Month: September 2005

So far I have resisted ranting about the tragedy in New Orleans.

It’s about time I started.

Alan Alda’s character on M*A*S*H once described his unit commander as “it’s like being on a burning ship and you rush up to the deck only to find Daffy Duck is the captain.”

That is exactly how I feel about the United States of America right now. Actually I’ve felt that way for several years now, but now the fire has hit the ammunition magazines.
When George Bush took over the country in 2000 the mantra was “the adults are now in charge.”

Excuse me, but I have seen no evidence of it over the last — what is it? Almost five years now.

And now this. The response to the disaster that is the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina apparently is to wander around, golf, play country singer, and promise that something will be done.

Something is going to be done all right, and Congress had better start doing it tonight.

They had better start bringing the survivors water, food and medicine.

They had better start evacuating them.

They had better start finding them places to live.

They had better start finding stress and grievance counselors.

They had better start asking for help from outside the country.

They had better start repealing tax increases to pay for the disaster response.

THEY HAD BETTER DO SOMETHING INSTEAD OF JUST MAKING IT LOOK LIKE THEY’RE DOING SOMETHING, WHICH THIS GOVERNMENT HAS DONE FOR FIVE YEARS NOW.

Because I’ll tell you what will happen if they don’t.

The displaced Orleanois* will have nothing to do, nowhere to go, no food to eat, nothing to lose and no reason not to take things into their own hands.

The slide down the tubes that this country started Election Night 2000 will accelerate. And I don’t think for a second that just because there’s a mountain range between me and New Orleans, that I’m not going to be affected.

.

There. I think I feel better. A little. But not nearly enough.

I wish I had a story to tell to help smooth things out. But this is the stuff of which stories are made. And not all of them are going to be as poetic as Evangeline.

Crossposted from maneegee.blogspot.com

If there’s one thing the Bush Administration is good at doing, it’s playing the victim. Regardless of the fact that the Republican Party controls the White House, Senate and House (the Supreme Court soon), they always cry like spoiled brats when someone calls them on their failures. They denounce anyone who disagrees with their mode of thinking as traitors or accuse the opposition of playing politics.
To quote another BooTribber from this past week.  “Um.  Fuck that.”

Reality has finally set in folks.  The championship fight is Chicken Little vs. Chickenhawk.

And for once, Chicken Little will be vindicated.  The progressive community has been screaming that “the sky is falling!”  BECAUSE IT IS FALLING. The Gulf Coast region of the United States is descending into chaos because of the failed leadership of the Bush Administration. During last year’s campaign, John Kerry described George’s policies as “more of the same.”

He was right.

Everyone in this country–Republican, Independent, Democrat, Green, etc.–must realize that George Bush will keep his word when he says he will “stay the course.” The next few years will be no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners, all-out warfare because of his incompetence; and the incompetence of those around him. He has never admitted a mistake and I would not start expecting one now that we are beginning to bear the fruit of his poisonous seed-spreading.  He is a danger to society.

From the BBC:

Once again, George W. Bush, the Chickenhawk-in-Chief is AWOL.

Use this link to find your elected officials and demand accountability for this humanitarian crisis.

Yesterday’s diary was about putting people to work.  Today’s is about how.  The title is the concept, below is the outline.

||Give Them JOBS||
Labor

Construction/disaster cleanup is dirty, thankless, and physically hard. It is also rewarding to look back at the end of a day’s work and see a piece of property ready to be built on.

To repeat the from yesterday’s diary, there are basically two choices here:  bring in a damn D-6 @ $150 an hour – plus fuel and rig – and the underground plumbing, the lot, and most of the living vegetation is toast.

Or pay for people over machines.  It may take 10 people a full 12-hour day to clear a lot, but there will be no ancillary damage, and 10 people get paid.

+ Waste = Energy

The waste to be removed is damn near immeasurable, and is comprised of almost every known manufactured product used in building and construction. The bad news is some is harmful to humans and other living things.

The good news is that hand removal allows the waste to be sorted. It is labor intensive, but in the long run cost-effective.

A substantial part of that waste will be combustible: trees & brush;lumber, siding, plywood, flooring, cabinets, doors and trim.  So turn it into energy.

It will take a huge amount of equipment to reduce the material to compact, easily transported chips, but costs are reduced if that material is burned in local wood-processing plants.  

A quick peruse and I found more than one list of wood processing and/or cogeneration sites in a line stretching from West Louisiana to Florida.  A call to the DOE’s Alternative Energy folk in Colorado confirmed they have the information resources and wherewithal to initiate contacts through their network of producers.

Long Road

This is one of those rare circumstances when top-down is more effective than horizontal information exchange in the initial phase. DOE + America’s Job Bank + Trade Groups = work for thousands.  To reach that level of coordination the effort must begin now.

Helping people does not mean babysitting them.  Another example of best intentions out of square to the real need.

Repeating:  The people of the Gulf Coast are more than capable, and definitely willing to work to rebuild.  Locals know literally every square inch of dirt in the area.  You can’t buy that knowledge.  And they need the opportunity to rebuild with their own hands.

This concept means replacing heavy equipment with human labor, helping to rebuild the local economy, and generating energy in the process.

If you have good contacts anywhere on the Gulf Coast (one-to-one) you might run the idea by them.  I’ve already read posts on Southern blogs that indicate people who are basically homeless, but safe and fed, want to get back to work.

Too many times in past emergencies the locals get told to stand back and watch.  The least we can do is try to change that.

for an emergency session to pass legislation. ’bout fucking time.

The Storm After the Storm David Brooks puts an historical perspective on race and natural disasters.

Biloxi Survivor says “President Bush shouldn’t be the president no more.”

David Schuster interviewed Robert, an auto mechanic in Biloxi and he asked for him to commnet on President Bush’s speech.

— Crooks & Liars came through for me and FOUND this video. I heard this guy live on MSNBC yesterday and knew that MSNBC would NEVER replay it . David Schuster was shaking because he knew he’d fucking blew it letting that guy on the air, live. YOU MUST WATCH and YOU MUST PASS on FAR AND WIDE. (Can anyone transcribe Robert’s remarks? I wish he’d come here. I’d feed him and give him a clean bed.)

Robert’s anger and desperation will break your heart. Schuster’s following remarks are also heart-rending. People’s children are screaming and crying because they’re so hungry.

As you no doubt know (since you read the liberal blogs) there are planned anti-war protests – a continuation of the work of Camp Casey – in D.C. and numerous other cities scheduled for 9/24.

Shock posted a diary on MLW and dKos wondering if we wouldn’t do better to channel that energy into relief volunteer work for the gulf region.

I responded that it’s not either/or – I think we should do both.  Please read the evolution of the idea below.

This diary is an attempt to spread the idea.  I don’t care a whit about credit – I’m sure dozens of us have had the same idea – let’s roll!
If you know someone involved in planning the anti-war protests for the 24th, please pass it along – the need will be there.  Let’s live our values.
Shock wrote

As it stands now, the anti-war rally looks like it could actually sway some public opinion to this cause.  And, the hope is, this might eventually “trickle up” and have political ramifications.

Consider: the same anti-war statement can be made via a “relief effort” like the one I’m proposing.  I can confidently assert that the effects of such a statement, made in such a manner, would be much more powerful in the media, public opinion, and ultimately politically.

There are many reasons people are against the war.  But I’d be willing to bet that core liberal values underlie most.
Here’s what the message is:  

We stand with the people (even in “red states”).
We want this country to be safe and strong.  (This is a national security issue!)
We do not shirk service to our country.
Our political leaders have failed us, time and time again, but we are not helpless and we will not give up.
We care about this country!
Tens of thousands of us have already planned to leave home to make a statement and do something for the sake of our country.  

I responded
What if the rallies ARE held as planned – in DC and other major cities – and used as a point to gather supplies and donations (and volunteers) who are then bussed in caravans to the gulf region.
Given the chaos now – i’m not sure how a rally in the gulf area could be pulled together – but I hear your concern.  I’ve wondered how massive anti-war protest will be covered – and how easily dismissed they’d be (shouldn’t these wackos with all this free time….yadda yadda…) (note – I don’t advocate worrying about or being limited by right wing smears, but planning for them and having prepared was to refute and overcome them is wise.)

I think the anti-war rallies are important.  I think what happened at Camp Casey needs to KEEP happening in DC and anywhere else Bush goes – that work needs to be done.

SO – how can we do both (and make both more coverable and effective?)

I say we hold the rallies – and in addition to challenging Bush – we use them as launching points for the kind of direct aid you have proposed.  

An analogy – the Muscular Dystrophy telethon is an annual telethon (you know “Jerry’s Kids” – crucial work that needs all the funding it can get to continue the work to find treatments, improve lives and search for cures.  But THIS year – the MDA has made a $1 Million donation to the Red Cross disaster relief and will – during the planned telethon – focus the first and last 4 hour blocks on raising funds for Katrina relief.

The show must go on – both the war protests and the MDA have necessary work that must continue – but we can do both.  We can build on our existing effort to enhance relief work.

——

So – as I said above – this diary is an attempt to spread the idea.  If you know someone involved in planning the anti-war protests for the 24th, please pass it along.  Let’s see if the liberal blogosphere can make our protest even more successful for the good of the entire nation by rallying against the administration and the working for the people the government is, as of today, so badly failing.

If you think this idea has merit – please recommend shock’s diary on dKos (already front paged at MLW).  Let’s see if we can get something started.

“Thousands of the people. They’re droppin’. They’re just droppin’. They look like they’re just waitin’ to die.”

— That was Harry Connick Jr. — sounding utterly staggered and in despair — at the Superdome, to Ron Reagan Jr., live interview. It’s Harry’s hometown. Somehow he got there to try to help.

The MSNBC reporter said they’d been told: “Do not eat in public. Do not drink in public. It could cause a MOB situation.”

REPORTER again: “We’ve been told all these things — food, water, supplies — are coming from the federal government. But we’ve been here four-five days and we haven’t seen a single thing.”

“We’ve been told to get out of town by sundown.”

Someone told the reporter: “In Beirut, they’d drop supplies to people. Why can’t they do the same here?”

I just saw an elderly white woman collapsing while two black men tried to hold her up. A young black woman was leaning over in utter weakness.

I FUCKING HATE GEORGE BUSH. — “Zero tolerance” for lawlessness — you motherfucker, people are desperate and are dying! AND WHERE IS THE FUCKING RED CROSS? They’re getting millions from people who can barely afford to give. USE THE FUCKING MONEY!

Ideas: 1) Let’s all call our Senators and Reps. and ORDER THEM to air-drop food and water to those people IMMEDIATELY.
2( MORE IDEAS?

IMAGE from Crooks and Liars.

Earlier this summer, we told you about the drug companies’ efforts to protect their enormous profits as Congress tries to find $10 billion in savings from the Medicaid program. There is widespread agreement in Washington that Medicaid pays too much for prescriptions drugs and that savings can be found in this area. But if the drug companies have their way, those savings will come at the expense of the sickest, most vulnerable Americans while Big Pharma’s profits go untouched.

To draw attention to this outrageous choice of profits over people, Families USA has produced a Flash animation called People or Profits: The Game Show. It is a satirical look at the choice many in Congress seem willing to make: protecting Big Pharma’s profits while cutting health care for millions of vulnerable Americans. You can view the animation here:

http://www.familiesusa.org/peopleorprofits

Please take action and pass it on to everyone you know!

Luis Hestres, Families USA

This is the weekly summary of the Humanist Network News (HNN). The Humanist Network News (HNN) is published every Wednesday via e-mail and on the Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS) Web site. This diary is a slightly reformatted copy of the weekly email they send me, which I post here every Thursday.

September 1, 2005
Humanist Network News
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1. First humanist charter school opens in U.S…in a church
2. Is atheism a religion?
3. Submit your humanist grant application now!
4. Bioethics Event: Beyond Cloning
5. IHS in the News
6. Artist responds to hard Knox on his painting
7. Bright Beginnings: Ask an Atheist
8. How to influence enemies and alienate friends
9. Sweet Reason, my coworkers think I’m the anti-Christ
10. Film Review: The Brothers Grimm
11. Letters to the Editor
12. Media Roundup
13. Strange Times
14. Cathartic Comics
15. Humanist Humor
16. Poll of the Week

Summaries and links across the jump. As always, if one of these stories captures your interest, feel free to write a more in-depth diary.

1. First humanist charter school opens in U.S…in a church
School is now in session at the first humanist charter school in the United States. MORE

2. Is atheism a religion?
What might otherwise have been regarded as an insignificant decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has recently reignited an old debate within (and without) the freethought community about what constitutes “a religion.” Column by Tim Gordinier, public policy director of the Institute for Humanist Studies. MORE

3. Submit your humanist grant application now!
The deadline for applications to the Institute for Humanist Studies Grant Fund is Friday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. MORE

4. Bioethics Event: Beyond Cloning
The IHEU-Appignani Center for Bioethics invites HNN readers to attend its first panel discussion. The topic is “Beyond Cloning: Bioethicists reconsider the terms of the Debate.” MORE

5. IHS in the News
Lori Lipman Brown doesn’t officially start her post as director/lobbyist of the Secular Coalition for America until Sept. 19. But the Institute for Humanist Studies is already helping to keep her busy by referring press queries to her. MORE

6. Artist responds to hard Knox on his painting
Joel Pelletier responds to recent criticism of his “American Fundamentalists” painting. MORE

7. Bright Beginnings: Ask an Atheist
In her bi-monthly column covering the secular student movement, Amanda K. Metskas reports on a “Ask an Atheist or Agnostic” program of the Students for Freethought at the Ohio State University. MORE

8. How to influence enemies and alienate friends
In this “How to” essay, Canadian columnist Doug Thomas teaches readers how powerful countries can alienate their allies. (You don’t suppose he means the United States and Canada, do you?)MORE

9. Sweet Reason, my coworkers think I’m the anti-Christ
A reader, who has been ‘outed’ as an atheist at the office, asks Sweet Reason how to deal with coworkers treating an atheist coworker like the anti-Christ. MORE

10. Film Review: The Brothers Grimm
Film critic Carolyn Braunius reviews The Brothers Grimm as a humanist and a feminist. MORE

11. Letters to the Editor
We have our first piece of HNN hate mail this week. Plus, lots of letters on the “American Fundamentalists” painting, astrology, Klingons and MORE

12. Media Roundup
A roundup of news items of interest to humanists and freethinkers. MORE

13. Strange Times
A roundup of strange news items of interest to humanists and freethinkers. MORE

14. Cathartic Comics
…an assortment of cartoons and comic strips about humanism, atheism, religion, science and freethought. MORE

15. Humanist Humor
What’s so funny about the Mark of the Beast? MORE

16. Poll of the Week
Do you plan to donate money to the Secular Coalition for America? CAST YOUR VOTE

______________
About the IHS:

The IHS promotes nonreligious perspectives on social, political, and ethical issues and serves as a resource for and about the humanist community. Questions, comments, concerns, got a better joke or a story? Send a letter to the editor.

If anything here interests you, you may also be interested in my diary on what it is like to be a secular humanist in today’s political climate: I Am The Boogeyman.

CP @ DKos, MLW, BT