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Message |
    
The Oracle of MOL
Supporter
Username: Oracle_of_mol
Post Number: 25
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 9:58 pm: | 
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Everyone's invited to South Mountain Peace Action's Potluck Picnic for Peace on Saturday July 30th at the Duck Pond 1-4 pm. Congressman Donald Payne, member of the Out of Iraq Congressional Caucus will be the main speaker. Full details on MOL's Calendar and SMPA's website: www.beaboutpeace.com
Go in Peace.
--The Oracle of MOL |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 281
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:39 pm: |
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Oh Great Oracle,
Looks like a fabulous event! Will be there. And I will hunt you down...
By the Way... if that's you in the pic... you look like Moses.
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Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 282
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:40 pm: |
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BTW - Did you invite Soda to the event?
I'm gonna hunt him down too.
Anyone for a little Mrs. Doubtfire?  |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 1797
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:56 pm: |
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Sheena-
Of course SODA will be there! |
Old and Gray
Citizen
Username: Pastmyprime
Post Number: 172
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 10:59 am: |
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While getting coffee the other day I observed a good natured what I assume is a Peace supporter excuse themself past a young man wearing an army uniform waiting in line. You could see the contempt the person had for the soldier, but he took it with stride said, "please excuse me ma'am".."this young lady is ready to order sir" Very dignified from the rude behavior she displayed to him. I believe he was a Recruiter because he was giving a business card to a HS student in the Dunkin Donutes a minute or so later. Upon seeing this the obnoxious women decided to beraid this uniformed person regarding how he shouldn't be recruiting more kids for the "tyranical Bush to murder in Iraq."
The young man in uniform provided the women a business card and advised her she could discuss her concerns in a more appropriate manner at his office or by phone, but it was inappropriate to disrupt this business...She continued to throw a disrupting tantrum in the middle of the store and outside of the store a few minutes before storming off to her Mercedes SUV.
This was disgusting, and I apologized to the young man who said, she is entitled to her opinion, and should feel free to voice her opinions, but maybe a little more dignified. This from someone who looked three days out of HS.
Where's my point: Support Peace, but don't forget to support the troops...They don't dicatate their mission or how the president pursues peace. |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 1096
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 11:13 am: |
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Just wondering: Is the South Mountain Peace Action group against the Iraq war? Or just that you want it to end? Or that you are against any wars? Or don't want any military action at all? Or only want military action under certain circumstances?
I accept that "peace" can mean different things to different people. If you're going to have some sort of advocacy group, however, seems like there should be some agreement on the group's goal. I'm just wondering what it is.
By the way, some more info on the Out of Iraq Congressional Congress, for those who may be wondering (I hadn't heard of the group before):
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0616-32.htm
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) has informed Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) that she and Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Lynn Woolsey, Rep. Xavier Becerra, Rep. John Conyers, and Rep. John Lewis are leading a newly formed Out of Iraq Congressional Caucus, with 41 members as of today.
Rep. Waters said: "The Out of Iraq Congressional Caucus is a newly formed effort whose sole purpose is to be the main agitators in the movement to bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Our efforts will include the coordination of activities and legislation designed to achieve our goal of returning our troops home. Through floor statements, press conferences, TV and radio appearances and other actions, we will provide leadership for the American Public who has been waiting too long for our collective voices against the war."
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Paul Surovell
Supporter
Username: Paulsurovell
Post Number: 333
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 12:33 pm: |
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Oracle -- Thanks for the post and for enhancing our graphics.
Sheena -- I look forward to meeting you at the picnic.
Old and Gray -- I agree with you on both points: The behavior you describe is disgusting and military personnel deserve our respect and support even if we oppose the policies they're required to carry out.
cmontyburns -- Yes SMPA opposes the war in Iraq.
Our general position on war and peace is described in our mission statement on our website at: www.beaboutpeace.com. It's on the "about us" page.
We opposed the war before it started, calling on President Bush to honor the United Nations Charter and allow UN inspections for WMDs to continue. The Maplewood Township Committee passed a resolution to this effect.
We continue to believe that the United Nations -- not the United States -- should be given responsibility to help Iraq achieve stability and national sovereignty.
Our Petition presented to Congressmen Payne and Pascrell and Senators Corzine and Lautenberg articulates this position. Scroll down the "documents" page on www.beaboutpeace.com
More recently we urged Senators Corzine and Lautenberg to co-sponsor Senator Feingold's Resolution calling on the President to declare an exit strategy.
Check the "actions & events" page on www.beaboutpeace.com for SMPA's letter on the Feingold Resolution and lots more.
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Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6913
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 12:52 pm: |
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One item missing from the map.
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SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 2387
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 1:03 pm: |
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Thanks Dave. Yes, the troops deserve our support - If a recruiter is on a college campus or in his recruiting office I'll give him my respect - but hitting on kids in a Dunkin Donuts? Not good form IMHO. Why don't they just go set up a booth in Great Adventure's parking lot? I know they're desperate - but good grief. |
Vertifly
Citizen
Username: Vertifly
Post Number: 17
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 5:58 pm: |
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From experience, recruiters are encouraged - by their branch (and, ultimately, our government) to provide information about joining the service wherever/whenever they are on duty. This includes lunchtime, D&D, on the street, in a car, a mall, in a box, with a fox, etc.
They have a mission every month for a particular quantity of recruits signing contracts. These deadlines are taken more seriously than any civilian ultimatum I have ever seen. Recruiters CAN lose their jobs and get sent away...I have seen it.
Times are probably tight considering the conflicts in the world. A few months ago, someone mentioned that we were not going to start drafting; however, Bush is planning dollar incentives for kids to sign up for hazardous duty. That is a scary way to spend tax money. I wonder if this is happening yet. ??
As far as hastling a serviceman (probably a Private just out of boot camp) in a coffee shop ...well, Mrs. MercedesBenz-Moneybags should know that she is barking up the wrong tree. Or perhaps Mr. Moneybags should call his congressman and complain (that is the right tree).
The kid was probably trying to earn some extra points to be promoted to E-2 (that's the next rank for you unassociated types) and about $50 extra a month in pay. ...just so that he could defend Mrs. MercedezBenz-Moneybags' freedom with his life for the next four years.
In the long run oil and freedom are synonimoush, aren't they? And noone said defending our way of life was easy. Maybe Jack Nickolson had it right in A Few Good Men - A simple "Thank You" would have sufficed. Then she could have just went on her way.
Sheesh...wake up and smell the Dunkin Donuts Frappucino LADY!!!  |
Debra Davidson
Citizen
Username: Peanutslady
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 2:26 am: |
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Please this is the first time I'm hearing of this great, great event. I do not remember it being mentioned in The Gaslight. Please why was this event not more publicized? Something this special should have been more publicized. I'm defiantly going to be there. |
Paul Surovell
Supporter
Username: Paulsurovell
Post Number: 336
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 4:16 am: |
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Debra,
I look forward to seeing you at the picnic.
Thanks for the constructive criticism. Yes, it was an oversight on our part not to place a notice with the Gaslight.
There's an announcement in the Community Calendar in the current issue of the News-Record and we expect a similar notice in the Star-Ledger's Community Events column this week or next, which I think comes out on Friday.
We've put up posters in shops and on bulletin boards in both Maplewood and South Orange and we gave out hundreds of flyers at our tables at the Two Towns and Maplewoodstock events (see photos at www.beaboutpeace.com on "actions & events" page)
We also have an email list-serve and we'll be passing out flyers in both towns in the next 10 days, tonight at the concert at Flood's Hill, for instance.
If you or anyone else would like to help us publicize the Picnic for Peace please call or email me at 973-763-9493 or paul@beaboutpeace.com (or use the MOL email link).
Paul Surovell
Chair
South Mountain Peace Action
973-763-9493
paul@beaboutpeace.com
www.beaboutpeace.com
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SouthOrangeNanny
Citizen
Username: Sonanny
Post Number: 69
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 11:02 pm: |
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this sounded great till i read what it was really about..i thought it was peace for south orange...now that u threw government crap in it ..i can't go....but if there is peace for south orange i'll go keep me posted |
The Oracle of MOL
Supporter
Username: Oracle_of_mol
Post Number: 30
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 11:33 pm: |
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Nanny:
According to highly-placed sources, South Orange Village is not currently involved in armed conflict with any sovereign nation. Consequently, your view of things needs to elevate somewhat, if only to the relatively myopic level of your nation's involvement in earthly geopolitics.
In my neighborhood here in Boca, the two most commonly scrawled grafitti tags are:
*"Think globally, act locally."
and
*"Think Yiddish, dress British."
Does either of these old saws appeal to you? Please reconsider attending the picnic. For the children...
Go in peace.
--The Oracle of MOL |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 374
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 10:13 pm: |
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When I saw the first post in this thread, I said to myself, this is going to devolve into something more appropriate to Soapbox--All Politics. I was proven right for a while (at least in my opinion) but now we seem to have drifted back to more "event specific" banter. I'm torn. Usually I come to this section to avoid politics (not that I have anything against politics--but sometimes I'm just not in the mood). So, I leave it to all of you out there: should overtly political events be advertised in non-political sections of our hallowed MOL? I ask only because the temptation is there for it to go far astray and get nasty (indeed, I was very tempted to make this post about how I find "peace" organizations hopelessly misguided, but I've (mostly) resisted that urge). So folks, what think ye???
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Paul Surovell
Supporter
Username: Paulsurovell
Post Number: 342
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 8:33 am: |
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Moodwalk,
I posted messages about the picnic in the "all politics" and "arts & entertainment" sections because our event is political and because it will have music and arts-and-crafts activities for kids. The Oracle of MOL (whom I don't know) started this South Orange thread.
There are now a couple of references in the "all politics" section on a thread concerning Darfur, because there will be a table with literature and Darfur bracelets, as well as speeches addressing Darfur, at the picnic.
I think all of these postings are appropriate, given the nature of the event and its location, but it's ironic that -- as you point out -- the only political commentary that has taken place so far is in this section.
For details about the picnic and other events South Mountain Peace Action has sponsored in the last six months, check out our website at www.beaboutpeace.com |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 1889
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 9:16 pm: |
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Who is 'Darfur?' |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 497
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 8:00 am: |
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JTA,
Good question - it's one I hope more people start asking soon.
Darfur a region in the country of Sudan in western Africa and something similar to the Rwandan genocide crisis of 10 years ago is happening there now. Just a huge, huge humanitarian crisis that is getting sadly little news coverage. One way to get more information: www.SaveDarfur.org
Or come by and get some info at the picnic - next to arts & crafts area. Hope to see you there! |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 321
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 11:02 pm: |
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I wish more people knew about Darfur. Everyone knows about "Iraq" and "Afghanistan" but when we get down to mass killings and violations of human rights across the board, very few people know it's going on.
JTA - a lot of groups have been trying to help with this situation including the Red Cross and Human Rights Watch. We just don't hear about it as much as we all should in America.
I thinks it fair to say that the international community, on most part, feels we have failed to act the way in which we should.
Doulamomma - I wish you and everyone the best with this picnic. Should be a ball and I will let everyone know! |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 500
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 12:56 pm: |
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Good news: yesterday, NJ was the first state in the US to pass legislation to divest its financial holdings from Sudan/Darfur. A step in the right direction!
Thanks Sheena - hope to see you there! |
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