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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>My friends,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have seen the same thing happening on other
groups as has been happening here this week, the attacks, the barrage of emails
that are angry, etc. I think that activists, as a whole, have become very
frustrated with what we see as a lack of progress in the peace and political
fronts.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>But, do not forget that we have accomplished so
much during the last couple of years. When I first found this group in
2005 very few people in this country would speak out against Bush or his
buddies. Very few people in this country dared to speak out against the
war or question the reasons for going to war. It was a frightening,
frustrating and even, for some, hazardous time. I was a newbie and you all
took me in with open, loving arms and welcomed me to your "family".
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Impeachment is now widely spoken about and several
states are trying to get impeachment on their official books...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Alberto Gonzales is testifying in the
Senate....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The Democrats, however spineless they may sometimes
be, are in power and ARE questioning Bush's authority right and left.
Maybe not the way we would like, but it's happening.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The motives for the war in Iraq are being
questioned and attempts are being made to stop the war -- not as quickly or in
the way some of us would like, but there is progress in that
direction.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>We are questioning torture and
Gitmo...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>We have come a long way, baby. And it's only
because of people like us who did not give up, who kept pushing and coming up
with creative ways to get our ideas across that this has happened.
</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>Please do not let the events of the last week
become a further diversion from what we are trying to accomplish.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I think that we can challenge one another without
being rude, insensitive or even crude. We can question, but not attack and
accomplish what we wish to accomplish much more quickly and effectively. I
do not see this as a male/female issue. This issue is about being
courteous and kind to one another. We all do what we can in the way that
we see best or are best at. One might question my activity because I do
not go to protests nor do I go to meetings. However, there are things I do
behind the scenes that you would not necessarily see or be aware of and the same
is true of other members of this group. Do not be too quick to cast
judgement.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'm heading out of town for the weekend. I
hope you all have a safe, happy, relaxing weekend. Step back, take a
breath and just let some things go. Some things just don't matter in the
long run...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Peace,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Amy</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
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