Hello People. We'd like to open today by saying See You Later Juice. May the Great Decapitator enjoy his stay in prison.

Secondly, we're rounding up ideas for spring workshops here at the Sunnyside Headquarters (10 week courses to run from January through March). We've already settled on a "Pattern Poetry" class that will focus on Pattern, Concrete, Visual, Arts and Crafts Poetry. What about other suggestions? Who would like to take a Sunnyside class in the spring, and what topics are appealing? Email us at ljarnot@gmail.com.

As for politics, we have little to say. Our endorsement goes out to the Green Party. You haven't heard much from them because they were not invited to the Presidential Debates. In case you are underinformed about your third party options, here's some info from a July press statement:

Greens Nominate Cynthia McKinney

The Green Party has made a good deal of history this weekend.

The party has nominated a former member of Congress for the presidency, a coup for the party that itself has yet to elect a U.S. representative or senator.

The party has nominated a woman for president, no small matter in a year when Democrats have rejected an opportunity to crack the political glass ceiling.

The party has nominated an African-American for president, no small matter in a year when the Democrats have embraced Barack Obama.

And the former member of Congress, the woman and the person of color that the Green Party has nominated is a smart, articulate and outspoken public figure who – despite the fact that she has taken her hits from a media and a political class that never could get comfortable with the idea that a young black women was walking the corridors of power and making no apologies – is more than capable of standing her ground in a presidential race that so far has been longer on style than ideas.

Cynthia McKinney, a former Democrat who represented Georgia in the U.S. House during the administrations of Bill Clinton and George Bush and often sparred presidents of both big parties, easily secured the Green nomination Saturday at the party's convention in Chicago.

She then delivered an acceptance speech in which she made it clear that the small but serious party, which has more than 200 elected officials nationwide and grassroots organizations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, would be heard in a campaign where much of the media has a hard time seeing beyond Democratic blue and Republican red.

As delegates and supporters waved "Paint the White House Green" signs, McKinney declared, "I am asking you to vote your conscience, vote your dreams, vote your future, vote Green."

Resolutely anti-war and anti-imperialist, firmly committed to defending individual liberties and determined to hold the outgoing president and vice president to account – as a member of the House in 2006, McKinney introduced the first articles of impeachment against President Bush – McKinney is an ardent advocate for national health care, expanded education spending and energy policies that emphasize mass transportation and conservation rather than rewarding oil-company profiteering.

And, as she notes, "I have a record of standing up on all of these issues."

It is that record, and her willingness to stand on it, that distinguishes McKinney from Democrat Obama and Republican John McCain, both of whom are being accused of changing positions in order to reposition their campaigns for November.

McKinney does not spend much time attacking either the Democrat or the Republican. Rather, the former state legislator and six-term member of the House – whose broad experience as a child of the civil rights movement, a community activist, an educator and a state and national official compares favorably with both of her big-party rivals – simply says: "Don't expect me to keep a count of the major flip flops of the other candidates between now and November. I'm sure there will be plenty. They are in this flip flop because they have to appear to share our values -- while they serve somebody else."

That "somebody else" comment is a reference to the corporate and governmental elites that Cynthia McKinney has spent a lifetime battling. She has her scars. But she is still reasonably young by presidential politics standards – just 53 – and she is still appealing and appropriately idealistic.

Don't talk about "wasted votes" or "spoiling" that which is already spoiled, she says

"We are in this to build a movement," McKinney told the cheering delegates. "A vote for the Green Party is a vote for the movement that will turn this country right-side-up again."

As for the weather, it's grayish today, with a high of 67 degrees. And, as promised, a photo essay of the last week's adventures:

Bela with rubber band 

Back home with Bela and Rebecca

Until we meet again, peace out, and eat the rich, not the moose burgers.

Yes, let's be fair about this whole thing. Our friend Jen B points out several good reasons to vote for Obama:

BARACK OBAMA VS. JOHN MCCAIN:

Who Will Break Down the Barriers that Exclude People with Disabilities?

OBAMA ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY  

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Choice Act of 2007.  Obama believes that individuals should be able to make their own choices for their living arrangements and live independently in their communities.  [S.799, 110^th Congress] 

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act Of 2007.  This bill would help individuals with functional impairments pay for services that they need to maximize their independence.  [S.1758, 110^th Congress] 

MCCAIN ON SUPPORT FOR LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY 

McCain strongly opposes the Community Choice Act.  Asked about the Community Choice Act at a Town Hall in Denver, McCain said “The Community Choice Act is not a piece of legislation that I support.” [McCain Town Hall, 7/7/08]  

OBAMA ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES 

Barack Obama supports full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), early intervention and developmental programs, and expanded college opportunities for students with disabilities. 

Obama voted for over $44 billion in funding for the IDEA.  [SCR 1, Senate Vote #94, 3/22/07] 

Obama will invest $10 billion per year in early intervention, educational and developmental programs for children between zero and five.  His plan will help expand programs such as Early Head Start to serve more children with disabilities.  His plan also will encourage states to expand programs for children with disabilities, such as IDEA Part C. [Obama Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities] 

Obama supports increasing opportunities for college students with disabilities.  He also will provide more support for these college students.  Obama was an original co-sponsor of the Senate bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (S. 1642) which significantly expands opportunities and supports for individuals with disabilities to attend college and graduate programs.  [S.1642, 110^th Congress] 
 

MCCAIN ON EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

John McCain has repeatedly voted against the IDEA even though he claims he supports full funding of it. 

McCain has repeatedly voted against funding for special education. 

• McCain repeatedly voted against funding increases for the IDEA. [H.R.4577, Senate Vote #170, 6/30/00; SCR 23, Senate Vote #103, 3/26/03]

• McCain has chosen tax cuts for the wealthy over education funding for students with disabilities.  Specifically, McCain voted against increasing spending in the amount of $229 billion over 10 years for the IDEA.  McCain also voted against an amendment that would create a reserve fund of $73 billion in IDEA funding.  The spending would have been made possible by reducing tax cuts.  [SCR 23, Senate Vote #103, 3/26/03; SCR 23, Senate Vote #70, 3/21/03]

McCain did not co-sponsor reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (S. 1642).  He also did not vote on passage of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in the 110^th Congress. [S.1642, 110^th Congress; S. 1642, Senate Vote #275, 7/24/07] 

OBAMA ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING  

Obama opposes a freeze on social services spending for people with disabilities.  

Obama voted against capping non-defense spending which means that social service spending for people with disabilities could continue to meet their needs.  In 2005, Obama voted against the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense, non-trust fund spending. [S.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05] 

MCCAIN ON SOCIAL SERVICES SPENDING 

McCain promises that he will cap non-defense spending for at least one year, meaning that social services spending for people with disabilities will be capped as well. 

McCain voted in favor of capping non-defense spending. In 2005, McCain voted for the Inhofe amendment that would cap non-defense and non-trust fund spending. [S.1932, Senate Vote #286, 11/3/05] 

McCain proposed a freeze of discretionary spending as illustrated when he said, “As president, I will also order a prompt and thorough review of the budgets of every federal program, department, and agency. While that top-to-bottom review is underway, we will institute a one-year pause in discretionary spending increases with the necessary exemption of military spending and veterans’ benefits.” [McCain Remarks on the Economy at Carnegie Mellon University, 4/15/08] 

OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 

Obama will sign universal health care into law by the end of his first term in office, and he has supported expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (“SCHIP”) and health care programs for people with disabilities, children, and veterans.  
 
 

Under Obama’s plan to provide universal health insurance, insurance companies will not be able to stop individuals from getting coverage even if they have pre-existing conditions and disabilities.  Obama’s plan allows individuals and businesses to purchase public or private health coverage through a national health insurance exchange.  Obama’s plan would make health care more affordable and accessible to all Americans, particularly individuals who have been denied coverage in the private market due to a pre-existing condition or disability. [Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities] 

Obama is a co-sponsor of ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007 (S.2102).  Before they can get Medicare coverage, people with disabilities must first receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.  Due to the 24-month Medicare waiting period, an estimated 400,000 Americans with disabilities are uninsured and many more are underinsured at a time in their lives when they need health coverage the most.  During this waiting period, many individuals develop secondary conditions, their health status worsens and many die.  Obama supports legislation that would phase out this harmful waiting period and provide individuals with health insurance. [S.2102, 110^th Congress] 

Obama supported expanded health insurance for children.  In 2007, Obama voted to reauthorize the SCHIP at over $60 billion for five years.  Two children who live with a single parent who makes $51,510 would have access to health insurance coverage under SCHIP.  The bill would provide $100 million in new grants to fund state outreach and enrollment efforts and allocate $49 million for a demonstration project to streamline the enrollment process for low-income children already eligible for coverage.  [HR 976, Senate Vote #307, 8/2/07] 

Obama supported assuring accessible health care to people with disabilities by co-sponsoring the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act (S.1050) The bill would require the U.S. Access Board to establish access standards for all diagnostic equipment (examination tables, x-ray, mammography and other radiological equipment, etc.).  It also educates physicians and dentists by requiring that medical schools, dental schools, and their residency programs provide training to improve competency and clinical skills in providing care to patients with disabilities (including those with intellectual disabilities) as a condition of receiving federal funds.  Finally, it establishes a national wellness grant program which will authorize funding for programs or activities for smoking cessation, weight control, nutrition or fitness that are tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities and authorize funding for preventive health screening programs for individuals with disabilities to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions.  [S.1050, 110^th Congress] 

Obama supported expanding health care for veterans. 

• In 2005, Obama voted for providing an additional $500 million per year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans.  [S.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

• In 2006, Obama voted in favor of adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans.  Nearly half of the military servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will require health care services for the physical and psychological traumas of war, yet the Bush administration and Republican-led Congress have underfunded the Veterans Administration’s medical services by at least $1.2 billion for 2007 alone.  And, this was the second consecutive year they had done so.  [H.R.4939, Senate Vote #98, 4/26/06; The Independent Budget, A Budget for Veterans by Veterans, 2/10/06; Newsweek, 1/19/06]

Obama voted to grant access to Medicaid for Hurricane Katrina victims for up to five months.  The bill would have provided full federal funding for Medicaid in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama for up to one year and provided $800 million to help people who were caring for Katrina evacuees.  [S.1932, Senate Vote #285, 11/3/05] 

Obama voted for $2 million for research of traumatic brain injuries to improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war.  [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06] 

MCCAIN ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 

McCain’s health care plan does not prohibit discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities.  McCain’s healthcare plan would replace the existing tax exclusion for employer-sponsored health coverage with a refundable tax credit for all Americans as an incentive to purchase health insurance.  However, many individuals with disabilities are denied coverage or unable to afford coverage in the private market due to pre-existing conditions and disabilities.  While McCain’s plan would work with states to develop best practice models in expanding coverage to individuals who have been denied coverage, it would not prohibit discrimination. [Washington Post, 4/30/08] 

McCain opposed reauthorizing SCHIP and providing insurance for millions of uninsured children.  According to Knight Ridder, “The [2007] Senate proposal would provide coverage to 3.2 million” uninsured children and renew coverage for the 6 million children already covered by the program.  The legislation passed 68-31. [H.R. 976, Vote #307, 8/2/07; Knight Ridder, 8/2/07] 

McCain voted against $2 million of funding for research of traumatic brain injuries.  McCain rejected legislation that would help improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war.  [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06] 

McCain opposed expanding health care for veterans. 

• In 2005, McCain voted against providing an additional $500 million per year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans.  [S.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]

• In 2006, McCain was one of 13 senators who voted against adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans.  Amendment passed 84-16.  [H.R.4939, Vote #98, 4/26/06]

McCain voted against granting access to Medicaid for Hurricane Katrina victims for up to five months.  The Bill would have provided full federal funding for Medicaid in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama for up to one year and provided $800 million to help people who were caring for Katrina evacuees.  [S.1932, Senate Vote #285, 11/3/05] 

McCain has not co-sponsored the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act (S.1050) 

OBAMA ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES  

Obama strongly supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restoration Act.  Indeed, he signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Senate version of the ADA Restoration Act.  [S.1050, 110^th Congress] 
 
 

Obama will appoint judges who exhibit empathy for individuals with disabilities.  “Barack  Obama will appoint judges and justices who respect Congress’ role as a co-equal, democratically elected branch of government and who exhibit empathy with what it means to be an American with a disability” [Obama Plan To Empower Individuals With Disabilities] 

MCCAIN ON CIVIL RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 

While McCain has also co-sponsored the ADA Restoration Act, he has promised to appoint judges like those who interpreted the ADA narrowly and deprived millions of people with disabilities of their civil rights.  McCain said that as president, he would “appoint strict constructionist judges.”  [AP, 8/7/07]  “In an address at Wake Forest University, McCain pledged to nominate jurists who believe ‘there are clear limits to the scope of judicial power’…By way of example, McCain said he would look for people in the cast of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., and his friend the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist. He called them ‘jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference.’” [Los Angeles Times, 5/7/08] 

OBAMA ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY 

In 2007, Obama voted against increasing Medicare Part D premiums for beneficiaries making over $80,000 annually.   Obama voted against the Ensign Amendment that would require Medicare prescription drugs beneficiaries with annual incomes over $80,000 and couples with annual incomes over $160,000 to pay a larger share of their Medicare Part D premium.[SCR 21, Senate Vote #93, 3/22/07] 

Obama opposed means testing for Medicare.  In response to a NCPSSM questionnaire, Obama said, “The bill added ‘means testing’ to Part B of Medicare, requiring individuals with incomes over $80,000 to pay gradually higher premiums. This undermines the basic premise of Medicare as an insurance program for all Americans and could cause wealthier and healthier people to leave the Medicare program.”  [NCPSSM Questionnaire; Citizen Action Illinois Questionnaire, SEIU Questionnaire] 

MCCAIN ON MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY 

McCain voted to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67. In 1997, McCain voted in favor of raising the eligibility age for receiving Medicare from 65 to 67 with the change being phased in between 2003 and 2027. The motion passed 62-38. [S 947, Vote #112, 6/24/97]  

OBAMA ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY 

Obama is a long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation, having passed the Illinois Mental Health Parity Law.  He also co-sponsored the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007.  Obama co-sponsored a bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical benefits and mental health benefits to ensure that: (1) the financial requirements applicable to such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than those of substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan, including deductibles and copayments; and (2) the treatment limitations applicable to such mental health benefits are no more restrictive than those applied to substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan, including limits on the frequency of treatments or similar limits on the scope or duration of treatment. The bill prohibited the plan from establishing separate cost sharing requirements that are applicable only with respect to mental health benefits. [110th, S.558, Introduced 2/12/07; HELP Report, 4/11/07] 

Obama co-sponsored and voted for a mental health parity bill that requires coverage for serious mental illnesses to be provided on the same terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases.  [92nd GA; SB 1341; 2001; Signed into law 7/27/01, PA 92-0185] 

MCCAIN ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY 

McCain’s health care plan would eliminate the mental health parity requirements in 45 states.  [Wall Street Journal, 10/11/07; SOURCE: National Conference of State Legislatures (http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/hmolaws.htm), accessed 7/30/07; Council for Affordable Health Insurance, accessed 7/30/07 (http://www.cahi.org/cahi_contents/resources/pdf/MandatePub2007.pdf)] 

OBAMA ON AUTISM 

Obama will increase federal funding for outreach and support services for people on the autism spectrum.  Specifically, “Obama will seek to increase federal ASD funding for research, treatment, screenings, public awareness, and support services to $1 billion annually by the end of his first term in office.  Obama will also continue to work with parents, physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create opportunities and effective solutions for people with ASD.” [Obama Plan Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders]

Obama is a co-sponsor of the Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act (S.937) which would improve services and supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.  It would build upon programs within the Developmental Disabilities Act to increase interdisciplinary training of professionals, development and dissemination of evidence-based autism treatments, interventions, supports and services for children and adults, and protection and advocacy.  [S.937, 110^th Congress]

MCCAIN ON AUTISM 

McCain has not taken a leading role to expand services and supports for people with autism. McCain has not co-sponsored the Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act (S.937). [S.937, 110^th Congress] 

McCain says he will work to advance federal autism research.  “As President, John McCain will work to advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, and identify better treatment options, while providing support for children with autism so that they may reach their full potential.” [McCain Statement on Combating Autism in America] 

OBAMA ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 

Obama supports fully funding the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) so that we can ensure all polling places are accessible.  His administration would also assure better enforcement of federal disability rights laws – from HAVA to the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act to the ADA – to make sure the right of Americans with disabilities to vote is fully protected. [Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities] 

MCCAIN ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 

In 2002, McCain voted repeatedly against the Help America Vote Act, which was offered to correct problems in the election system and impose detailed voting-procedure requirements on the states. McCain voted for final passage of the bill.  [S.565, Senate Vote #39, 3/1/02; S.565, Senate Vote #Vote 40, 3/4/02; H.R.3295, Senate Vote #238, 10/16/02] 

OBAMA ON VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES 

The Disabled America Veterans (DAV) gave Obama an 80% rating in 2006.  [Project Vote Smart] 

MCCAIN ON VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES 

Guidelines Released Amid Protest from Congress, Privacy Groups and American Public

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org

                (212) 519-7829 or 549-2666 or media@aclu.org

Washington, DC – New FBI guidelines governing investigations were released today after being signed by Attorney General Michael Mukasey.  The American Civil Liberties Union quickly blasted the Department of Justice and FBI for ignoring calls for more stringent protections of Americans’ rights.  The guidelines replace existing bureau guidelines for five types of investigations: general criminal, national security, foreign intelligence, civil disorders and demonstrations.  The ACLU has been vocal in its disapproval of the overly broad guidelines, citing both the FBI’s and DOJ’s documented records of internal abuse.

The new guidelines reduce standards for beginning “assessments” (precursors to investigations), conducting surveillance and gathering evidence, meaning the threshold to beginning investigations across the board will be lowered.  More troubling still, the guidelines allow a person’s race or ethnic background to be used as a factor in opening an investigation, a move the ACLU believes may institute racial profiling as a matter of policy.

“The attorney general today gave the FBI a blank check to open investigations of innocent Americans based on no meaningful suspicion of wrongdoing,” said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU. “The new guidelines provide no safeguards against the FBI’s improperly using race and religion as grounds for suspicion. They also fail to sufficiently prevent the government from infiltrating groups whose viewpoints it doesn’t like. The FBI has shown time and time again that is incapable of policing itself and there is good reason to believe that these guidelines will lead to more abuse.”

The FBI originally adopted internal guidelines in the mid-1970s after investigations showed widespread abuses and violations of constitutional rights by the agency, including the politically-motivated spying on figures like Martin Luther King, Jr.  Ironically, these newly revised guidelines could open the bureau up to exactly that kind of abuse once more.  Though the DOJ and FBI Director Robert Mueller have consistently claimed that the new guidelines would not give agents new authority, the previous guidelines governed very different types of investigations, and tearing down the walls between them will invariably mean that new powers will be applied where they were not before. 

Last month, the ACLU formally requested the DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General investigate current abuses of the attorney general guidelines.  The investigation should particularly examine the manner in which the FBI uses race, religion, national origin or First Amendment protected activities in determining whether to initiate, expand or continue an investigation. 

“Attorney General Mukasey has decided to implement these disastrous guidelines against the protests of members of Congress, privacy groups and the American public,” said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office.  “It is naïve to think these guidelines will not result in abuse.  Though the DOJ and FBI claim they are doing what they must to meet the law enforcement needs of the future, they are only doomed to repeat the abuses of the past.  Since, under these guidelines, a generalized ‘threat’ is enough to begin an investigation, the FBI will be given carte blanche to begin surveillance without factual evidence.  The standard of suspicion is so low and the predicate for investigations so flimsy that it’s inevitable we will all become suspects.”

Let's face it, there are no mavericks running for president. If Sarah Palin was a radical vegan lesbian and John McCain was her she-male partner, then we'd be having some fun in this country.

And, heads up to the conservative elements of the media, Obama is not far "outside the mainstream". He's against gay marriage, supports the death penalty, and wants to capture and murder people in Afghanistan.

Is it possible that the Bush Administration has forced humble humanitarian values even further into the closet? We think so.

People: you must fight for your rights to live up to the fullest potential of a civilized humanity. If you are a peak performer, you ask 110% of yourself in all that you do. Why do you accept 68% from your elected officials?

Peace out. We'll be back tomorrow with more ranting and raving and also with the photos of the week from the Lisablog Offices.

Firstly, Lisablog Correspondent Aaron points out that in North Carolina, "Vote Obama" equals "Smash the System". Well done.

Secondly, we're home from North Carolina and are glad to be back in the land of Harry, Mina, and Bela who spent the day watching the markets and negotiating their own bail out plan. We're sorry to say that negotiations failed over the critical issue of rights to the fuzzy cat toy with the felt fish on the end of the leopard skin deeley-bob.

Thirdly, who are you going to vote for in November? Remember that it doesn't have to be Obama or McCain. You will find some other interesting candidates on the ballot: Ralph Nader (Independent), Cynthia McKinney (Green Party), Gloria La Riva (Party for Socialism and Liberation), and Brian Moore (Socialist Party USA). If you vote Green you get two women who do not hunt moose. If you vote Party for Socialism and Liberation or Green Party you get a black/latina combination. The Socialist Party USA ticket comes in teal or slate, with an emphasis on agitation. Batteries not included.

Peace out people. We're heading upstate to forage for food. If you're worried about the end of global capital as we know it, you can always contact us for tips on dumpster diving and acorn mashing. 

Hello People. We will be away until Sunday, but we will try to check in from on the road. Why will we be away? We're heading to Hickory, North Carolina for a conference called The Spirit of Black Mountain. Mostly we just want to be there to deface any public property named after Billy Graham.

Yesterday was a good day in Mushroom Mania class.  There were chicken mushrooms for all:

Federal judge orders Cheney to preserve VP records

Brother Anthony sent this along today. Be there or be square! We, the good people of Lisablog, will be away in North Carolina, but we hope there will be a loud uprising. Please join in: Let the markets run their course! Power to the People!

Everyone,

This week the White House is going to try to push through the biggest robbery in world history with nary a stitch of debate to bail out the Wall Street bastards who created this economic apocalypse in the first place.

This is the financial equivalent of September 11. They think, just like with the Patriot Act, they can use the shock to force through the "therapy," and we'll just roll over!

Think about it: They said providing healthcare for 9 million children, perhaps costing $6 billion a year, was too expensive, but there's evidently no sum of money large enough that will sate the Wall Street pigs. If this passes, forget about any money for environmental protection, to counter global warming, for education, for national healthcare, to rebuild our decaying infrastructure, for alternative energy.

This is a historic moment. We need to act now while we can influence the debate. Let's demonstrate this Thursday at 4:00 pm in Wall Street (see below).

We know the congressional Democrats will peep meekly before caving in like they have on everything else, from FISA to the Iraq War.

With Bear Stearns, Fannie and Freddie, AIG, the money markets and now this omnibus bailout, well in excess of $1 trillion will be distributed from the poor, workers and middle class to the scum floating on top.

This whole mess gives lie to the free market. The Feds are propping up stock prices, directing buyouts, subsidizing crooks and swindlers who already made a killing off the mortgage bubble.

Worst of all, even before any details have been hashed out, The New York Times admits that "Wall Street began looking for ways to profit from it," and its chief financial correspondent writes that the Bush administration wants "Congress to give them a blank check to do whatever they want, whatever the cost, with no one able to watch them closely."

It's socialism for the rich and dog-eat-dog capitalism for the rest of us.

Let's take it to the heart of the financial district! Gather at 4pm, this Thursday, Sept. 25 in the plaza at the southern end of Bowling Green Park, which is the small triangular park that has the Wall Street bull at the northern tip.

By having it later in the day we can show these thieves, as they leave work, we're not their suckers. Plus, anyone who can't get off work can still join us downtown as soon as they are able.

There is no agenda, no leaders, no organizing group, nothing to endorse other than we're not going to pay! Let the bondholders pay, let the banks pay, let those who brought the "toxic" mortgage-backed securities pay!

On this list are many key organizers and activists. We have a huge amount of connections - we all know many other organizations, activists and community groups. We know P.R. folk who can quickly write up and distribute press releases, those who can contact legal observers, media activists who can spread the word, the videographers who can film the event, etc.

Do whatever you can - make and distribute your own flyers, contact all your groups and friends. This crime is without precedence and we can't be silent! What's the point of waiting for someone else to organize a protest two months from now, long after the crime has been perpetrated?

We have everything we need to create a large, peaceful, loud demonstration. Millions of others must feel the same way; they just don't know what to do. Let's take the lead and make this the start!

AGAIN:
When: 4:00 pm - ? Thursday, September 25.
Where: Southern end of Bowling Green Park, in the plaza area
What to bring: Banners, noisemakers, signs, leaflets, etc.
Why: To say we won't pay for the Wall Street bailout
Who: Everyone!
~~~

Directions added for Bowling Green and U.S. Customs House/Museum of the American Indian:
 => TRAINS: #4, 5 to Bowling Green (east exit); R, W to Whitehall St. (north/uptown/Stone St. exit); #1 to Rector St.(south/downtown/Morris St. exit); J, M, Z to Broad St. & walk 4 blocks SW; #2, 3 to Wall St. & walk 5 blocks SW.
 => BUSES: M1, M6 via Broadway; M9 via Ave, B, Essex, Pearl & Water Sts.
 => NYC suggests BIKING East River path, Hudson River Greenway, Broadway, Water St.
 => MAP <<http://tinyurl.com/3sbskn/>http://tinyurl.com/3sbskn/>; <<http://tinyurl.com/mg9bb/>http://tinyurl.com/mg9bb/>