Lyndon Johnson - Daisy ad - the stakes are too large

Friends,

In 1964 Lyndon Johnson ran an ad known as the Daisy ad- promoting fear as a tactic. The ad ran only once- and it was yanked as violating censorship rules, and being too radical for the mainstream. It was an ad that said "Be afraid, my opponent will make your life more dangerous."

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7257358371786146012&q=goldwater+daisy&hl=en

Unfortunately, it has been echoed this year by the National Republicans (starts off silently- but builds insidiously).

http://www.gop.com/Multimedia/MediaPlayer.aspx?ID=1136&TypeID=2

selling fear- an abominable, decried, abandoned tactic then,
frightening that it comes back now. 

Leib

Looking forward,

Leib
------------------------------
Leib Lurie, CEO
OneCall Now
Telephone Notification Service
We Keep Your Group In The Loop
Direct: 937-875-0385
Instant Message MSN or AIM: LeibLurie
Send rosters and support requests to
support@onecallnow.com 877-698-3262
Fax: 937-335-3887
623 South Clay St.
Troy, Ohio 45373 USA

Lurie column- oct 25- freedom is not free

This is, apparently, my last TDN column.

I will be a monthly contributor to Tourgreatmiami.com  - the premier arts magazine for the Miami Valley.  

and, If the mood strikes, I will post comments to my blog.

thanks for reading.

Leib

-------------------------------------------

Celebrating Freedom and democracy 50 years later

Maria is eighty one years old and now barely five feet tall. Her dyed red hair is in a tight bun, and her great granddaughter at her side. Her daughter Marika was just six when Maria and her husband trudged through the forest leading from the Russian troops chasing them in Hungary to the freedom of Austria. Like a vision from “The Sound of Music”, only Maria had a machine pistol and bazooka around her neck; a six year old hanging on to her belt being dragged through the thick woods; and grenades clipped to her waistcoat. Maria claimed to have killed 20 Russian soldiers in the past 2 weeks, and would kill more if it would protect Marika and her three younger siblings.

The 50^th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution of October 1956 was commemorated this weekend at the Hungarian church in Dayton. In October 1956, 20,000 students and citizens of Budapest marched peacefully through the streets demanding freedom of the press, the right to vote and seeking a level of independence after 10 years of Russian rule. The Russian soldiers stationed in Hungary started shooting; but the Hungarian Freedom fighters, fought back, and won the battle against machine gins and tanks. The huge statue of Stalin was toppled. The Russians withdrew on Halloween and headed for the border.

Hungarians and the world celebrated. In less than a week, 20 newspapers sprung up with news and opinions of all stripes. The censored and politically correct Russian papers were still available, but now all but ignored. Thousands of political prisoners were freed, the vilified secret police were arrested themselves and their records and offices burned. Freedom was in the air. One party rule was abolished, elections scheduled,

Farmers drove into Budapest giving away food, as after the battle there was little in the city. Jewelry stores, with their windows smashed by gunfire lay open with valuables undisturbed inside; because stealing from Hungarians would be a sin. Releasing József Cardinal Mindszenty, he urged the people to work together for freedom and to protect the lives and safety of the Russians in Hungary.

But immediate freedom was not in the cards this time. On November 4^th, Two hundred thousand Russian soldiers invaded Hungary, killing 2,600 Freedom Fighters, and imprisoning thousands more. The US and NATO stood by – because to counter attack would have triggered world war III. Russia crushed the revolution and re-installed a puppet government that ruled Hungary with an iron fist for thirty two more years.

At the commemorative event Sunday, twelve of the quarter million Hungarians who subsequently fled across the borders, bribed guards, or in Maria’s case, shot approaching troops; listened to speeches, looked at pictures, and watched their children and grandchildren perform Hungarian folk dances.

Lorant Pap, the Troy Rotary Club’s foreign exchange student, from a small town near Budapest, who is living with us, was able to help put things into stark perspective. Although just sixteen, he is steeped in the history, politics and culture of his country. Over centuries, the country was invaded and occupied dozens of times; yet Hungarians maintain a universal feeling of unity, independence and optimism that allowed them to persevere.

Today, the country is a fast growing vibrant democratic culture at the crossroads of Europe. Their diverse and outspoken leaders form a rainbow across the political spectrum. They waited for Freedom and the ability to once again speak and print their opinions freely. Opinions may differ, but they cannot remain stifled. Freedom is not free. They, more than most, recognize this truism.

Leib Lurie, an active community supporter has enjoyed writing about the works of First Night, Troy Civic Theatre, Optimist Club, Boy Scouts, Destination Imagination, Waco Museum, Our Schools and other groups in Troy focusing on youth and the arts. He is CEO of phone message service OneCallNow.com. You can reach him at Leib@Lurie.net Or see his commentary at www.llurie.blogspot.com

Lurie can't hold a job

Thanks for your support...

Leib

 

My thoughts on the matter...

 

My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory but I got canned.
I couldn't concentrate.

Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack but I just couldn't hack
it so they gave me the axe.

After that, I tried to be a Tailor but I just wasn't suited for it,
mainly because it was a sew-sew job.

Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory but that was too exhausting.

Then I tried to be a Chef. I figured it would add a little spice to
my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.

I attempted to be a Deli Worker but any way I sliced it, I couldn't
cut the mustard.

My best job was a Musician but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.

I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but I didn't have any patience.

Next was a job in a Shoe Factory. I tried but I just didn't fit in.

I became a Professional Fisherman but discovered that I couldn't live
on my net income.

I managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company
but the work was just too draining.

So then I got a job in a Workout Center but they said I wasn't fit for the job.

After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job
as a Historian until I realized there was no future in it.

I tried working in Starbucks but I had to quit because it was
always the same old grind.

Then I tried writing a column for the TDN, but got edited out.

So now I'l try retirement, I think I'm perfect for the job

 

Leib

 

Lurie column- so long, farewell, amen

Friends,

 

David Fong, the new editor of the Troy Daily News, has evidently decided my brand of commentary is not what he has in mind for the paper going forward.

 

Out of the blue, I received the following e-mail today....

 

We wanted to thank you for writing your weekly column for the Troy DailyNews the past few years.

At this point, however, we have decided to go in a new direction and have one of our full-time employees fill your column spot on Wednesdays. We are attempting to move toward filling more of our weekly columnist spots with in-house writers.

Again, though, we thank you for being a member of the TDN team these past few years and wish for your continued success in the future.

Best of luck,
David Fong and Kim Kiehl

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last week, the paper disbanded the outside editorial board, so the frequent editorials I drafted and sought consensus and opinion on, will also be a history.  

 

I'm sure that both decisions have nothing to do with my researched opinions, attempts at thought provoking topics of interest, the importance of the upcoming elections, or the fact that the previous editor stood by my often "Blue" columns in a "Red" owned paper.

 

Although I suspect you may see more columns focusing on burning topics of interest like Mom's cooking, potty training baby girls,  and OSU religion in the opinion pages.

 

Anyway,

I hope you have enjoyed my writing and treatises occasionally.

 

If you agree, or (hopefully) disagree with the new editors' call,

I urge you to make your voices known by sending a letter to the editor

editorial@tdnpublishing.com  anonymous letters don't count.

 

Leib

 

 

Lurie column Oct 11- Milestones

Milestones

The Romans built the original highway system, stone paved roads linked Rome with hundreds of cities, extending across 53,000 miles. Some are still used today; have survived 2,000 years, a monument to the durability of their engineering and efforts.

Along those roads, stone markers were set, mileposts that told foot weary travelers how far they had come. It was thus easy to gauge where they were in their journey. In the center of Rome, a Golden Milestone (actually Bronze) marked the epicenter of the Roman Empire; a point from which all other posts extended and were measured.

We tend to use the mile stone metaphor in measuring important dates and events as we proceed through our life’s journey, starting with the Golden milestone of our birthday; we remember and celebrate life’s events. Some are obvious when they happen, others only notable in retrospect.

Last week I had the privilege of being the photographer for a colleague’s wedding; snapping pictures and video snippets to document the ceremony and the party – but trying to focus on the family and friends who will be remembered years hence. Although I posted the digital slideshow to the Internet, I ordered a hard bound book, because media changes and web sites expire. Flipping through old albums is a powerful, way to emotionally connect with the people you were with that day. Reliving the past; remembering the friends, relationships, shared activities and feeling old emotions come back to the fore.

While visiting my in-laws this weekend, I went digging back through the memory albums Mom had painstakingly put together for her three daughters, updated constantly with clippings and memorabilia as her daughter grew up and passed the milestones of kindergarten, grade school trips, first date, high school, college, (and in her case, 5 more colleges). The pictures of the wedding in 1976 with awkward moments, antique looking hair styles, and the reception fountain that looks so trite.

Leafing through pictures of relatives, many now gone, others no longer nearly as young. The postcards from the Bermuda honeymoon, and soon, the first house (did we ever fit all our stuff into the 500 square feet half of a duplex?).

Business cards and pictures at work (boy, what passed for chic fashion back then). There are poses next to proudly purchased (but now historic) cars, or peering at the camera next to statues, edifices and just plain streets on trips to Italy, Florida and The Blue Ridge Mountains.

The tone of the book changed as others joined the pages. A daughter 24 years ago and a son 2 years after that. Now instead of looking back at funky hairdos, we try to picture if they were ever that small, innocent and cute. (For some reason the pictures rarely captured the late night cries or the temper tantrums though).

The milestones merged and intertwined. As those of the parents our children and extended family came in seeming rapid fire. The major things, like new communities, different schools, larger houses, and changing careers. The book juxtaposes the momentous with the more mundane, but often more memorable school plays, recitals, trips, Scout ceremonies and sleepovers.

Mom pasted in all of our unique family holiday cards, each one with a different theme; putting a unique spin and perspective on another year gone by. Our late dog penned one, the house wrote another; the year with three family graduations sparked a yearbook theme for the “Lurie Academy”.

As the kids grew, their lives and pictures showed their growing maturity and interests as they emerged with their own values, goals and attitudes; tempered with what we gave them, and they explored; blended with those of friends, and for 16 years, the community that is uniquely Troy.

Our pictures (although as official family photographer, I am a rarity), continue to show the maturing and aging process; but just as vividly, the ever expanding network of interests, activities, school, family, friends, community interests and of course ongoing milestones that can only come after 30 really good years of marriage.

Happy Anniversary Barb.

Leib Lurie is First Night Troy & Troy Optimist Club board member. He is CEO of phone message service OneCallNow.com. You can reach him at Leib@Lurie.net

Or see these columns on his blog at www.llurie.blogspot.com

RE: [demletters] Join us for movie screening - Iraq war protiteers

Two new PACS working in California

 

Hi everyone – I just wanted to let people know about two new PACS in California.  Both are involved in some of our Congressional races.

Please let people know about these fledgling progressive PACs.

 

(California Peace Action seems appropriate at the Iraq war movie.)

 

Deirdre Des Jardins

Santa Cruz

 

 

 

California Peace Action

http://www.californiapeaceaction.org/

 

“Under the Bush administration’s watch, we’ve seen anti-Americanism grow around the world.  We’ve seen a push to develop a new generation of nuclear weapons.  We’ve seen a disastrous war in Iraq take a terrible toll on our troops and Iraqis, while wasting billions of dollars.

On November 7, Americans have a decision to make.  Do we want a rubber-stamp Congress that blindly follows the Bush administration?  Or do we want leadership in a new direction—one that makes America and the world a safer place?

Find out more about the candidates and join the Election Action Team.”

 

If you know people or organizations who are involved in the peace movement, please let them know about California Peace Action.

 

Ocean Champions Coalition

http://www.oceanchampions.org/

 

“the ocean conservation ccommunity has focused on policy rather than politics, and at a cost. Electoral politics is a fundamental aspect of our nation’s political process and the keystone to policy success, yet the ocean conservation community is not a factor in the electoral arena. The report’s primary conclusion is that the ocean conservation community needs to ‘participate fully in the political process’ to be more effective. Full participation means working directly to elect good candidates and defeat bad ones.”

 

If you know people or organizations who are involved with or care about the oceans, please let them know about Ocean Champions.

 

Join us for movie screening - Iraq war protiteers

Barb and I are hosting the move-on event sunday oct 15th - 2pm.

You can sign up for the party we are hosting at:

http://political.moveon.org/event/movieparty/14954

Here are the details of the event
Iraq for sale- war profiteers
At Lurie's in Troy, OH
1102 Peters rd - 1 house north of archer drive
troy, OH 45373
Sunday, 15 Oct 2006, 2:00 PM

Hope to see you there.

Justice is blind until you wave cash

There is a far away court system that metes out justice in ways that are at best peculiar, at worst smack of kangaroo justice. A Court where logic, facts, impartiality and justice are figments of imagination. Justice here is based on rampant payoffs. Where in many cases, all one needs to win is to send cash to the judge’s office. These courts make it virtually impossible for the little person to win.

The court not only takes in cash from companies that have cases before them, but in an effort to appear unbiased, reports these “contributions” to an elected official who publishes reports of the cash that changed hands.

Although the official is chartered with upholding laws that prohibit this behavior, he ignores that constitutional job and accepts statements from justices who take gobs of cash that the donations have nothing to do with their rulings from the bench. Right.

In this topsy-turvy world of justice, the people get a chance to vote for the justices; electing them to office based on the advertising the candidates place on billboards, on television and in mailings to the voters. The money for their ads come from companies that have business before the court. These firms need to win multi-billion rulings in their favor, so they sprinkle cash on judges who take the money, close their eyes to facts and rule in favor of the cash. In 215 cases, the companies involved paid almost $2 million dollars to the court. The result? 91% of the time the head justice ruled in favor of the donors.

In one case, a European conglomerate wanted to overthrow a law that demanded they stand behind badly flawed products that cause death and injury. A mere $176,000 donated to four judges and voila! A 4 to 3 ruling for the company.

Three years ago, a justice won office helped by $330,000 in cash from insurance and medical companies; the following year, with 3 other justices buoyed by $600,000 in funding voted in every case before them in favor of the insurance companies.

The law of their land limits contributions from companies to $5,500; but the top enforcement official did nothing as $200,000 was donated to the court funneled through dozens of fronts.

Our Country has spent 8 billion dollars helping Iraq to build fair courts to handle crimes and bring justice to a war torn land. But if you thought I was talking about Iraq. Think again.

The court in question is the Ohio Supreme Court. The European company was Chrysler, effectively seeking a ruling to water down Ohio’s Lemon Law.

The insurance and medical company donations convinced the court to overturn precedence and agree that many on-the-job injuries don’t need to be covered by employers. Just one in a string of 215 cases that “voted with the money” 71% of the time in recent years.

Local barrister David Beitzel asked me “why should lawyers even bother writing a brief?” evidently writing checks takes much less time.

The official who winked at donors and the justices who flaunted the campaign rules is Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. He received $160 million from the medical company that bought his firm, and who is now running for Governor under the slogan “Right for Ohio”. Unfortunately all this just seems wrong to me.

The head justice who sold 91% of his votes? Terrence O’Donnell- planning on spending $3 million of company money for re-election against William O’Neil who plans to spend just $5,000 because he takes “No Money From Nobody”. He deserves getting Every Vote From Everybody.

Leib Lurie lives and runs a communications company in Troy Ohio, USA. You can reach him at editorial@tdnpublishing.net

Or see these columns on his blog at www.llurie.blogspot.com