Collecting Signatures at the Dalai Lama Event Yesterday
Submitted by Nelsons on May 7, 2007 - 6:44pm.
The Dalai Lama gave a talk in Chicago yesterday and I thought it would be a good place to gather more signatures for the stopiranwar.com petition. News reports say that over 10,000 were in attendance, and I was able to get over 75 signatures while people waited to pass through the security checkpoints.
Reaction was mostly positive - those who didn't want to sign were very polite, and no one gave me any trouble. In fact, many thanked me for being there, gladly signed the petition, and immediately put on the SIW buttons I received from Maria and Ice. Some even said I could contact them directly later - that was a definite win!
I also handed out some of the quarter-page flyers from the SIW site, asking people to share the information with those around them once they were seated inside. The event was sold out and I didn't have a ticket, so I wanted to get as much exposure for the petition drive as possible. It was great to have a chance to talk about General Clark and the VoteVets group while the people were filling out their information.
What kind of surprised me was that I didn't see anyone else collecting signatures from those in line. A couple of the security officers asked me what I was doing, but they let me continue once I explained the effort and gave them one of the little flyers. I wore my favorite t-shirt, which has the US flag on the front and "Proud to Be an American" printed on the back.
It took just under two hours for everyone to file inside, and then I started heading to the train station for home. As luck would have it, there were some peace activists setting up their weekly march in front of one of the museums that I passed on the way to the train, and I had a chance to talk to some of them for a few minutes. I also handed out the rest of the flyers and buttons. They told me about another event that will be coming up in the Chicago area in a few weeks, and I plan to get some more signatures there.
All in all, it was a very fruitful day and I was glad I had taken the time for the petitions.
I can't wait for the day when I'll be out collecting signatures to put General Clark's name on the ballot in Illinois (visualizing...visualizing...it will happen).
Proud to be an American.
I just did battle with the je fanclub on a kos diary and I swain, if we get stuck with je as the Dem nominee, I may finally have to say goodbye to this country.
I honestly didn't feel as bad about him last time as I do this time, and it is mostly due to his fans at kos. They are disgusting and a good lesson for us all on how NOT to be when General gets into the race. They said to me that "we don't need people like you to win" and "When JE wins the nomination you can just vote Republican since you think he's a liar" and basically told me to get off their thread. And alls I said was that I didn't trust his judgement nor his words now as opposed to past actions.
They can take absolutely NO criticism of him and I know most of you remember what we dealt with with the Clark haters last time. JE fans get nothing, NOTHING compared to what we put up with. He is so amazingly transparent and weak and it continually blows my mind how many have bought in to it.
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
something so important and all they can do is slam your face to the floor.
Seriously, I'm with you. If JE gets the nomination from the backing of ill-informed or just stubborn people who are in love with an American Idol, I may have to leave as well.
(((((Jen)))))
Who knows, Syb. We have discussed it, but talking and doing are two different things. Everything seems all fecked up.
a bad time again jen. This is how they've taken over many of the blogs though. Have you noticed that its quite slow at DK and at MyDD too.
When I get upset with all the naysaying about Wes I go and poke around at securingamerica.com and listen to his voice on various radio programmes, read his speeches and watch videos. Its impossible to lose faith in our General when you do that.
I should know better than to wade into one of those lovefests... I just couldn't take it anymore how they go unopposed.
Good advise, pia! Will do that!
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
They are gonners. I just hope they don't make us all gonners. I swear they have no sense of reality at all. And we have all said this over and again. sigh*
I do value your opinions and we obviously have taste (Wes in 08) but what if he doesn't run? I haven't really researched any of the candidates because of my support of Wes. What is it about Edwards that we don't like...is he phony?
I for some reason can't accept Hillary and I think her positions on both Iraq and Health Care are wrong. Obama is too inexperienced and so is Edwards....this sucks...nevermind!
We reap what we sow
I will not vote for any other Dem but Wes. I'm an Independent who re-registered Dem only for Wes so I can vote for him in the primary. But if he doesn't run, I'm going to write in his name and leave it at that. I can no longer vote for someone that I don't believe in.
It's a sad state of affairs, because I have never not voted for a candidate on the ballot. :(
But, I have not given up hope. I think Wes is playing this like a chessboard. ,)
I too have always been a registered Independent and just re-registered as Democrat. My plan is too show my complete displeasure with the Republicans by pretty much voting for any Democrat...unless they are still wavering on the WAR!
I might really like the idea of writing in Wes!
My other question...if Hillary/Obama/Edwards is the nomination are the Dems doing to lose the Presidency? Or is it that you don't care if the Republicans win it again?
We reap what we sow
I'm beginning to think that Americans are going to have to be brought to their knees to get it that this is not a beauty contest. Honestly, your sig line says it all, doesn't it?
I am just damn tired of going along with the AB vote.
I will write Wes in and my conscience will be clear. I won't add my name to the list of goofs voting anymore.
The answer to your question: I don't think these three can take the GE. That's even more reason why I am rebelling. I don't want any one of them for my President.
Again,I have not given up hope. I think Wes is playing this like a chessboard. ,)
I don't believe Dems will win the GE.
And I agree with msbehavin in that perhaps this country really has to get to the point that we are all hurting before they realize the importance of who we elect to be our leader.
I think I will probably vote for whatever Dem is on the ticket, even if it's Clinton. I think. Can't say for positive sure yet.
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
hear you groan while you pull that lever, Jen.
Actually, it is no laughing matter. It's very upsetting to have been brought to this after all the hard work.
I want to be like Scarlet O'Hara and think about it tomorrow, but there have been too many yesterdays of reading the bad stuff, ... and that makes it all the harder for my decision to cast a vote for someone besides Wes, whether he runs or not. However, since I do not believe a Dem in this bunch can take the GE, why would I want to compromise myself again like in '04?
Anyway, that's how I see it, but I do respect your decision.
(even if H-O-E is the nominee) and this might be big enough reason
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/12032#comment-208352
as the criminal charges up and down GOP continue this will bring out people in big enough numbers to vote against GOP.
It is always better they have a reason to vote FOR;
but 2006 Iraq was #1 and vote fraud corruption was the #2 reason for the huge voter turnout and Dem majority;
the H-O - E bunch were/are Senators; we didn't get them on our side in big number;
the fighting dems and the fighting public activists made 2006 happen;
voter fraud and criminal activity will keep people voting; if we had a fighting Dem as our leader
there is no doubt in my mind we would win Big; forget the friggin media distortion;
we could battle through it;
<blockquote>They hope they prey they get their way - the Voice</blockquote>
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
I held my nose the past two elections and I just cannot in good conscience vote for another liar, repub or dem. In fact, I doubt I will vote for senator or representative either. Congress can't even read their fu***ng bills before voting!!!!!!!!!!! What the he!! are we paying them wads of cash for?????
Just thinking about that makes me want to find/create some magical political voodoo potion to resurrect Sam Adams et al.
for myself, and to me JE is a phoney. He has made his millions in a profession where his skills at convincing people to believe and trust him are paramount. He is a smooth, slick politician who says whatever those he is speaking to wants to hear. Example was his speech at AIPAC, sabre-rattling at Iran, then when speaking to supporters backing down on his tough talk.
When you look at his record and his actions they don't match up to the words he says now. That includes his co-sponsorship and vote for the IWR, his support of the Patriot Act, his vote for the bankruptcy bill, his support of huge increases in H-1b Visas to name a few.
He has shown poor judgement not only in his "mistaken" voting, but consider: He is running on a 2 Americas/poverty platform, yet he doesn't see that building a multi-million dollar, 28,000 sq.ft. home and getting $400. haircuts could appear hypocritical. I don't care that he spends his money as he likes, but one would think that he'd maybe tamp it down a little while the spotlight is on.
He now appears to be a sound environmentalist, but when in the Senate voted for an amendment to allow mountain top removal, in favor of exempting pickup trucks from fuel-efficiency standards and supported the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada.
His supporters say he's changed, and that is very good, but when someone makes so many changes in so short a time and it all coincides with deciding he wants to be president, it doesn't leave me with a lot of trust in him.
If General Clark doesn't run, I'll be joining the Draft Gore movement. If HE doesn't run, and we're left with choosing between the current candidates, I would probably vote for Obama -- even though like you I don't think he's ready.
And SORRY to hijack your thread, Nelsons!! :/
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
I am now ruling out Edwards! I will look out for Obama if Wes doesn't step forward. Hillary...I don't trust..don't dislike her either...I think she is good at Senator..peter principle!
Could be wrong and will keep an open mind.
I did think Obama/Biden were the best of the lame debate. Richardson stunk it up though!
We reap what we sow
Just kidding. :)
Lately I've been thinking that if I were ten years younger I would go to law school and fight the problems on their own doorstep. Too bad this stuff all came down the pike too late for me to go to law school.
Proud to be an American.
You're an inspiration to us all.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
If not us, WHO? If not now, WHEN?
BE THE CHANGE you wish to see in the world.
And thanks for sharing it too. That's so important!
One thing I didn't add to the blog post was that there were some students about twelve years old who were making a film about peace. They asked me if I would answer a question for them - what does peace mean to me. I answered somehitng along the lines of that peace means being able to focus on the quality of life rather than on going to war with people.
Proud to be an American.
It was great reading about it.
A real up-trip.
And example for us all.
Thanks :)
Clearsky
It felt great watching the pages fill up with names. I guess I had better get back to entering them in the online petition.
Proud to be an American.
I've been watching for possible opportunities to gather some signatures. Your blog has just caused an idea pop into my head. If it works, I'll get back to you with all of the credit. Thank you.
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
But, but... why didn't you ask Security if you could go in and get the Dalai Lama's signature! LOL!
Well, you didn't get to hear him speak, but you did something he would honor. Thanks!
That is great! 75 signatures! I would be so proud of myself...I can claim about 8 total...not doing a great job!
Did most people give email address's or just name/address? Curious because I will hit a main event soon and want preparation.
We reap what we sow
I encouraged them as much as I could, but it wasn't always possible. Good luck with your event - have you ordered buttons from Maria and Ice? www.stopiranwarbuttons.com They have been really popular while I've been out collecting signatures.
Proud to be an American.
From Tuesday's Daily Telegraph in Australia:
When you've just made it sound like the Queen is more than 200 years old, there may be a few ways of recovering from the gaffe. But turning to her and giving her a sly wink is probably not included in any book of royal etiquette.
...
Mr Bush is the leader who once greeted Prime Minister Tony Blair with: "Yo, Blair. How are you doing?"
It is hoped that gaffe-prone President Bush will manage to host the state visit without any hiccups. He hasn't been so successful in the past, however.
He once admitted to the Queen he was the black sheep of his family and then turned to her and asked "Who's yours?"
The encounter came at the White House in 1991 when his father was in power. The Queen, wisely, did not reply. Barbara Bush stepped in and warned the monarch: "Don't answer that."
Barry
Are you safer today than you were six years ago?©
Stepped in this year and warned the monarch: "Don't answer that just say I don't recall"
We reap what we sow
The Onion will go out of business if this keeps up - no one will be able to tell the difference between reality and satire.
Proud to be an American.
and the VoteVets.org group. We're getting close to the home stretch now. :D
Proud to be an American.
Sometimes it's a lot, sometimes it's not. I got two signatures from old friends Sunday night.
Nick Kelly
Wes Clark will be the national security candidate.
Thanks for sharing!!
and as to voting--no other Dem can win, so I will have no qualms re not voting for anyone but Wes.
The General gets it right.
Competence--What a concept!
People want leadership......and in the absence of leadership, they will listen to anyone who walks up to the microphone.
Lewis Rothschild, in "American President"
fine work.
C'mon General Clark...let's give them something to talk about!
for letting everyone know that people are mostly receptive and it's really not terribly scary asking for a few signatures to help our General save us all from endless war!
Did you see that Joe asked a question about SIW here:
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/12029
Proud to be an American.
Congrats Nlseons,
..but I think that the Dalai Lama gave you some positive Karma. ;)
Would you consider being a Tibetillinoinian Monk ? ;)
And I am glad you shared this with us. Positive news will bring positive energy and to those who haven't had much success. Thanks, I will keep this in mind and I guess Dalai Lama as well ;-).
WootWoot!! :D
Four Stars for President 2008