[Peace-discuss] Inauguration thoughts

[C. G. Estabrook]

*Not* demonstrating at the inauguration is an example of being "creative in what 
can be done to change he current policies"?


Brussel Morton K. wrote:
> Some are trying to be creative in what can be done to change the current 
> policies, not simply ranting about what one doesn't like.
> 
> I've been following the comments on the UFPJ on the listserve, and KZ is 
> no fawning Democrat.
> 
> --mkb
> 
> On Dec 1, 2008, at 11:34 AM, C. G. Estabrook wrote:
> 
>> "We don't pull people to us by protesting at his party."
>>
>> That's ridiculous.  The anti-war movement continues its abject 
>> capitulation to the Democrats -- "sticking close to Nurse / for fear 
>> of something Worse," as the poet has it.
>>
>> Can we please ask that nice Mr. Obama and his SECURITY TEAM to please, 
>> maybe, if it would not be too much trouble, and if they won't frighten 
>> us with that awful Sarah Palin again, to please, well, maybe just 
>> think about stopping killing people...?  (Of course we'll understand 
>> if the TEAM has to keep doing it...)
>>
>> Three out of four eligible voters did NOT vote for Obama, and many who 
>> did, did so not because they approved of his policies -- which were 
>> not considered in the campaign, being identical in important matters 
>> from those of his opponents -- but because his carefully-arranged 
>> opposition was worse.
>>
>> We should do all we can to demonstrate against the murderous and 
>> unbroken policies of the US government.  --CGE
>>
>>
>> Brussel Morton K. wrote:
>>> These thoughts come from the UFPJ listserve, in which it was 
>>> suggested that there be protests at the inauguration ceremonies in 
>>> January. Its author is one Kevin Zeese.
>>> While I share John's [Walsh] views on the national security team 
>>> Obama has appointed and expect that these are the people who will be 
>>> running foreign policy for the next two years while Obama focuses 
>>> domesticallly, the peace movement needs to figure out what -- if any 
>>> -- message at the inagurartion will be effective.
>>>  Most Obama supporters, even the apolitical ones, want to see the 
>>> Iraq war ended.  They agree with us even though they voted for 
>>> Obama.  Indeed, many, many peace activists supported Obama despite 
>>> his weak foreign policy positions and proclaimed victory when he won 
>>> the election.  So, the crowd that will be at the inaguration will be 
>>> with us on the Iraq issue but also be with Obama, celebrating his 
>>> presidency.  We need to pull people to our position and develop a 
>>> broad protest movement against Obama's foreign policy positions -- 
>>> which we know we willl not like.   We don't pull people to us by 
>>> protesting at his party.  It just will not be effective, indeed it 
>>> will marginalize more than broaden the peace movement.  Communication 
>>> needs to serve the purpose of broadening the peace movement not 
>>> making us feel good by shouting our anger.  Effective communication 
>>> is the goal.
>>>  Carl's [Davidson] approach of building on the "Yes we can" slogan of 
>>> Obama is closer to what would be effective.  The phrases that come 
>>> after "Yes we can" are important.  "End the Iraq War NOW" -- with the 
>>> emphasis on NOW is one that might work.  Expressing the urgency of 
>>> now -- another Obama phrase and one that shows that he can stop the 
>>> killing now -- he can stop the drones in Pakistan  --  now, the 
>>> bombings of wedding parties in Afghanistan -- now,  Israel getting 
>>> out of Palestine - now.  The same could be true with other foreign 
>>> policy issues. After inaguration these killings in Pakistan etc. 
>>> willl be Obama's responsibility as he does have the power to stop 
>>> them now.
>>>  We have to walk a fine line of demonstrating our independence for 
>>> Obama, but at this stage of his presidency, especially inaguration 
>>> day, showing hope for the new administration -- despite our 
>>> expectation that hopes willl be dashed, rather quickly.
>>
> 
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