by barbara

"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." ~ Hermann Goering
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Reader discretion advisory: I'm on my soapbox.

I'm totally bummed by the small number of reads yesterday's piece generated. Crikey, folks. We gotta DO something.

It's not enough to read and moan and lament All Things Bush, all things Republican't.

It's not time for yet another silent vigil in solidarity with Iraqi citizens and American military personnel.

No. It's time to raise our voices and be heard. This completely transcends the single issue of peacemaking. Kudos to the peacemakers. They've done most of the heavy lifting to this point.

We need to get off our individual and collective rear ends and lend a hand. Today!

Yesterday's Clotheslineblog post includes links to U.S. representatives, senators, the White House. Use them! Please. Today!

UPDATE: Visit America Says No for a nationwide list of events to find one close to your home.

In addition to the moral imperative for bringing this lousy war to a halt, there is a political matter here. The First Warrior and his minions (or is he the minion'"I can never remember which way that works) are determined to drag this thing out until the Democratic president elected in 2008 is in office, making it that president's problem and likely bringing that president down when it's time for re-election.

Doesn't that sizzle your sit-upon? This administration is playing fast and loose with the lives of women and men whose dead bodies they will never see. Whose grieving families they will never have to console beyond a boilerplate letter. Whose totally screwed-up minds will never be an issue for the emperor and his courtiers.

-- Write to your Congressional representatives. Better still, call. Today!
-- Write to your Senator. Better still, call. Today!
-- Write to other Reps and Senators. Today!
-- Write or call the White House. Yeah, I know. Do it anyway. Today!
-- Any gatherings in your community this week to protest escalating this immoral war? Attend them, even if you have never done anything like that before. It's time.
-- Bring someone along with you for company and moral support.

What can you do to help turn things around? Do these things. Today! Please. Thank you.