tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18578567279807976762024-02-21T02:00:24.402-05:00Bethlehem Peace WatchA Peace Group in Betlehem CT. Our Peace Vigil is Every First Sunday of the Month, at 12 noon, on the Bethlehem Green, where all are welcome to stand with us...Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-1991522388547057272009-12-01T05:54:00.002-05:002009-12-01T05:59:33.219-05:00UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE<div align="center">NO ESCALATION IN AFGHANISTAN!</div><div align="center">Call President Obama TODAY! 202-456-1111</div><div align="center">Join or plan a demonstration Tuesday or Wednesday!</div><div align="center">President Obama will unveil his new Afghanistan policy tomorrow. But we must not let up! Last week, we flooded the White House with so many calls that the White House Comment Line was continually busy! Now is the time to keep the pressure on and keep the calls coming.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Call the White House today at 202-456-1111. </div><div align="center"> Tell President Obama to send NO additional troops to Afghanistan, WITHDRAW the troops already there, begin serious DIPLOMACY with all parties to the conflict, and REDIRECT the money wasted on the Afghanistan war to people's urgent needs at home.</div><div align="center">UFPJ member groups are already planning protests either Tuesday evening or Wednesday at Federal buildings or other public places.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=03pXILbRoGUg6ozIMxKF2jSkQT4R0S5R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check the listings to find a protest in your area</a>,</div><div align="center"> or organize one if none has been planned and <a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=BrsvmKvKjtf8Vb4R01sK3DSkQT4R0S5R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">post it here</a>. </div><div align="center"> Be sure to notify the press using this <a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=7RBmM%2Bn6e6alGOgewCU%2FqzSkQT4R0S5R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sample press release</a>. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We oppose the war because:</div><div align="center">• 298 U.S. soldiers lost their lives so far in 2009. </div><div align="center"> Tens of thousands of returning troops are damaged by physical injury, PTSD, psychological damage, suicides, and domestic violence. There is a backlog of up to 1 year for veterans waiting for VA care.</div><div align="center">• The war is unaffordable. The White House says we are paying $1 million a year for each soldier sent to Afghanistan. At that price, the war will soon cost $100 billion a year. Yet Congress is not willing to pay that kind of money for health care, jobs, housing, or environmental protection.</div><div align="center">• The war is making conditions worse for the Afghan people. UNICEF reported last week that eight years after the start of U.S. military occupation of that country, Afghanistan is the world's worst place to be born. Afghanistan has the highest infant mortality rate in the world -- 257 deaths per 1,000 live births - and 70 percent of the population lacks access to clean water. Afghanistan ranked 181st out of 182 countries in the UN's human development index for 2009. The presence of U.S. troops breeds resistance, conflict, and instability.</div><div align="center"> • The war is not helping Afghan women, whose conditions are as bad as ever. The government turns a blind eye to rape and violence against women. Civilian casualties, who are primarily women and children, are rising each year as the violence increases.</div><div align="center">• In addition to being wrong, the war is also unwinnable. As U.S. troop levels have grown from 15,000 in 2004 to 68,000 now, more and more Afghans have joined the Taliban and resistance groups to defend against foreign invaders. Yet The Nation reported this week that the U.S. military cannot even protect the trucks which bring gasoline and other supplies to outlying U.S. bases, and that contractors are paying protection of $800 to $1500 per truck to the Taliban.</div><div align="center">• War funding is feeding corruption, private armies, and the drug trade. The more money the U.S. and NATO pour into Afghanistan, the greater the rake-offs and corruption among U.S. contractors and the U.S.-supported Afghan government. President Karzai's re-election was confirmed even though his supporters had stuffed boxes with more than one million fake ballots. Five ministers in Karzai's cabinet have been given immunity from prosecution for corruption.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Call the White House today at 202-456-1111.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong>Be out in the streets if the President does order an escalation of troop levels.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong> Let Americans know that we will not be silent and we will keep opposing this needless, senseless war for as long as it takes.<br />UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE</strong></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.unitedforpeace.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.unitedforpeace.org</a></div><div align="center"> 212-868-5545</div><div align="center">PO Box 607; </div><div align="center">Times Square Station;</div><div align="center"> New York, NY 10108</div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-51715250751782909112009-12-01T05:43:00.002-05:002009-12-01T05:53:32.163-05:00Pax Christi<div align="center"><br /><br />Monday, November 30, 2009<br />Dear friends,<br /><br />Unfortunately, we are expecting an announcement on Tuesday from President Obama that more troops will be sent to Afghanistan. The phone calls we began last week are still important, but more actions are needed. Pax Christi USA is joining with many of our partner groups in calling for the next several days to be "days of action" on Afghanistan. There are a number of actions we encourage you to take over the course of the next several days as you are able.1) Continue to make phone calls to the White House at 202-456-1111 and tell President Obama:<br />No additional troops to be sent to Afghanistan.<br />Start the withdrawal of U.S. troops.<br />Begin serious diplomacy and dialogue with all parties to the conflict, internal and external, as well as independent Afghan women leaders, without preconditions.<br />Redirect the tens of billions of dollars spent yearly on Afghanistan war funding to human needs in Afghanistan and at home.</div><div align="center">2) Flood your local media with letters to the editor and so forth against the escalation. Post comments on local and national media websites, blogs, and elsewhere. Use the bullet points above.</div><div align="center">3) Organize or participate in local actions. Several different sites are hosting information on actions and events or allowing you to post your own action or event. Check out these two sites:<br /></div><div align="center">To find an event near you, go to the sites of </div><div align="center"><a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">The World Can't Wait</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.worldcantwait.net/">http://www.worldcantwait.net/</a></div><div align="center"> or <a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">United for Peace and Justice</a></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://www.unitedforpeace.org/">http://www.unitedforpeace.org/</a> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">To add your own event at these sites, go to <a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">The World Can't Wait</a> or <a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">United for Peace and Justice</a>.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">4) Change your Facebook status to "President Obama, please: No escalation in Afghanistan."</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">5) Tomorrow, Veterans for Rethinking Afghanistan will be traveling to the White House, delivering a petition to President Obama before he announces his decision. Please sign the petition online <a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" shape="rect" rel="nofollow">here</a>. You can also post the petition to your Facebook (<a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://rethinkafghanistan.com/#petition</a>) or tweet the petition to your friends: "Vets to Obama: Do Not Escalate in Afghanistan: "<a href="http://rethinkafghanistan.com/">http://rethinkafghanistan.com/</a>. To listen to the voices of the Veterans, check out the video on YouTube by clicking <a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Pax Christi USA has signed several letters and petitions to the President asking him to chart a new direction in Afghanistan, one that does not include an escalation of troops and lays out an exit strategy. You can add your name to the petition mentioned above in #5 and <a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">this letter</a> initiated by Sojourners too. To see the letter we signed from the Afghanistan Policy Working Group, click <a shape="rect" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to bringing peace to Afghanistan. Take action in any way possible this week. More efforts are still in the work and I'll keep you updated in the days ahead.</div><br />In peace,<br />Johnny Zokovitch<br />Director of Communications, Pax Christi USABethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-65188575523983932712009-09-29T17:17:00.001-04:002009-09-29T17:32:40.995-04:00Thanks Jodie!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UrUk13djmFw&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UrUk13djmFw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wP02CFSUeeQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wP02CFSUeeQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-3454398022747021922009-08-31T06:33:00.001-04:002009-08-31T06:33:51.915-04:00Killing Dragons<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UxJLUZWPEb8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UxJLUZWPEb8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-911213231356990482009-08-06T11:31:00.002-04:002009-08-06T11:37:57.120-04:00Hiroshima / Nagasaki Remembrance<div id="ms__id24"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x2uCWPna5kRnk9lcZrOX5_4Xs6pDWEYqUCabinsr6dyRiw-Ee25dswzr2i3fb05H4akldupuezr2pCmKq2Rrj-s11X5TG4c-_MEYzfqjJKOqnkVl_JRz5V9SX6BESo4jgf7ue-VSnJG5/s1600-h/bombb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366874543604386562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x2uCWPna5kRnk9lcZrOX5_4Xs6pDWEYqUCabinsr6dyRiw-Ee25dswzr2i3fb05H4akldupuezr2pCmKq2Rrj-s11X5TG4c-_MEYzfqjJKOqnkVl_JRz5V9SX6BESo4jgf7ue-VSnJG5/s400/bombb.jpg" /></a> <div id="ms__id31" align="center">Speak Out Against New Forms of Nuclear Weapons<br />Thursday, August 6th 2009 5:30 PM</div><div id="ms__id32" align="center"> Hartford's Riverside Park</div><div id="ms__id33" align="center">East Service Road /Jennings Road, Hartford, CT<br />Picnic with conversations about nuclear weapons and</div><div id="ms__id29" align="center">Remembrance Ceremony with "candle boats" adrift on the Connecticut River</div><div id="ms__id28" align="center">Sponsored by: Connecticut Coalition For Peace and Justice (CCPJ)<br />Bring your picnic basket and we will provide lemonade and chips...</div><div id="ms__id35" align="center"> </div><div id="ms__id37" align="center"><a href="http://www.nonukes-%20nowar.org/%20hiroshimaday_%202009.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.nonukes- nowar.org/ hiroshimaday_ 2009.htm</a></div><div id="ms__id38" align="center"> </div><div id="ms__id39" align="center">For Press Release and Press Briefing Paper click => <a href="http://www.nonukes-nowar.org/hiroshima_press_kit.htm">here</a><br />For a flyer (pdf), click => <a href="http://www.nonukes-nowar.org/files/Hiroshima_2009_Flyer.pdf">here</a> </div></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cKGiFy8WpYQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cKGiFy8WpYQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-18553963650486736402009-06-10T12:29:00.002-04:002009-06-10T12:52:08.122-04:00The General Speaks<div id="ms__id24">From my friend's blog that I check in on almost daily, I found he had added this link: <a href="http://gulahiyi.blogspot.com/">Ruminations from the Distant Hills</a> - because of it's "<em>It is impressive in its love of the woods."</em></div><div id="ms__id26">This for example includes a favorite quote of mine: <a href="http://gulahiyi.blogspot.com/2009/06/purple.html">Purple</a> </div><div id="ms__id33">"<em>If you pass by the color purple in a field and</em></div><div id="ms__id34"><em>don't notice it, God gets real pissed off."</em> - Alice Walker</div><div id="ms__id27">Some other ideas I found posted there impressed me in other ways, such as: </div><div id="ms__id23"><a href="http://gulahiyi.blogspot.com/2009/06/piece-be-with-you.html">Piece be with you</a> </div><div id="ms__id30">"<strong>Gun-loving pastor to his flock: Piece be with you</strong>"</div><div id="ms__id31">By DYLAN T. LOVAN</div><div id="ms__id32">LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Kentucky pastor is inviting his flock to bring guns to church to celebrate the Fourth of July and the Second Amendment.New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church June 27, a Saturday. An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety."We're just going to celebrate the upcoming theme of the birth of our nation," said pastor Ken Pagano. "And we're not ashamed to say that there was a strong belief in God and firearms — without that this country wouldn't be here..."</div><div id="ms__id28"> </div><div id="ms__id35">(To which I can't help but add, in response to the last sentence above, "That's what all my Indian friends tell me.)</div><div id="ms__id36"> </div><div id="ms__id29">And I found this quote there too:</div><div id="ms__id22"><a href="http://gulahiyi.blogspot.com/2009/05/general-speaks.html">The General Speaks</a></div><div id="ms__id25">"<em>Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron."</em> - Dwight D. Eisenhower </div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-9774089563106064862009-06-07T08:14:00.003-04:002009-06-07T08:21:32.045-04:00Outside the Glass Bell Jar<div id="ms__id22"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVFuftC-PxhocICy52h2FIpLRLCGk9cPfpCpyAbDRzl7fAeqb7DTN8h5b9vdnbyviI3jR0CBuCw831ARw2CjjffhE5BmwhHHTgSGnWf5SDIppsbqDcIPAT8uCmcsFdKGwNNcFt6xy-vsN/s1600-h/Bell.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344559506942560514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVFuftC-PxhocICy52h2FIpLRLCGk9cPfpCpyAbDRzl7fAeqb7DTN8h5b9vdnbyviI3jR0CBuCw831ARw2CjjffhE5BmwhHHTgSGnWf5SDIppsbqDcIPAT8uCmcsFdKGwNNcFt6xy-vsN/s400/Bell.JPG" /></a><br />I’ve lived all my life on the right hand side of that bell graph of normalcy, that graph in the Psychology 101 books, where Intelligence is the lower line with 100 or Average in the middle, the other line going up on the left side representing population. It feels, to me (living with the results of that stupid IQ test that was “off the charts” in the early 1960’s), like a glass bell jar that looks much like the graph and I’m on the outside looking in, sometimes banging on the glass, trying to talk with the people inside, and they just can’t hear what I’m saying.<br />Perhaps that’s why I have so much empathy for the people, trapped outside also, on the other side of the IQ line. Maybe it is why I can connect with them, and they with me. They are on the outside too, banging the glass, trying to get in, trying to be heard. I think both they and I know that we are all people, human beings, and what we want at the most basic level is to be recognized as humans – and to be with all the other humans.<br />And to be treated as unique individual humans, which we all are, which makes us all very much the same.<br />Go way back in the History of Our Human Family. We Humans have no claws, no big teeth or other natural weapons, and no shell or feathers or fur for protection. We Humans survived only because We Humans helped each other do so, up against Lions, Tigers and Bears (Oh my!). Our big brains helped us figure out that the only way we could survive in this world and, with the help of our opposable thumbs to carry out the actions we figured out with our imaginations, we somehow got to where we are in the world.<br />The world that needs us to remember this ancient basic premise of helping one another is still very much needed if we are to survive as a species or face our own extinction by our very own hands.<br />Yet we keep hearing about “Safe Nuclear Power,” “Clean Coal Technology,” and the need to continue to wage war.<br />More people have died from radiation poisoning working in places that handle nuclear materials, many more from the ways we store –or dump- the waste products than by any weapon produced.<br />Mercury released from all the coal that has ever been burned, falls from the sky in the rain, and enters our world’s food chain (much like radiation).<br />And War is as far away from helping each other survive as you can get.<br /><br />Greed for money, lust for power, even at the expense of the rest of our Human Family, fuels this fire that needs to be put out.<br />Lip service just doesn’t cut it - we’ve got to live it.<br />In “Coram Deo,” in the face of God, as the man we know as Jesus said on the Mountain where he made all those fish sandwiches, speaking about hypocrites.<br />Those words are just as true today, in so many ways, here in this Christian Nation whose motto is “In God We Trust,” whose biggest export is high-tech weapons…<br /><br /><br />Tim MacSweeney<br />Sunday, June 07, 2009<br /></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-9206882045497414632009-05-25T06:17:00.007-04:002009-05-25T06:43:15.077-04:00And the Band Played the Star Spangled Banner<div id="ms__id96"><br /><div id="ms__id95"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircOeZ-LFGmJnrPY2BonZ2i9x2CO-jgY8NBrkwXkkmaPZLZfSHRfwvdx8iq1IwKlwBrwtL-xf7673rccfcGxItODki5nCD0vOqSd9z1nrq5oFWYl26xjrnfBIMolfK7-O7-Sguh4jEyv_o/s1600-h/beach-head-war-cemetery.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339707714809843762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircOeZ-LFGmJnrPY2BonZ2i9x2CO-jgY8NBrkwXkkmaPZLZfSHRfwvdx8iq1IwKlwBrwtL-xf7673rccfcGxItODki5nCD0vOqSd9z1nrq5oFWYl26xjrnfBIMolfK7-O7-Sguh4jEyv_o/s400/beach-head-war-cemetery.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div id="ms__id24">This song is based on "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda," the lyrics changed to reflect not the "War to End All Wars," but the Second World War that followed the First, and the USA rather than Australia...</div><br /><div id="ms__id92"></div><br /><div id="ms__id93"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">And the Band Played the Star Spangled Banner</span></strong> (Lyrics)</div><br /><div id="ms__id25">From Prarie Home Companion <a href="http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/programs/2004/05/29/">Saturday, May 29, 2004</a></div><br /><div id="ms__id26"><a href="http://www.publicradio.org/tools/media/player/phc/2004/05/29_phc?start=00:00:48:42.0&end=00:00:52:54.0">Listen</a></div><br /><div id="ms__id28"></div><br /><div id="ms__id27">Now when I was a young man and loose and free</div><div id="ms__id29">And I followed a young man's drummer</div><div id="ms__id30">I hitch-hiked from New York to Yosemite</div><div id="ms__id31">And led me a beautiful summer</div><br /><div id="ms__id32">Then in December, nineteen forty-one</div><div id="ms__id33">I heard the call, there was work to be done.</div><div id="ms__id34">I joined the Army and they gave me a gun</div><div id="ms__id35">And they shipped me away to the war...</div><br /><div id="ms__id36"></div><div id="ms__id37">And the band played the Star Spangled Banner</div><div id="ms__id38">As the ship pulled away from the shore</div><div id="ms__id39">And amidst all the cheers, the music, and the tears</div><div id="ms__id40">We sailed off to fight in the war. </div><br /><div id="ms__id41"></div><div id="ms__id42">And how well I remember how at Anzio</div><div id="ms__id43">We strolled to the beach through the water</div><div id="ms__id44">And the counterattack was a powerful blow</div><div id="ms__id45">And we fell like lambs at the slaughter.</div><div id="ms__id46">Who misread the enemy? Too late to tell.</div><div id="ms__id47">We were pounded by bullets and bombs and by shell</div><div id="ms__id48">And in two days they blew us to hell</div><div id="ms__id49">Nearly blew us right back to New Jersey. </div><br /><div id="ms__id52">And the band played the Star Spangled Banner</div><div id="ms__id53">As the flag was raised on the hill</div><div id="ms__id54">We bowed our heads as we buried our dead</div><div id="ms__id55">Then we went back to maim and to kill.</div><div id="ms__id94"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgBZDTgTrk2spZsjoI8xGw6h5oHx-hbay6Tp8h81LjOlK9IGKazfAgBixiQfqs6wy7_Fd9QzqhGzNhCfysC1-qIoFjzct0rSqQnQ9ZtSPZlvekeZDr0xxWAjMqk7VwBszizry6rQQEmxP/s1600-h/c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339707645738977218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgBZDTgTrk2spZsjoI8xGw6h5oHx-hbay6Tp8h81LjOlK9IGKazfAgBixiQfqs6wy7_Fd9QzqhGzNhCfysC1-qIoFjzct0rSqQnQ9ZtSPZlvekeZDr0xxWAjMqk7VwBszizry6rQQEmxP/s400/c.jpg" /></a><br /><div id="ms__id56">We marched north through Italy, tried to survive</div><div id="ms__id57">In that mad world of death, blood and fire</div><div id="ms__id58">And for ten weary weeks I kept myself alive</div><div id="ms__id59">As the death toll got higher and higher</div><div id="ms__id60">In a field north of Rome I raised up my head</div><div id="ms__id61">And when I awoke in my hospital bed</div><div id="ms__id62">And saw what had happened, I wished I was dead</div><div id="ms__id63">And I lay there a month without talking. </div><div id="ms__id64"></div><br /><div id="ms__id65">They collected the wounded, the crippled, the maimed</div><div id="ms__id66">And shipped us back home to New Jersey.</div><div id="ms__id67">The legless, the armless, the blind, the insane</div><div id="ms__id68">The proud, wounded heroes of Italy.</div><div id="ms__id69">And when I was carried back to Fort Lee</div><div id="ms__id70">I looked at the place where my legs used to be</div><div id="ms__id71">And thanked Christ there was no one there waiting for me</div><div id="ms__id72">To grieve and to mourn and to pity</div><div id="ms__id73"></div><br /><div id="ms__id74">And the band played the Star Spangled Banner</div><div id="ms__id75">As we came to the U.S.A.</div><div id="ms__id76">But nobody cheered, they just stood there and stared</div><div id="ms__id77">Then they turned their faces away</div><div id="ms__id78"></div><br /><div id="ms__id79">So now on Memorial Day on my porch</div><div id="ms__id80">I watch the parade pass before me</div><div id="ms__id81">I see my old comrades, how proudly they march</div><div id="ms__id82">Reliving old dreams and past glories</div><div id="ms__id83">And the old men march slowly, their bones stiff and sore</div><div id="ms__id84">Tired old men from a long ago war</div><div id="ms__id85">And the young people ask "What are they marching for?"</div><div id="ms__id86">And I ask myself the same question</div><div id="ms__id87"></div><br /><div id="ms__id88">But the band plays the Star Spangled Banner</div><div id="ms__id89">And the old men answer the call</div><div id="ms__id90">But year after year, those old men disappear</div><div id="ms__id91">Soon no one will march there at all...</div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3qd072K6qlgRGHCU4FWdsL01TXl89SuCAXweaVkJwG3pggfy4lqU9aVDmVFbnhl339CGCKuG1hgnEE_t6JrKwnfdo5Luq53C_Mk0P1kR45bEnyvki81se_M25CDQww-tUc3peqxyjm7J/s1600-h/memorialday.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 388px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339708112158074146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3qd072K6qlgRGHCU4FWdsL01TXl89SuCAXweaVkJwG3pggfy4lqU9aVDmVFbnhl339CGCKuG1hgnEE_t6JrKwnfdo5Luq53C_Mk0P1kR45bEnyvki81se_M25CDQww-tUc3peqxyjm7J/s400/memorialday.jpg" /></a></div><br />Dedicated to all who fell, and to my Great-Uncle Fred who survived this event and all that followed, and to the end of the outdated notion of War...Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-18734123001611530562009-05-12T06:09:00.002-04:002009-05-12T06:12:47.053-04:00Call 800-517-5696 today<div id="ms__id44"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZgerG1ZcSdBimPvtFIoZV5StYTnxeOTM8zhIL8uc5guyKqmtR0MEi3xhop0py5ZVxs29UCdrfVNLUZJvP6FlKW59behlM4Oj8nF_eIBRWF3Rh7Lj41V7KDPaqVj9-iebExBA9vfzrb_v/s1600-h/peacelg.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334878340443483074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZgerG1ZcSdBimPvtFIoZV5StYTnxeOTM8zhIL8uc5guyKqmtR0MEi3xhop0py5ZVxs29UCdrfVNLUZJvP6FlKW59behlM4Oj8nF_eIBRWF3Rh7Lj41V7KDPaqVj9-iebExBA9vfzrb_v/s400/peacelg.jpg" /></a><br /><div id="ms__id35" align="center">Call 800-517-5696 today to protest more war funding!<br /></div><br /><div id="ms__id39" align="center">Dear Friend, </div><br /><div id="ms__id40" align="center"><br />Do you want the United States government to spend tens of billions of dollars more to fund the war in Iraq and expand the war in Afghanistan?<br />Next week, your representative will be asked to vote on a war supplemental bill that would do just that.<br />Call toll-free on May 12800-517-5696<br />Say no to more spending on two wars. Urge your representative to use our tax dollars to<br />bring the troops home<br />take care of them upon their return<br />rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan<br />take care of health, education, and energy here at home<br /><a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=pFN71dGakdNoZLb7itTapQ..">Please join a national call-in day organized by our friends at FCNL </a>to oppose more war funding.<br />The U.S. government already spends $1.9 million every minute on the military — and that doesn't include funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.<br />With your help we can make a difference. Please call today.<br />Peace,<br /><br />Laurie Creasy,</div><br /><div id="ms__id42" align="center">American Friends Service Committee</div><br /><div id="ms__id43" align="center"><br /><a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=2_WURe5FRLpLOvt2hCVqzQ..">Forward this message</a> to your friends.</div><br /><div id="ms__id31" align="center"></div><br /><div id="ms__id32" align="center">American Friends Service Committee </div><br /><div id="ms__id33" align="center">1501 Cherry Street</div><br /><div id="ms__id34" align="center">Philadelphia, PA 19102</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=Oe5KD4Nuftly9JiicuPyCg..">http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=Oe5KD4Nuftly9JiicuPyCg..</a></div></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-11783337564213003152009-04-15T10:43:00.004-04:002009-04-15T11:03:33.925-04:00NVCC Students for a Culture of Peace<div id="ms__id34"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PmZp4mxH6mveVvRSVnEf5tpRt23Wb8wbUVThLBjyXF93pnPkSmtp3WyfoLHSmTsxDgHtoYEr2Qzrla_mbY_TT9SCtcuqKqVEN3AMstaDoPXKaR9UrZGUEyVDElnKqvdZ8cLuj0bOS5VQ/s1600-h/peacelg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324931140299060146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PmZp4mxH6mveVvRSVnEf5tpRt23Wb8wbUVThLBjyXF93pnPkSmtp3WyfoLHSmTsxDgHtoYEr2Qzrla_mbY_TT9SCtcuqKqVEN3AMstaDoPXKaR9UrZGUEyVDElnKqvdZ8cLuj0bOS5VQ/s400/peacelg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="ms__id22" align="center">SCOP Club Meeting Thursday April 16th, 2009</div><br /><div id="ms__id23" align="center">@4:30 PM in the Cafe-West</div><div id="ms__id33"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRf2qEDrGonDE-BTIIqh2jvuJQy3tPIw6Qf3XWEf_zNRTxWE-vg-9mwB1Rc-lO0aAyXKW_d5Kd9NnLkAleFq5sOcBIArxHxwx_LPGObdkvlZlQ7b903c79uMstNeHB2c8zk_xzoSKlDVa/s1600-h/logo-top.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324930747084829122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRf2qEDrGonDE-BTIIqh2jvuJQy3tPIw6Qf3XWEf_zNRTxWE-vg-9mwB1Rc-lO0aAyXKW_d5Kd9NnLkAleFq5sOcBIArxHxwx_LPGObdkvlZlQ7b903c79uMstNeHB2c8zk_xzoSKlDVa/s400/logo-top.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="ms__id25" align="center">Chairwoman - Helena Dubose</div><br /><div id="ms__id32" align="left">Agenda:</div><br /><div id="ms__id26">1. Afghanistan Continued (Monica)</div><br /><div id="ms__id27">2. SGA meeting report-back (Jamie)</div><br /><div id="ms__id28">3. Wesleyan Peace Workshops (Brittany)</div><br /><div id="ms__id29">4. Sculpture Update (Keep an eye on the central walkway to the college!)</div><br /><div id="ms__id30">5. Other Business-</div><div id="ms__id36"> </div><div id="ms__id47" align="right"><em>"We the people of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war… " Charter of the United Nations, 1945</em></div><div id="ms__id48" align="center"><em><br /></em><span style="font-size:180%;">Culture of Peace : what is it ?</span></div><div id="ms__id39" align="center">(from: <a href="http://www3.unesco.org/iycp/default.htm">http://www3.unesco.org/iycp/default.htm</a>)</div><div id="ms__id51" align="center"> </div><div id="ms__id49" align="center">As defined by the United Nations, the Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behaviour and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations (UN Resolutions <a href="http://www3.unesco.org/iycp/kits/res52-13_en.htm">A/RES/52/13 </a>: Culture of Peace and <a href="http://www3.unesco.org/iycp/kits/uk_res_243.pdf">A/RES/53/243</a>, Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace). For peace and non-violence to prevail, we need to:<br />Foster a culture of peace through education<br />by revising the educational curricula to promote qualitative values, attitudes and behaviours of a culture of peace, including peaceful conflict-resolution, dialogue, consensus-building and active non-violence. Such an educational approach should be geared also to:<br />promote sustainable economic and social development<br />by reducing economic and social inequalities, by eradicating poverty and by assuring sustainable food security , social justice, durable solutions to debt problems, empowerment of women, special measures for groups with special needs, environmental sustainability…<br />Promote respect for all human rights<br />human rights and a culture of peace are complementary: whenever war and violence dominate, there is no possibility to ensure human rights; at the same time, without human rights, in all their dimensions, there can be no culture of peace...<br />Ensure equality between women and men<br />through full participation of women in economic, social and political decision-making, elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women, support and assistance to women in need,…<br />Foster democratic participation<br />indispensable foundations for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security are democratic principles, practices and participation in all sectors of society, a transparent and accountable governance and administration, the combat against terrorism, organized crime, corruption, illicit drugs and money laundering…<br />Advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity<br />to abolish war and violent conflicts we need to transcend and overcome enemy images with understanding, tolerance and solidarity among all peoples and cultures. Learning from our differences, through dialogue and the exchange of information, is an enriching process…<br />Support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge<br />freedom of information and communication and the sharing of information and knowledge are indispensable for a culture of peace. However, measures need to be taken to address the issue of violence in the media, including new information and communication technologies…<br />Promote International Peace and security:<br />the gains in human security and disarmament in recent years, including nuclear weapons treaties and the treaty banning land mines, should encourage us to increase our efforts in negotiation of peaceful settlements, elimination of production and traffic of arms and weapons, humanitarian solutions in conflict situations, post-conflict initiatives…<br /><br /><em>Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men than defences of peace must be constructed "</em></div><div id="ms__id45" align="center">Constitution of UNESCO, 1945</div><div id="ms__id50" align="center"> </div></div></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-24415797466450815872009-04-14T11:35:00.002-04:002009-04-14T11:46:04.756-04:00Community Days of Advocacy For Justice & Human Rights<div id="ms__id36"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkVtMyGEv-VsAAkcEjesJBl_NqZdwKGQq3km7sXZNc_sj0TMkwrNgHoDLkzxR3PBZCg1gZ9XEcJR-R0L9x2B69b3QoL9twgfvLcS3rZ9vyQgww0Fa0EwGtJ8E1NaBBUvSx08uHD64Q3h3/s1600-h/group%2520hands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324573776348457330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkVtMyGEv-VsAAkcEjesJBl_NqZdwKGQq3km7sXZNc_sj0TMkwrNgHoDLkzxR3PBZCg1gZ9XEcJR-R0L9x2B69b3QoL9twgfvLcS3rZ9vyQgww0Fa0EwGtJ8E1NaBBUvSx08uHD64Q3h3/s400/group%2520hands.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div id="ms__id34" align="center"><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/">Community Days of Advocacy for Justice & Human RightsApril 4-19, 2009</a><br />NNIRR invites its members, partners and allies to join in our <a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/">Community Days of Advocacy for Justice & Human Rights.</a> Organize community delegations to meet with members of Congress during the Congressional Spring recess (April 4-19) to deliver a strong message on critical issues facing immigrant families, workers and communities. Register your event or action <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fjSZ6iJ8Z9MyzMRCbAbUTQ_3d_3d" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />Raise your voices, tell Congress to end all raids, detentions and<br />deportations!<br /><br />Organize an action or activity as part of NNIRR's "Community Days of<br />Advocacy for Justice & Human Rights" this week!<br /><br />Keep your eyes on the prize: socially just immigration reforms.<br /><br />Click below to be part of Community Days of Advocacy and download<br />materials to prepare for speaking with your members of Congress:</div><br /><div id="ms__id35" align="center"><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/action/index.php?op=read&id=199&type=0" target="_blank">Invitation to join NNIRR for Community Days of Advocacy for Justice & Human Rights</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/resources/index.php?op=read&id=320&type=6" target="_blank">Invitación a participar con NNIRR en los dias de Acción Comunitaria por la Justicia y los Derechos Humanos</a><br /><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fjSZ6iJ8Z9MyzMRCbAbUTQ_3d_3d" target="_blank">Click here to register your event / Para matricular tu evento haga clic aqui</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/Orientation%20to%20Congressional%20Meetings%20-%20Community%20Days%20of%20Advocacy.pdf" target="_blank">Orientation to Community Days of Advocacy</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/Orientacion%20a%20los%20Dias%20de%20Accion%20Comunitaria%20Apr%2009%20Congress%20Mtgs.pdf" target="_blank">Orientacion a los Dias de Accion Comunitaria</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/NNIRR%20Community%20Days%20of%20Advocacy%20-%20Talking%20Points.pdf" target="_blank">Participant talking points and critical messages </a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/Puntos%20Mensajes%20del%20Dia%20de%20Accion%20Comunitaria%20NNIRR.pdf" target="_blank">Puntos de discusión y mensajes principales para las y los participantes</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/Report%20Back%20Form%20Community%20Days%20of%20Advocacy.doc" target="_blank">Reportback Form (Word doc)</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/Report%20Back%20Form%20Community%20Days%20of%20Advocacy.pdf" target="_blank">Reportback Form (pdf form)</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/Formulario%20para%20reportar%20resultados%20Report%20Back%20Form.doc" target="_blank">Formulario para reportar los resultados (Word)</a><br /><a href="http://nnirr.org/2009advocacy/Formulario%20para%20reportar%20resultados%20Report%20Back%20Form.pdf" target="_blank">Formulario para reportar los resultados (forma pdf)</a><br /><br />Call your Representative and two Senators today and set a meeting so<br />they can hear from you. Get the contact information for your:<br />Representative at <a href="http://www.house.gov/">http://www.house.gov/</a></div><br /><div id="ms__id25" align="center">Senators at <a href="http://www.senate.gov/">http://www.senate.gov/</a></div><br /><div id="ms__id30" align="center"><br /><br />Our message is clear:<br />Ending raids is a good start. But this will not be enough to end the<br />ICE abuses and rights violations against immigrant and refugee members<br />of our communities.<br /><br />Meet with or call your Congressional delegation to demand action to:<br />End all raids or enforcement operations;<br />Suspend all detentions and deportations and investigate the abuses;<br />Protect the labor and civil rights of all workers, regardless of<br />immigration or citizenship status;<br /><br />Restore due process rights for all;<br /><br />End the humanitarian crisis of migrant deaths & rampant rights<br />violations at the U.S.-Mexico border;<br />Hold Congressional hearings with our communities to learn directly from<br />those impacted by raids and other immigration enforcement and services.<br />ICE, police and local, county, state and other federal government<br />agencies must be accountable to our communities. And,<br />Enact fair and just immigration reforms.<br />Organize a community delegation to meet with your Congress members<br />today.<br />You can also call your Representative and Senators at (202) 224-3121.<br />Ask to be connected to their office and then talk to their staff person<br />in charge of immigration issues. Tell them why ending raids is not<br />enough!<br /><br />Raise your voices, take action for justice and human rights!<br />National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights<br />Red Nacional Pro Derechos Inmigrantes y Refugiados<br /><br /><br />Para leer este mensaje en español, haga clic aqui:<br />Días de Acción Comunitaria por la Justicia y los Derechos Humanos</div><br /><div id="ms__id31" align="center"></div></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-57411287878747676842009-03-21T08:11:00.002-04:002009-03-21T10:29:01.214-04:00Will It Change Things?<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UCLimCjv39w&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UCLimCjv39w&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><div id="ms__id21"></div><br /><p>"If I play my ukelele long enough..."</p><br /><p>"believe" - Ukulele's for Peace<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8QsXUtUOiig&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8QsXUtUOiig&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QsXUtUOiig">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QsXUtUOiig</a></p><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MZnmz50JsKE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MZnmz50JsKE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZnmz50JsKE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZnmz50JsKE</a></p><br /><p>CAPTAIN KAZOO<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0BFvtDTm__E&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0BFvtDTm__E&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BFvtDTm__E">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BFvtDTm__E</a></p>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-72673579322234190822009-03-08T08:15:00.002-04:002009-03-08T08:24:17.601-04:00It's A Hard Life Wherever You Go<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E1B9lPbdHTk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E1B9lPbdHTk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>I am a backseat driver from America </p><p>We drive to the left on Falls Road </p><p>And the man at the wheel's name is Seamus</p><p>We pass a child on the corner he knows </p><p>And Seamus says, now what chance has that kid got</p><p>And I say from the back, I don't know</p><p>He says there's barbed wire at all of these exits</p><p>And there ain't no place in Belfast for that kid to go </p><p>'Cause it's a hard life, it's a hard life, it's a very hard life</p><p>I's a hard life wherever you go</p><p>And if we poison our children with hatred </p><p>Then the hard life is all that they'll know </p><p>And there ain't no place in Belfast for that kid to go </p><p>Cafeteria line in Chicago</p><p>The fat man in front of meIs calling black people trash to his children</p><p>And he's the only trash here I see </p><p>And I am thinking this man wears a white hood</p><p>In the night when his children should sleep</p><p>But they'll slip to their windows and they'll see him</p><p>And they'll think that white hood's all they need </p><p>'Cause it's a hard life, it's a hard life, it's a very hard life</p><p>It's a hard life wherever you goAnd if we poison our children with hatred</p><p>Then the hard life is all that they'll know </p><p>And there ain't no place in Chicago for those kids to go</p><p> I was a child in the Sixties</p><p>When dreams could be held through T.V.</p><p>With Disney and Cronkite and Martin Luther</p><p>And I believed, I believed, I believed </p><p>Now I am the backseat driver from America</p><p>And I am not at the wheel of control</p><p>And I am guilty, I am war, and I am the root of all evil</p><p>Lord, and I can't drive on the left side of the road</p><p> 'Cause it's a hard life, it's a hard life, it's a very hard life</p><p>It's a hard life wherever you go</p><p>And if we poison our children with hatred</p><p>Then the hard life is all that they'll know</p><p>And there ain't no place in this world for those kids to go'</p><p>Cause it's a hard life wherever you go...</p><p>(Nanci's Video, released in Europe but not the USA: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFzI_4_5EGg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFzI_4_5EGg</a> .)</p>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-64728615746998344682009-03-05T15:20:00.002-05:002009-03-05T15:25:02.313-05:00Support a Truth & Reconciliation Commission<div id="ms__id22">I have proposed the idea of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate abuses during the Bush-Cheney Administration -- so they never happen again. These abuses may include the use of torture, warrantless wiretapping, extraordinary rendition, and executive override of laws.Please sign this online petition, urging Congress to consider establishing a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the Bush-Cheney Administration's abuses.</div><div id="ms__id27">Thank you,</div><div id="ms__id28">Patrick Leahy</div><div id="ms__id29">U.S. Senator</div><div id="ms__id26"><a href="http://mail.democrats.com/CT00033601MTE0NjExOAAA.HTML?D=2009-03-05" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Please sign his online petition urging Congress to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the Bush-Cheney Administration's abuses. </a></div><div id="ms__id25">Georgetown University. February 9, 2009. </div><div id="ms__id24"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DeWTNDLEfMs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DeWTNDLEfMs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div id="ms__id30"><a href="http://mail.democrats.com/CT00033602MTE0NjExOAAA.HTML?D=2009-03-05" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sign Sen. Patrick Leahy'spetition atBushTruthCommission.com </a><a href="http://ga3.org/campaign/btcpetition?source=btc_dem2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-82744225173268760282009-03-05T10:13:00.003-05:002009-03-05T10:20:33.574-05:00On March 19, the seventh year of the Iraq War begins.<div id="ms__id45" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1uX7ZgUK3OOb_35L8ypqAE86tkdAheb6cDVLEHKV4YGS5NpQqJMUMM3zzYAVxI06XxYgtkPtBJs_QVMGx-7-HwvJe_qnJQs4mDye6gC4U-H9VC3cllkNpOexnh0hQ027RQgtkZOA8l6x/s1600-h/12149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309723177172610146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1uX7ZgUK3OOb_35L8ypqAE86tkdAheb6cDVLEHKV4YGS5NpQqJMUMM3zzYAVxI06XxYgtkPtBJs_QVMGx-7-HwvJe_qnJQs4mDye6gC4U-H9VC3cllkNpOexnh0hQ027RQgtkZOA8l6x/s400/12149.jpg" border="0" /></a>March 19 marks the beginning of the seventh year of war in Iraq.<br />As part of our Countdown to Withdrawal campaign, we're asking you to mark the war's anniversary with a public event during the week of March 16.<br /><strong></strong></div><div id="ms__id54" align="center"><strong>How will you wage peace?<br /></strong><p align="center">Will you attract the public's attention with rows of lighted candles at a vigil? </p><p align="center">Gather a circle of drummers to embody the drumbeat for peace? </p><p align="center">Organize an outdoor prayer service or a singalong of peace songs?<br /></p><p align="center"><em>Or will you let your imagination soar? </em></p><br /><p>We can help:<br /><a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=YfTmj3PJ6IFonsajC-Yl1A.." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Organize an event and put it on our national listing or find a vigil to attend. </a><br /><a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=D1guIGD_24Dh1-t8vJE1Gw.." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Print signs and banners. </a><br /><a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=tduU6NMH6UFlUloGEhj4xw.." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Post photos, videos, and stories about your event on Facebook. </a><br />The Iraq War was a tragic mistake. Let's stop it, let's fix it — and, most important of all, let's not repeat it. Help us wage peace today.</p><br /><p>Peace,<br /><br />Laurie Creasy</p><p>American Friends Service Committee </p><p><a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=18bo0cx7I-Lb3QJDgV_k3A.." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View this message as a web page.</a></p><p>Or click below for the video:<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UBixbtdzZ1s&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UBixbtdzZ1s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-82267117571122972102009-02-19T12:45:00.004-05:002009-02-19T13:13:59.779-05:00CODEPINK<div id="ms__id31"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU2Gz_p_tjbWxhxYmOz9rEhgcNqOe-33D1LIwb-O_MoxLtkDqbi8mU6-Ofkszz-mTCaCX9UArC7wZVzvrXBTfB4Hcos1abIfrp6JYTqpHR7BcuTQqYjI1hGg15glnFJA8ztyB2HTMBO3a/s1600-h/08_hm_promises.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304573260522427586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 84px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU2Gz_p_tjbWxhxYmOz9rEhgcNqOe-33D1LIwb-O_MoxLtkDqbi8mU6-Ofkszz-mTCaCX9UArC7wZVzvrXBTfB4Hcos1abIfrp6JYTqpHR7BcuTQqYjI1hGg15glnFJA8ztyB2HTMBO3a/s400/08_hm_promises.jpg" border="0" /></a> We danced the "Yes We Can-Can" on Inauguration day as we applauded President Obama's promises to take our nation in a new direction. With his recent announcement of an additional 17,000 troops to be deployed to Afghanistan, we see change come to a screeching halt and a dangerous continuation of the same failed US policies of the Bush era blaze forward. Just as in Iraq, misplaced hope in military solutions is pushing peaceful strategies to the back seat. Take action and help President Obama do the right thing- we need an escalation in peaceful alternatives, not military force!<br /><div id="ms__id33">Call 202-456-1111 today! Tell the Administration that we want:<br />1) Reduction of troop levels in Afghanistan</div><br /><div id="ms__id34">2) Rapid withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq</div><br /><div id="ms__id36">3) A commitment to diplomacy involving all major regional players, including major international peace-keeping bodies</div><br /><div id="ms__id38">4) Addressing the real needs of Afghans by funding development assistance for Afghanistan's basic human needs - health-care, clean water, education, security, rights for women and girls-, through Afghan NGOs, using local labor and services<br />Take <a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=pvglkt%2BYe6xzCRYzibA%2BXNIfyeLQ7bR6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a tip from Senator Feingold and ask the tough questions</a>: "We need to ask: After seven years of war, will more troops help us achieve our strategic goals in Afghanistan? Is there a danger that a heavier military footprint will further alienate the population, and, if so, what are the alternatives?" Even Obama's advisors say the war in Afghanistan "cannot be won on the battlefield." Over 2/3 of Americans oppose the deployments, and a majority of Europeans want their troops home- leaders of Spain, France and Germany have refused to send any additional forces!</div><br /><div id="ms__id40">It is said that the definition of insanity is to repeat the same action but to expect a different result. President Obama is a deeply intelligent man, but it is crazy for him to stay on Bush's crash course of empire building, and all the devastation and loss of life it leaves in its wake. <a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=sCStrKoAR%2BUJNyihy44AsdIfyeLQ7bR6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">We can help Obama find the road to peace and make sure he keeps his promises!</a> Yes we can end war,</div><br /><div id="ms__id45">Audrey, Dana, Deidra, Desiree, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Jean, Jodie, Liz, Lori, Medea, Nancy, Paris, and Rae of <span style="color:#ff99ff;">CODEPINK!<br /></span>P.S. When you are connected to your Representative's office, keep your message short and to the point. Tell them:</div><br /><div id="ms__id44">More troops only means more violence, more suffering, more killing of innocents, and more recruits for the Taliban. Instead of a surge, President Obama must take bold and compassionate action to address the Afghan's real need for health care, clean water and education, instead of continuing to cripple Afghanistan with more years of war. Call on Obama to fulfill his promise for peace and change! Call (202)456-1111 TODAY!<a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=2SBkJlURUMY47HFy0BXAwtIfyeLQ7bR6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here for more resources</a></div><br /><div id="ms__id28"></div><br /><div id="ms__id29">"Afghanistan needs troops--but it needs troops of doctors, troops of teachers, troops of Peace Corps volunteers, and troops of farmers to go and replant the fruit orchards."</div><br /><div id="ms__id46" align="left">--Kavita Ramdas, President and CEO of Global Fund for Women<br /><a title="Permanent Link to Afghanistan 101" href="http://codepink4peace.org/blog/2009/02/afghanistan-101/" rel="bookmark">Afghanistan 101</a><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dhAPOWpkGRU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dhAPOWpkGRU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><div id="ms__id31">Posted by Dana -<br />Thu, Feb 5, 2009<br /><a title="View all posts in Afghanistan" href="http://codepink4peace.org/blog/category/codepinkcampaigns/afghanistan-codepinkcampaigns/" rel="category tag">Afghanistan</a><br />There is a LOT of information out there about the crisis in Afghanistan and how and what we (as citizens, activists, women, progressives, humans, etc) need to do to address this multi-faceted, complex issue. Here are some resources that we at CODEPINK have found helfpul in reenforcing the importance of opposing military escalation in Afghanistan and supporting non-military solutions to the conflict. This is by no means an extensive list. If there are other resources that have helped YOU get a better grasp on the issues in the region please leave it in the comments!<br />First, 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows put together <a href="http://www.codepinkalert.org/downloads/Afghanistanprimerjan09%5B1%5D(2).pdf">this Afghanistan Primer</a>- this is choc full with useful, focused info + very easy-to-read/comprehend. On January 30, <a href="http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/blog/">Bill Moyers (on the JOURNAL)</a> hosted a fascinating conversation on bombing - it’s history and current use - with a historian and a former Pentagon official to see how well it works and has worked in the past. This website <a href="http://getafghanistanright.com/">GetAfghanistanRight.org</a> (launched by Robert Greenwald/Brave New Film and FireDogLake) is a wealth of information with some great video interviews and countless articles! <a href="http://mfso.org/article.php?id=1286&preview=1&cache=0">Military Family Speaks Out</a> has also collected some poignant key articles and additional resources.<br /></div><br /><div id="ms__id47" align="left"><a href="http://codepink4peace.org/blog/2009/02/afghanistan-101/">http://codepink4peace.org/blog/2009/02/afghanistan-101/</a></div></div></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-63594030831398669792009-02-19T08:51:00.001-05:002009-02-19T08:51:48.024-05:00Ghost Dance - Bill Miller<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vdg2sVB0XU8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vdg2sVB0XU8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-47260301047474342662009-02-04T07:36:00.004-05:002009-02-04T07:43:07.502-05:00Bethlehem Peace Vigil Will Continue<div id="ms__id1476"><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8IXlvE0RRj4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8IXlvE0RRj4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />We are still holding a Vigil for Peace every first Sunday of the month from 12 to 1 PM, on the Green in Bethlehem CT at the junctions of routes 61 and 132. There has been some confusion about this: The Litchfield Peace group has decided to take a break after six years (See article below). We will continue with ours and invite all to join us to take a stand for Peace in the World. We will also continue to post at our blog: <a dir="ltr" title="http://bethlehempeacewatch.blogspot.com/" href="http://bethlehempeacewatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://bethlehempeacewatch.blogspot.com/</a> </div><div id="ms__id1472" align="center">(Click to enlarge:)<br /></div><div id="ms__id1454"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7F7Jf9C1htFciPSQLz_kxteerCexLR_dJs7c5i64NtGiThtc-Uq_WRgBJEzsaXyXXDCawfy_KbViDE5_dOil9pw_KH8XTdHzaK6dWLKRFM1H9rQ-duyBfV7ESX9FzwInHVHHkCbYYcnS/s1600-h/Litchfield+Peace+Group.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298921002382282642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7F7Jf9C1htFciPSQLz_kxteerCexLR_dJs7c5i64NtGiThtc-Uq_WRgBJEzsaXyXXDCawfy_KbViDE5_dOil9pw_KH8XTdHzaK6dWLKRFM1H9rQ-duyBfV7ESX9FzwInHVHHkCbYYcnS/s400/Litchfield+Peace+Group.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-20669359706306401492009-02-02T22:34:00.002-05:002009-02-02T22:46:03.640-05:00FIRST SCOP MEETING!!!!!!!<div id="ms__id1415"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPgpwy8_JCnKKhx3unN9eWcJQjGQWODDi9eC8WrlUYnO7pSP6O29t8E6Oi8u0eDcXX40ZzFCOei_t7Qwpm7Ul0CvRRH3mLzzFMQ0GAHTNGo1E9sQ0EAFWfhV0ofalppisRGcWlyHpF2mg/s1600-h/RTEmagicC_6983f75c11_jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298409959947674290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPgpwy8_JCnKKhx3unN9eWcJQjGQWODDi9eC8WrlUYnO7pSP6O29t8E6Oi8u0eDcXX40ZzFCOei_t7Qwpm7Ul0CvRRH3mLzzFMQ0GAHTNGo1E9sQ0EAFWfhV0ofalppisRGcWlyHpF2mg/s400/RTEmagicC_6983f75c11_jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="ms__id1409">"The first meeting of the semester of the Students For A Culture Of Peace Club (SCOP) will be Thursday Feb. 5th, 4:30 PM, Cafe-West, Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury CT. The Isreal/Palistine conflict will be discussed as well as a report back from the SGA meeting. We are hoping to move forward with a number of projects - peace sculpture and club brochure. Bring new ideas! See you there. Look for the peace dove."</div></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-72943737426760450232009-02-02T09:32:00.003-05:002009-02-02T09:36:38.985-05:00Video from the Schaghticoke Rally and Protest<div id="ms__id2768" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFR53pAdihBikMtVJ2H7JyN21xML77mkiiWr_Acdw7AkCNsspVulW5OtU76ysztelJLB9DF0ysKGNoBAptXHcXT2rv1X-sm9v-OejXPpAliZx91DQoz93jDiWPmmfFRY0lmMVDZDqZtrf/s1600-h/DSC00684-thumb-350x262.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298208415051403858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFR53pAdihBikMtVJ2H7JyN21xML77mkiiWr_Acdw7AkCNsspVulW5OtU76ysztelJLB9DF0ysKGNoBAptXHcXT2rv1X-sm9v-OejXPpAliZx91DQoz93jDiWPmmfFRY0lmMVDZDqZtrf/s400/DSC00684-thumb-350x262.jpg" border="0" /></a> "If it was your house, and it was your mother's grave getting dug up, wouldn't you get upset?"</div><div id="ms__id2770" align="center"><em>Tony Crone of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation<br /></em></div><div id="ms__id2766" align="center">Click here: <a href="http://wakinguponturtleisland.blogspot.com/2009/01/video-from-schaghticoke-rally-and.html">Video from the Schaghticoke Rally and Protest</a> </div><div id="ms__id3107" align="center">More info at: <a href="http://www.schaghticoke.com/">http://www.schaghticoke.com/</a></div><div id="ms__id3108" align="center"> </div><div id="ms__id2771"><br /></div><div id="ms__id2767"></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-22952310929089495262009-01-24T07:17:00.001-05:002009-01-24T07:19:32.214-05:00Schaghticoke Reservation, Kent CT<div id="ms__id1400"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ProtectSchaghticoke">ProtectSchaghticoke</a> <br />January 19, 2009</div><div id="ms__id1406"> </div><div id="ms__id1405"> </div><div id="ms__id1403"><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WZ16KGv8vGA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WZ16KGv8vGA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />----- What is happening at the reservation today can accurately be called a hate crime and unmistakably desecration, despoliation and destruction of our ancestral land. In 2004 and again in November of 2007, a non-Schaghticoke individual trespassed upon our reservation, began ripping out trees, cutting and removing timber, quarrying stone and illegally excavating our sacred land without Tribal approval or official State permits. Since November 2007, Tribal members have been in contact with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and demanding an immediate cease and desist order to be applied to this intruder. No order was ever applied and the hate crime, destruction, desecration and despoliation have been allowed to proceed for over one year now. The Governor, who has been aware of this situation, allows the intruder to indiscriminately damage our ancestral land, digging up sacred artifacts and keeping them, despite constant opposition from Schaghticoke. To date, he has committed these crimes to over ten (10) acres of land. He has destroyed natural habitats including those of endangered and watched species, desecrated many burials with out any consequences as well as threatening a Tribal member with a rifle, again with out consequences. The State of Connecticut has been allowing these crimes to continue for too long. We are planning a protest in Hartford, CT on 29 January 09 at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building. Please join us from 10 to 3 PM, snow, rain or shine. We, additionally, are circulating a petition; which can be viewed and signed at <a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/STN129/petition.html">http://www.petitiononline.com/STN129/petition.html</a><br />We plan to hand deliver to the Governor on the day of our protest.<br /> Thank you for your support.</div><div id="ms__id1402">In peace, </div><div id="ms__id1404">Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Preservation Committee</div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-81643765518244478572009-01-22T07:56:00.003-05:002009-01-22T08:04:41.819-05:00Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen at the inaugural concert<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3YlLtmMV8zs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3YlLtmMV8zs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND<br />words and music by Woody Guthrie<br /></p><p>As I was walking a ribbon of highway</p><p>I saw above me an endless skyway<br />I saw below me a golden valley<br />This land was made for you and me<br />Chorus</p><p>This land is your land, this land is my land</p><p>From California, to the New York Island</p><p>From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters</p><p>This land was made for you and me</p><p><br />I've roamed and rambled and I've followed my footsteps<br />To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts<br />And all around me a voice was sounding<br />This land was made for you and me<br />Chorus<br />The sun comes shining as I was strolling<br />The wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling<br />The fog was lifting a voice come chanting<br />This land was made for you and me<br />Chorus<br />As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there<br />And that sign said - no tress passin'<br />But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!<br />Now that side was made for you and me!<br />Chorus<br />In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple<br />Near the relief office - I see my people<br />And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'<br />If this land's still made for you and me.<br />Chorus (2x)<br />©1956 (renewed 1984), 1958 (renewed 1986) and 1970 </p><p>TRO-Ludlow Music, Inc. </p><p>(BMI) </p><p><a href="http://www.arlo.net/resources/lyrics/this-land.shtml">http://www.arlo.net/resources/lyrics/this-land.shtml</a><br /></p>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-76091370811446555632009-01-19T08:26:00.008-05:002009-01-19T08:59:44.055-05:00MLK Day 2009<div id="ms__id2280" align="center"><a href="http://www.democracynow.org/">http://www.democracynow.org/</a> </div><div id="ms__id2282" align="center">Broadcast for 1/19/09, probably available later today if you missed the streaming broadcast this morning...<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSe_H260bEyECiNpw7oVEcvneMu3d57_M0pfMOYv9VFqpUvQtcP0IEc39_BX5j1W1HuKdvwGoLVXYDj_30q4dWjIVNNnGVP4OqBeSSjOdRkFVL72W-2UEpjWPsNDyZamElLUKSfSMZjk7/s1600-h/mlk11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292997968868545730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 80px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSe_H260bEyECiNpw7oVEcvneMu3d57_M0pfMOYv9VFqpUvQtcP0IEc39_BX5j1W1HuKdvwGoLVXYDj_30q4dWjIVNNnGVP4OqBeSSjOdRkFVL72W-2UEpjWPsNDyZamElLUKSfSMZjk7/s400/mlk11.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div id="ms__id1067" align="center"></div><div id="ms__id1218" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMpTitQ6DI019YdoMwzA27blJHswScg6FHwoBnFg2eVStYQCklC1Zk2FkpQOuIM1BEWmUj41VXpgH7R7x2qXsmCG9ABcQt0asSb9_GJZ3uhS094x7fSsbPHXF8m9A6jSs5JiKZKnkzTuN/s1600-h/washington.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292998124542159554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMpTitQ6DI019YdoMwzA27blJHswScg6FHwoBnFg2eVStYQCklC1Zk2FkpQOuIM1BEWmUj41VXpgH7R7x2qXsmCG9ABcQt0asSb9_GJZ3uhS094x7fSsbPHXF8m9A6jSs5JiKZKnkzTuN/s400/washington.jpeg" border="0" /></a> </div><p align="center"><br />For more of King’s speeches check: <a href="http://www.pacificaradioarchives.org/">Pacifica Radio Archives</a>. </p><p><br /></p>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-84224784283448771522009-01-16T11:01:00.002-05:002009-01-16T11:06:40.551-05:00Sign a letter to President-elect Obama<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaO1toDwIQmjVFLvukg8_foYsQqLrz3BEwI1SizwLO_uF0LkX9HLSXkkOsd7BcPhNYB9Ynvm4SrN2E0Z7upCtx-W50TSDGMHlMrBs_E4joTuHiTbYPlwq9N88Cl7HR7a0lsJH0cfhuahBR/s1600-h/12779.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291923172693438594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaO1toDwIQmjVFLvukg8_foYsQqLrz3BEwI1SizwLO_uF0LkX9HLSXkkOsd7BcPhNYB9Ynvm4SrN2E0Z7upCtx-W50TSDGMHlMrBs_E4joTuHiTbYPlwq9N88Cl7HR7a0lsJH0cfhuahBR/s400/12779.jpeg" border="0" /></a><br />On the eve of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, we’d like to ask you to <a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=CJsdNLj1cZfhSYXWY6zs6A..">sign an open letter</a> to President-elect Obama asking him to use King’s vision to create a better, more peaceful country.<br />It’s a corollary to our Roadmap for Peace — and, by the way, we did it!<br />Thanks to you, we’ve delivered the Roadmap for Peace to President-elect Obama’s transition team, along with more than 10,000 signatures.<br />In the days, weeks, and months to come, we’ll be working with the team and with representatives on Capitol Hill to encourage the use of the Roadmap as a vision for the future a more secure, peaceful world, with the United States building stronger relationships everywhere in the world through diplomatic, not military, means.<br />But diplomacy has been neglected in recent years. Roughly 700,000 civil servants work for the Department of Defense. In contrast, there are 6,500 career Foreign Service Officers and 5,000 Foreign Service specialists at 265 posts abroad and at the State Department.<br />Our country has also failed to use other means of diplomacy, such as United Nations agencies and other multilateral institutions.<br />This week, please take a few minutes to <a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=lDUBtQJ39SVrJLqpV6j6ug..">e-mail your senators and representative </a>about this great lack in our country’s resources for conflict prevention and resolution.<br />Some talking points:<br />We shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket. Yes, we need official government initiatives, but we also need to revive public diplomacy and increase people-to-people exchanges and citizen diplomacy in order to build the international partnerships the United States needs.<br />Americans want to be represented at the United Nations. Polls show that we view the U.N. as a way to share the responsibilities of engagement with the world. Yet the U.S. is still behind in paying its dues, and Americans are underrepresented at the staff level in three key U.N. agencies.<br />Open dialogue and principled negotiations need to be the diplomatic standard, not a reward.<br />You can <a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=1upMq30hop4zcwHh_eamHw..">use our web site </a>to find your senators and representative's contact information and the talking points above.<br />Write from your heart, but keep your e-mail short and sweet. Urge your senator or representative to download and read the Roadmap for Peace at <a href="http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=7K30BdNkgZ1u88ge2F3vrw..">http://support.afsc.org/site/R?i=7K30BdNkgZ1u88ge2F3vrw..</a>.<br />Thank you for your time, your enthusiasm, and your courage in supporting our Roadmap.<br />Peace,<br />Laurie Creasy,</div><div align="center">American Friends Service Committee </div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1857856727980797676.post-59776340324572511672009-01-14T07:57:00.005-05:002009-01-14T08:30:50.344-05:00Gaza Crisis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQYy7FT2s9SwS40suxMeOyHfRVkxDnnnr7SrtjDaqMWyxc_svGFJgTO1Fmvvhx5zbMOD_05lBnJuUb8gZ8cUr1A91pa_ucSSe1R2NIuScMA-lyhf10_mkqDx-AgBHJnGFgXwaJka9eT7Z/s1600-h/logo_main_nav.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291140750407589394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQYy7FT2s9SwS40suxMeOyHfRVkxDnnnr7SrtjDaqMWyxc_svGFJgTO1Fmvvhx5zbMOD_05lBnJuUb8gZ8cUr1A91pa_ucSSe1R2NIuScMA-lyhf10_mkqDx-AgBHJnGFgXwaJka9eT7Z/s400/logo_main_nav.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvK0f7C1GyEH7IrfY0KTglFRyVpMzruKSRBb4a6qmfv2rHxCX5tP1OttrdeqmIIZumcHSPZ1KZPXO3VmcZQ92_y8Rt80qzuLe0x5epAJdiNBUEKgGLTqZXCP6u3BoPjXYmtLIJ1IKjlYD/s1600-h/logo_main_nav.gif"></a><br />From: Maureen via Pax Christi USA<br />January 13, 2009<br /><br />The crisis in Gaza worsens<br /><br />Dear friends,<br /><br />In this email you'll find two action items related to the resolutions passed last week by the Senate and the House. Immediate action is needed on these.<br />Please take a moment to look these items over and respond as you are able.<br /><br />We have also added items to our page of resources on the crisis in Gaza. Two important items we think you'll find helpful:<br />1) Bill Quigley, Pax Christi National Council Member and a PCUSA Teacher of Peace left for Gaza last week and is sending us communiques back. You can read his first two reports on our site.<br />And 2) we have included a recent short YouTube video from Rabbi Arthur Waskow on the crisis in Gaza as well.<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWgl7vTgJPs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWgl7vTgJPs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />To see these resources and more, click here now: <a href="http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_events_more.asp?id=1497">http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_events_more.asp?id=1497</a></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Additionally, in this email you'll find an action alert from our friends at Catholic Relief Services and the USCCB. We hope you'll join us in taking action and bringing this conflict to an end.<br /><br />In Christ's peace,<br />Johnny Zokovitch<br />Director of Communications, Pax Christi USA<br /><br /><br />Take Action: Support Congressional Resolution for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza<br /><br />Last Friday, the House of Representatives voted 390 yes, 5 no, and 22 present to pass H.Res.34, "recognizing Israel's right to defend itself" and "reaffirming the United States strong support for Israel." Last Thursday, the Senate voted on a similarly worded resolution, S.Res.10, which passed by unanimous consent. (For more on these resolutions,see item #2 in this email.)<br />The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation opposed these resolutions because they failed to call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the occupied Gaza Strip as required under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1860. The resolutions also blamed the victims-the Palestinians-for the civilian casualties and humanitarian catastrophe Israel is inflicting upon them and absolved Israel of any responsibility for its actions.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dy-60zSKiGE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dy-60zSKiGE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Thankfully these resolutions will not be the final words of Congress on the issue. This week, Rep. Dennis Kucinich plans to introduce a resolution calling for "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" and "unrestricted humanitarian access" to the occupied Gaza Strip. The US Campaign is supporting this resolution, which can be downloaded by clicking here.<br /><br />Take Action: Support Congressional Resolution for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza<br />January 12th, 2009<br /><br /><br />Last Friday, the House of Representatives voted 390 yes, 5 no, and 22 present to pass H.Res.34, “recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself” and “reaffirming the United States strong support for Israel.” To see if your Representative cosponsored this resolution, click here. To see how your Representative voted, click here.<br /><br />Last Thursday, the Senate voted on a similarly worded resolution, S.Res.10, which passed by unanimous consent. To see if your Senator cosponsored the resolution, click here.<br /><br />The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation opposed these resolutions because they failed to call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the occupied Gaza Strip as required under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1860. The resolutions also blamed the victims—the Palestinians—for the civilian casualties and humanitarian catastrophe Israel is inflicting upon them and absolved Israel of any responsibility for its actions.<br /><br />Thankfully these resolutions will not be the final words of Congress on the issue. This week, Rep. Dennis Kucinich plans to introduce a resolution calling for “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire” and “unrestricted humanitarian access” to the occupied Gaza Strip. The US Campaign is supporting this resolution, which can be downloaded by clicking here.<br /><a href="http://endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=1785">http://endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=1785</a></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br />TAKE ACTION<br /><br />1. Call your Representative NOW at 202-224-3121. Thank your Representative if he/she voted “no” or “present” on H.Res.43. and ask her/him to cosponsor Rep. Kucinich’s resolution. If your representative voted “yes” on H.Res.43., then express your disagreement with the vote and ask them to cosponsor the Kucinich resolution.<br /><br />2. Call your Senators NOW at 202-224-3121. Express your disagreement with your Senators’ vote on S.Res.10 and ask them to introduce a resolution in the Senate similar to Rep. Kucinich’s resolution in the House.<br /><br />3. Get your organization to endorse Rep. Kucinich’s resolution. Organizations wishing to endorse Rep. Kucinich’s resolution should send their endorsement directly to his Congressional office by clicking here. Let’s make sure that Rep. Kucinich knows that hundreds of organizations support his legislative effort.<br /><!--[endif]--><br />4. Join us for a conference briefing call on Thursday, January 15, 9PM Eastern to discuss our next legislative steps. To RSVP for the call and to get call-in info and an agenda, send your name, city, and organizational affiliation (if any), to us by clicking here.<br /><br />5. Let us know what the offices of your Members of Congress are saying. Let us know how your call went and how the offices of Members of Congress are responding to your concerns. Send us your name, the Congressional offices you contacted, and their feedback to us by clicking here.<br /><br />In addition to contacting Congress, we have many ideas for action that you can take to demand an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the occupied Gaza Strip. For more information, click here.<br /><br /><br />1. Call your Representative NOW at 202-224-3121. Thank your Representative if he/she voted "no" or "present" on H.Res.43. and ask her/him to cosponsor Rep. Kucinich's resolution. If your representative voted "yes" on H.Res.43., then express your disagreement with the vote and ask them to cosponsor the Kucinich resolution.<br />2. Call your Senators NOW at 202-224-3121. Express your disagreement with your Senators' vote on S.Res.10 and ask them to introduce a resolution in the Senate similar to Rep. Kucinich's resolution in the House.<br />3. Join us for a conference briefing call on Thursday, January 15, 9PM Eastern to discuss our next legislative steps. To RSVP for the call and to get call-in info and an agenda, send your name, city, and organizational affiliation (if any), email us at palestinecall@gmail.com<br />4. Let us know what the offices of your Members of Congress are saying. Let us know how your call went and how the offices of Members of Congress are responding to your concerns. Send us your name, the Congressional offices you contacted, and their feedback to us by emailing <a href="mailto:congress@endtheoccupation.org">congress@endtheoccupation.org</a></div><br /><br /><div><br />Register your disappointment at last week's resolutions<br />from Pax Christi Montgomery and Peace Action Montgomery (MD)<br /><br />On Thursday, Jan. 8, the Senate passed a resolution (S Res<br />10) expressing unconditional support for Israel 's massive attack on the 1.4 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. That was the same day The New York Times reported that 12 members of one Gaza family were found dead in a house bombed by Israel, with four small children -- alive but so weak from hunger and thirst they could not stand – lying next to their dead mothers. Red Cross personnel had tried to reach the house, but were prevented for days by Israeli troops from getting to the scene.<br />The next day, Jan. 9, the House passed companion legislation (HRes 34), which was even more one-sided than the Senate version.<br /><br />Please contact your Representative and Senators today and tell them that their vote for this resolution is an absolute outrage, and that you expect them to show more fairness and compassion -- or they will lose your support. Only when your legislators know you are watching will we get change in Congress.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is not about being for or against Israel. It is about the wanton disregard for the livelihood and health of 1.4 million civilians and about the thousands of civilian casualties that Israeli politicians knew would result from this war. The invasion of Gaza has caused an already dire humanitarian crisis, resulting from the blockade of this small strip of land, to disintegrate into desperation and starvation for the civilian population. Many commentators, even some conservative ones, are saying the war on Gaza harms Israel in the long term and strengthens Hamas. Congressional actions such as these two resolutions only help to prolong the conflict by sending the message to Israeli politicians that the U.S. does not care about a ceasefire and will not insist on one.<br />Contact Information<br />email:<br /><a href="mailto:johnnypcusa@yahoo.com">johnnypcusa@yahoo.com</a></div><br /><br /><div>phone:<br />352-219-8419<br />web:<br /><a href="http://www.paxchristiusa.org/">http://www.paxchristiusa.org/</a></div><br /><br /><div>Pax Christi USA 532 West Eighth Street Erie PA 16502<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i4.democracynow.org/2009/1/12/kucinich_cites_arms_export_and_control">http://i4.democracynow.org/2009/1/12/kucinich_cites_arms_export_and_control</a> </div><br /><br /><div></div>Bethlehem Peace Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995760617860198947noreply@blogger.com0