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July 17, 2007
The other day I was on the treadmill, listening to music and reading Mr. Bush's press conference and I actually found myself agreeing with him. Don't have a heart attack, loyal readers! He was talking about the fight against Muslim extremists. Basically, he was saying that we must defeat the extremists because their beliefs are wrong. It is hard for us Western educated, religiously tolerant folk to understand this idea but he is right.

The Muslim religion as practiced in the Middle East and Africa is old and barbiac. Women are half a person. They cut peoples hands off for stealing. Women must be concealed or the sight of their bodies will cause a man to do them harm. Female circumcision is cruel and inhuman. Most disturbing is the belief that all people should convert or die. The dancing in the streets on 9-11 was not an exception. It was how most Muslims in the Middle East and Africa felt. We are infidels and we should die. It is that simple.

I am all one for religious tolerance. You wanna worship a rock, go get 'em, but the minute you start using that rock to stone a woman to death for having sex outside of marriage, my tolerance stops. First and foremost, religions have to comply with natural law. Human rights are grounded in natural law. If a religion violates basic human rights then is should be reformed. Reformation is what has happened to almost every religion on this planet except Islam. If the reformation is not coming by its own natural course, then maybe it should be helped along a bit.

Now here is where I diverge with the Prez. His war has actually increased adherence to the radical Islamic beliefs that endanger us. The better way to handle this situation would have been to stay on course in Afghanistan and abolish Al-Qaeda instead of creating a fertile recruitment center in Iraq. Even my nephew's method of spreading the word of Jesus and Christian values makes more sense than what our esteemed leader did.

Someone once told me that if you showed other cultures our lifestyle, they would want it. The Soviet Union was actually killed by "Dynasty", not Reagan. I recently read a book called "Infidel". It is about a Somali woman who ends up in the West trying to escape an arranged marriage. She says our way of life is better and we should not be shy about saying that and trying to convert the extreme Muslims. The only way to win this fight is assimilation. Resistance is futile. The best way to destroy Islam is exposing people to our way of life because for all its faults, it is better.

A few loose ends. Peter Forsberg should finish his career with the Avalanche. Bush's commutation of Scooter Libby is obstruction of justice. And why aren't you watching "Jericho"? Forty-thousand pounds of peanuts is a terrible thing to waste.

There He Goes Again, June 21, 2007
There he goes again! Vetoing legislation supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. I am talking about The Moron in Chief's veto of the stem cell legislation. Once again, he has given a small but vocal group of supporters a gift while ignoring what most Americans want. Stem cell research could unlock the mysteries of many incurable diseases, but President Bush is more concerned with "life". It is ironic that our pro-life president had vetoed two bills that would save lives in as many months. First it was a supplemental spending bill that would provide time lines for withdrawal of our troops from Iraq, and now this bill. How ironic that he says he promotes "the culture of life" while his actions kill Americans. What is the name for a leader that ignores public opinion and does what he thinks is best? Dictatorship?

No one is saying we should create and then kill embryos for scientific research. However, many families have benefited from fertility science. Maybe instead of throwing away unused embryos, they prefer them to be used to advance science in other areas. It should be the choice of the family not the government. But then again, President Bush can't spell "choice".

Congress once again is short the numbers to override this veto and we have no one to blame but ourselves. We thought the November elections results would demonstrate our unhappiness with the current policies of the Bush Administration, but they did not see it that way. Unfortunately, the only way to make our voices heard was to have a veto proof majority. That's 2/3 for all you math wizards. So when you take that next poll about approval rating for congress and the president, just remember you did not give congress what they needed to do their job.

Once upon a time in the 90's, we had a veto proof congress. The Republican congress had the ability to override Clinton's vetoes. Although I did not always agree, at least it was a check on executive power. Now, when we need it most, we do not have any checks and balances. I would not be surprised if they some how finagled it to stay in power beyond their term.

So Bloomberg might run for President. I say go man, go. Why? This life long Democrat thinks we need change and if it comes in the form of a short, egotistical, financial genius, then so be it.

Breaking News on "Jericho" (a.k.a. "Yes, I will now shut up...except to remind you to watch Jericho")
Below is a message from CBS Entertainment.

June 6, 2007

To the Fans of Jericho:

Wow!

Over the past few weeks you have put forth an impressive and probably unprecedented display of passion in support of a prime time television series. You got our attention; your emails and collective voice have been heard.

As a result, CBS has ordered seven episodes of "Jericho" for mid-season next year. In success, there is the potential for more. But, for there to be more "Jericho," we will need more viewers. A loyal and passionate community has clearly formed around the show. But that community needs to grow. It needs to grow on the CBS Television Network, as well as on the many digital platforms where we make the show available.

We will count on you to rally around the show, to recruit new viewers with the same grass-roots energy, intensity and volume you have displayed in recent weeks.

At this time, I cannot tell you the specific date or time period that "Jericho" will return to our schedule. However, in the interim, we are working on several initiatives to help introduce the show to new audiences. This includes re-broadcasting "Jericho" on CBS this summer, streaming episodes and clips from these episodes across the CBS Audience Network (online), releasing the first season DVD on September 25 and continuing the story of Jericho in the digital world until the new episodes return. We will let you know specifics when we have them so you can pass them on.

On behalf of everyone at CBS, thank you for expressing your support of "Jericho" in such an extraordinary manner. Your protest was creative, sustained and very thoughtful and respectful in tone. You made a difference.

Sincerely,

Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment

P.S. - Please stop sending us nuts

Not just a stupid TV show, June 6, 2007
So, I have been babbling on about the unfair cancellation of "Jericho" to anyone who will listen. I am sure some of you would like it to be renewed so I will shut up. Anyway, I have thought long and hard about why I am obsessed with the whole "Save Jericho" campaign. Collective action.

On May 16th, CBS decided to cancel Jericho. Now 3 weeks later almost 40,000 pounds of nuts have been sent to CBS and over 100,000 people have sent emails. That is quite a protest. It appears to be working! From canceling the show to promising a resolution, CBS has already acknowledged the force of the protest.

I think what is unique here is the clarity of the goal. Get the show renewed! No one cared about this, that or the other. They decided to send nuts and then someone found nutsonline and it took off. There was no hemming and hawing. Just, "Let's do this!" The activist in me finds this very appealing. Too much time is spent debating and not enough action.

Dafur is the perfect example. We watch the world argue while people die. We promised ourselves after the Holocaust this would never happen again. We made the same promise after Cambodia and Rwanda. When do we keep our promises?

What if every athlete from every country refused to go to the Olympics until the situation was rectified? Would it change the course of history? Of course. World leaders have already decided they won't boycott. So once again it is up to the common man.

I believe that governments and our democracy are paralyzed. The only way to get change is to demand it. The people need with one very clear voice say "We want this!" and keep saying it. A few thousand people won't do the trick. Everyone has to participate. This is very true of the effort to end the war. Most see it as a "left wing of the Democratic party" iniative, but surveys say that 70% of Americans want us out. What if every one of those people made their opinion known to the White House and Congress. Would 70 million letters or emails make a difference? I would hope so!

So these Jericho Rangers are showing us what we should do now and renewed my faith in collective action. Maybe a collective voice can change the world; it just has to be big, loud and creative!

Save Jericho, send nuts to CBS and I will keep you posted on the progress. After we Save Jericho, we will go back to trying to save the world.

New Beginnings, June 4, 2007
Today is a day of new beginnings. Kind of cheesy, huh? Lena is starting swim lessons and day camp while Evan begins the daunting task of potty training. While I write this, my nephew is waiting for a plane to take off to take him to his new home of Turkey.

When I tell people that my nephew is moving to Turkey, they inevitably ask "why?" I will let his blog answer that question..."As I sat in the consulate, I looked around and saw a bunch of Turkish men. I prayed for them and was almost moved to tears by the thought that they and over 99% of their countrymen have never heard the incredible story of Jesus." Those of you who know anything about me immediately ask "How do you feel about that?" Well, let me take this moment to explain. Whatever my own personal political and spiritual beliefs say about his chosen profession, the two beliefs I hold most dear, tell me I must support him fully in his endeavors.

That first belief would be freedom. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to follow whatever path they chose. Too many of us are constrained by convention, family or finances. Jim could have easily been constrained by the demands of our family. I give him much credit for breaking those chains and pursuing his passion. As a thirty something, I know way too many people who regret only the things they did not try.

The second is tolerance. I believe no one is truly free if intolerance exists in the world. So tolerance is key. I have always believed too much time and energy is spent in the world telling other people they are wrong. I truly believe in "live and let live" or as Sir Paul might say, "live and let die".

So with that, Jim and Jenny, bon voyage. Although I liked the idea that you were only a state away and I will miss our visits, I look forward experiencing your journey with you. Follow your dreams and passions. You will make the world a better place.

PUBLISHED! May 25, 2007
Letters to the editor
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 05/25/2007 08:48:50 PM MDT

Dems vs. Bush on Iraq
Before everyone starts calling the Democrats weak-kneed non-deciders and soft on terror, let's remember who got us in this situation: the Republicans. This is their war. A Republican Congress rubber-stamped a Republican president for six years. Now a slight majority of Democrats in Congress is supposed to put a stop to it. The American people gave them the mandate but not the power. It takes a two-thirds vote to override the veto. Which party vetoed the original spending bill? The Republicans. Which party won't get out of lockstep long enough to override the veto? The Republicans. If the Democrats stick to their guns and cut off funding, they are not being patriotic and are not supporting the troops. If they give in, they are weak-kneed. They are damned either way. The only way to get out of this war is for Republican senators and representatives to vote with the Democrats for a bill that sets a timetable for withdrawal. Stop blaming the Democrats and call your Republican representatives and tell them what you want.

Delana Maynes, Littleton

Power to the People! May 17, 2007
Bull! The people have no power. What has got me in such a bad mood? Could it be the evil corporate bastards at CBS? Yes and no. Yes, I am mad that they are canceling a really good TV show to put on yet another reality show. But mostly, I am mad because the people have no power.

First, I believe that TV can be art. Well, used to be art. I remember when low rated TV shows were given a chance because of the quality of the show. Shows like "Hill Street Blues" and "Cheers" had abysmal ratings in their first seasons but the quality of the shows and the viewer reaction convinced the networks to keep them on. Not anymore.

I like this show "Jericho". It is about the aftermath of nuclear attacks on a small town in Kansas. I studied nuclear politics in college and how it affected our culture. This show had me at the promo when a mushroom cloud appears on the horizon. Anyway, it was cancelled despite reasonable ratings and a devoted fan following who are at this very moment barraging CBS with nuts. It is all for naught though. CBS will cancel this show and I will have more time to read. I am down to one show that I watch besides a few news shows. And they wonder where the audience is going. With so many intelligent offerings on cable, the Internet and books, network TV is about to become as relevant as a CB Radio.

But it is not just a TV show. Members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, are screaming that the alzheimer's affected AG resign, but Gonzales still has a job. Everyone connected with the World Bank wants Wolfowitz gone, but he still has a job. The voters want us out of Iraq, but we are still there. Bush ignored the initial protests about the war saying he "didn't care". Americans want better gas mileage, but GM does not listen. The entire world except China wants something done about the Sudan and people are still dying. It does not matter how hard we scream, how long we march, nothing changes and this has me depressed.

There was a time when a collective voice could change the world. Take the Civil Rights or anti-war movements in the 60's. Amnesty international was built on the premises that concerted action could change the course of events. Now the world is smaller and we have more means to make are voices heard but they don't listen. Do you know why? Because it is all about money! Until we have more power than corporations, we are irrelevant. Until we can hold our leaders accountable, they will do what they want.

This brings me to Locke and Rousseau. That other show I watch is "Lost". On the show there are characters named John Locke and Rousseau. I have always wondered what is the connection between these character and the political philosphers? I think it means Ben is going down. Anyway, Rousseau and Locke believed that government was a social contract and that citizens could void the contract if they felt government was no longer holding up its end. Their theories influenced our founding fathers and the American and French Revolutions. Basically, read the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence and that is Locke and Rousseau. What do you think they would think of our government and the control of corporations? A little V anyone?

Enough wishful thinking for today. I am boycotting CBS even though it won't matter. We have to keep fighting the power. Unfortunately, there is nobody running around in a Guy Fawkes mask to do it for us.

"Never stop fighting till the fight is done."
Elliot Ness

May 4, 2007
Sorry to all you loyal blog readers! I will try to blog more often. I just attended a "Conversation on Global Warming" last night with Meg. Laurie David and the Mayor of Denver discussed Global Warming and what governments and individuals can do to help the problem. Laurie David made a few very good points. The first is we can't do everything but anything we do helps. So don't ask if changing a few light bulbs will help, because it will. She also said "Do what you can do, then do a little more." I liked that. I know many of you (sisters!) who don't recycle, so start there.

So what are we doing to reduce our carbon footprint? We are watchful of our water usage and leaving lights on in the house, we own a high mileage, low emissions vehicle, Brian rides the train to work everyday, we use lots of CFL light bulbs, we buy wind energy, we recycle, and we buy local produce whenever possible. Our "little more" will be using less bottled water. I know, I should give it up completely, but the apocalyptic portion of my personality says it is absolutely necessary to have a supply of bottled water.

For more information about you can save the planet, visit:

Speaking of the apocalypse, I urge you all to watch "Jericho" on CBS Wednesday nights. It is a terrific show that has actually gotten better over the course of the season. You can catch up on CBS.com if you would like. Then after you are hooked, send an email to CBS and ask them to renew the show or sign the online petition. Not my normal activist duties, but there is so much junk on television, we must fight to save intelligent, exciting dramas or Sanjaya will be our fate. You can also just sign the petition 'cause you like me!

Now I must defend my Democratic brothers and sisters in the House and the Senate. I see they are getting a lot of guff for taking the timeline out of the emergency spending bill. It is funny because if they stood their ground and said "no timeline, no money" many would accuse them of not supporting the troops. So really they are damned either way. My theory is "he that fights and runs away, may live to fight another day." We don't have the votes to overcome the veto. But, public opinion is on our side. So eventually, we will get the votes. By the way, next time you might want to make sure you vote for a veto proof congress. Oh yeah, here is a little fun fact about Bush. He rarely (maybe once) vetoed a bill when he had his rubber stamp congress of Republicans. Checks and Balances are important.

Next week, my thoughts on impeachment, Forsberg and Gonzo!

"The moment you commit to something, the universe conspires to assist you."

February 21, 2007
Okay, I know you all have been waiting for an updated website. It is all my fault. You see, Brian created this new site and wanted me to do a blog entry before we sent it to you. As I am a very busy and important person, I am just getting around to it. First, what has been going on? Well, the snow is finally melting and we have actually had some of those global warming induced days here. We made it through my birthday and Valentines Day without much fuss. After a break for the holidays all my little balls are back in the air again. Mostly, I will be happy when all my friends, family and a little guy named Evan are 100%. The last few months have been full of sick kids, a sick sister, sick me, sick Brian and two fathers with medical issues. So my first New Year wish for everyone is health.

First, I am very happy to spread the word about Josh and Gus's Run for a Reason 2007. I was a doubter and really thought they would stop having the event. I underestimated Lunden and Tami's conviction to their sons and this cause. So look out for my emails. I will be hitting you up soon! Oh and Lunden will be telling her story on Montel this week. You can check it out here.

My second little ball is politics. Don't know if you heard but we are having the convention here in Denver! Hopefully, the next president of the US will be nominated in Denver. I am trying very hard to get any position with the Host Committee. I will keep you posted! I also volunteered to work on the State Platform Committee for 2008. I really enjoyed the work I did on the county platform in 2006 so it was a natural transition.

Lastly and most importantly, my last little ball is Evan and Lena. Right now our focus is getting registered for preschool and kindergarten! Hard to believe it. I would also love to get Evan potty trained and to get him to stop being such a bully. He literally beats up on babies. Any suggestions???

As for the soapbox, just take a gander at some dribble that came out of my head this morning. Hopefully it explains my second New Year wish to you- health and peace!

Thoughts on Darfur and Iraq
One Friday night, I caught a documentary about the horrific events in Darfur. I watched in horror as person after person told apocalyptic stories of rape, pillage and murder. The stories of family members missing, their fates unknown, affected me the most. Families torn asunder. We console ourselves with the knowledge that these things don't happen here, but it does. Everyday. You only need read the newspaper. Every week, this paper runs the stories of the military members who have died in Iraq. Stories of a dad who never met his son. Pictures of a mother whose face is so racked with grief, there can be no denying her feelings. Pictures of military funerals and small children saluting coffins. I try every week to read these stories, to look at these pictures. I usually dissolve in tears before getting through the first tribute.

When the war first started a friend was sent to Iraq. Soon after, I saw his wife. She was exhausted. Exhausted from worry and being alone with three kids. Resentful of the intrusion on her life for a war that she could not understand the purpose. She had little help. She had small children hurt and confused by their father's absence. One child cried every day during her dad's deployment. They lived with fear while he was gone and now live with fear that he will be redeployed.

Last year, as my daughter and I played at a local park, a little boy joined with us. I asked him what grade he was in. He told me he should be in first grade but was still in Kindergarten "because I was so upset when my dad went to Iraq. He wore a t-shirt signifying his dad's service and his eyes brimmed with tears as he told me his dad wasn't home yet. I thought if those who planned this war could see his eyes, they would immediately realize the error of their ways.

But no, we prepare to tear more families apart. No one thinks a military deployment is the same as the Janjaweed ripping a child from his father's arms, but it is. The hurt and pain of separation and the uncertainty of ever seeing that face again is the same. We think the reason for our occupation is justified. But to the thousand of soldiers and Iraqis that have been killed for this war the reasons are no more valid than that of the Janjaweed. If you think I am being dramatic comparing our war to that of a barbaric militia, then ask an Iraqi family whose child died as a result of our bombs. We are just as barbaric and uncivilized as those in Darfur. Ask that little boy if our honorable cause of bringing democracy to Iraq, helps him sleep at night. Ask my friend if every time the phone rings she does not fear it is the call saying her husband is leaving.

All experts agree that Iraq is lost to our military and not because of any mistake made by the troops. The solution is diplomatic. I had faith that when so many of us stood up in November and said we wanted an end to this war, that there was light at the end of the tunnel. I watched disappointed as Republicans blocked debate on this war by saying it did not support our troops. But they who have controlled our government for six years have never truly supported the troops. Not enough troops, not enough supplies to do the job and now substandard medical benefits for those injured. The only proper way to respect and honor the service of our military in Iraq is to bring them home. I fear now that we are left with two more years of families torn apart and a mess that our next president sorts out.