For all who have criticized Code Pink

[proud2BlibKansan]

Here are some videos of Code Pinkers in DC

Thanking Russ Feingold. Be sure to watch the whole video and catch the part at the end where the capitol hill cops come in and threaten to arrest them (for singing!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJMYJK6jc1M&mode=related&search=

In John McCain's office
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTEBjPCNBbc

Tell bush our soldiers aren't toys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc1ARRgbRN0

At American Enterprise Institute. Note Tina's comments at around the 4 minute mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48BtOuEr0eo&mode=related&search=

AEI part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT0WOaShXM0&mode=related&search=

[LWolf]

1. I appreciate Code Pink.

One of the things I really appreciate about them is their ability to focus on the issue, regardless of party.

Pssst. I didn't watch the videos; I find I'm becoming video-phobic, if there is such a thing. :blush:

Of course, I wasn't a critic to begin with. ;)

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Oh I know you do

I met Medea in Crawford and she really walks around singing all the time! Easter weekend we dyed eggs with them for an evening and Medea sang show tunes the whole time. It was so much fun. Then we made Easter bonnets to wear when we walked to the checkpoint at bush's ranch.

They are a fun fun group. And they are doing such important work! It pains me to see them criticized here so often.

[roguevalley]

32. anyone willing to go to jail to save people is a hero. I love them.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

2. I don't doubt Code Pink's passion but I do question their methods.

When the enemy is in the middle of shooting themselves it is not a good idea to interrupt. When Dems are holding important and relevant hearings I would rather they let the Dems work. Also, picket the offenders not the people who are trying to change things. Code Pink attacks too many of the good guys in their quest to grab a little air time. No one is "pure" enough for Code Pink and I think that hurts us all.

There is a time and a place for everything. I want this war to end but having the good guys come off as whack jobs doesn't help the cause. IMHO.

Have at it - flame away.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. They really have put lots more pressure on republicans

The media just prefers showing them when they visit Dems. I am just trying to correct a misconception here.

I also refuse to criticize their methods because they are doing SOMETHING. While we sit here at home surfing the internet, they are actually in the trenches in the very important battle to end the war. So I don't care how they "come off". Before they went to DC, who was there speaking out against the war?

[The Count]

6. They know protests on Democrats get coverage - hence more of those.

I don't always stay home, I occasionally joined them. So I can say they are far from perfect (just like I am) What drives me mad is that in the current stand-off with the White House - where Congress want to end the war and WH to keep going, it's congress they attack. How does this make any sense?

[Breeze54]

15. How do you end a war by funding it?

:shrug:

[John Q. Citizen]

16. Congress wants to end the war? That's great. Who knew? So I guess bush

won't be needing that supplemental to keep the occupation going.

When he vetos it, that should be the end of it.

That's good news, indeed.

[theHandpuppet]

10. Oh yeah, it's so much more effective to sit at a keyboard...

... and have a good whine while these women are truly putting themselves on the line. "Let the Dems work?" Is this damn war even CLOSE to being over yet? How many are scheduled to die each and every day the political gamesmanship goes on?

I first met Code Pink at Camp Casey and have to say these are among the most dedicated and courageous folks I've ever met. To anyone who doesn't like their tactics, I say get your own butt out there or keep the criticisms of "tactics" to yourselves.

Code Pink, YOU ROCK!!!!!



:yourock:

[omega minimo]

14. Thank you for the recap of Dittohead talking points.

[MADem]

18. You took the words right out of my mouth.

The only film I've seen of them lately on my TV is the Valerie Plame fiasco.

All of those other clips? The MSM isn't putting those in heavy rotation, are they? Naaah, more fun to talk about easy stories, like racist Imus, crazed Korean killers, and of course, Alec BALDWIN!!

The Pink people preach to their own little choir. They change no hearts or minds. They come across as assholes working as much to damage the left as help it. They do, though, provide the right with plenty of fodder, because their antics are poorly staged and pathetic.

There are some who don't care for my opinion, either, so you aren't alone.

[proud2BlibKansan]

20. Then next time you ask why they aren't going after republicans,

I will remind you of this thread.

Glad you saw it. :hi:

[MADem]

26. If a tree falls in the forest, and nobody sees it fall....

Actions without media aren't actions. They're circlejerks.

Sorry, if you aren't reaching an audience that isn't already clad in pink, you aren't doing squat except engaging in vanity.

I saw the thread, I saw the videos, and my mind and heart were not moved because of them. Instead, what I felt was a crawling sense of unease and dismay.

I felt that these well-intentioned fools were shitting on the message and denigrating it with their idiotic, self-serving "antics."

They aren't helping, see? Because the GOP protests aren't covered...SEE? They're tools of the corporate media. Keep showing up at those Democratic shindigs, you'll get all the airtime you want...but hey, it's all about the PINK people, at the end of the day. That much is plain.

:hi: backatcha. We won't agree on this. You think they're great, I think they are well intentioned buffoons.

[proud2BlibKansan]

28. And what are you doing to end the war?

[MADem]

30. Oh, please. Gimme a fucking break. You just want a fight, don't you?

My money to antiwar candidates doesn't matter, I guess. My letters to Congress, fuck them, too. My GOTV, dialing for dollars, and precinct walking for Democrats, screw that shit.

Never mind the fact that I have responsibilities to my family and in my community as well. Naaah, I should go get some RIT pink dye. If I don't put on a pink outfit and a fucking mop wig and make an ass of myself to the glee of the GOP and the complete indifference of the mainstream media, I'm not doing anything to end the war. Ummmm hmmmm.

When someone comes up with a binary argument like that--and IGNORES the very real points that I made, specifically, that CP isn't reaching anyone but their own lefty audience (more like a CLUB than an audience, really); that the media only covers them when they attack Democrats; and that, last but by NO means least, their protests SUCK from a creative and artistic viewpoint, well, that suggests to me that the object here is to screech "Rah, rah, rah, CODEPINK, we're BETTER than YOU!!!" and not engage in substantive discussion. Sorry, I don't want to play that idiotic game.

I told you why I think they stink. I even told you we weren't gonna agree on this issue. Yet you persist, not with counterpoint, but with "J'accuse!" You reply by making accusations; pointing the "And what have YOUUUUUU done" finger.

Yeah, that works...not. And you wonder why that assclown outfit turns some people off? Hectoring isn't the way to win people over. Scolding isn't too swift, either.

I'll bet my efforts, small as they are in the big picture, have more effect on putting Democrats who support ending the war in office than a bunch of nitwits engaging in a little pink-party protest whose purpose is completely lost on the casual passer-by--to say nothing of ignored by the MSM.

[proud2BlibKansan]

33. Actually you are the one picking fights here

It never fails. Every thread about Code Pink you are there, calling them out for what they are doing. Which is, I am sure, far more than you are doing to end this insane war. Yes you have the right to disagree but we get it already. Plus when you use such endearing terms, like 'nitwits' and the other lovely terms you use to describe these brave people, you are just asking for a reply from a supporter like me.

I have a family too. So does Tina Richards. So do most of the Code Pinkers I know personally. And because they care about their families and the future of this country and are willing to sacrifice their personal comfort level, they will stay in DC and hound our lawmakers until this war is over. And I will continue to post stories of their actions here. So get used to it.

You are free to do what you choose to promote the agenda you support. And unlike you I will refrain from criticizing you and what you do. That's because I know this wonderful party of ours is a big tent. And you, my dear, need to understand that as well. Without many of these Code Pinkers, our Congress may not be a Dem majority today. But even without their tireless work on many many campaigns, they have every right to do what they are doing in DC today. They do not deserve your derision. And you bet I will call you on it every time I see it.

[theHandpuppet]

36. Never mind, proud2Blib...

MADem will just cut another check and lick another stamp and pat themself on the back for being a "respectable" opponent to the war. After all, we all know those mothers, grandmothers, and daughters of Code Pick don't have those "responsibilities to community and family" like MADem, so they can afford to take off work, risk losing a job, get arrested, or even make public, ill-mannered asses of themselves if that's what it takes to stop this damn war.

Look how well cutting checks and licking stamps is working.

[proud2BlibKansan]

37. And I do all that stuff too

It makes me sad that she has yet to realize that it takes more than writing checks and licking stamps.

[MADem]

40. Reading is fundamental.

Writing checks is a very small portion of what I do.

What part of telephoning, precinct walking, and GOTV don't you "get?" Or are those foreign concepts to you? I suppose it's more attention-seeking fun to put on a fucking tutu and make an ass of yourself than going door to door for hours at a time, talking to Republicans in reasoned tones, changing hearts and minds, I guess. It's more fun to go bully Democrats than deliver them to the polls so that they can vote.

But hey, whatever. You're "superior." In your head, anyway...

[theHandpuppet]

41. Well I can tell you one thing, MADem...

If your "reasoned tones" here are any example of how to win hearts and minds, I'm wondering whose hearts and minds you're talking about, potty mouth.

I've done all the things on your list and more and I'm not about to codemn CodePink for not following YOUR rules for "acceptable" activism, as if there's only ONE kind -- yours.

[MADem]

42. Well, gee--we DISAGREE, then. I can live with that. I hope you can as well. NT

[MADem]

39. Walk back the cat. I never addressed YOU. I addressed a poster who agreed with MY viewpoint, and

YOU jumped in to shit in the punch.

Don't give me that crap. I wasn't speaking to you. Go on, walk it back. You're the one that started this shit up. You could have ignored my reply to another poster, that was not AIMED at or addressed to you, at all, but oh, no--you just had to pee on the tree.

If you want a fucking cheerleading thread, then start one on the "ONLY PEOPLE WHO LIKE CODE PINK CAN POST HERE" messageboard. How DARE you start threads on the DU board, and then get pissed off when people have a different opinion than yours on the subject? How dare you try to manage the content here? You, my dear, have no RIGHT to censor content, so you'd just better get off that high horse--"cheerleading only" comments on a thread in this "Discussion" forum aren't how it works.

Reasonable people CAN, and DO disagree on this matter.

And for someone who claims to "refrain from criticizing" you sure go out of your way to find me even when I am not talking to you, and accuse me of not doing enough to end the war. But that's not "criticizing" is it? Because you say so? Just like Code Pink is "effective" because you say so? They're "effective" all right...effective at making asses of themselves, and damaging our progress with their flaky antics in the process.

And that is my opinion, and I have a right to it. And I have a right to note that to someone who agrees with my viewpoint. And you have no right to censor it. Even if you don't like it. Too damned bad. You aren't the hall monitor here. Get used to the fact that there are other people who oppose the war, and who think some of your crew's ideas fucking SUCK, and they set BACK the cause, not move it forward.

Heckuva job, there. You can easily ignore me if I cause you angst. In fact, I recommend you do. The capability to do that exists. But don't ever try to censor me. And I'd recommend that you not criticize me, and then in your next post, say, quite dramatically too, that you won't do that--it just makes you look like a huge bullshitter.

[Name removed]

57. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Breeze54]

48. You know nothing of Code Pink...apparently.

We have done a LOT of good. But it's lost on you. I have 'walked the beat';
banging on doors to 'educate' voters, as well, and donated time and money.
But according to you, we should just all be quiet about the freak show in Iraq??
We should not speak out? Dissent makes us 'nitwits'??? :shrug:

You STINK! :rofl:



















:sarcasm:

[MADem]

52. If it is lost on someone who opposes the war, it' s certainly not reaching prowar cheerleaders, then

is it?

Who, except YOU, said "we should all be quiet" about Iraq? I do think we she communicate in ways that make sense to normal people. Making an ass of yourself may make YOU feel good, but it doesn't convince anyone to join your team.

Look, you don't agree with me. Fine. Get over yourself. Not everyone thinks a bunch of clowns in pink outfits are an effective way to prosecute an antiwar position. I happen to be one of them. And getting shirty with me isn't going to change my mind. Code Pink will just have to live without the enthusiasm of this antiwar Democrat. Capisce?

[Breeze54]

66. You're the one

"...getting shirty" I used your words.

Don't like it? "Get over yourself!" <--see your post above)

As if you represent ALL the people. :eyes:

[AuntPatsy]

71. Your last line says it all, you bet your efforts do more but are you sure?

don't you value any and all people that in effect attempt to do whatever they can to get the message out to more people about the injustices and outright criminal behavior this cabal has amassed?

I honestly don't get your anger?

[jeff uppy]

47. They are speaking to you...

They are throwing the absurdity of your faith in Dem leadership right in your face - calling out the clown show for what it really is. I think maybe that's why you feel that "crawling sense of unease and dismay."

I think there is more at work here than a disagreement over tactics. If you believe our noble Dem leaders are actually pursuing an effective strategy to end the war and contain the chimp, then I can see how you might take issue with Pink tactics. I personally don't happen to think they are. Therefore I say: Go Pink!

I can't imagine a more appropriate venue for "idiotic, self-serving antics" than our current congress. Fits right in.

[MADem]

53. No, that's not it. It's like being in the company of an obnoxious drunk, and fearing that

your reputation will be blemished by his poor behavior. Your "absurdity of faith" theory is totally off the mark. It's a horrible sense that someone affiliated with you is making a total ass of themselves, letting down the side, bringing down the team, disgracing the family, and there's just no way to explain their behavior save to suggest they are off their medication.

Again, you like it, fine. I am not suggesting that you, or anyone who likes that nonsense be forced to eschew it.

By the same token, I'm a bit tired of folks suggesting I am a traitor to the cause if I don't jump on this bandwagon of people I view as ineffective though well meaning buffoons. It's not for me, I think it's a total waste of time--a little club for the already converted, that is ignored by everyone but themselves.

Unless, of course, they're fucking up the Valerie Plame hearing--then Jeannie Moos will do a comedy bit on CNN that puts them in the "fringe-crank-clown" category. Real helpful, that...

[jeff uppy]

62. I could say the same thing

"I'm a bit tired of folks suggesting I am a traitor to the cause if I don't jump on this bandwagon of people I view as ineffective though well meaning buffoons."

Interestingly, I could say the exact same thing about the congressional Democrats.

[MADem]

63. Jesus, you could, and you and every other cheerleader has. Are ya happy?

Go on, say it. And THINK it. See, I'm not stopping you from expressing your opinion, or criticizing you for having it. That's the difference.

Christ, "diversity" doesn't apply to opinion here, does it?

If you're not part of the fucking Pink Borg, ya get the "treatment." It's such a mature way to approach a difference of opinion...not.

[jeff uppy]

64. How do you manage to flip this all around?

You are the one who responded first with criticism of Code Pink and the OP.

Clearly you believe that the Dems in congress are doing important work. So be it. Many here obviously disagree and believe that what Congress is doing is ineffectual and deserving of protest. That's the real point of distinction, not the Code Pink tactics.

It's almost jaw dropping to read you make criticisms of others and then play the martyr when anyone responds. Talk about "the treatment".

[MADem]

65. I responded to someone who concurred with my point of view. I didn't go after the cheerleaders.

The cheerleaders came after ME. I'm not "playing the martyr." I didn't go after you--you came after me, and then got on a high horse when I defended a point of view that was not even DIRECTED at you.

Go on, walk it back. You'll see I did NO confronting...it's all on you folks who can't take a little dissent. Real small-d democratic, that....

Get over yourself. It sure is jaw-dropping, to see you pick a fight, insert yourself into a response to one person, and then get pissed when I won't roll over and agree with your horseshit assertions.

[jeff uppy]

69. Who's pissed?

You said: "See, I'm not stopping you from expressing your opinion, or criticizing you for having it. That's the difference."

I'd like to simply point out that, no, that's not the difference. No one is "stopping" you from having your opinion. No one is criticizing you "for having it". People are disagreeing with you. That's all.

So call it a horseshit assertion if you like; but when you make overwrought claims like "diversity doesn't apply to opinion here," or that you are getting "the treatment", then yes, you are playing the martyr.

If you'd rather I not "insert" myself into "your" responses, then maybe you shouldn't post on a public board. I'm new here, so maybe I'm missing some etiquette on this, but I just can't imagine that your obvious game of crying victim when someone simply disagrees with you adds much to the debate. IMHO.

[MADem]

70. Yeah, good question--who IS pissed?

People who don't WANT discussion shouldn't start threads on historically contentious topics in a DISCUSSION forum, with the word CRITICIZE in the subject line, and then get bullshit at anyone who doesn't chime in with a "Oh, gee, that's SWELL, how wonderful, Me too."

If you are gonna walk it back, walk it ALL the way back.

You may be new, but you sure got the "piling on" spirit pretty quick. If you couldn't see what was going on there, you might be, dare I say, deliberately obtuse.

And I'm not the one playing martyr, here. I've not been martyred for any cause, and I am certainly no 'victim' but I've seen this pathetic shit before. It's a lousy play with the same tired actors, and aren't you lucky to have scored the role of ingenue.

Diversity doesn't apply to opinion when it comes to these pathetic street theater types--and I know because I'm not new, and I've seen this same shit before. You aren't permitted to hold any opinion save "Oh, gee, aren't they WONDERFUL!" or they'll hunt ya down, even if you don't address them.

And that is simple fact.

[Marrah_G]

73. Bah don't let them get to you MADem

[MADem]

74. They don't, truly. I do find the application of a double standard a bit, well,

amazing, though.

[Bjorn Against]

22. The reason they have to go after the Democrats sometimes...

is because the Democrats need to be pushed sometimes. Just look what is happening now, they are talking about making the withdrawal date in the Iraq supplemental bill "advisory" which would basically be telling Bush he could ignore the date if he wanted to. If the Democrats in Congress are going to weaken their stance like that then they need groups like Code Pink to stand up to demand they end this war for real and not just "advise" Bush to end it.

[progressoid]

24. ...

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[SlowDownFast]

44. Yup. n/t

[The Count]

5. I criticized them, I love them, I wish thanks to Barbara Lee, DK & al good Dems

would also be on display.
Glad feingold gets his due - but he's hardly the only Dem in DC working for peace (I think Pelosi is doing a lot with what she's got too!)
So, great activists, I'll still join some of their actions - but not all of them.
A, and one more thing: how comes you defend their right to criticize democrats but frown on our right to criticize THEM?

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. I am just trying to correct a misconception

I have had numerous DUers ask me for videos of Code Pink in Republicans' offices. So here are some of those videos.

[The Count]

13. That needed to be said too. Thanks for this!

:hi:

[LWolf]

8. I can't speak for the OP, of course.

You're question found ME thinking this:

how comes you defend their right to criticize democrats but frown on our right to criticize THEM?

For me, it's a matter of values and priorities. I value issues more than I value party loyalty. The issues are a bigger priority for me than the party. Therefore, if I think the party is obstructing progress on an issue, I'm critical of them. Code Pink tends to be focused on issues, rather than party. Like me. So I will probably frown on criticism if that criticism is based on putting party loyalty in front of the issue/s.

That doesn't mean that Code Pink, or any group, for that matter, is immune to criticism from me. It's just a different perspective that could lead to my defending anyone's right to criticize a party but frowning on criticism of any groups work directly on an issue.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proud2BlibKansan]

21. Yep

sure does.

[John Q. Citizen]

11. Code Pink; Doing the heavy lifting for peace. They have my utmost respect

and gratitude.

[theHandpuppet]

12. Ditto that!!!

:thumbsup:

[BrklynLiberal]

23. Absolutely. They have the courage of their convictions and are ALWAYS out there putting themselves

in the forefront of the battle to preserve the liberties we all take for granted and might lose. They show everyone that the Emperor is naked!!!!!!!!
Hooray for CODEPINK!!! I am in awe of their courage.
:thumbsup: :applause:

[femrap]

17. K & R

I add my respect to the members of Code Pink...I personally love their tactics. They show courage, creativity, and perseverance.

[Robbien]

19. I don't have the guts to do what Code Pink does so I am very glad

they do.

I do my part and hopefully more than my part. Yet, except for those directly effected, no one is aware I am out there.

We need the Code Pinks of the world.

[mahina]

25. Aloha Code Pink!

If you don't love the tactics, join and make your own, stand on streetcorners, make street theater, do whatever you can.
We are not just victims in this terrible war but we are waking up to our responsibility. Eo!

[Quetzalro]

27. Code Pink and Medea

are truly great -- focused, persistent, smart. An example for all of us.

[proud2BlibKansan]

29. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[uppityperson]

31. Thanks for posting these.

While NO ONE anywhere always gets my total approval for everything they do always everywhere anytime, I really really really appreciate the hart work and commitment of Code Pinkers. Thanks proud2Blib for posting these.

[proud2BlibKansan]

34. You are very welcome

Thanks for kicking the thread.

[uppityperson]

38. No problem, see?

[Madspirit]

35. K&R...I support Code Pink!...n/t

[PuraVidaDreamin]

43. I'm thankful for Code Pink!

And stand with them!

Peace IN

[midnight]

45. I was in Chicago today for the green festival and saw code pink.

They are always involved in something. I think today they helped arrange for Greg Palast to speak. They are the women that will help bring the troops home.

[proud2BlibKansan]

46. They have been supporting the troops all along

and they do a lot more than most of us do to support them.

[Forkboy]

49. Can you imagine the impact of "I am woman,hear me whisper!"?

More power to them,I say. :thumbsup:

[shance]

50. Wow! Great videos!! I liked the ones at American Enterprise especially.

I loved the woman in the pink parka. She is FABULOUS***

They are all fab!!

GO CODEPINK********************

[bvar22]

51. Bill Maher interviewed Bill Moyers Friday night. (HBO )

They discussed the sorry state of our CorpoMedia and DC politics.
Maher asked Moyers, "So, what can we do to change things"?

Bill Moyers replied, "We need MORE Cindy Sheehans!"

While Bill Moyers didn't specifically mention Code Pink, he DID endorse that exact type of public political activism...ISSUE BASED, not Party Aligned.

Of course, some here will argue that Bill Moyers doesn't know anything about Reality Based politics. Those people would be WRONG as usual.

Don't miss Moyers PBS Special, Weds night 8PM Central.
:patriot:

Code Pink :thumbsup:
Cindy Sheehan :thumbsup:
Keeping the heat on Democrats :thumbsup:

Blind unquestioning allegiance to demonstrably unresponsive Political Party :thumbsdown:

[cgrindley]

54. Code Pink make us look stupid

Singing in someone's office. What a good idea. Really makes for a serious debate, doesn't it? Why don't they try to do something actually worthwhile?

[no_to_war_economy]

55. .

:eyes:

:puke:

:thumbsdown:

[Forkboy]

60. Some people don't need any help.

[kiteinthewind]

61. LOL!!

:toast:

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

56. A short story about Code Pink:

When I am in Sacramento, I live in a very red neighborhood in the heart of East Sac. Every July 4, the neighborhood has a bicycle parade for kids and families. It is always a super-patriotic, flag-waving crowd of mostly Bush-bots, and nary a word is spoken against the boy-king.

But two years ago I attended the 41st Street Parade and witnessed an act of courage that stuns me even today: a young couple, decked out in pink, with their daughter in a pink wagon, marched amid all the red, white, and blue bunting and flags, with sandwich boards saying "Stop the War"! People avoided them like the Plague, but they walked with aplomb and good humor, and even hung around for awhile afterward.

This in perhaps the most Repudlican neighborhood in Sactown: the Fab Forties. Code Pink Rawks!

[derby378]

58. My wife's in codePINK, and she's a damn good fit

I've got nothing but respect for those folks.

[shance]

67. Good for your wife!! You could join them too if you want. They have fun***

n/t

[lonestarnot]

59. Pinkers are the best!

:hug: to all of them and you too!

[PassingFair]

68. I support Code Pink.

On balance, they are a force for GOOD PR.

They are NOT going to hit the bullseye with
every protest, but they are fighting the
good fight.

Go get 'em, Code Pink!

[Marrah_G]

72. The links still don't change the fact that some of us don't agree with some of their tactics.

I'm not trying to stop them from doing what they do. I also don't get how incredibly angry posters get here when anyone says the slightest remark again something code pink or Cindy Sheehan has done. It's almost as if freedom of thought and speech go out the window when it comes to a certain few here. You see actually Dem leaders getting slammed more often then some non-dem anti-war people.

I've never been one to cheer lead, I've never been one to see people as "right all the time" or "wrong all the time". I tend to look at individual actions and I can say " I thought when you did X it was great, but I didn't when you did Y". I don't plan to change how I view the world anytime soon.

The world is an infinite shade of gray.