Please take a minute or two to scan this posting and then please read Molly Ivins column at the link pasted at the end of today's blog if you still have any doubts on the importance of this issue.

Because I know it can strengthen the democratic process, I have been active in campaign finance reform for years. If you can afford $5 you can impact one of the better laws now under attack. We need more such laws on the books, not less, so such laws in other states impact all of us Americans.

Wealthy special interests are trying to eliminate the comprehensive campaign finance reform law in Arizona, the Clean Elections Act. These moneyed interests have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. But there is a national campaign of thousands of citizens to counter this big money with a large number of five dollar and up contributions.
 
It is time to take back our country from the special interests. The Clean Elections system does that by allowing candidates to run for office without any big contributions.

I recently gave a contribution to Public Campaign Action Fund for their Keep Arizona Clean campaign and pledged to be a Friend-Raiser to raise 25 contributions from friends and family. I hope my blog readers will want to help me reach my goal. Together we can make a very positive difference.

Just five dollars can make a big difference when the sums are multiplied. You can charge it or mail in a contribution, fyi. Explore both alternatives at this secure website: https://secure.ga3.org/03/az_friendraising_00038

Thank you so much -- and go see Fahrenheit 9-11 and then vote in November.

Smiles and peace hugs,
Kate Anne
NYC

PS A copy of Molly Ivins column on this topic and others are available online at the Texas Star-Telegram website. This link may connect you (though you may have to sign in --sorry): http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/columnists/molly_ivins/8963918.htm?1c

Cheney continues to lie about an Iraq/al-Qaeda connection. Of course, now there IS one -- we created it. So much anger in the world and our U.S. actions have only inflamed, not quenched, the fires. "We must be the change we see in the world" -- so we must be truth and peace and love. Not an easy mission, but let us find the energy to take those small steps and move on....

My to do list overflows, but I seek order in playing a silly computer game, Bounce Out. It is easier to line up things just right THERE than in the world. Having been away, my email abounds. Yet time off IS important. Finding time for family and friends as well as housework and peacework is essential. And I look back fondly on another commandment told to me by Fr. John Mulqueen: "Thou shalt not should on thyself today." Breathe, release, breathe, release. And then decide, with God's help: What shall I do today? Post this and go to work, surely -- but first some websites to remember:

http://www.flylady.net/-- on finding order in one's home and life -- good ideas for making positive personal change (It IS all connected!!)

http://www.northernsun.com/ -- They've begun advertising on AirAmericaRadio.com -- Very searchable site by item and topic. such as Tshirts-Adult AND Peace -- on my to-buy list. item #1955: Great T-shirt there, White and black on olive. WAR, WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? "Rewriting history, Creating a diversion, Eliminating surplus labor, Feeding the arms industry, Environmental degradation, Increasing the budget deficit, Maximizing fear and control, Eroding personal freedoms, squandering resources, spreading famine, death...." ABSOLUTELY NOTHING [Be a walking bulletin board for peace! "Read my chest!"]
~~~
Part of my schtick is this personal quotation, "I'm trying to save the world -- and so far I have succeeded: It's still here."

Thank God for TruthOut! I was wondering if I were the only one questioning the canonization of Ronald Reagan. This is too good of an article not to share. Go to William Rivers Pitt's column at http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/060704A.shtml. Paul Krugman in the NY Times has a good article, too: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/08/opinion/08KRUG.html

Let us pray: rest in peace, Ronald. But let's not forget Iran-Contra, the huge budget deficits, and his support of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden..... No, it really isn't Saint Ronald.

Found wisdomofken (http://liberalstuff.typepad.com/wisdomofken/) off one of the blog list sites and read his comments about religion and faith in politics and politicians. Some good stuff there and I posted a response:

Vivid -- and valid -- expression, your comment,
"The notion that faith is a purely private matter and contributes nothing but a moral urge to do what is right and just is an impoverished, insipid view of things."

Faith in action is important, but God-faith, as opposed to organized-religion faith, is preferable in pols and presidents. The ONE God of us all, as opposed to the divisive God of Dubya Bush, would help things along toward peace and justice -- God as UNI-fier.

Bush simpers and "charms" and spouts words of God, but his God isn't mine. Mine is a God of us all and of true peace and real justice, which would put an end to the hold of the Bush corporate contributors.

I do so wish that Kerry would be more passionate and caring. I don't feel God in him -- and this God presence does not need to be voiced, I don't feel the Spirit, the inspiration which, if there, would pull people toward him. We do so need a president who would be a true UNIfier, uniting us to one and other, and to the world.

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This is my own personal peace blog and I can have my own personal preferences for president. But let it be said, since I do mention FOR and my connection to it rather prominently, that the Fellowship of Reconciliation makes no presidential or political endorsements. That said, it would be terrific if I as a private citizen could have someone I could enthusiastically vote FOR, rather than merely voting AGAINST someone and his worse policies.

As the song goes, "You've got to -- Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, and don't mess with Mr. In-between." Sadly, in today's political climate, we're having to do more compromising than I would prefer, but let's not forget compromise plays an important part in politics. Keep our pols in our prayers -- and pray that good people enter politics. (Consider it YOURSELF!!)

Smiles, peace, and blessings in abundance to ONE and ALL
-- Kate Anne