Hey here's a thought...

[libnnc]

Why don't we pool our incredible resources, talents and connections here at DU and other like minded sites (Daily Kos, AAR, Media Matters, Common Dreams, UfP&J...) and organize our own march on DC. I've criticized ANSWER and I've read other's criticisms of them. So that we don't disembowel each other anymore, lets quit bitching and fix the problem. Organize our own march sans ANSWER. I'm willing to take another train ride to DC, willing to stay another couple of nights in a nasty dump, willing to get lost on the METRO again...

I'm serious as a hernia folks. It's two steps forward, three steps back here sometimes and I'm just tired of it. Fuck it.

Let's put on our own show! Either another protest in DC or a protest in NYC at the major news organizations.

We can take on Pancreatic Cancer head on but we'll bitch and moan about a pushy, organization like ANSWER. We're made of better mettle than that.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. Sounds like a great idea

I also am not in synch with ANSWER's history and goals, although I think that focusing on the prize (peace) can make strange bedfellows.

I believe I would have more in common politically with the groups you mention.

[libnnc]

2. I think we need to either

put up or shut up on this one. I thought the march was a huge success, personally, but in order to make it as credible as possible to some folks here we have to distance ourselves from ANSWER. I'm all for that. So lets quit complaining and do it.

[H2O Man]

3. That's one option.

Another might be to have coordinated, smaller demonstrations in all of our hometowns. I think the idea of a national rally in Washington, DC is a great idea. I'm proud of and grateful to those who went. I'm amazed at the wide variety of opinions and beliefs being expressed here on DU. Discussions are great; however, I hope that we can avoid a bit of the hostility.

Perhaps if you do not mind the rantings of an old man, I could share a couple of thoughts. Last week, there was a trial in Binghamton, NY, of the St. Patrick's Four. I went, and I'm familiar with one of the folks, though I don't think that gives me any special rank or importance. But I did have some insight, and it may be of value to you and others.

The demonstrations that took place in Binghamton started out being separated by the police: pro-war here, anti-war there. But by the end of the week, both sides were communicating. Talking. Smiling. Shaking hands. Even embracing.

It may be that this is the true value of rallies today. Not to say we had a million people, or to give our personal power to heroes. But to do our part. To communicate peace. To say no to the fear that is necessary for war.

Maybe I listen to "Imagine" too much, or need to quit reading that darned Gary Snyder. But I think that in Binghamton, I felt the powers that a little man like Dick Cheney might call Christian heresies. "This is the real razor's edge. Shall the lion lay down with the lamb? And make love even? The Garden of Eden." It's not just in Washington, DC. It's us.

[H2O Man]

5. I nominated this

and hoped more people would take part in a constructive discussion. This is an important topic. Rather than allow divisions to grow, and wounds to fester, people should be looking toward the future: long and short term goals.

[libnnc]

6. thank you H2O man

I came back from DC so energized and filled with joy only to be deflated with this whole argument over ANSWER. Either we want to fix the problem and deal with it or there are some seriously nefarious disruptors on this board who just like to pit us against each other. So I'm all about fixing the problem. Just tell me where to be and when to be there.

[H2O Man]

9. Two short quotes

used by Erich Fromm in his wonderful book, "To Have or To Be?"

"People should not consider so much what they are to do, as what they are." -- Master Eckhart

"The Way to do is to be." -- Lao-Tse

"Peace" isn't going to be granted from Washington, DC. A hero is not going to come out of the sky or Hollywood to save us. There is not a single politician with the answer. Those are dreams. Nice as they may be, it's time for Americans to Wake Up.

Is one big rally better than ten medium rallies? Than a hundred smaller ones? Those are valid questions. Equally valid is what do people do beyond rallying?

[screembloodymurder]

4. I'm with you.

Personally I can support the cause w/o supporting the organizer, but many don't seem to see it that way. Those people should put up or shut up.

[JNelson6563]

7. It's a good idea

but I'd rather see our resources put together for other things, tangible things like getting more Dems elected to office. Protests are fun and exciting and make a statement and make the participants feel good and make the opposition ticked off but....in the end, what do they really accomplish? Couldn't a worthy yet underfunded candidate (or two, three or more) for Congress benefit more from those resources?

Just my .0125

Julie

[libnnc]

8. Rosa Parks and MLK Jr. might disagree

:shrug:

[H2O Man]

10. The two goals

should never be viewed in opposition to each other. They are the same. Rosa and Martin valued voting. But rallies can serve as an important platform for those candidates needing a boost, and an opportunity to register voters.