothing.

And, while yr at it..."frame" my left one. GodDAMN I can't fucking stand strategists.

*And my response to John Cole went something like this:

Pardon me while I muscle through the testosterone here and bring up a point that hasn't been raised in the comments:

This isn’t about Cindy Sheehan. Andrew, Atrios, all the folks at dKos couldn’t give a SHIT about Cindy Sheehan. This is about galvanizing support against the war, and not a whit about Cindy Sheehan and her ‘questions.’ And for some of them, this isn’t even about galvanizing support against the war- it is just pure politics.

I know that us womenfolk don't count as much as those lefty men you mentioned there, but for me and many other women on the web (and, most likely, many men) Cindy Sheehan is a human being who is in a really painful place and she would sincerely like answers to her questions. Additionally, she would sincerely like Bush to stop using her son's death to justify a war.

Her message is plain, and it's a message I, as a mother of boys, find very comforting. I want to make DAMN SURE that if my boys are ever sent to fight in a war, there is a DAMN GOOD REASON. And that the leaders of the country I live in do not use their HONOR against them and mislead them into fighting a war that is more about feeding a capitalist machine than protecting our country.

I am raising my sons to be good men. George Bush, or any other leader, does not deserve to use them to acquire or maintain wealth. And if he or whoever is leading our country at the time that they become men choose to fight a war of liberation, they better make damn sure that is clear to the troops BEFORE they send them over, so my sons can make a choice as to whether or not they wish to fight for that cause.

This is what I believe to be Cindy Sheehan's message. And, such as it is, it's pretty fucking unassailable. I thank her for her honor. In fact, I love her for her strength.

Posted at 4:53 PM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

And a follow up to that one...

May 23, 2005

Another Counter-Coulter Bust - May 4, 2005

Shouldn't the parents of the "several children under the age of ten" be arrested for exposing their children to the obscenity that is Ann Coulter?

Posted at 12:31 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Fighting Fire with...swear words.

May 23, 2005

An open letter to anyone who gives a shit about justice by Ajai Raj:

I have no regrets. Was I jackass? Yes. Oh Christ, yes. But here are the questions people ought to ask themselves: Did I deserve to be arrested? Did the cops need to rough me up for saying bad words at what was at least masquerading as an open dialogue? Do the people of Texas--hell, of America--feel that "potty mouth" belongs on the list of punishable crimes along with "aggravated assault" and "armed robbery"?

Now THAT is my kind of motherfucking activism!

Posted at 12:26 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Who Lit a Fire Under Greenpeace?

May 16, 2005

BBC NEWS | Business | Greenpeace in Land Rover protest

According to a Greenpeace statement, its members "used safety shut-down buttons to cut off power to the assembly line" before handcuffing and chaining themselves to unfinished vehicles on the assembly line at 0700 BST on Monday.
Greenpeace said that although "climate change is the greatest threat the planet is facing" Land Rover "continues to make gas-guzzling vehicles, most of which will tackle nothing steeper than a speed bump".

Posted at 8:11 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Burning Door recounts the anti-inaugural protests

January 26, 2005

Authentic Replica: Dancing begins with the hips

We again marched to the barricades. This time the group was even less organized but after a concentrated effort and a count of three we rushed the barricades and succeeded in bringing part of it down. There was a very rapid retreat after the pepper spray made another appearance but according to the Washington Post, the presidential motorcade was momentarily paused because of the incident. I guess this was a small victory.

Posted at 9:56 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Protest Attack on Fallujah

November 17, 2004

Friday, Nov. 12, 4:30-6:30 PM
Gather in front of the Capitol (11th and Congress)

A full-scale US attack on the resistance stronghold of Fallujah - an attack which is being hailed as the largest single military offensive since the Vietnam War - came just hours after US-appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi declared a 60 day state of emergency throughout most of Iraq. During a similar assault last spring, over 600 Iraqi men, women, and children were killed before a cease-fire was brokered. This time, US military forces have pledged to "whack" resistance fighters in an unrelenting assault.

In solidarity with the people of Fallujah, protests around the world are taking place this week. This Friday, join with local opponents of the war in Iraq to send a message that US bombs won't bring liberation.

Demonstration called by Austin Against War.

Posted at 7:29 PM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

What is a moral issue

November 11, 2004

What is a Moral Issue?

Post-election news reports cited exit polls claiming "we" voted the economy while "they" voted moral issues. But most Kerry voters and Nader voters define themselves as voting on moral issues. Let's learn from those on the Right. We must be vocal and visible about what moral issues matter to us, now more than ever.

Something simple that you can do...since so many are looking for things that they can do.

[Link courtesy of Jackie]

Posted at 2:32 PM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

Big News in Oakland

November 10, 2004

Police adopt new-fangled policy of only applying force to protesters who are actually committing crimes.

Wow! Thanks Oakland police!

Posted at 8:32 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Reaching Across

September 8, 2004

Infoshop News - Starhawk: RNC Update 12 - Guantanamo on the Hudson

I've seen a lot of police brutality over the past few years. I've faced plenty of cops who were truly unreachable and fascist and enjoyed wielding their power. I'm very wary of naïve attempts to reach out and have dialogue with those who are your captors. The Stockholm Syndrome, that human need to identify with those who hold power over you, is real and easy to be seduced by. But in this action, more than any time since the milder actions of the 'eighties, I felt the real possibility of alliance that crossed the lines. And we need those alliances. An agenda of fascist control can only be put into place if the enforcers go along with it. If they refuse, if they stop supporting the authorities with their obedience to orders, the system will fall.

I'm intrigued by Starhawk's experiences with sympathetic guards and police, and I wonder if anyone else had that experience at the RNC. Anyone out there? I'd love to hear some more stories like this.

Posted at 8:45 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

and in, um, OTHER news

June 4, 2004

Police prowl square as muzzled survivors mark Tiananmen massacre quietly

The only candles being lit in Beijing are behind closed doors, and even then it is far from safe.
"They threatened to take me away if I lit a candle," Hu Jia, a leading Tiananmen and AIDS activist, told AFP from his Beijing home where he is under house arrest.

Posted at 9:32 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Preparing For Children At Protests

April 14, 2004

Infoshop News - How To Prepare For Children At Protests

I interviewed a group of street medics and activist parents, and all felt it was most responsible to do basic research about a protest (organizers, permits, police trends, etc.) before attending with a child. It is also important to note that different children have different comfort levels at political actions, just like adults do, and we need to respect that. But beyond basic preparations, parents should take time to explain the protest's meaning, and protest etiquette, so to speak, before arriving at an action. Explain why we block traffic with a march to oppose the war, why we are masked up, why people are yelling at protesters, and how there are different factions of protesters serving different necessary functions. It is also important to tell kids why YOU, in particular, feel a need to be there. A protest is an excellent opportunity to take your child to a library and study protest and political dissent before the fact, in preparation. Show kids political protest is older than America.

Posted at 9:38 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

March In Crawford

March 17, 2004

For more information click here.

Posted at 6:10 PM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Those greedy protestors!

January 19, 2004

In a time when Seattle is in deep need of money for its schools, its health care systems, for affordable housing, for public transportation, etc., we are paying $250,000, and rightly so, to protesters who were grotesquely violated at the WTO protests in 1999. And Seattle did not learn from that riot, as it produced two more unnecessary police riots in 2003, which still need to be addressed properly by officials, and perhaps the courts. Perhaps using this WTO case as precedence.

Don't they realize that they were being beaten for their own good? For the good of the nation? For the good of the WORLD.

If they didn't want to be beaten by cops, they should have stayed at home and watched sports (and/or political events*) like good little americans.

*permalinks don't work for Kerri's site, but it's the post from 1/19/2004 about the caucases as compared to a sports event - to which I say, "amen, sister."

Posted at 11:19 PM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

I should have posted this when it first came to me, but here it is now.

January 12, 2004

Baby Bloc: We Refuse to be Pacified

Call For Submissions for Activist Family Handbook

Deadline: April, 30, 2004.

Looking for short prose articles/essays that deal practically with issues of parenting and activism:

Subjects include but are not limited to:

Activist Kids and Teens; Child-safe demonstrations; Child-care at meetings/actions, etc.; Dead-beat activist dads; Teenage-parent activism; Family war-tax resistance; Disability and parenting; Lactivism; Queer/gender issues for parents and kids; Reproductive rights and health; Education (parent's or children's); Home-schooling; Racism; Housing discrimination; Poverty/welfare; Jail/prison; Environmental racism; Immigrants' rights; Globalization & Child-labor; Activist-family Music, Books, and Zines; Celebration-arts including stilt-walking and puppets!

Humor is Good.

5000 word limit (1 to 10 pages.)

Include SASE and short 200 word bio.

Also seeking comics, photos, and illustrations on the same themes, don't send original artwork, photocopies fine.

Mail Submissions to:

Baby Bloc
Laurel Dykstra and Bruce Triggs, Anthology Editors
c/o Guadalupe House
1417 So. G. St.
Tacoma, Wa. 98405

253-572-4247

(For questions only Babybloc@yahoo.com)

Posted at 10:33 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Kucinich/peace rally in Austin on Saturday the 3rd.

December 29, 2003

Details:

January 3 (Sat), 1pm - 3pm Peace Rally
MUSIC:
Michelle Shocked, Bill Passalacqua
SPEAKERS:
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Michael Badnarik Libertarian Party, Adrienne Boer Green Party, Lesley Ramsey Texas Fair Trade Coalition, Nelson Linder NAACP, Charlie Jackson Texans for Peace, Dave Collins Veterans for Peace, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Thad Crouch Austin Conscientious Objectors to Military Taxation, Richard Troxell Universal Living Wage
where: State Capitol steps, 11th and Congress
Sponsored by Austin Against War, American Friends Service Committee - TAO, Veterans for Peace

Posted at 10:20 PM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Thank You.

November 16, 2003

To all who will be attending the direct action against the ftaa.

Posted at 10:30 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Gone Protesting.

September 29, 2003

I somehow managed to convince Monk to come with me to the protest. Don't even ask me how, because it was a lot easier than I though, and did not involve bribes in any way...although after he agreed, I did tell him that I would get him some ice cream after the fact. So I spent the morning packing our snack bag and preparing for the day's adventure. Sandwiches, fruit leather, energy bars, water...and when some friends stopped over, I was able to run to the store and pick up some juice, which is a special treat for my kids.

We were late heading out, and just as we got about a block from the bus stop, I saw our bus pass by. Rats. Buses don't run often on Sunday here, so I mentally prepared myself for a 30-45 minute wait at the bus stop. Luckily, there's a bus stop by a church here where they have a bunch of benches spread out under a large, shady tree with rocks all around. The kids were able to entertain themselves by looking at rocks. Monk declared that he was Zeus! King of the Sky! Cole was Hera, who Monk claimed was King of the Sea! (I think he's wrong about this one, but I haven't checked yet.) and I was Hades! King of the Underworld! I got about ten minutes of entertainment factor out of insisting that I was, instead, King of the underWEAR! Well, OK, Cole was entertained by this...Monk just kept getting progressively more pissed off until finally our bus arrived.

Amazingly enough, my friend and neighbor M got on the bus at the next stop. Well, I mean, M is car free, so it's not like it's amazing for her to ride the bus...and we see each other at protests all of the time, so it's not like it was amazing that she should be going to this protest...but, well, I'm not quite sure what was amazing about it, except maybe that we were both running late and that we hadn't talked about attending this protest when we saw each other last week. At any rate, we rode down to the stop closest to the library.

As we approached Wooldridge Park, I was a bit disappointed by the turnout. We sat down to listen to the speakers. Monk didn't seem very pleased, so I was trying to cheer him up by pointing to all of the cool dogs who came out to protest the war. We saw Susan, of comments fame...and when the presenters stopped talking we all got up to march a very indirect route to the Federal Building. I don't usually take the kids with me to protests, and I realized yesterday that it's very difficult for me to participate with them present. I felt very concerned that Monk might have been too hot or not having fun, so I kept asking him if he was OK, and even though he had what looked like a very serious look on his face, he kept saying "I'm FINE mom! Gah!"

It went on like this, Cole asleep in the stroller and monk acting vaguely dissatisfied in spite of his claims of being "fine." until suddenly I heard Monk giggle. I looked over at him, and he declared "I LIKE that sign!" and pointed to the sign that said "Impeach the lying weasels" and had a crudely drawn image of a weasel. We both laughed about it, and Monk seemed to enjoy himself a bit more after that.

At one point, Monk asked me "Is this protest "civil disorder?" And I responded, not knowing if there was a technical DEFINITION of civil disorder, and not really feeling like disorder is necessarily a BAD thing, "Well, no. Civil disorder implies that people are out of order, and we are completely IN order. All of the people here are just using a particular mode of expression because we all feel like we're not being heard." I stopped short of explaining that civil disorder was not necessarily a BAD thing...there are just some things I probably need to save for later. "This is just part of being an American, Monk. I feel like we are all doing our duty here."

This seemed to perk him up a bit.

I have to say that the asshole in the SUV at, I think, 8th and Congress, who felt like a good counter protest would be to sit there and rev his engine threateningly as we held up traffic crossing the street, was a complete idiot. He couldn't have provided a better metaphor - sitting in his gas guzzler, guzzling more gas just to bestow a warning upon people who were walking in the street with no protection save the two or three motorcycle cops separating the cars from us. Brilliant, dude. You really made your point. You'd rather RUN INNOCENT, UNARMED PEOPLE OVER in your car than allow them to have a voice. Love it. You should be president.

Anyway, We made it to the Federal Building in one piece, and sat upon the uncomfortable concrete there and listened to more speakers. I was even more disappointed by the turnout when they called the family members of people who are currently in Iraq to the podium and what looked like HALF of the people present made their way to the front of the crowd. We all heard stories of the family members who are currently serving. Some righteous anger over the various injustices being done to the members of our armed forces...

But mostly I was just barely able to pay attention as I watched my kids run around and around. The pavement at the federal building is seriously some dangerous stuff, and several kids were sporting skinned knees as a medal of honor for having survived a fall there. I was just waiting for Coley to fall down and skin his entire face or something...and at the same time, they were having so much fun chasing each other around that I didn't want to interfere. So I just sat there, silently fearful, but enjoying the sound of their laughter.

And that's pretty much how it ended. We went to the bus stop, rode the bus home. Monk made sure to point out that he booed at the speakers (I didn't hear him boo, but I think he felt like he hadn't staged an adequate counter-protest, and that I might get the idea that he was hip to all of this dumb peace stuff.) I got the kids their promised ice cream and we made pizza for dinner.

Pretty much it's an entirely different scene for me when I bring the kids. I feel kind of restricted and distracted, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But the whole protest seemed very low-energy, and I'm having a difficult time determining if that's because it was a low-energy protest or if it's because I wasn't really able to invest as much of my energy into it as I wanted.

I did get to meet a couple of cool mamas, one of whom I've met before, but never really hung out with. They were people from the old hipmama days. I was pleased about that.

Posted at 9:13 AM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

Radical Cheerleaders make Newsweek

September 28, 2003

Infoshop linked up this Newsweek article about the radical cheerleaders. I like how they tried to insert drama by making it sound like the radical cheerleaders are somehow treading on the sacred rite of perky females and males everywhere who uphold some sort of cheerleader code or something.

The picture kicks ass, too. We could have used some radical cheerleading at todays demonstration to spice things up a bit, but I was too busy trying to keep my children from scraping off the top five layers of their skin on the SURELY-designed-to-be-dangerous-and-uncomfortable pavement at the Federal building.

What an exhausting day. More later.

Posted at 6:41 PM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

Happy Anniversary Austin Critical Mass!

September 26, 2003

I've never participated in a critical mass bike rally, but I have fond memories from a spectator's perspective. Most recently, I was out waiting for a bus in near Flightpath, and was delighted to see 50 or so bikers pedal past, seemingly having the time of their lives, laughing, whooping it up, and saying hello to pedestrians and others. It struck me, as it always does when I step outside of car culture, that if more people biked and walked, it would be easier to form respectful communities, as you are able to slow down and talk to people that you see.

I also remember the raucous rally that passed by when I was participating in the silent walking meditation for peace on the Congress bridge. The contrast of the silent protestors and the rowdy bikers was an enjoyable one. Each group celebrating the message of the other. It was like a parade with clowns and acrobats passing through a somber funeral procession, and it was glorious. I loved it.

So, happy anniversary, Austin Critical Mass. I may not be a participant, but I enjoy what you do, and I'm not ruling out participating one day.

[reminder courtesy of Austin IndyMedia]

Posted at 1:09 PM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Anti-Redistricting Rally

August 5, 2003

This is one rally they are actually announcing on the radio. Talk radio, no less. I will be at a birthday party, so I'll miss at least the first part of this, but I'm going to see if I can squeeze out of work and make some of it...

TEXAS ANTI-REDISTRICTING "UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH" RALLY

U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay knows that our unity is his
weakness. In order to further his extremist Washington agenda he is
relentlessly pushing a plan to divide Texas congressional districts.

Come Together for the Statewide Anti-Redistricting Rally: From across
the state, Texans are uniting on Saturday, August 9 on the south side
of Capitol in Austin to say "Enough is Enough." Enough to special
interests. Enough to special sessions.

WHERE AND WHEN: The rally begins at 11:30 a.m., and if you can make
it earlier, others will begin meeting at nearby Waterloo Park at 10
a.m. to march to the Capitol.

TRANSPORTATION: If you live outside of Austin and need transportation
to the rally, then call 512-480-8999.

Be a part of history: We are honoring the courage of the Texas 11
and Killer Ds, the Texas legislators taking a stand against this power
grab. Great Texas music and special guests will be announced later.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to the biggest
anti-redistricting event yet.

For more info

Posted at 10:27 AM • Comments (0) • TrackBack

Why I give a shit about what happens to the Dixie Chicks...

May 19, 2003

It's not because I give a shit about the Dixie Chicks themselves. I think they are masters of self-promotion and marketing, but I don't consider their music or their message to be particularly inspiring.

However, this kind of shit makes me honestly very frightened about our future.

According to a story from americannewsreel.com sent to RRC by former Reprise president Howie Klein, "Phone calls originating from Republican Party headquarters in Washington went out to country stations, urging them to remove the Chicks from their playlists.The 'alternative concert' [to the Dixie Chicks' tour opener] is actually the work of the South Carolina Republican Party and party officials are helping promote the concert.We received a call from 'Gallagher's Army,' urging us to support the alternative concert. Caller ID backtraced the call to South Carolina GOP headquarters."
Chain radio stations were quick to dump the Chicks because their parent companies (Clear Channel, Viacom, et al) have pressing business in the nation's capitol and they want help from the Republican Party.

And it should probably frighten you, as well...no matter what you think of the Dixie Chicks.

Posted at 8:52 AM • Comments (5) • TrackBack

Updates on the Rebel Dems

May 14, 2003

Mother Jones has a good update on the "runaway dems." According to the Austin American-Statesman, they were found eating pot roast at the Denny's in the hotel lobby.

Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, the leader of the group in Ardmore, said the Democrats just grew frustrated that the House was not paying attention to major issues, instead taking up congressional redistricting, which Democrats deemed both punitive and unnecessary.
"We just felt like we should be dealing with the priorities," Dunnam said. "They're just not governing. Any excuse not to do school finance, and the budget is a fiasco. And all of a sudden we got redistricting on our plate. And the only reason for redistricting is Tom DeLay," the U.S. House majority leader driving the redistricting effort.

The Houston Chronicle reports with an eye towards the future of this bill should it get through the house:

Even if the redistricting bill gets out of the House, it may still face problems in the Senate.
Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, D-Austin, said Monday he has a dozen senators committed to blocking Senate debate. Senate rules require that two-thirds of members present vote to debate -- 21 votes if all 31 senators are present.

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, said the House walkout may give wavering Democratic senators the courage of their convictions if the plan gets out of the House.

"It may help to give us a bit more backbone," Ellis said.

I think this quote from the same article implies total wrong-thinking on the part of a politician:

DeLay believes the Texas congressional districts should match voting patterns that have given the GOP control of the legislature and every statewide office.
"What's at stake here is the most effective and accurate representation for Texans," DeLay said Monday. "Republicans are the majority party in both Washington and Austin and are best able to deliver on Texans' priorities and represent their beliefs."

So, what I'm hearing is that once a party is in power, they should ensure they remain in power by redistributing the votes to favor them? How about you just pass laws and promote ideas that serve the greatest good? There's a novel idea!

I'm also feeling like public opinion is somewhat skewed by current events...if the republicans are so certain they are the best representatives for the people of Texas and the nation, they ought not be concerned about redistricting.

A woman on my homeschool list who stated that her husband had been unhappy about the walkout until he actually LOOKED at the redistricting plan. Their small rural district was going to be lumped in with a larger metropolitan district. I need to e-mail her a right on. She said she got one of those recorded phone messages today imploring her to call the hotel where the dems are staying and tell them to come back. She said she was glad they sent her that message, because now she can call and tell them to "fight the good fight!"

If you are from Texas, please be sure to send your support to these courageous House members. I would really like to find a picture of the redistricting map, but I can't. Here's a Houston Chronicle article that talks about some of the changes, though.

Phone numbers of the reps, from a move on action alert:

> Roberto Alonzo, Dallas - (512) 463-0408
> Kevin Bailey, Houston - (512) 463-0924
> Lon Burnam, Fort Worth - (512) 463-0740
> Gabi Canales, Alice - (512) 463-0645
> Jaime Capelo, Corpus Christi - (512) 463-0462
> Joaquin Castro, San Antonio - (512) 463-0669
> Garnet cman, Houston - (512) 463-0524
> Robby Cook, Eagle Cook - (512) 463-0682
> Yvonne Davis, Dallas - (512) 463-0598
> Joe Deshotel, Port Arthur - (512) 463-0662
> Dawnna Dukes, Austin - (512) 463-0506
> Jim Dunnam, Waco - (512) 463-0508
> Harold Dutton, Houston - (512) 463-0510
> Craig Eiland, Galveston - (512) 463-0502
> Dan Ellis, Livingston - (512) 463-0570
> Juan Escobar, Kingsville -
> David Farabee, Wichita Falls - (512) 463-0534
> Jessica Farrar, Houston - (512) 463-0620
> Pete Gallego, Alpine - (512) 463-0566
> Timoteo Garza, Eagle Pass - (512) 463-0194
> Ryan Guillen, Rio Grande City - (512) 463-0416
> Scott Hochberg, Houston - (512) 463-0492
> Terri Hodge, Dallas - (512) 463-0586
> Mark Homer, Paris - (512) 463-0650
> Chuck Hopson, Jacksonville - (512) 463-0592
> Jesse Jones, Dallas -(512) 463-0664
> Pete Laney, Hale Center -(512) 463-0604
> John Mabry, Waco - (512) 463-0135
> Trey Martinez-Fischer, San Antonio - (512) 463-0616
> Ruth Jones McClendon, San Antonio -(512) 463-0708
> Jim McReynolds, Lufkin - (512) 463-0490
> Jose Menendez, San Antonio - (512) 463-0634
> Joe Moreno, Houston - (512) 463-0614
> Paul Moreno, El Paso - (512) 463-0638
> Elliott Naishtat, Austin - (512) 463-0668
> Rick Noriega, Houston - (512) 463-0732
> Rene Oliveira, Brownsville - (512) 463-0640
> Dora Olivo, Missouri City - (512) 463-0494
> Aaron Pena, Edinburg -(512) 463-0426
> Joe Pickett, El Paso - (512) 463-0596
> Robert Puente, San Antonio - (512) 463-0452
> Chente Quintanilla, Tornillo -(512) 463-0613
> Richard Raymond, Laredo - (512) 463-0558
> Allan Ritter, Nederland - (512) 463-0706
> Eddie Rodriguez, Austin - (512) 463-0674
> Patrick Rose, Dripping Springs - (512) 463-0647
> Jim Solis, Harlingen - (512) 463-0606
> Barry Telford, DeKalb - (512) 463-0692
> Senfronia Thompson, Houston - (512) 463-0720
> Carlos Uresti, San Antonio -(512) 463-0714
> Mike Villarreal, San Antonio - (512) 463-0532
> Miguel Wise, Weslaco - (512) 463-0530
> Steve Wolens, Dallas - (512) 463-0746
> Al Edwards, Houston - (512) 463-0518
> Helen Giddings, Dallas -(512) 463-0953
> Glenn Lewis, Fort Worth - (512) 463-0716
> Sylvester Turner, Houston - (512) 463-0554
> Norma Chavez, El Paso - (512) 463-0622
> Kino Flores, Mission - (512) 463-0704

Contace move on if you make a call:
http://moveon.org/txcalls.html?id=1362-620259-kB3tG2BWWmt2Zbyuo1Mp4g

Posted at 5:30 PM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

My Heroes.

May 12, 2003

Fifty-two members of the Texas Legislature have walked out in hopes of killing the redistricting proposal which is surely part of the Multi-Point Plan to avoid complete regime change in upcoming elections.

Basically, Tom Delay wants to redraw the boundaries in the congressional districts to totally favor Republican candidates, even in traditionally liberal Austin. This would conveniently leave Lloyd Doggett, a staunchly anti-war congressman, out of a job.

My co-worker here remembers the Killer Bee walkout way back in the day. He has informed me that if the legislators are caught, they will be brought to the lege in irons and be forced to vote. Suffice to say, I hope they are well-hidden.

Granted, there are other issues up for legislation that are being delayed due to the walkout, and many media sources are spinning this as a disgraceful act. And granted, it might be (is probably) true that the politicians who have walked out are doing so for self-serving reasons - they are politicians after all. However, I still say this is a positive thing for Austin voters, at least...it's absolutely ridiculous for the winning team to change the rules of the game to ensure continued victory.

Legislators prepared statements and made the request that their voting stations be locked down in their absence (because, apparently, if voting stations aren't locked down, anyone can press your button for you) prior to making themselves scarce.

Here is a statement from the absent legislators.

UPDATE: Another hero - New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid, who says this in answer to Governor Rick Perry's request to allow Texas officials to make arrests in her state:

"Some are speculating this request from the Texas Governor's office concerns an effort to locate missing Texas House Democrats," Madrid wrote. "If so, Texas should understand that since ski season is over, the Santa Fe Opera has not begun and President Bush was just in town, I don't think they are in Santa Fe now. Nevertheless, I have put out an all-points bulletin for law enforcement to be on the look out for politicians in favor of health care for the needy and against tax cuts for the wealthy."

Posted at 6:46 PM • Comments (4) • TrackBack

Up with the people's power to change. Tear down the system and rearrange.

May 7, 2003

Showdown in Texas: May 3, 2003

The event began with a degree of urgency for me as my bus slid to a halt in front of the pro-Palestinian/anarchist feeder march. A few of the anarchists had broken away and were running towards the legal team with cops in pursuit. I jumped off of the bus, fumbling for my camera, and snapped a couple of pictures, but realized there were several other witnesses with cameras there and nothing bad seemed to be happening. So I joined the march to the capitol. Nestled between a sea of Palestinian flags and black flags.

The rally was MC'd by one of my favorite activists, although I don't remember her name. Her voice is loud and her message is clear. The speakers were good, but I took no notes. I especially enjoyed the words of Mililani Trask, who had spoken so resolutely at the Gift Economy seminar last winter. She was no less inspiring today, as she spoke of the duty of indigenous people everywhere to uphold the sacred laws of mother earth. I honor her efforts and admire her fortitude. I was also deeply moved by Emmanuel Ortiz' "Moment of Silence" poem.

Since this was a multi-issue rally, I was encouraged by the diversity of the crowds and the speakers. The organizers did an excellent job of inviting and representing a diverse array of cultures and voices. And, though I was disappointed at the low turnout, I was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the crowd that was assembled.

But I wanted to move. I wanted to march. I wanted to yell out...speak MY piece. So I moseyed to the corner to where the band was (literally) playing. Local Austin musician Terri Lord was out with a group of musicians and drummers performing under the name "Bands Not Bombs." They had a set of anti-war/pro-freedom booty shakers that they were performing as they let the freak flag fly. Cars were honking, people were dancing and me and my pal Trey (who I always seem to run into at these things...I used to work with him a coupla years back) were waiting impatiently for the march to start.

There were 6 or so counter protestors present, including my friend with the sign that read "First Iraq, Then France, then Hollywood, then you hippies." He was hanging out with the guy whose sign read "One nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE" (whatever the fuck that means...I guess he was never informed that that was not even part of the original pledge of allegience but was added to discourage the rampant growth of "godless communism." Dorkweed.) The other side of his sign read "These colors don't run, but burn it, and your blood will." & You know...I really always prefer my religion to be laced with the implied or direct threat of violence.

At any rate, it seemed as though it took forever for the march to start. And I think that was evident in the number of people who left before we started marching. But when the people started moving, I was impressed with how energetic and loud everyone was. The last march was so...tired. There was an energy to this crowd that was inspiring and refreshing. Like I said, it was a much smaller group than before, but much more radical. And the strange thing was the crowds on the sidewalks were also much more vocally supportive than I remember them being at previous marches.

So we marched, past Starbucks, past the Bank of America building, past Fox News, at each of which, someone threw paint balls, which was the lone reason for a "legitimate" arrest in spite of the fact that well over 50 anxious police officers were assembled and waiting for some wrongdoing to occur. I heard from various sources that 20 cops jumped a guy who allegedly was carrying a weapon, but he was released after it was discovered he had nothing. Another man was arrested for bumping into a horse. They called it something like obstructing a police animal.

At the Fox building, a reporter was on the rooftop with cameras rolling and we stopped to yell out "Fuck corporate media" while cops on another rooftop (who looked eerily like snipers) watched closely. They may have known Fox was to be targeted because I think this is where they identified the paint ball hurler, although it's unknown to me whether there was only one paintball hurler or if one person took the rap for several perps. The black flag contingent were all dressed alike and it could have been anyone if it was one of them. Apparently, according to the ACLU observer I spoke with on the way home, one of the paintballs loosened the Fox banner and a bystander got a good deal of pain on his clothing, but no one was hurt.

At the end of the march, the cops took up the rear on horseback and motorcycle. I stood with some officers on the corner and complained about excessive show of force. The anarchist crew was holding their ground at the rear for as long as possible, but were not doing any harm, and yet there were the cops with nightsticks at their sides, pushing the crowd into a small space, which I think is exceedingly dangerous.

My impression is that they are interested in turning the opinions of the "mainstream" protestors against the black flag contingent. The cop that I spoke with asked me if I knew they had weapons (apparently unaware that this was a false allegation). I shrugged it off and he asked me if I wanted to clean up the paint on the building, and since we were kind of chatting casually, I felt like I could be a smart ass with him, so I said "Paint? Really? Is that all it takes to get 50 cops out here? Because, you know, I'll bet there are some people littering at the Pecan Street Festival RIGHT THIS MINUTE...you might want to send some forces over there to investigate." I said this with a smile, and while the cop wasn't thrilled, he didn't really react angrily...he just made some remark about how they were here to protect us & I said something about how, yeah, sure...they have a job to do and all that, but did they really need to have so. many. cops. There.

And there really did not need to be so many cops there. It really is an excessive show of force aimed at intimidating more moderate citizens into silence AND aimed at paiting a picture of protest as unlawful and/or violent when it is not.

I resent this, and I resent the stupid fucking idiot cop who was excitedly asking "Do I get to arrest someone?" as I walked away to find something to eat. It was silly, and it was silly to have cops stationed all around the grounds of the capitol at about a 1:10 ratio to the people who were enjoying the post-march festivities. I truly, truly understand a need for police presence at events like this, but it was excessive, and I really feel that it was excessive for a political rather than public safety reason.

And that, my friends, was that. I caught the bus home and am currently wondering "what next?" It's apparent to me that there is a need for continued activity and continued awareness raising. And listening to the local talk radio hosts gloating over the small turnout made me angry. I understand that there are many, many people out there who support the causes represented at the showdown who could not be there. I am also aware that the current economic state we are in only serves to discourage people from standing up against the system. People are tired and people are downtrodden. The local election netted a SEVENTEEN PERCENT turnout. The system is fucked. It's time to tear it down.

Posted at 12:36 AM • Comments (1) • TrackBack

Silence speaks volumes

May 2, 2003

David Grenier linked up this awesome article:

Most students deal with plenty of school rules every day: no running in the halls, no passing notes in class, no excessively short skirts or tight tops or baggy pants.
But no talking between boys and girls? It was a new one, at least for the Klamath Falls students. And some of the sixth-grade girls decided they weren't going to keep quiet.

They tried a petition, and to talk to their principal, but didn't get the response they were looking for.

Those kids are my heroes. And I am LOVING that grandma is so supportive.

Posted at 4:47 PM • Comments (2) • TrackBack

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Rocky Mountain Railroad blogging

October 2, 2006

Greek Protests

April 27, 2006

What the 9-year old knows about immigration reform

April 11, 2006

I support you, Joseph DuRocher

March 9, 2006

Laundromat Revolution!

February 20, 2006

Where you will find me tonight.

January 31, 2006

While I'm not a huge fan of organized atheism OR porn...

December 6, 2005

This is freaking GENIUS.

December 1, 2005

Klan, 14; People With Brains, 3000

November 7, 2005

Walkin' to New Orleans

November 5, 2005

Graffiti: Political, Self-Expression, Both?

August 26, 2005

Yay! Zagg is back!

August 16, 2005

More from an article quoted in the previous post...

August 15, 2005

Oh, great...here comes the left wing "put the women in their place" brigade.

August 14, 2005

And a follow up to that one...

May 23, 2005

Fighting Fire with...swear words.

May 23, 2005

Who Lit a Fire Under Greenpeace?

May 16, 2005

Burning Door recounts the anti-inaugural protests

January 26, 2005

Protest Attack on Fallujah

November 17, 2004

What is a moral issue

November 11, 2004

Big News in Oakland

November 10, 2004

Reaching Across

September 8, 2004

and in, um, OTHER news

June 4, 2004

Preparing For Children At Protests

April 14, 2004

March In Crawford

March 17, 2004

Those greedy protestors!

January 19, 2004

I should have posted this when it first came to me, but here it is now.

January 12, 2004

Kucinich/peace rally in Austin on Saturday the 3rd.

December 29, 2003

Thank You.

November 16, 2003

Gone Protesting.

September 29, 2003

Radical Cheerleaders make Newsweek

September 28, 2003

Happy Anniversary Austin Critical Mass!

September 26, 2003

Anti-Redistricting Rally

August 5, 2003

Why I give a shit about what happens to the Dixie Chicks...

May 19, 2003

Updates on the Rebel Dems

May 14, 2003

My Heroes.

May 12, 2003

Up with the people's power to change. Tear down the system and rearrange.

May 7, 2003