Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Rally Against the Nuclear Option

Yikes - it just keeps on coming - hold on to your hearts. Be strong and do what you can and love each other well.
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The Washington Post published a poll which showed that, by a 2:1 margin, Americans oppose radical Republicans' plan to seize absolute power over the courts1—incredible news. Then Republican leader Bill Frist took to the Senate floor and vowed not to stop pushing until he's stripped Democrats of any say in judicial nominations.2

Each day this week is a race between the American people's growing frustration with Republicans' abuse of power, and Bill Frist's determination to break Senate rules anyway. At any time he could pull the trigger on the "nuclear option" if he thinks he has the votes to do it.

That's why Wednesday's emergency Rallies to Stop the Judicial Takeover are so critical. MoveOn members have organized 180 rallies in all 50 states! A massive turnout tomorrow is the most powerful way we can demonstrate such overwhelming public opposition that Frist backs off for good. It might require leaving work a little early or driving farther than usual—but it's worth it.

Sign up now for a rally in your region:

Rally Against the Nuclear Option
Indiana Statehouse steps
302 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN
Wednesday, April 27, 5:00 PM
http://www.moveonpac.org/event/judicialrallies/1044

To search for rallies in another area, click here:

http://www.moveonpac.org/event/judicialrallies/

The growing public resistance to the "nuclear option" is due in no small measure to our work together: Hundreds of thousands of flyers, phone calls, letters to the editor, window signs, petition signatures, dollars donated to run ads and urgent water cooler conversations.

But right-wing groups are mobilizing, and Frist is fighting back hard, twisting arms to win votes. Moderate Republicans need to hear from us now to counter growing pressure from party leaders, corporate donors and the extreme right. And Democrats who've suggested confirming some of Bush's blocked judges need to know we expect them to fight with all their strength to protect our courts -- and that we'll support them when they do.

We've designed these rallies to be fun, interactive, and impactful. And to ensure our message gets out, volunteers have been inviting media. With a record turnout tomorrow, we can send a clear message straight to Washington that we are not willing to sacrafice our courts or our democracy—and we have the strength to win.

It's up to you. Hope to see you tomorrow (Wednesday).

Thanks for all that you do,

–Justin, Jennifer, James, Wes and the MoveOn PAC Team
Tuesday night, April 26th, 2005

SOURCES

1. "Filibuster Rule Change Opposed," Richard Morin and Dan Balz, Washington Post, 4/26/05 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=702

2. "Republicans Reject Offer On Judges," Charles Babington, Washington Post, 4/26/05 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=703

PAID FOR BY MOVEON PAC
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Just In

Hello, this is just in from the Unitarian Social Justice Coordinating Committee. The Unitarians are very active in the community and often host a variety of programs to support education and work within the larger community.

Rock Indiana with $2 Bills

Support Equal Rights for All Indiana Citizens Rock Indiana with $2 Bills! Beginning April 25th through August 31st
http://www.2dollarbillcampaign.org
Show Indiana that you support equal rights by using $2 bills for your purchases. [You can request two dollar bills at a table in Fellowship Hall between services on Sunday.] Saturate the Indiana economy with money that represents equal rights for all Hoosiers and denounces SJR7 (Senate Joint Resolution 7) . SJR7 is the proposed amendment to the Indiana State Constitution to discriminate against all citizens who are not “œtraditionally married”. The amendment could have far reaching consequences for all Indiana citizens “gay or straight. The proposed UNconstitutional amendment reads as follows: Section 38. (a) Marriage in Indiana consists only of the union of one man and one woman. (b) This Constitution or any other Indiana law may not be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups. If you oppose the discrimination that SJR7 represents, then Rock Indiana and participate to show your support for equal rights. Give those debit and credit cards a vacation and spend $2 bills whenever you patronize restaurants and movie theatres; shop for groceries, gasoline, home supplies, etc. Why $2 Bills? $2 bills are “œdifferent”, like those who are being discriminated against “yet $2 bills are legal and universally accepted “ as all citizens should be. Where Do We Get $2 Bills? They are available at most banks and will more than likely need to be ordered. Check with your bank. If ordering is necessary the turnaround time can be anywhere from 2-14 days. But there is no cost to order. And if you receive a $2 bill in change from a merchant, make sure it gets re-circulated into the Indiana economy. Making a Statement This campaign will make a statement, raise public awareness and demonstrate the economic impact of reasonable and fair-minded Hoosiers. So give those debit cards and credit cards a vacation for many of your purchases beginning April 25th. For more information about the $2 bill campaign, visit http://www.2dollarbillcampaign.org . We even provide a link for tracking your $2 bills! Remember . . . . . . . $2 Bills = Equal Rights

Two Wednesday Films, 4/27

Wednesday, April 27:
”XXI Century” Documentary Film Series, Part 4
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Monroe County Public Library, Room 1-C, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.,
Bloomington

"War, Peace and Patriotism" looks at the realities of war, patriotism,
"chicken-hawks", nuclear weapons, and the Peace Movement, past and present.
Numerous Progressive voices are represented, including David Cline (Veterans
for Peace), Noam Chomsky, Greg Palast (investigative journalist with The
Guardian and BBC), Katha Pollitt (The Nation), Howard Zinn, Archbishop
Desmond Tutu, Pete Seeger, and Nelson Mandela, among others.
Bloomington Peace Action Coalition and Reel Democracy are pleased to present
the Bloomington premiere of the fourth installment of this critically
acclaimed documentary series, created by filmmakers Gabriele Zamparini and
Lorenzo Meccoli.
More information about the film series can be found at
http://www.reeldemocracy.org/
and at the :XXI Century’swebsite “
http://thecatsdream.com/productions/xxi/index.php



Wednesday, April 27:
”Unconstitutional: The War on Our Civil Liberties” film showing
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Ballantine Hall, Room 215, Indiana University campus, Bloomington
”œUnconstitutional”is the 2004 documentary by Robert Greenwald and Nonny de
la Pena, which brings light to the widespread ramifications of the PATRIOT Act.
Sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union and full of bipartisan
testimony by lawyers and policy makers, it follows the gripping real life
stories of people who have been affected by the PATRIOT Act. It explains the
process by which the Act was passed just 45 days after September 11, 2001
with virtually no congressional debate, and the widespread effects it is
having on our communities. A revealing and at times frightening account,
”Unconstitutional” details the shocking way that the civil liberties of
American citizens and immigrants alike have been infringed upon, curtailed
and rolled back since 9/11 and the PATRIOT Act.
For more information about the film, see:
http://www.publicinterestpictures.org/unconstitutional
Opportunities for discussion and letter-writing to Congressional representatives
will be offered after the film, which is about 1 hour long.



Community Justice & Mediation Center Benefit, 4/29

Friday, April 29:
”Jammin” for Justice”
A Benefit Show for the Community Justice & Mediation Center, will feature
the musical talents of Tom Roznowski, Lazy Susan (with Merrie Sloan and Kate
Long), and Frankie Camaro and Atomic Bombay, among others. Admission (21
years & older only): $5.00
Presented by the Community Justice and Mediation Center and WFHB Community
Radio.
Questions? Email:
jason@jasonwilber.com
Time: 9:00 pm

Location: Second Story, 201 S. College (actually around the corner on 4th
Street
), Bloomington

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Check out the Bloomington, Indiana Blog or the Bloomington Alternative Media Blog for more info and events



Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Green Dove Among Sponsors of Amy Goodman in Bloomington, IN

- Green Dove Among Sponsors of Amy Goodman in Bloomington, IN

Hello, It is a gray day. The sky is gently raining. The birds are brightly chirping. - Good words and works to you all.

Today in Bloomington, IN The US Senate will hold hearings to determine the fate of Social Security. Make your voice heard.... RALLY TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY Tuesday, April 26th 3:30 PM OUTSIDE CONGRESSMAN MIKE SODREL'S OFFICE 812 Walnut Street BLOOMINGTON We will meet and rally outside the office. Signs, buttons and stickers will be provided. FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Anna Gustina at gustina@americansforsocialsecurity.com

First Annual Bloomington AIDS Walk, 4/30

Sat. April 30th (rain date is Sun. May 1st) 10am : Registration begins at Indiana Ave. Starbucks . 11am : Walk begins at the Sample Gates! Who? Everyone who wants to help out Bloomington Hospital ‘s . Positive Link , south-central. Indiana ‘s only AIDS service organization. Come see the band, win prizes, and drink free Starbucks coffee!

How? To register visit www.indiana.edu/~sgac or email bloomingtonaidswalk@yahoo.com or call Starbucks at (812) 333-6075 sponsored by Iuâ’s Student Global AIDS Campaign and the Indiana Ave. Starbucks

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Amy Goodman Presentation, 5/5 Thursday, May 5: Amy Goodman ~ "Un-embed the Media!" speaking engagement Amy Goodman, nationally acclaimed independent journalist and host of Pacifica Radioâ's "Democracy Now!" will give a public talk as a part of her national "Un-embed the Media!" tour to promote the paperback edition of her book, "The Exception to the Rulers: Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media That Love Them." She will address the role of alternative media in a landscape of U.S.-corporate-sponsored media and its responsibility to give voice to independent and international journalists, activists, artists, academics, independent analysts, and ordinary people from around the world. Local singer/songwriter and "Rounder Records's" recording artist, Carrie Newcomer will open the evening's presentation with a performance of her music, past and present. Cost: $5 per person; $3.50 / students Time: 7:30 pm Location: Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Kirkwood Ave. , Bloomington Un-EMBED THE MEDIA! TOUR Help support local alternative media. Amy Goodman's visit will also promote efforts to bring Democracy Now! to local TV and Radio channels. Funds donated will be used to cover event expenses and to support local public and independent media initiatives such as WFHB and BMAG. The newly created web site for the event has a sponsorship form for you or your organization to fill out and return to Boxcar Books. Thanks for your support of local alternative media! Get Your tickets now before it sells out!

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All healing begins in this moment. All transformation occurs within this step. Be present, be mindful, be filled with love.

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For Earth Day
Visit Green Dove for ideas to celebrate the earth and other events all year long

Declaration of the Four Sacred Things

by Starhawk

The earth is a living, conscious being. In company with cultures of many different times and places, we name these things as sacred: air, fire, water, and earth.

Whether we see them as the breath, energy, blood, and body of the Mother, or as the blessed gifts of a Creator, or as symbols of he interconnected systems that sustain life, we know that nothing can live without them.

To call these things sacred is to say that they have a value beyond their usefulness for human ends, that they themselves become the standards by which our acts, our economics, our laws, and our purposes must be judged. No one has the right to appropriate them or profit from them at the expense of others. Any government that fails to protect them forfeits its legitimacy.

All people, all living things, are part of the earth life, and so are sacred. No one of us stands higher or lower than any other. Only justice can assure balance: only ecological balance can sustain freedom. Only in freedom can that fifth sacred thing we call spirit flourish in its full diversity.

To honor the sacred is to create conditions in which nourishment, sustenance, habitat, knowledge, freedom, and beauty can thrive. To honor the sacred is to make love possible.

To this we dedicate our curiosity, our will, our courage, our silences, and our voices. To this we dedicate our lives