Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
   Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of t he Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.



Jazz Funeral for Democracy - January 20, 2005


I can sense the energy building and the outrage with Bush and his insane war is growing in the ranks of those who were so easily Misled into this disaster.

"They" had THEIR day......the image that sticks in my mind is roe and his dirty little gang of punks in those camouflage outfits just before the election......

Kerry turned out to be a stiff and unemotional "easy target" for the mud slingers ....but our Jazz Funeral will be a spark to ignite something perhaps nation wide......

I have always said that I thought New Orleans was some kind of epicenter for an energy that one day would rise up and throw off the scourges of racism and poverty, and start a change in this country that would be felt for 100 years......

I think we are seeing that happen right in front of us......even in the most gung ho Marine outfits I have been in or around, I never saw anything flow as smoothly without any chain of command, pecking order, or hierarchy.

Its just pure and clean. Avery represents to me the true future and it was a very refreshing touch to see small kids there last night. After all, this is for them.....and those poor guys and girls over there in hell because of Herr cowards in DC.

Colin Powell goddamn you, you fucking pusher man. Of all those morons, he KNEW what this was going to be, and he "went along".....another robert mcnamara in the making.

I really hope we get Carville, but frankly I think we have the best speaker in the nation for that day already.........a 12 year old girl who is going to make bush look like the freak he is....

It's not just Avery............its ALL these kids who are THINKING instead of just believing.

The one thing we have not talked about yet is the impact the music is going to have. I can tell you that from the first thump of the large bass drum....it will be a REAL funeral.....not just a "street theater".

The key will be to time our arrival at rampart and canal for exactly noon.........there wil be a tendency to go fast ....... but we MUST keep to the plan.....ie, slow drag......because its in the slowness of the march.....and the wailing of the music that will generate the reality we are trying to "shock" the american "true believers" into.

I keep thinking that on that day, all the spirit of Satchmo, RFK, MLK and those thousands of slaves who were chained and whipped right there in Treme will be marching with us.

When the day is over I will be with Carlos and his camera, we'll be inteviewing the committee members to see what their impressions are after its a fact, instead of a plan.

This will be I suspect, a historic moment, and we will know by the numbers of ordinary citizens who join in.....a well planned experiment, that can only succeed if spontaniety feeds the spirts of those who are there, and those who will see the dvd later on.

Just a few more details and we'll be there......and when Lionel hits that drum for the first time...you will know what I am talking about.

I remember RFK just moments before he was shot saying, "Now its on to Chicago".....and I think that on Jan 20th.....we will give life to his dream....ONE MO TIME!!










Our Resistance Continues!

On Thursday, January 20, 2005, George W. Bush will be inaugurated as president of the United States. For the millions of us who stand for the values of peace and justice, it is a moment to renew our commitment to resist the Bush Administration and its deadly policies of war and greed – and to show Bush, and the world, that our movement is energized, mobilized, and determined to keep fighting back.

United for Peace and Justice urges everyone who can to converge in Washington, DC on January 20. We encourage you to participate in the creative, powerful protest activities being organized by two groups: the DC Anti-War Network (DAWN) and Turn Your Back on Bush. Visit the DC-based Counter-inaugural.org website for housing and ride boards, resources, meeting information, and more.

We also urge groups around the country to organize local protest and/or educational events on January 20. Activists in New Orleans are already organizing a "Jazz Funeral for Democracy," and the Northland Anti-War Coalition is organizing a Counter-Inaugural March in Duluth, MN. Be sure to list your activities on the UFPJ website calendar.

www.unitedforpeace.org