Showing posts with label codepink florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label codepink florida. Show all posts

Congressional Races Heating UP!


Congressman Ric Keller (R), Orlando has recently taken to smearing CODEPINK via an attack ad on Alan Grayson who is running against him. See the http://www.codepinkorlando.blogspot.com/ for the links to his tv spot, truth test on his tv and radio ads, PINK mailers that he has sent as well as the latest updates!

Fire Breathing Liberal!

Wexler’s ‘Fire-Breathing Liberal’ is hot seller
By George Bennett Wednesday, June 4, 2008, Palm Beach Post
Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler’s Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned To Survive (And Thrive) In The Contact Sport Of Congress is the No. 15 seller on amazon.com this afternoon.
That’s 14 spots below former White House press secretary Scott McClellan’s What Happened and eight notches above Barack Obama’s Audacity Of Hope.
Wexler’s publication date is June 24. The Amazon sales are pre-orders. link to story
His book schedule is at the bottom.

Colbert Report
Boca Raton's Congressman Robert Wexler makes a repeat visit to the Colbert Report to promote his new book, Fire Breathing Liberal!


Colbert Report ~ June 26, 2008
The full episode which includes the gas crisis, a new DC gun law, fireworks are patriotic & Congressman Wexler found here:
<http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=174852>

Wexler going back to Colbert, despite previous controversy
By Kris Kitto
Posted: 06/23/08
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) can’t get enough of Stephen Colbert.
The lawmaker returns Thursday to the television studio where a few cocaine-and-hooker jokes the comedian coaxed out of him in July 2006 earned Wexler a level of notoriety that reached far beyond the satirical news show’s late-night time slot.
“Many people have asked me exactly what I was thinking when I said these things,” Wexler writes in his new book, Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned to Survive (and Thrive) in the Contact Sport of Congress.
“The answer’s simple. This is a comedy show. What separated me from a lot of journalists is that I realized it was a joke.”
Wexler, who is going on “The Colbert Report” to promote his book, is making his first solo appearance on the program since the cocaine-prostitute segment. rest of the story

<http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/wexler-going-back-to-colbert-despite-previous-controversy-2008-06-23.html>

Robert Wexler breathes fire at GOP with new book
By JOHN THOMASON Forum Publishing Group
From the Sun-Sentinel
June 26, 2008
From promoting diplomacy in the Middle East to delivering a thousand soccer balls to tsunami-ravaged children in Indonesia to making sure Jewish military officers received their deserved war medals decades after the conflict, Rep. Robert Wexler has accomplished a great deal in his 18 years of public service.But it wasn't until Wexler good-naturedly joked about the joys of combining cocaine and prostitutes on a now legendary appearance on "The Colbert Report" – running unopposed for the 2006 midterms, he was egged on by host Stephen Colbert to say something that would otherwise lose him the election – that the congressman's actions became the stuff of national news. rest of the story:

<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/bocaraton/forum/sfl-flt2wexler0625cspfjun26,0,837284.story>


Congressman Robert Wexler's Schedule
[will be updated weekly]

West Palm Beach: July 1 ~ 2 to 3 p.m. Wexler set to appear at West Palm LibraryU.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Delray Beach, will discuss and sign copies of his new book, Fire-Breathing Liberal, from 2 to 3 p.m. July 1 at the West Palm Beach Public Library.Books will be on sale during the free event. The library is at 100 Clematis St.The event is free; no reservations are required. For information, visit www.mycitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7700.

Please send any known schedule additions to codepinkorlando@gmail.com with WEXLER in the subject line. thanks!

Bush Iran Mobile touring thru Florida!

Keep an eye out for it!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008, 6:30 PM
Iraq Veterans Against the War UF Winter Soldier Forum
Presbyterian Disciples of Christ Church
1402 West University, Gainesville, adjacent to UF


Iran Mobile in Lake Worth, FL Sunday, April 4, 2008

We had a great last minute HiGH NOON missile sighting on Lake Worth Beach today! Three of us diehard Pinks plus a couple of women from Lake Worth Dem Club and Beverley's sister and aunt joined us spur of the moment after she called them at ten to twelve!
Beautiful sunny day and we got quite a few signers on their way to the beach and lots of attention. ~ Hillary [Not Clinton]

By the way, anybody got a smoke machine? Aaron has burned out two of them.

In St. Augustine Friday, April 4, 2008

Iran Mobile Launches Bush Bomb to Stop Attack on Iran

If you get the chance to see this, you will love it! I helped to stop traffic so it could park in front of Bus Boys & Poets in DC on Sunday March 16 during the CODEPINK party and boy did it draw a crowd! We got lots of signatures and some good street discussion.
Aaron still has some available time slots open if you want him to show up at your action so email him your requests. He's soon heading northwest to Tampa, over to Orlando, north to Gainesville and then to Tallahassee. Email Aaron: aaron@truemajority.org or 917-273-0406 Keep checking http://www.codepinkalert.org/florida for the latest updates for the rest of the Bush Iran Mobile Florida tour.
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKBlz_6Y-U4

5 Years Too Many


Several members of CODEPINK Orlando and CODEPINK UCF travelled to DC for the 5th Anniversary of the Iraq War. On 3/18/08, we marched down the National Mall with a 14 x 30 foot long replica of the Constitution to visualize the restoration of this document and what peace would like if we were able to stop the war.


Dressed in Colonial clothing, our students did a great job of carrying this symbolic paper and rang the bell loudly for Democracy!


They also participated in the STOP-LOSS congress action, Winter Soldier, the CODEPINK party at Bus Boys & Poets for our vets and the St. Patricks Day parade.

see http://www.codepinkorlando.blogspot.com for more photos.

Nelson for Vice President?


Vice President Bill Nelson?
Sen. Nelson says that decision
would have to come this summer.
Watch the interview

Bill Nelson a vice president candidate?
Saturday, February 23, 2008

Vice President Bill Nelson? Sen. Nelson says that decision would have to come this summer.
(AP) -- Florida Senator Bill Nelson says he would consider the Number two job in Washington. The two-term Democratic lawmaker is traveling the state while the Senate is on a short recess. He fielded questions from about 65 people in DeLand Thursday, including one about whether he would consider being a vice presidential candidate. Nelson laughed and noted that decision would have to come after the Democratic National Convention in August.

Nelson also spoke to Bay News 9's Al Ruechel and Howard Troxler from the St. Petersburg Times about the VP possibility. That interview will be broadcast Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Political Connections. He noted the importance of winning Florida if a candidate is going to win the presidency. Watch the interview

Peace Ribbon Project

If you have never seen the Peace Ribbon Project...


This panel was made for Cindy's son.

No More War for Oil!

No more murder of innocent human beings
Bring the Troops Home Now!
As we near 4,000 troops dead, consider making the trip to
see this beautiful and inspirational installation.

Say NO to Guantanamo & Terrorists in Miami!

Thursday, Jan 10, 2008
11:00 am PRESS Conference ~ Close Guantanamo, Uphold the Constitution!
Quinta Inn & Suites (Miami Airport West, 8730 NW 27th St, Doral
Ret. Colonel Ann Wright, Medea Benjamin, Camilo Mejia (Iraq Veteran), Santiago Leon from Miami for Peace, National Lawyers Guild representing Guantanamo detainees.

12:00 noon
Lunch with Senator Nelson
Here's your opportunity to sit down and listen to Bill or stand outside with your banners and signs about torture and terrorists. Democratic Professionals Council luncheon. Cost is $35 per person in advance/$40 at the door. Guests welcome. They expect to sell out so make your reservations early! http://www.democraticprofessionalscouncil.org/home.php?chapter=Palm%20Beach#76

7:00 pm Forum for
International Day to Close Guantanamo
Speakers: CODEPINK cofounder Medea Benjamin, Colonel Ann Wright, Iraq Vet Camilo Mejia, and legal experts. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami, 7701 S.W. 76th Ave.
Sponsored by Miami for Peace, CODEPINK, and the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami.


Photos by Ricardo Lopez/ Miami Herald Staff

Friday, January 11, 2008
7:00 a.m.-9:00 am Rally* & Picket for International Day to Close Guantanamo
Vicinity of the U.S. Southern Command NW 87th Ave & NW 36th St.Doral, FL

9:00 am March to the U.S. Southern Command

Saturday, January 12, 2008
11am-6pm Terrorist Watch
Campaign focusing on Luis Posada Carriles
Call for the targeting and arrest of this known terrorist
Meet at Versailles Restaurant (3555 SW 8th St) 11am to begin outreach
For details on Terrorist Watch call 415-235-6517

Sunday, January 13, 2008
All day and overnight vigil
Contact Medea Benjamin or call 415 235-6517

6:00 pm
Coral Gables Book Signing ~ Books & Books, 265 Aragon, Avenue, Coral Gables, FL Guest Speaker, Col. Ann Wright , coauthor with Susan Dixon of Dissent; Voices of Conscience with forward by Daniel Ellsberg. The public is Welcome. No Admission Fee, No Reservations. Contact Books & Books, 305-442-4408

Monday, January 14, 2008
9am Press Conference at Miami FBI office
16320 Northwest 2nd Avenue, North Miami Beach

12 noon Office of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
8660 West Flagler Street, Suite 131 (tel 305-220-3281)

5:00pm Delray Peace Corner Corner of Swinton and Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Please join us in our weekly vigil/protest on this great visibility corner! Contact Hillary spiderhill@usa.net or Vicki vickiryder@juno.com

7:30 pm WPB Book Signing ~ WPB Marriott Hotel,
1001 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Guest Speaker, Col. Ann Wright , coauthor with Susan Dixon of Dissent; Voices of Conscience with forward by Daniel Ellsberg. The public is Welcome. No Admission Fee, No Reservations. Contacts: Elna Laun 686-2060 or David Prensky 832-8511

Chapter Meetings Across Florida


CODEPINK Florida's Local Chapter Meetings*

GAINESVILLE ~ jacque@codepinkalert.org




  • Feb 14, 4-6 pm ~ Valentine's Day counter-recruitment action at the National Guard recruiting office on NW 13th St. at NW 4th Av.

Inspired by the recent Berkley counter-recruitment actions there will be a Kissathon -- Bring your own partner and start kissing from 4-6 pm! We will have chalk to Make Art Not Soldiers. Don't Enlist...Stay And Kiss...That Way Everybody Makes Out! Make Love Not War!

ORLANDO ~ RSVP: codepinkorlando@gmail.com Usually 1st or 2nd WED at 6:30pm

  • WED Feb 13, 6:30pm Dandelion Communitea, Near Mills & Colonial
  • WED March 5, 6:30pm Probably Dandelion Communitea
SARASOTA ~ bellaespana@verizon.net and/or lcmitch78@yahoo.com
  • Every Friday: Join us for vigil/sign holding from 4-5 pm @ Sarasota Bayfront/ US 41 (near Marina Jacks).

SOUTH FL WPB ~ RSVP: spiderhill@usa.net

  • Sun Feb 10, 2:30pm ~ Soma Center and Cafe 609 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Bring Valentines to send messages to members of Congress: Make Love not War! This is a new date for the February monthly meeting
SW FL Ft MYERS ~ RSVP: hrauen@comcast.net
  • Tues Feb 5, 6;30pm ~ Holley Rauen's house in Ft Myers. PleaseRSVP and I will send directions. hrauen@mac.com

TALLAHASSEE codepinktally@yahoo.com

TAMPA BAY
  • Wed Feb 6, 7:00 - 9:00 pm ~ Meeting at Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, 4819 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33617 Phone: (813) 715-1696 coffeeunchained@yahoo.com OR anitamariestewart@verizon.net
  • Wed March 5, 7:00 - 9:00 pm ~ Meeting at Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse.
    [Repeats Every FIRST WEDNESDAY NIGHT]

UCF University of Central Florida ~ xofashionkillaxo@aol.com

  • Thursdays 6:00pm ~ Weekly meetings.
VOLUSIA/FLAGLER ~ RSVP: cassydoan@aol.com
  • Thu Feb 21st 6pm to 6:45pm ~ Weekly Demonstration, corner of International Speedway Blvd. and Nova Road

  • Thu Feb 21st 7:00pm to 8pm ~ Meeting location picked after rally
* It's always a good idea to confirm with a local coordinator to make sure the location, time and date are still correct!

OCT27



Mass Mobilization in Orlando and ten other cities in US!
www.oct 27.org/Orlando


CodePINK Florida MEDIA ALERT CONTACTS:
Sheri or Deidra ~ codepinkorlando@gmail.com

*** CORPORATE MEDIA REPORTS:

Oct 27, 2007, Channel 2Anti-War Rally Takes Over Lake Eola Saturday http://www.wesh.com/politics/14438472/detail.htmlhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21501841/ or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOlFQdki2MU

Oct 27, 2007, Channel 9Thousands Protest War Across U.S.'Day Of Action' Held In Cities Throughout Nation
http://www.wftv.com/news/14439779/detail.html

Oct 27, 2007, Channel 13Thousands Take Anti-War Protest To The Streets Sunday
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/10/27/antiwar_protest.html

*** NEWSPAPERS:
Oct 28, 2007, Orlando SentinelRaging against war by Susan Jacobson

http://orlandosentinel/. com/community/ news/deland/ orl-warprotest28 07oct28,0, 1998620.story
Photos: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-warmarch-pg,0,246775.photogallery

Oct 28, 2007, Sarasota's Herald Tribune
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20071028/NEWS/710280631

Oct 17, 2007, Orlando Sentinel Bloghttp://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_military/2007/10/orlando-anti-wa.html

Oct 26, 2007, Orlando Sentinel
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-march2607oct26,0,1049877.story

Oct 25, 2007, Orlando WeeklyThe Cost of War: Goverment spending is all about priorities
http://www.orlandoweekly.com/features/story.asp?id=11914

PRIVATE VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6kp5Y1rq00
Orlando Peace march.

Senator Mike Gravel's radio interview during Peace Rally
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7702017515037979417&q=orlando+iraq&total=39&start=0&num=10&so=1&type=search&plindex=1
PHOTOS:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bulius/sets/72157602747301746/

RADIO INTERVIEWS:
WMNF Tampa Begins with "Juvenile Justice Hearing.."
The interview about Oct 27th is about 3/4's of the way into the show. Hear it at: http://www.wmnf.org/news_stories/show/4855
Thank you Lauren, of Code Pink Sarasota & Jesse Kearns, of Veterans for Peace for representing all of the Peace groups involved!


Senator Mike Gravel & George Crossley on People Power Hour
Airing every Saturday from 2 to 3pm in Orlando, AM 1190.

Nearly 3,000 People From Key West to Georgia
Marched Against the War in Orlando

Thousands gathered Saturday for the largest peace rally in Florida ’s history at Lake Eola in Orlando, outnumbering even the Florida Democratic convention being held simultaneously at Disney World. Senator Mike Gravel, a strong anti-war candidate for President kicked things off and declared that “our leadership has lost its moorings, we lack moral fiber, we lack moral judgment”. In regards to the rally, "This is America at its finest," one protester said. "We're going to march against the Iraq war, because it's an unjust war… and it's totally wrong," another protester said.

As Channel 13’s Jackie Shutack reported on CodePINK, “These ladies in pink, paired their voices with eye catching colors to spread a simple message”, “Time to end this war”. Protesters traveled to the Orlando Anti-war rally from all over state of Florida, and from all over the country, for that matter” said Jackie. Thousands of protesters participated, “Young and old, and they all spoke the same message” which was loud and clear— End the U.S. Occupation of Iraq & take war with Iran off the table!

Speakers included life long activists like Peg McIntyre, a 97 year old Floridian who is possibly the oldest living peace activist in the country. There were also religious leaders, students, community organizers, families of military and veterans from all three wars offering their unique takes on why the US must leave Iraq immediately.

“We've seen it all bef or e throughout hist or y, the countless times we've murdered each other by the thousands and the millions over nothing..... All of these things resulted from the same pointless and idiotic logic, the same greed for wealth and power and the same disregard for the sanctity and value for human life.” said Clifton Hicks, an Iraq veteran.

A handful of counter-protesters stood on the sidewalk in the pouring rain chanting “ USA ” and “God Bless America ”. The thousands of Anti-war protesters marching by chanted, “God Bless our troops, bring them home!” drowning out the small group. Orlando police said the rally was peaceful and no arrests were made. There were over ½ million participants in the eleven cities holding marches and rallies simultaneously on October 27, including Boston, Chicago, Jonesborough, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.
###


Orlando Hosts Southeast Regional March to End the War in Iraq

Who: Thousands from all over the Southeast
What: Regional rally and march to end the War in Iraq that is part of national mobilization across the country.
When: Saturday, October 27, 2007 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Rally at Lake Eola (NE corner). 3 mile march from Robinson to Paramore to Church St to Orange Ave to Central and returning to Eola Drive & Robinson. Orlando hosts a regional march to End the War in Iraq tomorrow. The event in Orlando is part of a national mobilization to end the war that is taking place in 11 cities across the country. Spearheaded by United for Peace and Justice it is expected to be the largest peace rally ever held in Florida . Americans in Orlando and across the country will take to the streets to reiterate their message, loud and clear— End the U.S. Occupation of Iraq & take war with Iran off the table! Speakers will include life long activists, religious leaders, students, community organizers and veterans, all offering their unique takes on why we must leave Iraq immediately. Presidential candidate Mike Gravel is one of the speakers scheduled. “What’s so important about October 27 in Orlando is that it is a coming together of our regional movement,” said att De Vlieger, one of the local Orlando organizers. “As groups and individuals, we’ve held signs on street corners, spoke up in our classrooms, demanded answers at public forums, attended conferences and educated our neighbors across Florida about the U.S. led tragedy of Iraq for five years. We decided that the time has come for us to step it up and truly band together at home, as a statewide movement, to stop this war.”
###

A Dedicated and Dynamic Group of Activists Plan to Host Regional Oct27 March to End the War in Iraq

Who: Enthusiastic college students, seasoned activists and concerned newcomers

What: Plan and organize a regional March to End the War in Iraq

When: Ongoing throughout the week culminating in the Oct27 March and Rally at 12:30pm

Where: Begins in NE (northeast) corner of Lake Eola Park at Robinson & Eola.

Planning is heating up as a group of Orlando activists prepare to host a regional march to end the War in Iraq. Orlando is one of 11 cities planning an event on October 27. The march is part of a National Mobilization to End the War in Iraq. Thousands from throughout the Southeast are expected to attend the Orlando March. This will make it the largest peace event ever held in Florida.

The host committee represents a coming together of a variety of activists from a number of different causes. Activists from organizations including: CodePINK Orlando, Project: Darfur, ACLU, Orlando Progressive, Veteran’s for Peace and the Farmworkers Association are all taking the lead in creating an event where people can make their statement, that they want the War in Iraq to End.

“What’s so important about October 27 in Orlando is that it is a coming together of our regional movement,” said maTT De Vlieger, one of the local Orlando organizers. “As groups and individuals, we’ve held signs on street corners, spoken up in our classrooms, demanded answers at public forums, attended conferences and educated our neighbors across Florida about the U.S. led tragedy of Iraq for five years. We decided that the time has come for us to step it up and truly band together at home, as a statewide movement, to stop this war.”

October 27 has been an incredible opportunity for young college students to channel their ideals and passion for ending the war and for more experienced activists to mentor a new generation in some of the tactics of making social change.

Presidential candidate Mike Gravel is one of the speakers scheduled. As a US Senator he led a one man filibuster to help end the Vietnam War. He has proven to be an unequivocal opponent of the war on Iraq. Other speakers will include life long activists, religious leaders, students, community organizers and veterans, to offer their unique takes on why we much leave Iraq immediately

Anti-war sentiment has grown significantly, especially since the 2006 elections, as Congress fails to take any decisive measures against the US Occupation of Iraq.
Today, approximately 70% of Americans agree that we should bring our troops home. With each passing month, the Iraq disaster claims the lives of nearly 100 soldiers and countless Iraqis as it drains another 12 billion dollars from our budget.

The national action called for by United for Peace and Justice reflects the increasing lack of faith Americans have in the current political leadership to fulfill their pledges and to explore every option in ending the American quagmire in Iraq, such as cutting the war funding.
[This press release was emailed to media on Monday 10/22/07 at 4:00am.

###
Thousands of People Expected When Orlando Joins 10 Cities Across the Country
Mobilizing to End the War in Iraq

Who: Thousands of people from across the southeast will converge in Orlando simultaneously with thousands more in 10 cities across the US

What:
Massive Mobilization of faith-based, student, peace and political organizations joining together in Regional marches to STOP the War Now being spearheaded by United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ)

When:
Saturday, October 27, 2007 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Where:
Lake Eola NE corner of Robinson and Eola. Three mile march from Robinson to Paramore to Church St to Orange Ave to Central and returning to Eola Drive & Robinson.

Thousands of people, from all walks of life, will take to the streets on October 27 as Orlando and 10 other cities host regional marches and rallies to end the War in Iraq and prevent new wars. The event in Orlando is expected to be the largest peace event ever held in Florida. Local organizers from a variety of groups are working together to host the October 27 march which is welcoming participants from throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas.

Americans in Orlando and across the country will take to the streets to reiterate their message, loud and clear—End the U.S. Occupation of Iraq and take war with Iran off the table! The Orlando Host Committee has forged alliances with scores of diverse groups and organizations to promote the October 27 March. Speakers will include life long activists, religious leaders, students, community organizers and veterans, to offer their unique takes on why we much leave Iraq immediately

Presidential candidate Mike Gravel is one of the speakers scheduled. As a US Senator he lead a one man filibuster to help end the Vietnam War. He has proven to be an unequivocal opponent of the war on Iraq.

Anti-war sentiment has grown significantly, especially since the 2006 elections, as Congress fails to take any decisive measures against the US Occupation of Iraq.
Today, approximately 70% of Americans agree that we should bring our troops home. With each passing month, the Iraq disaster claims the lives of nearly 100 soldiers and countless Iraqis as it drains another 12 billion dollars from our budget.
The action called for by United for Peace and Justice reflects the increasing lack of faith Americans have in the current political leadership to fulfill their pledges and to explore every option in ending the American quagmire in Iraq, such as cutting the war funding.

These organizations endorsed Oct27 in Orlando.
Alachua County Green Party
Amnesty International @ VCC East
Arlington South of Naples Florida
AWAKENING/Art & Culture
Brevard NOW
Brevard Patriots For Peace
Campus Peace Action
Central Florida AFL-CIO
Central Florida Jobs Committee
Central Florida Jobs With Justice
Central Florida Movement for a Democratic Society
Central Florida Vets for Peace
Chant4Change
CodePINK Florida
CodePINK Orlando
CodePINK Sarasota
CodePINK South Florida
CodePINK SW Florida Ft Myers
CodePINK Tallahassee
CodePINK Tampa Bay
CodePINK UCF ~ University of Central Florida
CodePINK Volusia/Flagler
Democracy 4 The Palm Beaches (DFA)
Eco-Action
Environmental and Peace Education Center (EPEC)
Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice
Florida For Peace/Focus on Nelson
Florida Immigrant Coalition
Florida Peace Action Network
Florida Progressive Democrats Of America
Gainesville Area SDS
Grandparents for Peace ~ St. Augustine, FL
Green Party of Florida
Green Party of the U.S.
Green Party Peace Network
Grow Hair For Peace
Iraq Veterans Against the War (Gainesville & Orlando)
Marions for Peace, Ocala, Florida (Marion County)
Maya Books (Sanford, FL)
Miami for Peace
Military Familes Speak Out Florida (MFSO)
Movement for a Democratic Society
Nature Coast Coaliton for Peace and Justice
Operation Music
Orlando - Iraq War Moratorium
Orlando Food Not Bombs
Orlando Progressive Alliance
Orlando4Obama
Pax Christi Florida
Pax Christi Northeast Florida
PEACE NOW CITRUS COUNTY
People for Peace & Justice/St. Augustine
Polk County Citizens for Peace & Justice
Project Dafur
Redemption Song
Samm Simpson for Congress
SDS Miami/FIU
Solidarity and Peace.org
St. Augustine Catholic Worker Ministries
Students Against War
Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Central Florida
Tallahassee Network for Justice and Peace
Troops Home Now Coalition
U.S. Labor Against the War
Veterans for Peace Chapter 15, Tallahassee
Veterans for Peace Chapter 119, Tampa Bay
Veterans For Peace Chapter 032, South Florida
Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Tallahassee

* UPDATED Tuesday, 10/23/07 ~ This list is more than likely NOT up to date as more organizations are joining us daily! TO HELP: Email codepinkorlando@gmail.com

Notes on Nelson Meeting 8/11/07

Florida For Peace Meets Senator Bill Nelson
Boasts, Prevarications, and a Rattlesnake

On Tuesday August 7th ten members of Florida For Peace traveled to Kissimmee, FL to meet with Senator Bill Nelson at the public library. They represented over fifty groups from from all parts of Florida.

When the group arrived a staff member directed us to a conference room where the senator was waiting. A local news crew had a camera set up. After shaking hands and sitting down, Senator Nelson mentioned how he was having town meetings, three just yesterday in Jefferson, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Lydia Vickers - CODEPINK Tallahassee, Co-Founder/Florida For Peace - began by stating she had traveled to all eight of his offices around the state and had meetings with his staff and thanked the Senator for meeting with us.

Senator Nelson began by thanking us for coming from all over the state to see him. He then talked about what he termed as townhall meetings, two of which he had the previous day in the Tampa Bay area. He said that 150 people had attended one meeting and 130 had attended the other one and that no one had brought up the issue of the Iraq War... MORE

http://tnjp.org/Florida-For-Peace-Meets-Senator-Bill-Nelson

Senator Nelson’s PR spin on “Town Hall” meetings

by Deidra Lynch -- Orlando, FL August 10, 2007 -- Florida’s Senator Bill Nelson's office is falsely reporting that he is touring the state doing "Town Hall" meetings yet his meetings are not being announced publicly until just hours before he arrives and most of them have only been with city and county officials, not the public. These "invitation-only" audiences with selected press only are costing Florida taxpayers and lulling them into believing the he is concerned about public sentiment. His office has refused to even announce his travel schedule or place any requested alternative press members on the pre-notification list. This is open government? NO, this is a PR spin!

Senator Nelson, who is on vacation from Congress was pressured in June by leaders in the Peace communities across the state to hold true "Town Hall" meetings in August to meet with his constitutents about the 25 billion dollars of the Iraq debt that Florida now owns. Enough is enough, it’s time to come up with a plan to get us out of this endless war and the only way that's going to happen is to stop the funding. Florida For Peace members said they feel like Senator Nelson has been supporting the war sine the beginning and they want him to be one of 67 senators to override a presidential veto and bring the troops home now.

After occupying all eight of his offices with representatives of over 50 different peace organizations including Vets for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, Grannies for Peace and CODEPINK to name a few, Senator Nelson finally agreed to meet with Florida for Peace, "We were ecstatic about the opportunity to speak with him and discuss the costs of war, the needs of Floridians, the treatment of our returning veterans and the horrendous rate of female soldiers returning as victims of sexual and physical assault by their own comrades which is 20% to 2/3 depending on the source" said Lydia Vickers of Florida for Peace. We had hoped for true “Town Hall” meetings in August but apparently Senator Nelson doesn’t understand the true meaning of the term.

Originating in New England when everybody in town showed up to speak their piece and then vote on an issue, today's "Town Hall" meetings are now held so people can influence elected officials in their decision-making process, often in large conference centers where people from every part of the community attend to express their opinions. No point of view is excluded or censored which is the very “Essence of Democracy” in action.

When Governor Schwarzenegger made this mistake, he was called on the carpet in "Governor corrupts 'town hall' " by Dennis M. Clausen:

"In his classic essay, "Politics and the English Language," George Orwell warns us that such abuses of language involve more than just semantic differences. "If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought," Orwell writes. "A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation even among people who should and do know better."

According to Orwell, politicians corrupt language, and then a corrupted language corrupts the culture ---- which in turn makes it easier for politicians to further corrupt the language. The vicious cycle feeds off itself like a hurricane gathering strength over warm tropical waters.

When we reverse the meanings of certain bedrock democratic institutions and traditions like town hall meetings, and these corruptions of language go unchallenged, we are well on our way to a total corruption of our political culture."
I know it's hurricane season and we face this with half of our disaster equipment still in Iraq with many of our national guard but Senator Nelson's corruption of the "Town Hall" meeting strikes deeply into the center of my heart and raises my radar even more. This week’s PR spin by Nelson gives me even more to worry about then what’s brewing over our very warm waters right now.

*Dennis M. Clausen is a professor of American literature at the University of San Diego .
dclausen@SanDiego.edu
Original commentary...

CH2 WESH News report


Florida Groups Push For End To War
POSTED: 3:03 pm EDT August 7, 2007
UPDATED: 3:51 pm EDT August 7, 2007

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Florida For Peace pushed for a meeting with Sen. Bill Nelson at the Kissimmee library on Tuesday. Members said they want Nelson to stand against President George W. Bush and end the war in Iraq. Many groups congregated at the library to meet with Nelson, including Code Pink: Women For Peace.

Members said they feel Nelson has been supporting the war and want him to be one of 67 senators to override a presidential veto and bring troops home.

"I think he needs to realize he's hurting these troops more by not saying, 'Enough is enough' it's time to come home, and let's come up with a plan,' so the only way that's going to happen is to stop funding," Deidra Lynch of Florida For Peace said.

"We need to start phasing down, but keeping troops there to train the Iraqi army, to go after al Qaida and to provide protection for our troops there, but start removing our troops," Nelson said.

Nelson will meet with Osceola County leaders next, one of more than a dozen town hall meetings being held in Central Florida in the coming days.

Video: Code Pink War Protest

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