Two Reports from the Costume Goddess

One from the Seattle Westlake rally yesterday: Photos here: www.costumegoddess.com/antiwar/6-5.htm
This was in solidarity with the big ANSWER rallies in DC, LA, and SF. Ours was small--about 30 participants, organized by the "International Action Center". That could've been because most of the Democratic activists in town, including the DFA people, were at the WA state Democratic Convention in Tacoma. Still, I felt it was important to participate.

Some energizing short speeches and poetry from very motivated activists. They were resentful that the city was charging them $50 for "First Amendment access" permission to hold the rally there. Some speeches about war crimes coming to light, and about withholding income taxes as protest. My sign read "War Crimes--Rumsfeld Must Go" on one side, and "War Crimes--Bush Must Go" on the other.

We got some positive feedback from the public, no negative reactions that I saw. A few mounted cops were keeping an eye on us. A tourist from Slovakia asked me if she could pose with me and hold my sign, while her friend with a video camera photographed it.

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DFA June Meetup Report:
Venue Elliott Bay Bookstore. (The fifth DFA Meetup location I've attended! It would be nice to have some continuity.) Attendees included Jason, a national Dean delegate, Kelly, a very active organizer, Kiku (sp?), Wyatt, whom I run into everywhere, Nancy, and some new members. Members introduced themselves and announced various events, such as Axis Of Arts and NoVote Left Behind from the performing arts community, the 21st century Democrats training, GOTV, and MoveOn fundraisers. One man had attended the Robert Reich Town Hall event. Mr. Ramos, who is a new member, told us the story of his son in the Air Force, who ended his life in Iraq in April. There were many tearful eyes.

I think someone (with secretarial experience!) should take minutes at the Meetups, like they do at other formal meetings I attend. That would help us all remember the many topics we cover and people's names. I should've taken notes, myself, and next time I will.

Dina Johnson