Right now, well over 150,000 people are in Washington, DC at an anti-war rally -- that is the current estimate. In addition, tens of thousands of people are also gathering in San Francisco today to protest war. I have one simple thing to say: regardless of whether there are moral or practical grounds to go to war, there is SIGNIFICANT dissenting opinion in this country, and abroad. George Bush is wrong when he says this country speaks with one voice. As I'm watching this on C-SPAN, I'm struck by the overwhelming diversity of races, religions, ages, and backgrounds of the people speaking and attending. These aren't all liberals and radicals, college students, what have you -- these are normal people like you and me.
I just want you to know, if you think this war is bullshit, you are not alone.
There are rallies going on this weekend in India, South Korea, Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Italy, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium to speak out against Bush and his Iraqi war agenda.
September 7: 20,000 in SF.
September 10: thousands in NYC.
September 28: 4-500,000 in Britain. 100,000 in Rome. tens of thousands in Cairo, Berlin, Madrid, Dublin, Sydney, and New Zealand.
October 5-6: 20,000 in NYC. thousands in LA, SF, Portland, Oregon, and more US cities. 1,500,000 in Italy. 1,100 in Belgium and 300 in Australia arrested outside U.S. bases.
In September, we had protesters during presidential visits to Flagstaff, Phoenix, Houston, and Trenton, New Jersey. Over 3,500 in Denver protested Bush's visit there.
Is it unpatriotic, un-American, or anti-American to believe or speak out against this war? How can it be? I have my own reasons for believing that war is wrong and must be stopped if we hope to curb terrorism against the US, or to retain any shred of dignity amongst the people of the world. But I won't talk about those now -- right now I just want people to hear, whatever our specific differences, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Don't be afraid to speak your mind, and listen. Peace.
P.S. [13:40] They're over 200,000 now, and soon they'll start marching on the Capitol.
Mom came in last night for a visit. She spent a few days in SF with Euni and Bob, and will be going next to see Alex (who went to Oberlin with a decided shortage of clothes). She has helped me finally figure out how to deal with the half-prepared Korean food that's been languishing in my freezer for years. I might even be a downright guru-in-the-making here with all the new knowledge I've gained. Hmmm, maybe I should write some of this down.
Last time she visited, she introduced to me the magic of higher quality (and more esoteric, at least to my prior mindset) prepared (aka "instant") foods. I've been working that into my rotation (not to imply there is anything regular about it), and in fact even in turn introduced the magic to some friends. Last night before picking up my mom, J and R came by for a quick (Japanese-style) curry and rice (with Indian hot lime relish -- trust me, this stuff rules as a phenomenal complement). Now I've got some more tricks up my sleeve. w00t
Today was a DMV/SSA adventure, as I spent the better part of the afternoon and late night making sure my mom was in the clear for her upcoming stay in Ohio. My brother has basically been nowhere to be found, apparently gallavanting around endlessly. By the way, if you ever let your Illinois driver's license expire (say, by living overseas) and you plan to eventually renew it, I suggest doing it within a year -- after that you have to retake all tests, and to boot you can't use your old license for your IDs (i.e. better make sure you have your Social Security card with you). If you want to get another SS card, expect a 7-10 day wait. If you were not naturalized or a citizen at the time your SSN was issued, better know where your Certificate of Naturalization is. Fortunately, none of this mattered in the end -- but perhaps this info will help someone someday.
Jen stopped by here on her way back to Chicago, so we did our (now mostly defunct) tradition of Tuesday evening wings at the White Horse. This time it was just her, me, and my mom. Never realized that the two of them had never met... (Wait a second, I'm almost positive that's wrong -- my huge birthday bash at Alexander's was at least one previous encounter). Anyhow, that worked out quite well -- I love it when that happens.
Wow, thought this was going to be a short entry. I'll have to work on tightening up my observations and musings.
Random Note of the Day: the night manager at Schnuck's (nearby grocery store) must think I'm a ring-up nightmare. As he came into his shift, his relievee was voiding a 79.99 (+tax) accidental charge (!) off our grocery bill from earlier that evening. At least this more recent fiasco didn't involve me obtaining free merchandise. I've previously picked up easily half a dozen different items on as many occasions for free as a result of ring-up/posted price discrepancies... usually around the 2 o'clock hour. Somehow I seem to make my mark wherever I go... Heh. [05:11]
An interesting week. Had a conversation over lunch Wednesday with L that helped solidify what's been on my mind these past few weeks -- professional restlessness, and inertia/change. Went out for a few drinks with S Friday night, which was a bit reinvigorating. In the past two months or so I haven't been taking much time to get to know people better -- I just didn't have the energy for various reasons. But it was nice to get back in the swing of engaging people. Also, it's nice to get into intellectual and/or cultural (as well as personal) discussions, especially if you can coax it out of someone who's often quiet.
Run, Jump, Pedal, Repeat...
Thursday evening I went and checked out a group of semi-serious Ultimate players who were having a skills/drills practice and pickup. Missed the drills, but got to play some pickup. Let's just say it's been years. (End result: got my ass kicked in, but that's another story =).) Lots of running, but I had plenty of fun.
Friday evening I played volleyball, and I could tell that I didn't stretch properly the night before =). Then Saturday Matt came down, and I dragged myself out of bed to go biking from mid-afternoon to evening. Today was a 33.46 mile day, but a lot better than last week's trek because we didn't have so many stops. I felt a little beat starting off today, but at the end I felt great!
Afterwards, it occured to me "woah, three days of continuous physical activity - cool". Then I realized it may well end up being five! Tomorrow, there's a good chance I'll go back for more Ultimate pickup, and even the skills/drills. Then Monday, volleyball. I haven't done this type of thing since high school -- now we'll see if my body decides to punish me.
Sleepover!
J is coming down tomorrow and spending the night. She's on her way to southern Illinois, so I get to play with her -- but this is the last such trip planned, so she may not be by again for a while. So sad. But at least there will be tomorrow! Anyway, I'd better get some sleep... [06:43]