May 4, 2008
We Can Survive, but Can We Communicate?
By Carolyn Baker and Sally Erickson of Speaking Truth To Power [As promised in my last article "Peak Civilization And The Winter Of Our Disconnect", my colleague and friend, Sally Erickson and I are offering what we believe are vitally...
May 2, 2008
Portland ILWU Strike Coverage
In spite of being told not to strike, ILWU members across the west coast did so anyhow. The spin - both in the Portland paper, and virtually all other corporate media - is that the day shift work stoppage was...
April 30, 2008
Thank You ILWU!
My hat is off to the courage of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union which has decided to stage an eight hour "stop work" on May Day (May 1) to protest the Iraq occupation. Longshore and Warehouse Union members across...
April 7, 2008
On the Lighter Side
And in the category of political satire we have ... Blimp TV. NEW BUSH COINS (Change For The Better). Dean Opperman writer and producer....
April 2, 2008
Bush Continues His Attack on the Environment and Life
Amazingly, the Bush administration seems determined to continue its environmentally destructive path to the bitter end. The National Parks Service in Yellowstone has already sent 1,200 buffalo from the last free herd to the slaughterhouse. They are now preparing to...
March 29, 2008
Give an Hour for the Earth
You can participate in the Climate Hour (an hour of power-less). Participating is simple - just turn off your lights and unnecessary electrical appliances from 8-9 pm. Sign up at Earth Hour US for more tips for saving the planet....
March 25, 2008
Tribute To A Good Woman
Last night I learned of the passing of a woman who was dear to me. Her name was Pauline Casslerjones, but she went by "Pinky." Not a name that would lead one to expect the woman who bore that moniker...
March 21, 2008
Hate Speech is Not Free Speech
I encourage you to listen to what Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (Republican) said at a gathering in her district. Hate speech is not free speech, and representative Kern needs to stand accountable for promulgating her homophobic agenda. Please sign...
Hope, Change, and Pissing in the Wind
By: Patrice Greanville and Jason Miller of Thomas Paine's Corner "Of Obama, Democrats, and the Power Elite" CHARISMATIC, ARTICULATE, SMOOTH, AND INTELLIGENT, Barrack Obama is the living embodiment of his vague, ethereal, and tantalizing messages of "hope" and "change." To...
March 18, 2008
Obama's Race and Religion Speech
Here is the video of Barack Obama's speech on race and religion given today at the Take Back America 2008 Conference. I did however find the full text of that speech. You may also read it at this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU...
March 16, 2008
Iraq Veterans Agaist the War: Winter Soldiers
We know we were lied into the war in Iraq. We know we have been lied to about the war in Iraq. The IVAW has gathered this week to tell the truth. They have also created a DVD: Winter Soldier:...
March 15, 2008
Upcoming Peace March
We have come round to yet another anniversary (the fifth) of the invasion of Iraq AND WE ARE STILL THERE! There are peace marches across the country. Check for one near you at 5 Years Too Many For those in...
Peace and a Change of Tone
The local news stations are reporting on the peace march here in Portland and I am struck by the change in tone from earlier years. Not only is the coverage longer, but instead of saying things like they didn't know...
March 13, 2008
The Palestine Chronicle Renews Its Call for Support: Help Preserve Truthful Media
Appeal from one of our authors Ramzy Baroud (ramzybaroud.net) - author of The Second Palestinian Intifada: A Chronicle of a People's Struggle (Pluto Press, 2006), and editor of PalestineChronicle.com The Palestine Chronicle (www.palestinechronicle.com) continues to appeal to its friends, supporters...
How Does Tomorrow Dream?
As the global struggle for power and resources continues, and as we mark the fifth anniversary of the United States' war of choice, this message from John Trudell rings true in one's heart. Thanks to Kelly for finding and sharing...
March 11, 2008
Shame the Blue Dogs on FISA
From Jame Hamsher at Firedog Lake A group of 21 Blue Dogs are actively pushing for telecom immunity. They recently sent a letter to Nancy Pelosi telling her that they planned to join with Republicans to pass it, and encouraged...
February 22, 2008
O'Reilly?
If you want to read a great broadside of Bill O'Reilly of Fox Un-News, I highly recommend Jason Miller's Open Letter to Bill O'Reilly. Just as a teaser: Being the avaricious and narcissistic careerist you are, you have clawed your...
February 18, 2008
Why I AM Voting
Some of the authors whose work is shared at Uncommon Thought argue their reasons why they are NOT voting. However, this does not mean that I agree with them. I will be voting, and I will continue to vote. I...
February 3, 2008
Who Wins, Oil or Arctic?
Whether to open the Chukchi Sea to exploratory oil drilling now rests in the hands Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. He plans on opening 20 million acres of the Chukchi Sea for leasing on February 6, 2008. The Chukchi...
January 25, 2008
Kucinich Withdraws from Campaign
My preferred Presidential candidate, Dennis Kucinich, announced the end on his Presidential campaign today. I was not really surprised after his being totally shut out of corporate media coverage - no debates and no news. There is no way to...
January 15, 2008
Need for Support and A Watchful Eye
Mike Hastie, a member of Veterans for Peace, and a Bronze Star Army Medic from the Vietnam War, was arrested in November for protesting at a recruiting station in Tacoma, Washington. Everyone thought that the charges would be dropped, but...
January 2, 2008
How to Win an Election, Any Election
By: Richard Backus of Uncensored Opinions All of us have just about had our fill of unconstitutional and corrupt actions by our representatives in Congress and, considering their current extremely low "favorable rating" from the public, this is an ideal...
January 1, 2008
Welcome to 2008
Hi All, Welcome to 2008. I wish for each of you and all of us a most excellent coming year. May your paths be smooth and your hearts calm. May you have great insights and be effective in your efforts...
December 29, 2007
The "Beast's" 50 Worst People of the Year
Bill sent this along, and I think it is well worth sharing - The BEAST 50 Most Loathsome People in America, 2007. While Paul Fallon (the author) has some on the list whom I would not include, he also includes...
November 16, 2007
Pause to Remember and Support
Today is the three year anniversary of the killings at the Hacienda Luisita sugar mill in the Philippines. Workers were peacefully protesting (by picketing the mill) the stealing of the land by Cojuangco clan who owns the sugar mill when...
November 13, 2007
Oh For Crying Out Loud
Sorry. While you have your fingers warmed up from the last set of emails and phone calls. Send an Email to keep birth control affordable....
Push the Dems to Do the Right Thing
Ok folks, time to build the calluses on your fingers. Several items to push the Dems on. 1. Send the message "No More Funds for Iraq." 2. Join the Democratic Donor Strike. 3. Keep pushing to impeach Cheney. Contact John...
November 7, 2007
Xylitol Poisonous For Dogs
This is for the dog lovers and the dog people in your life. Xylitol, a sweetener increasingly used in chewing gum, candy, cookies, and even toothpaste, is potentially fatal to dogs. While humans process only a small percentage of xylitol,...
November 6, 2007
Damn Dems
Well, as you have all heard, HR 333 made it past the attempt to table it, but got sent to the Judiciary Committee in short order. The word is the Conyer's has been told to sit on it. Dennis Kucinich...
Kucinich Introduces Cheney Impeachment Resolution
Dennis Kucinich has introduced H. Res. 333 Articles of Impeachment Against Vice President Richard B. Cheney. A motion to table was defeated, however the effort at the moment is to send it to the Judiciary Commission rather than bringing it...
October 28, 2007
Fox "News"
Most folks who read Uncommon Thought already know that Fox News is quite short on "news." Now we have confirmation from Brian Wilson, a FNC Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief. At a presentation before student journalists at Texas Tech,...
October 23, 2007
California and Disaster Accountability Project
Southern California continues to burn and more than 500,000 people have been evacuated. This will be a disaster long after the fires are out. While the diaster response seems to be improved over Katrina, there are likely issues that need...
October 15, 2007
New Site for your examination
I am not sure if you have stumbled across it in your web-wanderings, but I recommend Blue Washington TV. Tim at Blue Washington collects the highlights of the shows you may be enjoying. The site has quite an array of...
October 14, 2007
Portland "TOPOFF 4" October 15-19
Starting tomorrow Portland, Oregon (and Phoenix AZ, and Guam) will be the site of a "simulated" terrorist attack with a "dirty bomb." A radioactive substance is scheduled to be released so that live tracking of the plume can be observed...
October 3, 2007
Cry for Burma, But Take Action
The news leaks out of Burma of brutal repression by the Junta in power for 40 years. Brave people on the ground send out news and pictures to an international network of Burmese bloggers. Peaceful protests is met with force...
September 24, 2007
Mindful Economics
I must say that I never thought I would enjoy reading an economics book, but one has come to my attention that is just that - a enjoyable and interesting read. The book is Mindful Economics: Understanding American Capitalism and...
September 22, 2007
Stand Up For Peace and Justice
The week of September 22nd - September 29th will be full of activities across the country calling for peace in Iraq and bringing the U.S. troops home. Check with your local Peace and Anti-war organizations for specific actions happening in...
September 2, 2007
Gathering Draws 100
The commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of Nuremberg Action's to protest the shipment of arms to Central America, and resulted in a Naval train running over Brian Willson severing his legs drew about 100 people. The event made the San...
August 31, 2007
An Acknowledgement of Resistance
September 1, 2007 marks the 20 year anniversary of an action of conscience and resistance by Vietnam War veteran S. Brian Willson. On September 1, 1987, Brian Willson placed himself on the tracks of a naval train out of Concord,...
August 9, 2007
Great Video Resource Site
I don't know whether you have run across FreeDocumentaries.org in your web travels, but it is a boon to those of us who are into political films by independent producers. The good folks at Free Documentaries believe that information is...
July 8, 2007
The Birth of a New Environmental Movement?
With the apparent success of yesterday's Live Earth concerts, one has to ask whether something new is being born. It is reported that the broadcasts reached 2 billion people. That is almost one-third of the population of the planet. If...
July 7, 2007
Live Earth Access
If you don't have access to the Sundance Channel and the Live Earth Concerts, you can watch it live at liveearth.msn.com. The site also has access to the videos shown during the concert. There are also links to a number...
June 23, 2007
Tell Your Representative: Repeal 'Dont Ask, Don't Tell'
This is clearly a policy that was dumb to start with and has only gotten dumber. It is time to repeal it it. To let your representatives know how you feel, you can send a letter from Act for Change....
May 23, 2007
Portlanders! The Chainsaws Are Coming. Act!
The Port of Portland is preparing to cut down 225 trees during nesting season. This information and action alert from the Audubon Society. The Port of Portland is currently in the process of cutting down 225 trees along Airport Way...
April 25, 2007
Bill Moyers Is Back!
Bill Moyers is back and this evening was the Buying the War. The link will take you to the page that has links to streaming video of the program - just in case you missed it. Moyers now also has...
April 12, 2007
Vonnegut - In Our Faces In Our Hearts
Official Kurt Vonnegut Site Another Prophet Dies: Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007) Vonnegut's opinion on bad leaders --- "*"...
March 27, 2007
Time Running Out on Public Comment on Cloned Meat
I am republishing this article as a reminder that the end of the public comment period is ending. If you do not want to write to the FDA directly, please sign the petition at The Petition Site. As you have...
March 22, 2007
Dogs for Peace
From the March 18, 2007 peace march in Portland, Oregon Photo courtesy of Hegemony Cricket (aka Kelly). Sorry, I don't know either the dog or its person....
March 17, 2007
Interview With Joel Hirschhorn
Jason Miller at Thomas Paine's Corner has a nice interview with Joel Hirschhorn. Joel is one of the newer authors featured here at Uncommon Thought Journal. He is also deeply involved in Friends of the Article Five Convention. Article V...
Stop the War! Troops Home Now!
Portland will join cities across the country in calling for an end to the war in Iraq, and to call our troops home on Sunday, March 18th. The Information below is for the Portland Oregon activities. This is a permitted...
March 13, 2007
Sibel Edmonds Needs Your Support
From an Email appeal I received. Let Sibel Edmonds Speak Urge Congressman Waxman to prompt hearings on the case of FBI Whistleblower Sibel Edmonds This week, more than 30 'good government' groups sent a petition to the House Committee on...
March 11, 2007
What I Heard About Iraq - Portland
On Monday March 19th, Portland will join a multitude of cities participating in a worldwide reading of Simon Levy's WHAT I HEARD ABOUT IRAQ to commemorate and protest the 4th anniversary of the invasion of that country. ["What I Heard...
March 9, 2007
Fight the FCC!
From the folks at FCC FU (There is also a heavy metal version at the FCC FU site) Thanks to Kelly for finding this one!...
March 5, 2007
Call-In for Peace
The following announcement is copied from a Progressive Democrats of America action appeal. Join with Progressive Democrats of America members/supporters this Tuesday, March 6 and call Congress: 1- 888-851-1879. Join the national Call-In for Peace. PDA and its allies are...
February 7, 2007
National Boycott to Impeach Bush
A national coalition called We're Not Buying It is calling for a week long national boycott from April 15th (tax day) to April 22 (Earth Day). The National Coordinator is Lew Brown, and one of the primary organizers is sociologist...
February 1, 2007
Your Alertness is Needed
Shawna's (a member of the UTJ community) daughter has run away, and your help is needed in locating her. Full information is listed at Missing Kids Network. I have also included it here. Suzanne Rieger is from Hillsboro Oregon and...
January 29, 2007
A Deeper Look at Jason Miller
One of the regular contributors here at Uncommon Thought is Jason Miller of Thomas Paine's Corner. Carolyn Baker of Speaking Truth to Power recently interviewed Jason, The interview provides insight into the human being and the writer. Jason has traveled...
January 27, 2007
Lighten Your Heart
One of our dear friends here at UTJ is Bill. He has a special sense of timing and heart. I, probably like many of you, have been under a cloud as bad news in the world continues to roll in....
Winning Iraq - There IS A Different Plan
Bush says that there is no plan other than his plan for Iraq. Obviously that is not true - remember to Iraq Study Group. However, there is an other plan, and a much more detailed plan than Bush's "surge." It...
January 24, 2007
When Abortion Was Illegal
I encourage folks to read the short editorial by J. Michael Taylor, M.D. titled"What it Meant When Abortion Was Illegal." The article addresses not only the devastation of lives that illegal abortion promoted, but what the concept "compassionate conservative" ought...
State of the Union and Response
Here is the transcript of President Bush's 2007 State of the Union address. Here is the transcript of the Democratic response by Senator Jim Webb....
January 21, 2007
Draft of Portland Peak Oil Recommendations Released for Public Comment
After months of research and work, the Portland Peak Oil Task Force has released the draft of its findings and recommendations for public review and comment....
January 15, 2007
Vote for Lewis Black
Lewis Black is my favorite comedians in this age of insanity. Comedy Central is having a "contest," and Black is on the list. Here is the link to the voting selection:...
January 11, 2007
Transcript of President Bush's Address to Nation on U.S. Policy in Iraq
Here is the transcript of President Bush's speech of 1/10/07. Also accessible at The NY Times...
December 6, 2006
Iraq Study Group Report
Following are links to copies of the Iraq Study Group Report which has just been released. I will comment on it later after I have a chance to read it. For now, these link directly to the report. Uncommon Thought...
December 5, 2006
Stop Exapanded Offshore Drilling Now
The Republicans are trying to get through their laundry list before the exit stage right. Tonight the House is voting to expand offshore drilling. Please contact your Congressperson immediately. Below is an excerpt of the email I received from the...
November 29, 2006
There Must Be Limits On What Is Considered Terrorism
The government is stretching the legal definition of terrorism way too far. First it was extended with the U.S.A.P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act. Then a number of states jumped on board with ecoterrorism legislation. Now the we have the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act...
November 27, 2006
State Senator Town Hall on Biofuels
Oregon State Senator Ginny Burdick (District 18) is having a toen hall meeting on biofuels at Portland State University. The meeting will be on December 5th, at 7pm in the Cascade Room. See extended entry for the announcement and contact...
November 21, 2006
Do You Dream About Drowning Polar Bears?
Do you dream about drowning polar bears, weary seals, and starving walruses? I do. Each day the ice gets thinner. Polar bears swim over 80 miles, and finding neither ice nor food, they drown. I have thought and thought about...
November 19, 2006
Thoughts and Musings
I keep stumbling across things that stand out for me and I wanted to pass them on. First, information for Veterans. The military is using a hemophilia drug used to treat rare forms of leukemia on the troops. The drug...
November 18, 2006
Shall The Cradle Fall?
Africa, the home of the human race. Science indicates she birthed us. She nurtured our infancy. Some went out from her to spread across the Earth. Others stayed and continued an unbroken relationship with our birthplace. Africa was, and is,...
November 17, 2006
Beyond Oil Conference
For those in the Portland, OR area ... On Saturday Nov. 18, 2006, there is a Beyond Oil Conference and Reception being held at Smith Memorial Union at PSU. (Multicultural Center room 228) from 9am-4:30pm. Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility...
November 12, 2006
Just a Little Love and Inspiration
All can't be lost when things like this happen Free Hugs Campaign: or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4...
November 9, 2006
Winning and Losing - Random Thoughts
So the Dems seem to have (in Bush's words) given the Republicans a "thumpin." That does not mean that the real problems with electronic voting have suddenly disappeared. However, that "thumpin" is likely to take folks eyes off the issues....
November 8, 2006
A Necessary Shift Part 2: Global Mindshift
In an effort to expand the horizon of possibility during a time when it seems we are standing on the horizon, I started searching around for "something different." My new top site in the "new" category is Global Mindshift. The...
Elections Message Sent
In my state and across the country voters sent a message - though what that message is exactly will be debated. The Democrats took back the House and the Senate hangs on a thread. Perhaps the most clear message of...
November 1, 2006
A Necessary Shift Part 1: WorldChanging
WorldChanging is an organization and website aimed at solutions to our environmental problems. They are releasing a new book tomorrow called WorldChanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century (at Amazon). I have seen a copy of the book and...
October 26, 2006
How Can We Stand For This? Torture USA
I must say that I felt like screaming or vomiting or both upon reading Tom Regan's CSM article "Cheney Confirms Use of Waterboarding." It discusses a radio interview that VP Cheney did with WDAY Radio in Fargo, N.D. on 10/24/06....
October 23, 2006
Oregon Vote - The Way I'm Leaning
There are important issues on the ballot in Oregon. I decided to go public with how I intend to vote and why. I feel that this is important because a growing voice is promoting "no" on everything as a protest....
October 3, 2006
Get Out the Vote
Time is rapidly running out for folks to get registered so they can vote in the November elections. This vote, like all of them in recent times is critical. Our democracy, our rights, and so much else is riding on...
September 27, 2006
Act Now on Military Commissions Bill
Immediate Action Needed I urge you to contact your Senators now to vote against the Military Commissions Bill (see this post for information about the bill). The Senate is likely to vote within the next 24 hours. You can find...
September 8, 2006
Give ABC A Piece of Your Mind
As you have probably heard, ABC is planning on showing a "docudrama" called "The Path to 9/11." The material is inaccurate and politically biased. In fact, education sites have pulled the "resource curriculum" from their sites. I encourage you to...
September 6, 2006
Act To Save WIld Horses
Notice From the ASPCA: With a vote on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503) expected this week, your support is urgently needed! Wednesday, September 6, is the national call-in day for constituents to urge House members to permanently...
September 4, 2006
Steven Irwin Dead At 44
I am not big on "personalities" and "stars," but Steven Irwin was special. While he was wild, entertaining, and supercharged, his love of animals and passion for saving them showed through all the time. In my opinion, he was the...
August 23, 2006
Peak Moment Television
I had the great experience of being interviewed by the Yuba Gals - producers of Peak Moment Television. Peak Moment is a project of the for Alliance for a Post-Petroleum Local Economy (APPLE) out of Nevada City, California. They are...
June 6, 2006
Take Action and Get Involved For Women's Rights
I want to share two different issues with you and I hope you take action on both of them. First, On June 30th at Hoffmann Hall at Portland State University there will be a conference on Battered Women and Justice....
May 2, 2006
Stephen Colbert At The Correspondent's Dinner
You may have missed the much talked about 20 minute monologue by Stephen Colbert at this weekend's Correspondent's Dinner. If so, someone at youtube got it. It is in 3 parts, and the links are below. I must say, that...
May 1, 2006
May 1 Activities In Support Of Immigrants
WORKERS UNITE FOR JUSTICE Tomorrow is May 1st, and across the country there are numerous events and actions planned. I recommend checking Independent Media, and then find locations near you for specific rallies. While marches are planned across the country,...
March 19, 2006
Marching For Peace
Yesterday and today people across the world are marking the third grim anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The US government marked the date with a massive shock and awe campaign in Samarra (Operation Swarmer). People are marking the...
March 8, 2006
Yet Another Matriarch Passes - Octavia Butler
As regular readers of Uncommon Thought know, I am a science fiction reader. Not long ago I wrote of Andre Norton's passing. Now the world has lost another precious voice - that of Octavia Butler. She died on February 24,...
February 28, 2006
Excellent articles
I came across two excellent articles and want to recommend them to you. The first is a piece by Paul Krugman which was published in the 2/27/06 NY Times, and then in the Oregonian - "Graduates Versus Oligarchs. In it...
February 9, 2006
The Torch Must Pass
In short order, we have lost three matriarchs of social equality - Rosa Parks, Betty Friedan, and now Coretta Scott King. I teach at a community college, and I know first hand that all too many of the coming generation...
January 8, 2006
Dog Owner Alert - Please Pass On
At least 19 brands of Diamond Pet Food has been recalled because it contains a deadly toxin which is killing dogs. The word on the recall is apparently not getting out and over 100 dogs have died (there is also...
December 20, 2005
Act Now To Save ANWR
We are at the wall on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Alaska Senator attached opening ANWR for drilling to the Defense budget appropriations. Now that budget will come to a vote of the Senate. Senator Gordon Smith of...
November 30, 2005
Help Those Who Take A Stand
Dear UTJ community. For almost a year now you have been reading about the journey and trials of Sgt. Kevin Benderman and his wife Monica. Monica has contributed a number of articles to this site. The Benderman's have taken a...
November 18, 2005
EPA To Allow Pesticide Testing On Orphans And Mentally Handicapped Children
This alert comes from the Organic Consumers Association Send a letter to EPA here! Note: Concerns about Snopes or other questions are answered here Friday, November 18, 2005 Public Comment Period for this rule Closes December 12, 2005 Public comments...
November 1, 2005
ANWR Urgent Alert
I received urgent alerts from the NRDC and The Wilderness Society that a final vote on allowing drilling in ANWR will likely occur early next week. We are three votes away from blocking passage. The NRDC is raising money for...
Rosa Parks In My Life
Rosa Parks lived a life that impacted us all in one way or another. When she took her stand on a Montgomery bus I was too young to know about it. Later, as the Civil Rights movement gained strength and...
October 26, 2005
The World Can't Wait
On November 2nd, activities are happening across the country to mobilize the reclamation of our country from the grip of the forces that are currently in charge. It is called World Can't Wait and you can check out the website...
Today is Day of Vigils
Yesterday, the 2000th U.S. soldier officially died in Iraq.Today, there are vigils across the country to recognize that loss, and call for brining the troops home. In Portland Oregon, that vigil will start at 5:00 pm at Terry Strunk Plaza...
September 28, 2005
Congress to Vote on Endangered Species Act
I urge you to call your Congressional Representative Thursday morning and ask them to vote against H.R. 3824 ("Wildlife Extinction") sponsored by Richard Pombo (R-CA). Information, and the phone number for your representative is available at Defenders of Wildlife. Pombro's...
September 25, 2005
News from September 24 Anti-War March
Marches against the war in Iraq merged with anti-globalization protests across the world. The turnout in Washington, D.C. exceeded the expectation of 100,000 with over 300,000 showing up. Here is a collection of stories about the protests in the U.S....
September 24, 2005
Today is the Day to Connect the Dots
All across the country and in Washington, D.C., people are gathering to make their voices heard against the war in Iraq. Check the Independent Media outlet for your area to get calendars of activities. You can also send a letter...
September 23, 2005
Take Action
In this time of cascading disasters depression can set in. Our hearts are wrenched one direction then another. Most of you have probably contributed to various Katrina rescue efforts. We can also take some preventative action by contacting our representatives....
September 20, 2005
Site of Interest
Hi Folks, I want to introduce you to a site you may or may not be familiar with. The site is Fountainhead. Anwaar Hussain, and other writers on the site, offer some excellent analyses of issues of national and international...
Writers Take Note
Rita J. King, an award winning journalist, is sponsoring a project at her blog Ruminations on America. She is inviting 1000 word (maximum) essay submissions to share your "provocative, insightful or intimate thoughts to share on the state of the...
September 13, 2005
Act Now to Save ANWR
The time to take action to save the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge is NOW. Various environmental organizations have joined together in this fight. You may join the email campaign at Arctic Refuge Action. Additionally, the Wilderness Society is registering for...
September 11, 2005
Must Read Newsweek Article
I encourage everyone to read the September, 19th Newsweek article now available online - How Bush Blew It - by Evan Thomas. It paints a rather distressing portrait of just what it's like to work in the Bush Whitehouse. In...
September 6, 2005
Animals of the Storm
Katrina and its aftermath have, and are, devastating the lives of hundreds of thousands. It is also devastating the lives of the animals who live in human care. There are those in New Orleans who are refusing to evacuate because...
September 3, 2005
Resources of Note
Hi Folks, I wanted to pass along some resources that might be of interest. First is a "Wiki" map of Katrina at scipionus.com Here is the homepage for WLBT out of Jackson Mississippi which has a lot of good information...
August 23, 2005
You Can Help Fight Breast Cancer
The woman who may need this free mammogram may someday be someone you know.... A favor to ask It only takes a minute.... (actually, about 15 seconds!)..... Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is...
August 21, 2005
Peak Oil Hits Corporate Media
Your input is requested at the end of this article. Please pitch in with your ideas. Well peak oil is finally hitting the corporate media - though national television hasn't said much of substance yet. In my Sunday local paper...
August 18, 2005
Cindy Sheehan Vigils
Last night my partner and I joined about 185 other folks at the vigil at Eastport Plaza (Portland, Oregon). Having attended most of the anti-war rallies in Portland since before the invasion of Iraq, I was surprised at the number...
August 14, 2005
My Take On What's Coming
I guess I'm feeling pretty grim these days. In the last week, I have seen numerous "news" reports on the increasing gasoline prices. Even when they discuss supply and demand, they make it sound like a temporary problem. I guess...
Portland Peak Oil
The website for the Portland Peak Oil group is up an running - thanks to Emily, Jeremy, and others. The meeting schedule for the group, and lots of excellent information composes the new site. It is an excellent resource whether...
August 13, 2005
Cynthia McKinney's 9/11 Congressional Briefing To Be Aired
On July 22, Representative Cynthia McKinney organized a Congressional briefing on the 9/11 Commission Report. Cspan will show the proceeding in full in two parts. Part I: Weds, Aug 31 8-11:30pm .... Part II: Fri, Sept. 2 8-11pm. For more...
August 9, 2005
Act To Support Cindy Sheehan
You can take action to support Cindy Sheehan, the mother who is in Crawford, Texas waiting to speak to George Bush. There are various actions taking place all over the country, a Petition which will take just a moment of...
August 7, 2005
Sundance Channel Airs Atomic Documentaries
The Sundance Channel is airing three documentaries on Hiroshima and atomic and nuclear weapons. The Original Child Bomb is referred to as "provocative," and includes military archival footage which has been held as "top secret." Also showing are "Star Wars...
August 6, 2005
Help Cindy Sheehan Get Answers from George Bush
Below is an important message from Cindy Sheehan, a fearless champion for peace who lost her son Casey in combat in Iraq last year. I urge you to sign the OutOfIraq.org petition so Cindy can deliver your signature to George...
August 1, 2005
Portland Oregon and Surrounds Announcement
Living Earth is having First Friday Community Potluck & Discussion on Friday, August 5, 6:30-9:00 pm at Laurelhurst Park, Picnic Area B, at SE 35th Ave. Pine (entrance to the park.) Living Earth has hosted community potlucks every month since...
July 24, 2005
Good Commentary by Mark Fiore
Mark Fiore's comic commentary on Karl Rove is worth watching: Double Super-Secret Background...
July 6, 2005
The Battle Over the Supreme Court
As you all know by now, the battle is already starting over the nominations to the Supreme Court (and Bush hasn't even announced a list yet). The choice has very long term implications - in part because of the role...
June 28, 2005
Access To Policy Reports
A new site has started that provides public access to government reports. Open CRS (Congressional Research Reports). This is a collaborative project headed by The Center for Democracy and Technology. The Open CRS site makes public domain reports by the...
June 24, 2005
Media Censorship at its Worst!
By: Jack Dalton Yesterday I received an email (it is below) telling me that progressive talk radio host, and Vietnam veteran, Chris Moore had been given the boot at radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA. For one, Chris is the...
June 17, 2005
Take Action - Guantanamo & PATRIOT Act
With pressures rising on US elected representatives to rein in the empire, now is a prime time to act. The question of the existence of Guantanamo, and the rights of those being held "in perpetuity," is being debated. The ACLU...
June 15, 2005
Take Action To Stop Global Warming
You probably are on a number of environmental mailing lists, as am I. However, energy and climate legislation is up for a vote. Your voice, and your financial support are needed. I am sure there are other campaigns going on,...
June 14, 2005
Oregon Voters Alert
Oregon Senate Bill 1073 allowing civil unions for same sex couples is before the legislature and time is running out. Passage of this bill would allow some protections for same sex couples. If you support fairness and equity under the...
June 12, 2005
Another Document Surfaces From UK - Conditions for military action
On May 1, 2005, the Times of London released the The secret Downing Street memo which has been called the "smoking gun" that the Bush administration had already decided to invade Iraq in 2002. Now the Times of London has...
June 1, 2005
The Downing Street Memo, and Conyer's Petition
With the British release of the now infamous "Downing Street Memo" which clearly shows that Bush was 1) "fixing" intelligence to legitimate and invasion of Iraq, and 2) was trying to provoke Hussein into an attack, John Conyers and 88...
May 26, 2005
Support Sibel Edmonds And Support the Truth
Sibel Edmonds is the FBI contractor who went public with information that the FBI and State Department were not releasing critical information about 9/11. She had a gag order placed on her and was fired from her job. She is...
May 19, 2005
Call Your Senator
From True Majority It looks like the votes of just eight key Senators will determine whether the Senate retains the ability to block the most extreme judges from getting lifetime tenure in federal courts - including the Supreme Court. (1)...
May 7, 2005
Introducing Jack's Weblog
Jack Dalton, whose articles I frequently publish here at Uncommon Thought, has branched out and started his own weblog Straight-Speak. Jack is a real resource of information and advocacy for those fighting Big Brother - Hence the name of his...