Designers turn down Laura's award luncheon - see their letter to her

[donsu]

http://www.designobserver.com/archives/015742.html

-snip-

Dear Mrs. Bush:

As American designers, we strongly believe our government should support the design profession and applaud the White House sponsorship of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. And as finalists and recipients of the National Design Award in Communication Design we are deeply honored to be selected for this recognition. However, we find ourselves compelled to respectfully decline your invitation to visit the White House on July 10th.

Graphic designers are intimately engaged in the construction of language, both visual and verbal. And while our work often dissects, rearranges, rethinks, questions and plays with language, it is our fundamental belief, and a central tenet of "good" design, that words and images must be used responsibly, especially when the matters articulated are of vital importance to the life of our nation.

We understand that politics often involves high rhetoric and the shading of language for political ends. However it is our belief that the current administration of George W. Bush has used the mass communication of words and images in ways that have seriously harmed the political discourse in America. We therefore feel it would be inconsistent with those values previously stated to accept an award celebrating language and communication, from a representative of an administration that has engaged in a prolonged assault on meaning.

While we have diverse political beliefs, we are united in our rejection of these policies. Through the wide-scale distortion of words (from "Healthy Forests" to "Mission Accomplished") and both the manipulation of media (the photo op) and its suppression (the hidden war casualties), the Bush administration has demonstrated disdain for the responsible use of mass media, language and the intelligence of the American people.

While it may be an insignificant gesture, we stand against these distortions and for the restoration of a civil political dialogue.

The letter was signed by Michael Rock, Susan Sellers, Georgie Stout, Paula Scher and Stefan Sagmeister.

-snip-
------------------------------------


thank you Michael, Susan, Georgie, Paula, and Stefan

may you prosper

(you can also see the luncheon invitation and read further info)

[malaise]

1. Beautiful

Kudos for taking a stand against the fascists.:yourock: :yourock:

[Totally Committed]

2. Five new American Heroes:

Michael Rock, Susan Sellers, Georgie Stout, Paula Scher and Stefan Sagmeister.

Thank you, one and all!

TC

[slor]

3. Beautiful!

I love to see people stand by their principles, particularly when those principles are based on the truth.

[blm]

4. WHAT A PATRIOTIC GESTURE - and a display of complete INTEGRITY.

Would the corporate news networks and newspapers have such standards of ethics - apparently not.

[Mythsaje]

5. I wonder if steam rolled out Laura's ears when she saw that...n/t

[Rose Siding]

12. She may never see it -bushies screen unpleasantries

[RebelOne]

13. I doubt she saw it. Probably only her secretary read it.

[Divine Discontent]

80. it would be nice if she DID see it but...

Her assistant read the 1st paragraph refusing to show up, started into the reasons why and said, "whatever". Vapid people work for the Bushies.




www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<<--- check them and others out!

[samdogmom]

6. A wonderful letter! I admire these citizens.

Thanks for posting.

[kwolf68]

7. Take that ...

....sweet...

Love the Orwellian "Healthy Forest" dig...

[Sannum]

8. A former classmate of mine was honored.

He did go though...:shrug:

[Synnical]

9. Wow, Just Wow

K&R

:kick:

[fishwax]

10. Bravo!

:bounce::applause::bounce:

[Cha]

11. Yeah, pickles you ol' sour

puss..quit tryin' to scare up a damn party when your husband is responsible with his LIES for killing innocents and putting our Soldiers in more than harm's way.

[Mike Nelson]

14. Beautifully stated!

Thank you!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

15. kudos and thanks

to all of them.

[Terran1212]

16. rofl nt

[snappyturtle]

17. I can see it now......

the White House staff busily working to make these five lives miserable.....tapping phones, IRS "inquiries", et. al. ad infinitum.......F-O-R-E-V-E-R!

[dogday]

18. Why bother their beautiful minds

with all this stuff.. They cannot be bothered with true feelings and dissent...It would mess up their perfect vision of life. :sarcasm:

[Cleita]

19. WooHoo!

Talk about telling it like it is. I hope more professionals, who have reason to be involved with this administration, also decline any and all invitations that they get.

[Minnesota Libra]

20. Wow - slap down - good for them. Hope.............

.....others join them.:applause:

[skylarmae]

21. Thank you - Thank you - Thank you!!! Hope it gets passed her secretary

as it would be nice if she would read it herself. Her comments the other nite (about not believing the people en masse don't like her husband because "she's out there traveling around and sees the reaction the audiences have toward her sweet georgie porgie) would indicate that she too is shielded from the negative, so it would be good if she would actually see the words in print.

[Straight Shooter]

22. Well said.

But the eloquence, I'm sure, went over george's head. Laura is probably miffed.

[Judi Lynn]

23. Isn't this gesture amazing, in the light of the dead silence we get from

the designers of NEWS mass communication, the ones you would have expected to make a principled stand long ago?

Thank goodness these people decided to take this direction, rather than going along with the program, receiving their accolade, and taking it all in egotistically.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

28. Not only that, but they were exceedingly civilized and polite.

Which makes it all the more deadly!

[Clyde39]

24. What are the odds that our "liberal" media will tell of this?

Thank you designers for standing up to the most arrogant and autocratic administration in our history!

[Sperk]

25. a wonderful example of how EVERYONE should respond to a WH

invitation.

I wouldn't get on stage with * or Laura no matter what the "honor" was.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

26. Excellent! Meaning received, understood, and agreed with!!

[myrna minx]

27. Wow. What an excellent letter.

:applause:

[Phillycat]

29. I could have sworn this happened a while ago.

I remember reading this months ago. Am I wrong??

[Duppers]

31. It seems a deja vu to me too.

same case or similar case?

[mnhtnbb]

39. It was a poetry symposium that Laura had to cancel

because there were well known poets who wrote letters saying they weren't coming and why.

Laura Bush (R-Stepford) Scrubs Poetry Symposium over Iraq W-ar Protests
30-Jan-03
Scrubbers

Laura Bush scrubbed "a poetry symposium out of concerns it would be politicized after some poets said they wanted to protest military action against Iraq. The symposium on the poetry of Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes and Walt Whitman had been scheduled for Feb. 12... 'While Mrs. Bush respects the right of all Americans to express their opinions, she, too, has opinions and believes it would be inappropriate to turn a literary event into a political forum,' Noelia Rodriguez said Wednesday. Mrs. Bush, a former librarian... has held a series of White House symposiums to salute America's authors... But the poetry symposium quickly inspired a nationwide protest. Sam Hamill, a poet and editor of the highly regarded Copper Canyon Press, declined the invitation and e-mailed friends asking for antiwar poems or statements... He had expected about 50 responses; he's gotten more than 1,500, including contributions from W.S. Merwin, Adrienne Rich and Lawrence Ferlinghetti." You go, Sam!


http://archive.democrats.com/preview.cfm?term=Scrubbers


scroll down

[Phillycat]

68. That's it!

Thank you! This has been driving me crazy since yesterday...

[Viva_La_Revolution]

64. similar case - a poet who refused an invite?

something like that.

[GuvWurld]

30. This is a great example of withdrawing our complicity

In my book (and my blog, both called) We Do Not Consent, I write a lot about the Consent of the Governed being taken for granted. This Consent, according to the Declaration of Independence is the source of government's "just Power." We must not allow this Consent to be assumed. We must withdraw our Consent, and our complicity. High praise to these graphic designers.

See this recent thread for more discussion on what withdrawing our Consent might look like.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=203&topic_id=434074


Recommended.

[AverageJoe]

76. I downloaded your book

but have only had a moment to glance at it so far. Looks great. Thank you for the time and effort you spent in researching and writing and for providing your work as a free download. Good on you!

[davidwparker]

32. Pay it forward. May anyone reading this and have a similar opportunity

to dissent do so.

[mirandapriestly]

33. I Love It!

People like this will be the salvation of this country.

[lonestarnot]

34. woodamnwho!

smacky bobinson!

[Pooka Fey]

35. "..an administration that has engaged in a prolonged assault on meaning."

Love it!!!!! Love them!!!
(edit for spelling)

[Kurovski]

65. I was just going to post the same.

That is a beautifully designed phrase.

Simple, elegant and true. Memorable.

[WinkyDink]

36. AWESOME! I hope Laura chokes on these words.

[Vidar]

37. Applauding

[SoCalDem]

38. Ya know.. I almost wish they had accepted and THEN

given this as their speech.. It would have been interesting to see how c-span covered it.. (Don't they record these things)..

This will be a viral news item, but probably most news outlets won't cover it as much as they should..

I applaud them for their guts and morals:)

[eppur_se_muova]

40. It must suck being married to the Chimperor. Does that make her Chimpress?

[Lost-in-FL]

41. Yeah baby!!!!

:toast:

[BuhByeChimp]

42. I can respect their refusal...

but I think they could have better served their stance by going to the luncheon and discussing their point of view.

I'm of the belief that by sending this letter and then publishing it is more detrimental of open communication than for promoting it. I further think that it will do nothing but rally the absolutist, on both sides, and distance the moderates.

Thats just my opinion as a moderate.

[stanwyck]

46. respectfully disagree

maybe they would get a chance to discuss their views, but I'm doubtful.
I bet these functions are micro-managed like the rest of this theatrically run administration.
I support their refusal to attend. And suspect that they'll get more publicity for their letter than if they attended.
At this point in this disastrous administration, you can't blame people for not wanting to have any proximity to the Bushies.
Attendance could be perceived as collusion.
They'll see photos of themselves as "having attended the luncheon, etc", with Laura smiling at their side. And that would be painful.

[bvar22]

55. This Administration doesn't LISTEN....

They just do Photo Ops.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

73. "distance the moderates". that old chestnut. n/t

[endarkenment]

77. They would have no opportunity to do any such thing.

And if they stood up to speak out you would of course find that even more distancing.

[beltanefauve]

92. And it is their RIGHT

to make a personal choice based on conscience. They don't owe it to you or anyone else to temper their message or dilute their speech or actions. Too bad if it "rallies the absolutionists" and "distances the moderates."

[liontamer]

93. you don't get to discuss your point of view at these things

the secret service has people to drill you on what you are going to say and when you say it. Stephen Colbert was amazingly lucky to get to say what he did in the presence of Bush. Most people don't have the opportunity.

[leesa]

43. Laura can never get anyone to come to her luncheons.

Lie down with a rat bastard...

[butterfly77]

44. Good lette...

Now someone should accept their invitations and speak about the lies and distortions of this administration and I would hope for it to be live and uncut.

[bobbieinok]

85. 'live and uncut' ,,,,,, NOT in THIS universe

[redacted]

45. As a fellow communications designer. I am proud. And amazed . . .

... that 7 designers could actually agreed on anything. :P

The fact that Chipp Kidd didn't sign somehow doesn't surprise me either.

I hope that if I am ever graced with that honor, I will not be faced with such a dilemma. But if I was -- I know I'd do the right thing.

[Kolesar]

47. That's the Smithsonian dissing Laura Bush

Are they allowed to do that? Is bush going to retaliate?

[WhiteTara]

48. Live Long and Prosper

May you never thirst, may you never hunger. Your actions are those of heros. Thank you for declining in the name of truth and integrity and honor.
:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

[bluestateguy]

49. How dare they smear the First Lady and undermine our war on terror!

:sarcasm:

[beltanefauve]

90. Have you read

the blog which accompanied the linked article? There were actually comments from creative professionals to that effect! As a visual/commercial artist myself, I was horrified! They call themselves designers, but where are their hearts, minds, and souls?

What has become of us as a society when those of us who would seem to be most attuned to freedom of expression and freedom of speech would actually want to limit that of others? Those five designers made personal choices and choices of conscience, both in the decision to not attend, and in the publishing of their letter. This, IMO, is as American as it gets!

[Mist]

94. If you go to those comments, you'll find one from Scout claiming

that the "Mission Accomplished" banner thing was a powerful statement: "A military leader arriving in-theater to celebrate victory with his troops is an ancient and powerful ritual..." I thought that took place off the coast of California?

http://www.designobserver.com/archives/015742.html

[grannylib]

50. Rock ON, Rock ON! Well put, and so true. eom

[SharonRB]

51. As a graphic designer myself, I am proud of these five fellow

designers for standing up for what they believe in. I agree with them wholeheartedly.

[mod mom]

52. Stefan Sagmeister is one of my favorite graphic designers/artists! He

did a lot on the items for True Majority (which I bought as art pieces)

Hurray for all of them!

[Divine Discontent]

81. awesome!!

yes, they truly impressed me, and I'm so honored by their courage and conviction as a creator of anti-bush/pro-Dem shirts/stickers. I wish one of them would make a post on here so we know we think they rock!




www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<<--- check them and others out!

[Ian_rd]

53. Bravo! KR

[ProgressiveEconomist]

97. Kick

[MsKandice01]

54. Wow, nice!!!

You think Laura might actually believe the polls now? Nah, not likely.

[bdamomma]

56. right on

what a wonderful truthful letter, Laura is probably shriveling up.

[WiseButAngrySara]

57. How beautiful! This made me weep with gratitude at their courage!

:kick: and R!

[Control-Z]

58. Wow

'While it may be an insignificant gesture, we stand against these distortions and for the restoration of a civil political dialogue.'


Michael, Susan, Georgie, Paula, and Stefan - your gesture was grand.

[sonias]

59. Incredibly brave

"...words and images must be used responsibly, especially when the matters articulated are of vital importance to the life of our nation."

"While it may be an insignificant gesture, we stand against these distortions and for the restoration of a civil political dialogue."

I think it was extremely significant and I am so proud of these brave Americans.

:applause:

Sonia

[diva77]

60. WoW! they're the Dixie Chicks of the Designer World!!

[sui generis]

67. hah and not ready to make nice either

good for them - and said with extraordinary grace

[rumpel]

61. I am grateful for this organization and hope

there will be others who speak out.


thank you for posting


:applause:

[bdamomma]

70. this may be the beginning of the end of this administration

to rub their faces right in it, I do hope more people and more organizations just refuse any invitations from the WH, if these groups feel that many injustices have been done to us and to our country due to these RW authoritarians (that is what they are exactly thank you John Dean to have the appropriate label for them)

[grasswire]

62. wow.......the right path

There comes a moment when a person must choose to stand for liberty or stand for tyranny. These people have assumed the risk and chosen the defense of liberty.

A thousand cheers!

[oasis]

63. Don't worry Laura, Grover Norquist and Falwell are free that evening.

:nopity:

[eppur_se_muova]

95. I'm sure she never tires of their pleasant company, either. nt

:evilgrin:

[midnight]

66. Very thoughtful.

The Bush administration has harmed America via it's words and images. So we will decline the award. Five very gifted graphic designers.

[Mad_Dem_X]

69. Ha! Fantastic!

:applause:

[npincus]

71. Ha! Sent this to my graphic designer activist friend...

who teaches classes in political graphics-- she'll love it.

[grace0418]

72. Never was I more proud to be a graphic designer! Woo-hoo!

Congratulations and good on ya!

[Chimichurri]

74. Outstanding!

[qanda]

75. That was a very good letter

Good for them.

[AndyA]

78. These five people represent courage and high standards, and they

deserve our thanks for doing the right thing.

Thank you so much to all of you!

Unfortunately, Bitch Bush was probably told that the designers couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts or some other bullshit like that.

The Bush Crime Family™ needs to take the hint: no one approves of them, what they say or what they do. No one wants them. They just need to go the hell away already...

[txwhitedove]

79. Outstanding letter. We need to broadcast such dissent...

nationwide: "...the Bush administration has demonstrated disdain for the responsible use of mass media, language and the intelligence of the American people." repeat, louder....

[bajamary]

82. Bravo

Bravo Michael, Susan, Georgie and Stefan !

We stand with you....although Laura hasn't invited moi to lunch (not yet):)

<>

[redqueen]

83. I wonder if they realize how much

these seemingly small gestures mean, in this new era of Orwellian media.

I think I'll go ahead and let them know, just to make sure. :)


p.s. have any of you read the comments? *sigh*

[think4yourself]

84. Right ON!

Very well written letter and very necessary boycott. They can sleep well knowing they did the right thing and voiced protest for millions of us. If Laura didn't hear about it yet she will soon.

[Laughing Mirror]

86. So did nobody show up to lunch with Laura except possibly Chip Kidd?

He was the finalist with a dissenting opinion and did not sign the letter. Were there others? Or was it just Chip and Laura, tête-à-tête? Jackie must be looking down either in terrible amusement or in terrible horror at the reign of terror squatters now in the White House.

A "prolonged assault on meaning," says the letter. And that's putting it mildly.

[Joe Chi Minh]

87. Wow!

[Swamp Rat]

88. k&r

[Lena inRI]

89. Aesthetic humanists have prevailed. . .

against the crass opportunistic bimbos. . .and with just a graceful stroke of the pen!

Love ya all for doing this. . .for all of us suffering under the Bush banality of evil. . .

The concept of the banality of evil came into prominence following the publication of Hannah Arendt's 1963 book Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil, which was based on the trial of Adolph Eichmann in Jerusalem. Arendt's thesis was that people who carry out unspeakable crimes, like Eichmann, a top administrator in the machinery of the Nazi death camps, may not be crazy fanatics at all, but rather ordinary individuals who simply accept the premises of their state and participate in any ongoing enterprise with the energy of good bureaucrat.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article7278.htm

[progressivebydesign]

91. ouchy-mama!! I LOVE that!!! n/t

[otohara]

96. There's No Way I Could Sit in A Ballroom

setting w/ anyone connected to GWB.

I'd start screaming obscenities.