Good-Bye DADT, Hello Community Radio
…And not a moment too soon. It seems that the only thing the tea partiers have to do is show up somewhere with a ridiculous sign and they get media – and plenty of it. But have you seen this story anywhere on the publicly owned airwaves? Let us know if you have, but we doubt it.
According to veteransforpeace.org, 131 people were arrested at the White House Wednesday in an anti-war action, including the board executive committee of Veterans for Peace. It is estimated that more than half of those arrested were veterans. A number of women from Code Pink were also arrested. Approximately 500 attended the rally. Speakers included Daniel Ellsberg and Ray McGovern who were also arrested. Apparently, no major U.S. news organizations reported on the demonstration or arrests.
Isn't it just like old times, protesters getting arrested! Although back in the day the nation could watch the protest action on the nightly network news, and we're definitely not there now – but still, resisting war is a good thing. You can call your local tea-party-obsessed media outlet and ask them to cover the story of a real grassroots movement.
After the news Saturday that Congress repealed DADT and that the LPFM bill (the little bill that could) finally passed after ten years of trying, we are in a celebratory mood. Plus, passage of the START treaty still looks likely, and there is possibly new life for the 9/11 First Responders Health bill. Even Rachel Maddow is pleased. [Update: In a Sunday-evening surprise, the Senate unanimously passes food safety bill!]
And just as we were thinking that the party might be over as soon as the Democratic Congress adjourns, we found this in our weekend e-mail, a heads up from Senator Harkin via
“There could be some fireworks on January 5th,” predicts Senator Harkin at a pro-filibuster reform event sponsored by several like-minded organizations, including Common Cause. “I'm going to be there. I'm armed. I'm armed with a lot of history, and I know the rules, and I know the procedures too, so we will see what happens on the fifth.”
January 5 is the first day that the new Congress convenes – a major opportunity for the Senate to change its rules and fix the filibuster so that it can be a tool to encourage, not stifle, debate.
Senate Democrats, according to Harkin, will be going for it.Incoming Senators need to hear from YOU. Please watch the video of Sen. Harkin, then add your name to the “Fix the Filibuster” petition!
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