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***Entry 456***
Thursday, March 20, 2003
03:04 p.m.
Report From the Anti-War Front
Marisa has written about her participation in today's Shirts Off direct actions.
Sometime, I'll post my account of this event. However, now I'm on the DC IMC radio station...broadcasting live now! Listen in, even if you are reading this *long* after I posted this entry.
***Entry 456***
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
11:00 p.m.
See You Tomorrow, eh?
I've been dreading this post for the past couple of weeks. I'm sure you are aware that this sad farce of a war has begun. I need to sleep sometime soon in preparation for tomorrow. See you there.
To my parents who are most certainly reading this: I love you. I will be as safe as possible.
***Entry 455***
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
11:52 a.m.
In Other World News
This report on the failures of the International Monetary Fund.
The IMF, which has often been the target of violent anti-globalization protests, in a new study found economic integration may actually increase the risk of financial crisis in the developing world.
"Theoretical models" show that financial integration can increase economic growth in developing countries, the research found, but in practice it is difficult to prove this link.
"In other words, if financial integration has a positive effect on growth, there is as yet no clear and robust empirical proof that the effect is quantitatively significant," the new report said.
Ahh...the theory vs. practice debate. I miss college.
***Entry 454***
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
09:15 a.m.
Media Manipulation in Wartime
Today, I'm teaching a seminar with Chris Strohm on participatory media/media bias in wartime. [Sorry, it's not open to the public, or I would invite you.] Seriously simplifying our seminar...Participatory media=DC IMC. Media Bias in Wartime= [more or less] articles like this. [Thanks to Virginia Rodino, who forwarded this article to the Shirts Off listserv.]
***Entry 453***
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
04:22 p.m.
Um...Me?
In all likelyhood, I will be on WAMU tomorrow morning talking about the day after actions. [Link goes to the updated press release.] Listen in if you want to hear me wax poetic about Bush's favorite topics, "war" and "terrorism."
***Entry 452***
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
09:46 a.m.
Beyond Overwhelmed
I cringe. I feel the need to vomit from the moment I wake up to the moment I finally fall asleep. I am repulsed by the Bush administration to the point of nausea. My thoughts are erratic/scattered/vaguely coherent. I struggle to put them into words. And for what purpose?
My mother thinks that my writing will ultimately be more influential in preventing war than my actions but I am not so certain.
I'd like to get back to reading Seyla Benhabib's The Claims of Culture but I'm a bit preoccupied. Burrowing through my mind is one prevalent thought: I never thought that I would become an activist version of CJ Cregg.
And...On a Semi-Related Side Note
Joanne has figured it all out in her recent post "We Aren't the World." A small slice, please:
Or we just got the perfect scapegoat for all our problems. I'm a shopoholic cause of the WTC disaster! My allergies are all the fault of al Qaeda -- or is it Iraq now? I abuse my children because 9-11 proves life is so uncertain! I can't control my impulses and solve my problems, I'll just blame a freak historical event.
Ahh...existential crises mount via the Bush administration foreign policy. Oh what a "cruel and arbitrary world" we live in.
***Entry 451***
Monday, March 17, 2003
11:13 a.m.
Overwhelming Concerns
I cannot write on any of the topics I had planned to write about. I am so nervous and so upset that my head is spinning with deepening anger. Sure, I get my cast sawed off in a couple of hours, but none of the Post headlines bode well. Bush is planning on giving a primetime speech to the nation? The US and UK withdrew their resolution from the UN Security Council? The US is advising UN inspectors to leave Iraq?
Sure Ari can claim that Bush is going to request that Saddam goes into exile...but that's nothing but a catchphrase for today's news cycle...leading pundits to suggest that in fact, tonight, Bush will declare war on Iraq.
Call me a pundit. Call me angered. And call me when I return to the city late this afternoon. It's very likely that I will need some help.
***Entry 450***
Saturday, March 15, 2003
02:31 p.m.
On Josh's Comments and My Life
A few entries below, I reposted the text from an email Josh sent me. He wrote a long list of people who were against the War on Iraq. I have a few to add...
Saturday is generally the day I get my personal life straightened out. I clean my bedroom and do my wash. I read the books I never can get around to finishing. Etc. Today was different.
Because Mintwood is coordinating the Win Without War Candlelight Vigil at the Lincoln Memorial tomorrow night, I spent much of the morning tracking down more candles...and then headed down to the Waterside Mall to pick some of them up...
Prolific readers of the blog know that I've been in a walking cast for the last three weeks. I'm not allowed to drive, so again I had to take a cab. It was one of the most interesting cab rides ever. I stepped in the cab and heard the speakers from today's International ANSWER rally coming over the radio. Within minutes, the cab driver expressed a deep anti-war sentiment grounded in an throrough understanding of the US Constitution and the sentiments of US "Founding Fathers." In short, I had one of the best conversations about political theory and constitutionalism since I graduated from college.
My cabbie and I arrived at Purcell's Religious Bookstore [across from last year's Art-O-Matic] and I went in to pick up the candles. I talked to a long-time employee of the store who wished me luck at the Candlelight Vigil and said that he hoped enough people praying would encourage Bush to avoid war. He said he'd been praying for months that the war could be prevented. I've been agnostic for almost a decade, but I couldn't help but appreciate his approach to anti-war activism.
My cabbie and I continued to talk about politics on the way home. I told him I was a media consultant and I was doing event planning for Win Without War. He remembered that they had put on a press conference yesterday with many former members of Congress. He was thrilled that I was associated with them and he wished me luck when he dropped me off.
I've been surrounded by anti-war activism all day...On a Saturday. And, I can't help but allow the Dar Williams lyric: "I'm not a leader/I'm not a left-wing rhetoric mobilizing force of one" flow through my head.
It's not because I'm not a leader--I am. It's not because I don't spout off left-wing rhetoric or attempt to mobilize. It's that I'm not a force of one. I'm not a leader because there are *so* many people who have determined for themselves that this war is unjust--either politically or morally. I don't have to mobilize [with my broken leg] because everyone I meet is doing what they can to prevent a war.
It's Saturday. I need to clean my bedroom.
***Entry 449***
Friday, March 14, 2003
01:47 p.m.
The Shirts Off Website...
...is up and active. Check it out.
***Entry 448***
Friday, March 14, 2003
09:36 a.m.
New Blog Alert
Julien has a blog called Sad Peter Pan. He is French and his perspectives are very different from conventional American ideas. Take this:
And wars? Never-ending nuclear wars tests, we are all the time inventing new measures to kill each other. People should unite not to fight against each other.
And how will the future look? Possibly after a big energy crisis when
all oil is used, there would be some wars for the rest It' s here already. Why do you think that Americans attack Iraq and look for another Osama? It' s just a population managed by the media and by the government. Iraq has the oil and Americans want it also, that' s the reason, Korea has nuclear weapons - it doesn't excite as much. And what will be then?
It's a shame that more Americans don't question the premise of "our" government's actions. No, we leave that task to the rest of the world...and continue to live in oblivion.
***Entry 447***
Thursday, March 13, 2003
04:40 p.m.
Busy Zoe
Current Project #1: Planning for the Day After Actions
Current Project #2: Mintwood is doing the event planning work for this Candlelight Vigil featuring Peter, Paul and Mary.
There are a couple of other projects I'm working on as well...but they're not complete enough to make a blog annoucement. That all said, I'll be relatively absent from the blog for a couple of days. I'll post when I have the time.
***Entry 446***
Thursday, March 13, 2003
11:29 a.m.
Nothing I Can Say...
...would be nearly as profound as what Joanne has written about the social costs of War. It's beautiful and poignant. Read it and weep, literally.
***Entry 445***
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
04:18 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil For Peace
As this blog has become "announcement oriented," I thought I'd share something *new.*
This Sunday, March 16 from 6-8pm, there will be a candlelight vigil at the East Side of the Lincoln Memorial. Performers include Peter, Paul and Mary. This action is coordinated by Win Without War and is part of a global vigil event. Expect more information on the local DC vigil soon.
***Entry 444***
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
10:09 a.m.
Long Term Consequences for a War on Iraq
If you click on this link and play along...you will understand everything. [Okay...not anything close to "everything" ...but you will be entertained.] Special thanks to Mike Kortsch for sending me this little game via email.
***Entry 443***
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
02:57 p.m.
If You're Anti-War...You Should Go
Tomorrow at noon, anti-war activists, including Black Voices for Peace, will protest the Post for absurdist pro-war editorials. It should be interesting.
And...in related news, Elvert Xavier Barnes posted photos and an essay on race and political engagement in St. Mary's County, Maryland. I won't deny that I loved my education down there, but St. Mary's College is too isolated from reality to be a hotbed of political activism.
***Entry 442***
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
01:03 p.m.
From the File of Mr. Joshua Davis
Yes, that's right kids, Josh gave me permission to repost his work here...but only if I didn't edit it. Here it is, poignant and necessary, substantial and vindictive, worthwhile and...um...
my question is who are these fuckign people who want war? who other than
the red handed crooks in the cunt administration want war? am i a
sheltered person? do i have a limited variety of friends? no one i know
wants war. i cannot think of a passing conversation with a pro war
supporter. my parents dont want war. my neighbors do not want war.
sharveen doesnt want war. you dont want war. my boss doesnt want war. the
guy who fixed my car doesnt want war. bono doesnt want war. gen normal
schwartzkoff doesnt want war. clinton doesnt want war (u pick of the 3).
my almamader walked out of classes wednesday against the war. michael
jordan doesnt want war. the taxi driver who took me to teh doctor doesnt
want war. my doc doesnt want war. hunter thompson doesnt want war. the
department of homeland security doesnt want war. the fbi doesnt want war.
george fucking tenet doesnt want war. WHO IN THE NAME OF THIS PLANET WANTS
WAR AGAINST IRAQ? WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, THESE MADE UP PEOPLE. PLEASE TELL
ME WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!!?!?!???
I wish I knew.
***Entry 441***
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
12:53 p.m.
And...if you ever...
...wanted to know about the great side of living at 942, Jay Buckley and birthday-girl Marisa describe the fiesta at Cafe Japone. *Sigh* I really am upset that I didn't get to belt out "Africa" by Toto.
***Entry 440***
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
10:37 a.m.
No, All the "Says" Songs Sound *Different*
I've gotten myself into a handful of debates in the past few days. Unfortunately, not every one of them is publically archived, but here's a glance at what I've been arguing over. First, editorial policy changes at the DC IMC. [I must admit, my talent serves no legitimate purpose.]
Second, I've been accused of being self interested because I *dared* to criticize misguided-analysis of "feminism."
I lied below when I flippantly referenced "I write to be loved." That's simply not true. When given the "choice" of ignoring a situation for fear of being hated or writing unpopular comments, I chose unpopularity. The reality is: I write because so few people are willing to take a stand on anything. I write because I don't know how to stop writing.
***Entry 439***
Monday, March 10, 2003
04:43 p.m.
Here Comes The Sun
I don't write this enough, but I love my life.
***Entry 438***
Monday, March 10, 2003
11:47 a.m.
No Difference: Democrat/Republican
Josh made sure I read this article about Karl Rove's networks.
For many on the list, the Rove connection is a mutually beneficial two-way street. Brian Lunde, former executive director of the Democratic National Committee and one of the few Democrats on the list, helped the Bush 2000 campaign round up Democratic supporters.
After Bush took office, Lunde has recommended Democrats for White House appointments, especially in cases requiring selections from both parties. During consideration of trade proposals and protective measures for the steel industry, Lunde could suggest to Rove potential Democratic supporters, which, in turn, advanced the interests of such Lunde clients as the Business Roundtable and Nucor Steel, which backed the administration initiatives.
***Entry 437***
Monday, March 10, 2003
10:22 a.m.
"Objective" Journalism Again
In my review of Eric Alterman's book reading last week [see below entry], I made some observations about "objective" journalism. Another example of why "objectivity" is unattainable: Amy Goodman uncovers incredible stories...while getting arrested in an anti-war demonstration.
***Entry 436***
Monday, March 10, 2003
10:00 a.m.
"Magical" Tales from the "Capital of Capital"
Saturday: When The War Starts...
I went to the highly impressive Code Pink rally to flyer for the direct action emergency response the day after the war starts. I talked to innumerable people who were thrilled that organizing for the post-bombing response has already begun; however, I met one woman who was er...unimpressed.
She was wearing a long, flowy pink dress. Her face was painted with Wiccan symbols and glitter. She looked directly at me and said:
"Why are you saying 'when the war starts?' That's giving in. You should be saying 'if the war starts' and you should be using your magic to prevent the war."
Now, this is not just a question of semantics. There's a substantial difference between "when" and "if." There are people, like the magical woman, who believe that enough people march...and anti-war public opinion surges...then the Bush adminstration will back down.
But, even after thousands of people marched...even after public opinion began to doubt Bush...even after Saddam began to destroy his own Al Samoud missiles...Bush has not decreased his pro-war rhetoric.
Anti-War activists need to face up to the inevitable--the US is going to war with Iraq [without the UN and possibly with a three pronged "coalition of the willing"]. Either we escape this reality by "using magic" or we organize now. "When the War Starts, Washington, DC Will Stop."
Sunday: March Madness
If you don't know me very well, this may seem uncharacteristic but every once in a while, it's nice to take a break from politics...and get into the more fiesty [ha!] world of college basketball...It's magical!
***Entry 435***
Friday, March 7, 2003
07:40 p.m.
And...if you ever...
...wanted to know what life is truly like at my house, Jill Blankespoor details a recent infamous incident.
soon after I crashed, Sinic decided to go upstairs and into others bedrooms. He was pacing up and down the stairs opening doors. He crawled into my roommated Karen's bedroom while she was still esleep. He then crawled into BED with her and started rubbing on her while she was sleeping
Yep, this really happened.
***Entry 433***
Friday, March 7, 2003
01:31 p.m.
It's *So* Friday!
The weirdness continues.
***Entry 432***
Friday, March 7, 2003
10:07 a.m.
Evening Adventures
Last night, Joanne, Rachel and I went to hear Eric Alterman speak at Politics and Prose about his new book What Liberal Media? The Truth About Bias and the News
. He gave an interesting and occasionally humorous introduction; however, upon question time he took on an increasingly condesending approach to the audience. And, rightfully so.
The main problem I have with these Q&A sessions is the tendency for the audience to preface their mundane questions with their resume. This is even more annoying when the vast majority of the audience is over 60 years old and cannot understand their own irrelevance. Case point: Before, only nominally asking Alterman a question, an elderly woman spoke at length about being at the National Democratic Women's Club and listening to David Broder speak. And...blah, blah, blah.
The moronic audience can be forgiven for not adhering to the fashionable idea that individual personalities are less important than ideas. Alterman, however, can not be forgiven for both his obnoxious insistence on the legitimacy of the contentious political spectrum and his desire for objective journalism. Alterman was far too willing to promote the conventional "conservative vs. liberal" dichotomy while at the same time demanding that the corporate media cover issues as "objectively" as possible.
The audience may have enjoyed this, but then, given my profession, I was hardly his "target audience."
And...then...
We went to Polly's Cafe on U St. for dinner. I wrote this review while waiting to be served:
Polly's Cafe is a ridiculously see-and-be-seen place. The food is mediocre and the service is deplorable. But, if you're in your late 20s and you want to fake hipness--Polly's is the place to go and be a fraud with your fradulent peeps.
God, my life sux.
Rachel responded by breaking my analysis into two parts: A) the description of Pollys and B)"my life sux."
You make a convincing critique. What is the necessary connection between the critique [A] and your life [B]? You are here as a tourist. This is people's pathetic existence--feel a little smug [and truly hip.]
Given my evening adventures, I found it difficult to feel either smug or hip. Instead, I felt painfully out-of-place in both locations. It was like discovering my own personal hell--an annoying/boring world which everyone is trying to legtimate their existence by using out-moded ideas and speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear.
[And I blog, because I too, "want to be loved."]
***Entry 431***
Thursday, March 6, 2003
02:34 p.m.
Another WIGBad Update
Matt Croydon, "Elizabeth's" brother, has posted some photos of the Washington Interns Gone Bad
Visions event. Yep, that's me in the red taking shots with Adam and Drew. Fun. [link via: Jay Buckley]
3.7.03 Update
Matt Bradley has posted his review of the film on the DCIMC.
***Entry 430***
Thursday, March 6, 2003
11:27 a.m.
And Sometimes...
The corporate media presents a report so thoughtful and inspiring...errr...replace "corporate media" with columnist.
One.
Since its inception, the group has remained so small that each woman has chosen a day to stand from dawn to dusk on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue with signs asking the hundreds of thousands of motorists who pass to "Stop the War in Iraq."
Just one woman each day, almost every day -- allowing for illness, work and family conflicts -- standing for six to eight hours on a windy corner with the sound of 14 American flags clanking behind her and the restless surge of perpetual traffic in front of her. For more than three months.
One.
--From the Code Pink website. [Code Pink is the group organizing this weekend's large scale anti-war demonstration.]
***Entry 429***
Thursday, March 6, 2003
10:30 a.m.
More Thoughts on Ramsey
Dear Editor,
Courtland Milloy's column "Arrests Put Civil Rights In Perspective"
(March 3, 2003) on the false arrest of over 400 anti-war protesters,
including myself, last September provides a critique without providing
a solution. Given, neither Mayor Williams nor Chief Ramsey understand
the importance of protecting civil rights. From my perspective, the
2000+ illegal arrests and the concurrent increase in crime during Chief
Ramsey's three-year-watch should lead to his removal from office. But
for all their hearings and outrage, not one city council member has
stood up and called for Ramsey's resignation. The City Council has an
obligation to uphold democracy in DC by beginning the search for a new
police chief who will respect civil rights.
--Adam Eidinger's Post letter to the editor. It hasn't printed there yet...
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