Addressing Will Pitt and other heavy hitters here

[Joe Fields]

We want to organize a march on Washington. Not just a march, but one that encompasses disaffected Americans from all political stripes. Something like a farm-aid, with musical guests, hollywood activists, such as George Clooney and Richard Dreyfuss, and politicians, like maybe Feingold and Obama, and activists who are effective public speakers.

The message? A single, unifying message of incompetent and dangerous leadership. In other words, "We want our country back!"

We need your input as to what would be the best time of year, how to organize, media play, any nuts and bolts suggestions that you could offer.

Is this too ambitious of an idea, requiring more money than we could probably put together. Are there any stars or marquee names who are open to this type of an idea?

Who might any of you know that we could contact?

Or do you believe it would be best to leave this for other organizations, ones who have the experience in such matters, but have different agendas?

I want a march and a demonstration, a gathering, a happenning that has just one message: It's time to sweep the political gutters clean and give us back our country.

[WilliamPitt]

1. I got this notice today

Via email:

> Major Mobilization Set for April 29
>
> A war based on lies
> Spying, corruption and attacks on civil liberties
> Katrina survivors abandoned by government
>
> MARCH FOR PEACE,
> JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY
>
> End the war in Iraq
> Bring all our troops home now!
>
> SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2006
> NEW YORK CITY
>
> Unite for change - let's turn our country around!
>
> Too much is too wrong in this country. We have a foreign policy that is
> foreign to our core values, and domestic policies wreaking havoc at
> home. It's time for a change.
>
> Unite for change - let's turn our country around!
>
> The times are urgent and we must act.
>
>
> • No more never-ending oil wars!
> • Protect our civil liberties & immigrant rights. End illegal spying,
> government corruption and the subversion of our democracy.
> • Rebuild our communities, starting with the Gulf Coast. Stop corporate
> subsidies and tax cuts for the wealthy while ignoring our basic needs.
> • Act quickly to address the climate crisis and the accelerating
> destruction of our environment.
> Our message to the White House and to Congress is clear: either stand
> with us or stand aside!
>
> We are coming together to march, to vote, to speak out and to turn our
> country around!
>
>
> INITIATING ORGANIZATIONS: United for Peace and Justice, Rainbow/PUSH
> Coalition, National Organization for Women, Friends of the Earth, U.S.
> Labor Against the War, Climate Crisis Coalition, People's Hurricane
> Relief Fund, National Youth and Student Peace Coalition

...note the absence of ANSWER.

[trumad]

2. I once batted .375 in high school.

[Joe Fields]

10. I blew my nose five minutes ago. So what?

[KharmaTrain]

6. Very Noted...

The bags were packed last time...ready to go again.

I'd really like to see events locally...similar to the Cindy candlelight vigils last Spring....where people who can't join en masse sure can locally. I know some of this is going on, but sure would love to see more.

My last wish would be for the Democratic Party to use this opportunity to join us...their voters and foot soldiers...to hold a mini-convention where we all join together to march on the biggest prizes...electoral victories in November.

[Joe Fields]

8. I received the same notice.

I was hoping for some thoughts on my idea.

Those organizations are fine organizations, but have a hundred different messages. Besides, the march is in New York. Now, while many people feel that NYC is the center of the universe, I believe that a march on the nation's capitol with one unifying message could wake more Americans, and maybe even some politicians up. Your thoughts?

[Cornus]

3. It might be better...

...to join one that's already been organized.

http://unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php?state=DC

[hang a left]

4. Here I am

:smoke:

[hang a left]

5. Smoke em if you got em

[meganmonkey]

7. UFPJ does great stuff - like the event Will posted

and the several events in DC that I posted on your other thread.

Here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=452017&mesg_id=452379

and here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=452017&mesg_id=452780

They organize amazing events, last September (despite some problems with ANSWER who they no longer work with) there was a huge rally and march including some great speakers and bands. The main march was followed by a few days of other events with other groups, including a lobbying day with PDA and a direct action at the White House.

I really recommend just trying to work with the groups who already have the infrastructure to arrange this kind of thing. Unless you are going to make it a full time job for yourself and a few others, it is impossible to organize a huge event like that.

[acmejack]

9. That was very gentle.

:)

[meganmonkey]

11. Thanks, acmejack

but apparently I am not a heavy enough 'hitter' for anyone else to notice me, though ;)

(maybe I should post my credentials LOL)