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The Backbone Campaign
Via Lucianne and co-written by Philipp Heinz (any relation to a certain ATM??? A group of Democratic Party activists had a delivery for the Democratic National Committee but couldn't find anyone willing to take possession of their prize. The group -- the Backbone Campaign -- is not only unhappy with the Bush administration, but they find their own party somewhat compliant because many will not stand up to President Bush and his policies. (Of course they're standing up, it's just that W's running over them. They claim even their party leaders "have no spine." So they brought along a 70-foot one. It takes about half an hour for the campaign members to assemble the "spine," arranging the drapery covered "vertebra" just so and then festooning it with banners reading "Health Care," "Human Rights" and "No War." (Geez, Freud would have a field day w/all these oversized puppets.) Barbara Bain, a member of the Backbone Campaign, is unhappy with most politicians, including the Democrats. (wow, something we can agree on!) "Once they are elected in office, they make no real changes," the 34-year-old woman said. "It is time for progressive movement in this country. >."(and what was 1932-sh to 2004??? -0 those who do not remember history...) According to her, the campaign wanted to tie in with the ideals of the Progressive Movement from the turn of the 19th and the 20th centuries. The group is offering a "Backbone Award" as a symbol of courage to politicians they think have shown spine. Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont, has got one. The Backbone Campaign has promised others to senators who led the effort to block the appointments of Secretary of State-nominee Condoleezza Rice and Attorney General-designate Alberto Gonzales. The Backbone Campaign was formed by artists and activists the usual suspects, I wonder if all this complaining is just another art form? on Vashon Island, Wash., in January 2004. They wanted to use their creativity to put forth a positive agenda and to thank elected officials who "show spine" and stand up to the Bush administration. Once a member of the group complimented a politician with the words "he deserves a Backbone Award." And little later they asked themselves "Why not bring the DNC a giant backbone," Bill Moyer, executive director of the Backbone Campaign, said. W/ someone else's money, nothing less attractive than an old hippie-type. "The Democratic Party keeps lurching towards the Republican Party," said Warren Potas, who is among the small crowd of protesters. He holds up a "Howard Dean" sign, a link to Potas' choice during last year's Democratic primary season. "The Democrats used to stand for individual rights," the 54-year-old from Washington said, listing abortion, gay rights and protection of data privacy as key issues. all very, very progressive ideas at the turn of the 20th century "Bush is turning this country into a tyrannical theocracy." He referred to Republicans as "they" and compared them to characters in the movie "Star Wars": "They were cheering for Darth Vader. In fact, Darth Vader is the role model for their government." Another thing we can agree upon.
They're in the infantile stage, but it is a stage. "We are not a threat to the Democratic Party," Moyer shouted at the DNC office building, where about a half of dozen employees stepped onto a balcony to watch the spectacle. "We are its future, its only future. Without the support of the progressive base, the Democratic Party is doomed to irrelevance. Uh, oh, they're waking up! We wish to bring attention to the historical crossroads at which the Democratic Party stands and the impact on the relationship between the Democratic Party and the growing Progressive Movement." He said the upcoming months are crucial for Democrats. "The choices that the Democratic Party makes in the next month will resonate through history. They will either unite us or trigger an exodus of voters from the Democratic Party," Moyer said. Uhh, that already began on 9/11, perhaps you heard of it? It was in the papers back then for about 3-4 days. Barbara Bain stood disappointed, carrying the golden "Backbone Award" like a baby in her arms. She wanted to deliver the trophy into the hands of the first Democrat coming out of the building to speak with her. The group sings on and on its little song: "Old Growth's connected to Clean Air; Clean Air's connected to Healthcare; Healthcare's connected to Fair Tax." Ever hear of Bruce Springsteen? He wrote a song called, "Glory Days," IIRC. But nothing happens. The only reaction: Three policemen arrive to guard the huge glass door of the DNC office. "We are not allowed to go in," Bain said. "I think they have no spine." Maybe not, but Evita's got the balls. Posted by: anonymous2u 2005-01-23 |
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