Live blogging from the Livonia "Out of Iraq" Townhall...part two

Live blogging from Livonia Part 2,
Suz Krueger, Democracy Cell Project

Just got back from the Out of Iraq townhall in Livonia.

I would call the Livonia Townhall a terrific success. There were people (like me) who drove from 2 hours away to hear this information and to learn about what we can do to save our democracy.

Some stories not shared on the other thread:

1. One lady who was from NOLA but came to Michigan to see family was here. She described how the "core" people in the Dept. of Engineers were actually busy in Iraq creating and building their marshes instead of being available here in NOLA. While all of us agree, the infrastructure of Iraq IS important, particularly since we're the ones who broke it, the comments she made were focused on the infrastructure HERE in the USA that is falling apart, collapsing, and will leave the citizens of the US in as dire of circumstances as pre-WWII.

2. More comments...A different person spoke about the lobbyists in DC and why we as a person are doomed and hogtied. Representative Conyers spoke clearly about this. He said that the way to fight the lobbyists is not to sit a complain, but instead to involve yourself. To make calls to your representative, to make sure they remember YOU PAY THEIR salary. He made a point of saying that while you just talk or complain, you are weak; but when you speak out and bring others with you and you make sure your Congressmen know what you think, then you are impowered and that equals the field with the lobbyist. He also spoke about gaining your stregth and power by talking to others, by being the media, and by never accepting that they're bigger or stronger than you. John Conyers is truly an example of a person who fought the Civil Rights battles in the 60's and is still fighting for Civil Rights now. You can't just complain...you have to fight for it because they'll never just give it to you.

3. When I walked in the door, he was discussing the Nixon White House and how this administration is not only comparable to the White House but he explained how laws were passed as a result of Nixon's abuse of power. He believes this will happen now to the new Nixon.

Posted by: Suz at January 7, 2006 03:53 PM