The Hanford Action Group Calls for Transformation to Renewables 05/24/2010 Backbone ally and long time anti-nuclear activist Pat Herbert of the Hanford Action Group would like you to write your representatives about continuing the clean up process at Hanford AND permanently converting it to wind and solar energy and NOT nuclear. She submitted this, and we think it compliments our Coal Free Zone effort which has its roots in the Nuclear Free Zone idea.
by Pat Herbert
The Hanford Action Group continues to vigil and demonstrate in an attempt to permanently convert Hanford Nuclear Reservation to wind and solar energy.
Congressman McDermott's vote NO against a war supplemental for the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan may never have mattered as much as it will in the next 24 hrs. Nearly everyone has admitted that there is no military solution in Afghanistan and Iraq. The military continues to demonstrate that it is more expert in recruiting enemies than defeating them. It is time that progressives flex our collective muscle by saying NO to more money for occupations.
Putting War Waste on the Chopping Block, by David Swanson 02/05/2009
In the ordinary course of things in Washington, D.C., and on television, there are two separate conversations. In one conversation, everything that the government spends money on (schools, transportation, police, etc.) must be trimmed back to save money. In the other conversation, the expenses of wars and the military must be unquestioned. After what he said this week on ABC, it will be interesting to see whether Congressman Barney Frank is permitted on television anymore. He combined the two conversations.
ThanksHank.org - Tax Payers Revolt Over Wall Street Bailout 09/28/2008
Hey all - This is freakin' ridiculous (politically inept) that the GOP congress has been aloud by the Dems. to look like the populists. It is criminally incompetent that they blew this opportunity to call on those who benefited who made obscene profits from the bubble - such as - Hank Paulson and his friends on Wall Street.
Watch the 1 min. video at ThanksHank.org
Then join a tax-payer revolt by sending Spineless Citations to Congress and unpaid debts to Paulson - aka "Hank."
Accountability or Impunity? 06/10/2008
It is really quite simple, the impeachment of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney is not a political ploy, and thus not subject to the fallible political calculus of the cynical career politicians or operatives. Impeachment is rather an ethical obligation to the future of our and our children's democratic republic. After all we have been through, and with the latest revelations confirming what many have been have known and written for years, our elected representative are obliged to uphold their oath to protect and defend the Constitution.
It is incumbent upon Congress to immediately establish a precedent of accountability. The only alternative to impeachment is impunity, which would be a dire violation of duty and a betrayal of the public trust.
A More Perfect Union? 01/22/2008
Even if the marginalized, but righteous Dennis Kucinich -- or for that matter Jesus of Nazareth-- were elected President he would either be assassinated, impeached or stone-walled into irrelevance. I'm not saying that it doesn't matter who sits in the White House. We certainly have learned that it matters very much. But no current or imaginary candidate by their charisma alone would be able to dismantle the military-industrial complex or the American Empire and imperial aspirations. No one would institute public financing of election systems and return credibility to our election process. No one would have the political force to challenge corporate power such as that of the health insurance industry or big oil.
No one will be able to turn the tide of this country without a massive citizen movement pushing, supporting and leading this country toward the more perfect union we aspire to be.
Roger's Amazing Research on Torture, Mukasey, and Water Boarding 11/05/2007
Researcher Roger Fulton is often behind the scene, providing technical support to the Backbone Campaignęs projects. Whether editing of First 100 Days statements, engineering the Conversations with the Cabinet, or providing web support Rogeręs help is a key piece of what keeps us going.
For this week's action alert Roger compiled an impressive collection of information on the Mukasey nomination and hearings. Check out what he compiled on the history of water boarding: woodcuts, 16th Century accounts, and report from many experts. This material is in raw form, as he did not know I was going to present it to the public, but given the fight that needs to happen in the coming days, I couldn't keep this resource to myself.
Who's Talking About a Nuclear Free Middle East? 10/27/2007
As we march today across the country to end the occupation of Iraq, let's remember that while there is much we oppose, there is also plenty that we propose. One such proposal that has grabbed my attention lately is that of the establishment of a Middle East Nuclear Free Zone. At first, having not once heard such an idea in the American press, I thought that it was a new or obscure proposal. A quick google search proves it's not. It turns out that just this month the President of Egypt proposed it to the European Union. Mohamed ElBaradei discussed it with Sharon in 2004.
Prince Saud al-Faisal proposed it at a conference in London in 2006, that leaders of Syria, Jordan and even Iran's Ahmadinejad have proposed it. As I post the News of Prof. Stephen Zunes' First 100 Days statement on Oct. 27, 2008 and people march in the streets for peace, I thought that it would be helpful to link folks to just a few international stories on the subject so that we can collectively work to bring this sensible idea to the American debate on Iran, Middle East peace, and nuclear non-proliferation.
Powerful Video on War Itself 10/18/2007
This video is made by veterans, featuring veterans. It is short and powerful, a great reminder of why we must abandon war, and quit pretending that it is a means to anything of value.
IMPEACHMENT- Use it or lose it. 04/15/2007
Some argue that no good can be achieved through impeachment. I am with the growing number who argue that the real danger lies in neglecting to impeach. If we still believe in America, as defined by the our Constitution, then only good can come from using the accountability tool it gives, and by beginning impeachment today.
$124 Billion to Put Lipstick on a PIG?! NO WAY! 03/20/2007
MoveOn and Democratic Party leadership need to show some spine in regards to the current supplemental appropriations bill. Instead of playing the right against progressives, to undermine the base, Pelosi, democratic leadership, and MoveOn should champion strong language for "Operation Homecoming" and promise Republicans that each bill will get harder and harder on them. MoveOn needs to either get some backbone, or MoveOver.
Jefferson's Manual - Basis for State Legislatures to Call for Impeachment 03/16/2007
Governor Gregoire of Washinton State was presented a Spineless Citation on March 12, 2007, for interfering in an effort in the Washington State Legislature to send a Joint Memorial to the US Congress requesting "Investigation for Impeachment" of George Bush and Dick Cheney. Memorials for impeachment from state legislatures are one of the ways impeachment proceedings are allowed to be initiated, according to US House Rules, as written by Thomas Jefferson in what is refered to as the Jefferson Manual.
What Exactly Are the Democrats Changing About Our Occupation? 03/16/2007
As Leader Pelosi is apparently blocking Rep. Barbara Lee from offering an amendment to the supplemental appropriations bill to require funding to be used for an orderly withdrawal; she simultaneously allowed a provision that required funds not be used to attack Iran to be removed...
Have Inslee and Murray forgotten where their power originates? 02/27/2007
Rep. Inslee and Sen. Murray are the ones who are out of bounds. Truly progressive representatives would never try to keep the people they represent at bay. To the contrary, they would take off their tennis shoes and loafers, put on some "shit kickers" and fight with us, not against us.
Citizens Lobby Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) 02/13/2007
Activist Matthew Gerbasi shot this video yesterday 2-12 outside Congressman Adam Schiff's office in LA as part of the Code Pink/PDA/IVAW Adam Schiff Stop the War! Day 1.
Leader Pelosi - Holt Has The Spine for the Job. 12/01/2006
The increasing politicization of intelligence poses a severe threat to our democracy. The Backbone Campaign has joined with a number of allies to request that you appoint Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) to chair the House Select Committee on Intelligence.
Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) has actively fought against the politicization of intelligence, which is crucial for making wise policy choices. The leadership he exhibited in sponsoring H.Res 363, the Resolution of Inquiry calling for disclosure information on the outing of Valerie Plame is emblematic of his commitment to protecting the safety and integrity of our intelligence agencies.
Leader Pelosi, we know you have to take into account many factors when making this decision, but no political concern should trump the security of our country.
Never Say Never Nancy. Defending the Constitution Is Not Optional! 05/14/2006
Contrary to recent statements by Democratic Party leadership, impeachment is a matter of principle, not mere politics. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and her colleagues swore an oath to "defend the Constitution." Americans and the health of our democracy depend on them standing by that promise.
Defend our democracy. Filibuster Alito. 01/20/2006
My feeling about Alito's confirmation is that, like nearly every other action of the Bush administration, his nomination and potential appointment is not so much a huge travesty of justice as another chip in a bureaucratic, systematic chipping-away at the integrity of our democracy. Sam Alito is not Satan, but he is a justice who will almost certainly weaken Congress in favor of the Executive branch. The balance of powers is already in extreme jeopardy and a "Unitary Executive" is exactly the WRONG next step for our democracy right now. That's why Alito should be passionately opposed through filibuster.
Occupation Recruits Terrorists 12/09/2005
We need a foreign policy that recruits friends, not enemies. Studies have proven that our occupation recruits terrorists in Iraq and beyond. Continued occupation will continue to recruit enemies, alienate friends and undermine the legitimacy of the Iraqi government.
Sorry Cheney, 11/26/2005
Dick Cheney's accusation that Congress is losing its "Backbone" because it is challenging their Iraq "policy" abuses the metaphor. It also falsely implies that it was courage that garnered support for their war in the first place. It was not "backbone" that drove the politically vulnerable to support this war. It was fear.
Stonewalled Again: Yet Momentum Building 11/10/2005
Today Republicans once again undermined Congressional oversight by rejecting H. Res. 505 & 'No Show' Democrats Helped, but momentum is building, and grassroots coalitions are leading the way. Thank and Spank response is called for, before next push
My Opening Remarks for the Seattle DSM Event 07/24/2005
Today is potentially, with our combined energies a tipping point of historical proportions. We will not leave the writing of history to a clutch of ideologues bent on justifying their own excesses. Their Frankenstein of fear, misinformation, intimidation, retribution, and profiteering is nearing a potential collapse. It is up to us, citizens who wish to live in a reality based democracy to write our country's history.
Future of Iraq Should be decided by Iraqis 06/05/2005
Though, there is some truth in the maxim "You broke it, you fix it" it should be up to the Iraqi people, not Republicans, Democrats or The Nation magazine HOW the U.S. help repair the damage done.
Hawaiian Senators Dishonest on Native Issue 04/28/2005
(So far,only one $50 donation has been made to run the Akaka-Inouye radio ads in Honolulu at $25 a spot. Check out the below feature article and then, please hit the donate button to sponsor an ad. Thanks-Bill)
"Despite overwhelming documentation that native Alaskans are turning away from supporting oil development in their special places, Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye of Hawaii continue to rely on outdated, misleading, and even at times false information in their public statements defending their position on oil exploration in the Arctic Refuge." Jack Kelly, Green Flash News- Feature April 26, 2005
New Washington State Prison Will Squander Over 1 Billion In Next Twenty Years 04/19/2005
Washington State is on the verge of a Billion dollar boondoggle and we aren't hearing boo from the press. Instead of funding innovation in our criminal justice system, we are going to commit twenty more years to a failed model that will bleed social programs and abort innovation.
David Korten on the Wolfowitz Nomination 03/24/2005
We asked Author David Korten, a high ranking nominee on the Backbone Cabinet what he thought about the Wolfowitz Nomination. Check out his thoughtful musings:
My Discourse with Saab Lofton on Movement and Party 02/19/2005
Saab: It's a bit early, but as of now, Hillary Clinton is currently considered a front runner for 2008 with Barak Obama as a VP. Since neither one of them is that leftist to begin with, could it be that the DLC's NEW plan is to con left-wing voters into thinking the Party's moved to the left JUST BECAUSE Hillary's a woman and Barak's black?
Bill: I think it's a really great point. I must admit that I enjoyed Barak Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention. I did sense that he had joined the club, and checked something important at the door.
Friday, January 21st, at DNC National Headquarters
The Democratic Party will be selecting a new executive committee and party chair on February 12th. The Democratic National Committee has 440 voting members (click here for a full state by state list, so you can lobby them). This body will shape the future of the party and we cannot afford for the DNC to repeat the mistakes of the past. Progressives need to seize this opportunity to say, "We will not be taken for granted!" The DNC has relied on progressives to swell its ranks, while we hold our noses and sacrifice our values to provide a united stand against the worst president in American history." (see November's Update) Enough is enough. Progressives are not a threat to the Democratic Party. We are its only future. Without us, it is doomed to irrelevance.
Seattle Demonstration to Support Recount in Ohio 12/06/2004
A group of citizens with backbone have put together a noon rally at Victor Steibrueck Park in Downtown Seattle, TODAY, in support of the recount effort in Ohio. We got ours here, now wouldn't we all like to know exactly what went down in Ohio? While the Democratic party under its current national leadership seems to be unable to break from the 2000 model of running away with its tail between its legs, citizens are demanding more.
Washington State Democrats Showing Backbone! 12/05/2004
Washington State Democratic Party Chair, Paul Berendt, and especially Gubernatorial Candidate and Attorney General Christine Gregoire are doing everything right. They aren't backing down and they are taking the high road.
I feel both deeply sorrowful and angry as I witness the effect of the Bush Administration's policies on this nation and the world. Clearly, this President and the Republican controlled congress have no interest in bipartisanship, unless you share their disastrous ideology or cower under their intimidation.
Instead of offering a passionate, insightful critique and a compelling alternative, the Democratic Party has shied away from controversy and differences of opinion, leaving the impression that its members ought not take any stand on any principle, nor hold true to any value or ideal. As a consequence, I feel abandoned by the Democratic Party and its leadership.
Progressives Need to Be Articulate About What We Are FOR. 11/21/2004 Progressive Democrats of America are doing an excellent job organizing progressive Democrats around the country. This week they released a "Policy Statement," calling on Democratic Party leadership to "break the silence" on the bloodbath in Falujah, and the ongoing occupation of Iraq. Admitting the war was a mistake is an obvious first step, an excellent gesture from PDA, but it is not a plan, and not a policy. I suggest we encourage some amongst the progressive/peace/policy movement to get really specific with envisioning what a real progressive Iraq policy would look like, and then create pressure from the grassroots to support such a policy.
In Case You haven't Signed these Petitions 11/15/2004
Just in case you haven't already signed these petitions to insist that Congress investigate the election here are the links:
"Strriiiike Three! You're Out o' There!!!" A Call for the Remaking of the Democratic Party" 11/09/2004
The Democratic Party leadership as represented by DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe and other DNC/DLC "centrists" has failed yet again. While they insist that progressives have no better home than the Democratic Party, and whine if anyone considers voting for a third party candidate, they have put forth bland, ambiguous platforms and losing candidates for more than three election cycles. Meanwhile the far right has co-opted the moral vocabulary of our nation and further consolidated power. The DNC/DLC calls to move yet further to the right will spell even worse defeat down the road and it is our obligation to ensure this does not happen.
