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U T A H   V O I C E S

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Press Contact: Greg Felice       

August 14, 2006                                                                                   801-979-2210

                                                                                                            utahvoices@gmail.com

 

Concerned Utahns of all affiliations putting politics aside to stage protest during President Bush’s visit

A recently formed group of Utah citizens including veterans, professionals, retirees, students, business owners, and clergy, is massing an entirely new kind of rally to coincide with President Bush and Secretary Condoleeza Rice’s visit to the American Legion convention.

The rally will be on August 30th, 2006, from 11am-1pm on the West Side of Washington Square Park, and is expected to draw thousands.

“Even here in Utah, the reddest state in the nation, we feel an obligation to speak out. More and more Americans are agreeing on one point: The Bush administration and its supporters in Congress are hurting America.” says Penny Breiman, a local businessperson and one of the event’s participants.

With organizers comprised of Utahns from both sides of the political spectrum, interest in the event has been unprecedented.

“You hear Utahns everywhere voicing serious concerns about this administration, in hushed tones. We think it’s time point out the elephant in the corner”, states David Pace, another participant. “Republicans and Democrats are gravely concerned about the Bush administration, with the misguided war in Iraq as the tip of the iceberg. We want leadership for a safe, strong, and prosperous America. We want a way forward that encourages America’s growth while integrating common-sense policies on the environment. We’re just not getting that from this administration, or from the rubber stamp congress that supports them.”

Reflecting the broader audience of those concerned, the atmosphere of this event is decidedly centrist. “I’m dressing nicely for the event, and I’m asking my friends to do the same.”, says Misty Fowler, who plans on attending the event.

The rally will consist of a mixture of speakers from across the political spectrum, local bands, and classical musicians, among others.


For more information, visit www.utahvoices.org.

Adding to My Campaign Platform

I did a lot of thinking over the weekend, while I was camping and hiking, about things I’d like to add to my campaign platform. One idea that came as a result of my hiking experience this weekend is one that I plan to formalize this more for my campaign website:

  • ATV use in recreational areas:
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  • Dave Lippman and

    Last night was the National Committee Meeting Fundraiser, featuring Dave Lippman, singer songwriter and comedian (with his act as George Shrub) and Anne Feeney, “union maid, hellraiser and labor singer”.

    It was fantastic. I’ve seen Dave before but not Anne. If you ever have the chance to go see them, DO. It was great to hear good music and lyrics, be entertained and support our national party.

    I was able to take a few photos:


    Sad, but true

    Tonight I read a piece called Why People Don’t Get Involved, about an activist planning meeting that turned some folks off because a group of folks insisted on getting their own way.

    It’s very sad, but, unfortunately, very true, as much as I hate to admit it.

    It’s hard to be an activist working towards collective change these days.

    August 30 Bush/Rice Visit to SLC

    I will be helping with publicity and outreach for the event being planned for the Bush/Rice visit ot Salt Lake on August 30.

    Since I have been out of town recently I will be unable to participate in face to face meetings, however email is a wonderful thing!

    For updates, please visit Utah Voices, a website designed specifically for this event. I have also syndicated its feed to my Friends List (click “Dee’s Connections” on the top sidebar.).

    Busy!

    Well, if I thought my summer was going to be carefree and laid back…..NOT!

    I’m having fun, though. I leave late tomorrow afternoon for my drive to Maryland to see my family. We should arrive in Maryland on Sunday. While there we will spend time on the eastern shore and just hanging out with my children, my parents, and my siblings and their families.

    We will leave Maryland around July 23 or 24 to drive to Tuscon for the Green Party of the United States National Committee Meeting in Tuscon, which will take place July 27 – 30. We plan to drive along the Texas/Mexican border on the way there and while in Tuscon, we hope to take a field trip to the border to witness the barriers that are being built.

    From Tuscon we will drive home to West Jordan and plan to be back by August 1.

    In the meantime, we have successfully prepared our gardens for our absence and are continuing to very actively engage in activism (and plan to stay engaged even while en route in our travels – email and phone are wonderful tools!). Beginning last night we are involved in a youth leadership conference, as part of the Community of Caring Initiative, with three of our students from school which continues today and into tomorrow. Today’s activities should be interesting as we are taking a field trip to Lee Caldwell’s ranch in Leehi – he is a Horse Whisperer.

    Onward!

    Twilight Concert Series – Michael Franti

    Thursday evening I am going to attend the Twilight Concert Series opening concert, featuring Michael Franti & Spearhead:

    Michael Franti & Spearheadcreate an ultra-infectious mix of classic soul, funk and hip-hop culminating in a unique and powerful blend. Frontman Michael Franti has been important in the world of music for years, fi rst emerging as a quick-tongued rapper fronting the groundbreaking hip-hop group the Beatnigs, followed by the highly critically acclaimed Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. Fusing superb musicality with politically-charged lyrics, Michael Franti & Spearhead use their music as a vehicle for social conscience, maintaining a positive attitude while tackling some of today’s most complicated issues. Michael Franti has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Nirvana and U2.

    Michael Franti walks the talk. I have admired him for quite awhile. I was priveleged to hear him perform in Park City a couple of years ago. Here is what is documented in Wikipedia:
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    Free Speech – Use It Or Lose It

    That’s the motto for  Freeway Blogger , which has some great ideas for excerising one’s free speech – outside the typical rally-type events. They also have a daily web log.

     

    New Communities

    I have recently created two new communities:

    The Art of Grandparenting

    and

    Progressive Grandparents

    Poets and Cheerleaders Slam at Slamdance

    Last night’s Slamdance Film Festival‘s very first Poetry Slam was a huge success!

    It was held at Free Speech Zone in Sugarhouse.

    Poets from across the country participated. Salt Lake’s Radical Cheerleaders, Pom Poms Not Bomb Bombs made an appearance!

    I have posted photos here of the event.


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