When Cindy Sheehan marched in Boston recently, she said:"...It's important to use strong language to oppose the war."
Oh really???
What about the language that I used when I confronted the pro-war guy at Camp Casey?
For those of you who don't know, I attempted to speak my mind to that man. And after a couple of sentences, several "Sheehan-ites" grabbed my arms and pulled me back.
They didn't let me finish my conversation with that person.
So Cindy Sheehan wants us to use "strong language" in our conversations about the war?
Oh, I see. But only if that language has passed her permission point first, right?
Sheehan does an awful lot of talking. But she and her crew don't listen half as much as they should.
I know. I have spoken. And Cindy Sheehan and her crew have yet to hear me.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Ruthie In DC, Update
Jane Collins attended the protest march on September 24th in Washington DC.
[Click on the post headline above to visit Jane's website.]
Today I discovered the back of my head in a photograph that she took at Camp Casey.
See the lady dressed in the gray hoodie with the little barrettes in her blond hair? The one with her back to the camera?
That's me.
I was talking to two women who were dressed up like hippies. The woman on the far right, with the media gear, is a reporter for The History Channel.
Jane snapped the photo while I was talking to the hippie ladies and answering the reporter's questions.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Just Go Away, Already!
"Yer all pickin' on me...So I'm gonna go fly my 'copter fer awhile."
I went to the march on September 24th in Washington DC and I was surrounded by 100,000 other like-minded people.
Now, after criss-crossing the Country via my thumb, I am even more in touch with my fellow citizens.
But I'm becoming increasingly alienated from the United States Government Bullshit Machine.
Bush shit...Bullshit...All the same thing.
The pile on the White House lawn is growing...and it really stinks!
His Name In The Snow
Winter is coming soon. The time of cold darkness, the time of bright, hot fire, the time of drawing together and the time of drifting apart.
Jeremy From has proven himself to be a very bad human being. There is no addition to that statement. He's just bad. And it appears that he will always be bad.
What a shame.
But winter is coming.
I will walk in peace through the months to come.
And Jeremy will trip, fall flat on his face and freeze in the form of a worthless fool.
He will remain throughout the winter a reminder of something worse than yellow snow.
Jeremy From has proven himself to be a very bad human being. There is no addition to that statement. He's just bad. And it appears that he will always be bad.
What a shame.
But winter is coming.
I will walk in peace through the months to come.
And Jeremy will trip, fall flat on his face and freeze in the form of a worthless fool.
He will remain throughout the winter a reminder of something worse than yellow snow.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Ruthie On The Road, Update
People make decisions every day. Jeremy hasn't made many smart ones, lately.
He says that he's in love with a woman who is currently in jail for writing bad checks.
And he's staying in a Salvation Army shelter here in Jonesboro.
He won't be able to stay here for very much longer. Soon he will have to find another place to bunk.
Jeremy is young [27] and strong. He's bright to a degree and capable of holding down a decent-paying, fulltime job. He doesn't drink or use drugs. [He smokes] He's insecure [He doesn't see his own potential] and is addicted to stupid women.
I spent the morning waiting for him to get out of the local hospital emergency room.
Jeremy is beginning to experience the physical ramifications of being a Don Juan.
The doctor said that Jeremy will live. Medical science will take care of Jeremy's physical needs. What happens after that will take more than a pill and a glass of water.
He says that he's in love with a woman who is currently in jail for writing bad checks.
And he's staying in a Salvation Army shelter here in Jonesboro.
He won't be able to stay here for very much longer. Soon he will have to find another place to bunk.
Jeremy is young [27] and strong. He's bright to a degree and capable of holding down a decent-paying, fulltime job. He doesn't drink or use drugs. [He smokes] He's insecure [He doesn't see his own potential] and is addicted to stupid women.
I spent the morning waiting for him to get out of the local hospital emergency room.
Jeremy is beginning to experience the physical ramifications of being a Don Juan.
The doctor said that Jeremy will live. Medical science will take care of Jeremy's physical needs. What happens after that will take more than a pill and a glass of water.
Ruthie On The Road, Update
Next Wednesday I will be doing a massive update to my blog. I am off the road now, for the moment, safe and sound in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
With Jeremy.
[Yes, Campers, I finally caught up with the rascal]
I had quite a time getting from Lincoln City, Oregon to here. Sooo much happened! Suffice it to say, that even on the edge of winter, Ruthie is STILL on the road.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Ruthie On The Road, Update
I am in Ogden, Utah right now and I know that I need to work on my blog. But I am not going to have the time to do it today. As a matter of fact, I might not have the time until next week.
When I update this journal, I will notify everyone and extend my "loving" attitude to those who haven't read it yet.
Next week the blog will be my project. Until then, I am on the road. And I have plenty of stories to tell that I will share with you all then.
When I update this journal, I will notify everyone and extend my "loving" attitude to those who haven't read it yet.
Next week the blog will be my project. Until then, I am on the road. And I have plenty of stories to tell that I will share with you all then.
Lock The Library
I received a response from the "public" library in Lincoln City, Oregon. I am including MY response here:
[First, you call me a liar. I know what the man said and that's what he said.
Verbatim.
Second, he told me that the locker would cost me a quarter. He never
said that the locker is free.
I didn't want to deal with a locker...I just wanted to sit down and
use a terminal.
You said that the librarian noted that nothing "remarkable" happened.
He's right about that...It isn't remarkable. It's pathetic.
You say that you've had problems with theft. Well, it seems to me that
after your city built such a large building that that it would've seen
fit to install a "buzzer bar" at all of the exits.
Buzzer bars send a signal and alert the library staff when something
is taken that shouldn't be.
If I had walked in with an over sized black leather purse, would I
have had to drop that off somewhere in the library, too?
How about a cloth book bag from Barnes& Noble?
Why was I singled out?
I could have just as easily slipped a CD or a book into one of the
above as put it in my backpack.
What happened to me is discrimination. Outright, plain and simple.
First you doubt what I say and then you imply that I might be a thief.
Hilarious.
The librarian never offered me the option of a see-through shopping
basket or whatever you mentioned.
Nope, Never, Nada.
I am satisfied that your library has not received any funding
whatsoever from the Gates Foundation. I assume that they will confirm
that.
And I have been to so many libraries, large and small, urban and rural
that I could be a consultant!
No, many libraries do not charge non-residents for computer time. In
fact, after visiting libraries in every State except Hawaii [including
Alaska] I can count the ones that do charge on one hand.
Furthermore, I doubt that your library and the city of Lincoln City
has any choice but to allow free access to your computers. Whether a
user is a resident or not.
Because if your library attempted to exclude everyone but residents of
Lincoln City, you'd lose financial support and incite a lawsuit.
I will never return to your library again. But I will include a
follow-up write-up about this in my blog.]
____________________
This is why so many libraries across the Country are losing funding now.
[First, you call me a liar. I know what the man said and that's what he said.
Verbatim.
Second, he told me that the locker would cost me a quarter. He never
said that the locker is free.
I didn't want to deal with a locker...I just wanted to sit down and
use a terminal.
You said that the librarian noted that nothing "remarkable" happened.
He's right about that...It isn't remarkable. It's pathetic.
You say that you've had problems with theft. Well, it seems to me that
after your city built such a large building that that it would've seen
fit to install a "buzzer bar" at all of the exits.
Buzzer bars send a signal and alert the library staff when something
is taken that shouldn't be.
If I had walked in with an over sized black leather purse, would I
have had to drop that off somewhere in the library, too?
How about a cloth book bag from Barnes& Noble?
Why was I singled out?
I could have just as easily slipped a CD or a book into one of the
above as put it in my backpack.
What happened to me is discrimination. Outright, plain and simple.
First you doubt what I say and then you imply that I might be a thief.
Hilarious.
The librarian never offered me the option of a see-through shopping
basket or whatever you mentioned.
Nope, Never, Nada.
I am satisfied that your library has not received any funding
whatsoever from the Gates Foundation. I assume that they will confirm
that.
And I have been to so many libraries, large and small, urban and rural
that I could be a consultant!
No, many libraries do not charge non-residents for computer time. In
fact, after visiting libraries in every State except Hawaii [including
Alaska] I can count the ones that do charge on one hand.
Furthermore, I doubt that your library and the city of Lincoln City
has any choice but to allow free access to your computers. Whether a
user is a resident or not.
Because if your library attempted to exclude everyone but residents of
Lincoln City, you'd lose financial support and incite a lawsuit.
I will never return to your library again. But I will include a
follow-up write-up about this in my blog.]
____________________
This is why so many libraries across the Country are losing funding now.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Lincoln City Library
The following is a copy of an email that I just sent to the Director of the public library in Lincoln City, Oregon:
____________________
[I have just finished hitchhiking across the United States, from
Portland, Oregon to Washington DC and back again. I am in Lincoln City
tonight.
And I am very disgusted.
I crossed a variety of States in my trek to and from the East Coast
and visited many libraries along the way.
I rely on free-net access sites for my Internet use. When I use a
computer I deal with my email and update my online journal. The URL
for it is located under my signature line below.
A number of the libraries that I visited received their computer
equipment and support through a Gates Library grant. I have not found
out if your library received any money from the Gates foundation.
In any case, your library holds the distinction for being the least
user-friendly and the most downright rude.
I came in with the pack that I have carried about 6,000 miles and the
librarian at the desk [very rudely] told me to deal with my pack.
No library, anywhere, has ever told me to leave my backpack near the
librarians' desk because "no backpacks of any kind are allowed in the
library proper."
Come on!
Your library is located in freaking Lincoln City, Oregon! The
librarians never said a darn word about my pack in Chicago,
Indianapolis or Washington DC!!!
And nobody ever treated me with such obvious snooty condescension.
Shame on your facility!
I would love to know that your computer department received a grant
from the Gates foundation. Because I would really love to contact them
and tell them how I was treated.]
________________________
It's always something, isn't it?
____________________
[I have just finished hitchhiking across the United States, from
Portland, Oregon to Washington DC and back again. I am in Lincoln City
tonight.
And I am very disgusted.
I crossed a variety of States in my trek to and from the East Coast
and visited many libraries along the way.
I rely on free-net access sites for my Internet use. When I use a
computer I deal with my email and update my online journal. The URL
for it is located under my signature line below.
A number of the libraries that I visited received their computer
equipment and support through a Gates Library grant. I have not found
out if your library received any money from the Gates foundation.
In any case, your library holds the distinction for being the least
user-friendly and the most downright rude.
I came in with the pack that I have carried about 6,000 miles and the
librarian at the desk [very rudely] told me to deal with my pack.
No library, anywhere, has ever told me to leave my backpack near the
librarians' desk because "no backpacks of any kind are allowed in the
library proper."
Come on!
Your library is located in freaking Lincoln City, Oregon! The
librarians never said a darn word about my pack in Chicago,
Indianapolis or Washington DC!!!
And nobody ever treated me with such obvious snooty condescension.
Shame on your facility!
I would love to know that your computer department received a grant
from the Gates foundation. Because I would really love to contact them
and tell them how I was treated.]
________________________
It's always something, isn't it?
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Remember This, Cindy Sheehan
Before Cindy Sheehan and her crew lose their grip on what's really going on, I am reposting the following comments. I originally wrote these words a few minutes before the march began on September 24th in Washington DC:
________________________
"It could be called a carnival of caring, a thought-provoking parade or a crowd of concern. It is, by any name, an event that will make September 24, 2004 a date that this population will remember for a long time.
I've met so many people from all over the Country!
Signs bearing slogans are circulating around the Washington Monument. And of course, the media is here, with tripods, lights and cameras in tow.
But in the midst of all of the color and conversation over 900 white crosses silently stand in the grass behind rows of empty boots.
And a multitude of people suddenly have one thing to say: "We're tired of our broken and bloody government and its terrible battle with the Middle East."
The boots and crosses are making an impact without saying anything at all.
So much animation, so much creative expression, so much strength of conviction and all of it is packing a powerful point."
__________________________
This is really what I want people to remember. Still.
________________________
"It could be called a carnival of caring, a thought-provoking parade or a crowd of concern. It is, by any name, an event that will make September 24, 2004 a date that this population will remember for a long time.
I've met so many people from all over the Country!
Signs bearing slogans are circulating around the Washington Monument. And of course, the media is here, with tripods, lights and cameras in tow.
But in the midst of all of the color and conversation over 900 white crosses silently stand in the grass behind rows of empty boots.
And a multitude of people suddenly have one thing to say: "We're tired of our broken and bloody government and its terrible battle with the Middle East."
The boots and crosses are making an impact without saying anything at all.
So much animation, so much creative expression, so much strength of conviction and all of it is packing a powerful point."
__________________________
This is really what I want people to remember. Still.
Not MY Neck!
I spent the last couple of days at a very nice women's shelter in Sioux City, Iowa. It's clean, modern and very homey.
BUT! The lady who brought me in took my cell phone and Walkman away. She put them in a ziplock bag and put them away in a locked closet.
Yup.
She told me that if I wanted to stay there that I wouldn't be allowed to listen to my Walkman or use my cell phone inside the building.
Suddenly what was mine was hers.
Last night the woman on "duty" put on a movie that was produced in 1978. The film ran through a "pew-jumper" version of Armageddon. And in the end, those Christians who didn't take the "mark of the beast" were beheaded.
I decided that I would much rather listen to sweet music and talk to my friends than hang out with religious zealots who watch violent B-movies.
So I will be on the road today, heading north, to South Dakota.
BUT! The lady who brought me in took my cell phone and Walkman away. She put them in a ziplock bag and put them away in a locked closet.
Yup.
She told me that if I wanted to stay there that I wouldn't be allowed to listen to my Walkman or use my cell phone inside the building.
Suddenly what was mine was hers.
Last night the woman on "duty" put on a movie that was produced in 1978. The film ran through a "pew-jumper" version of Armageddon. And in the end, those Christians who didn't take the "mark of the beast" were beheaded.
I decided that I would much rather listen to sweet music and talk to my friends than hang out with religious zealots who watch violent B-movies.
So I will be on the road today, heading north, to South Dakota.
Message To Howie
Here is a copy of the comments that I posted to my friend Howie. Thanks for your assistance, Howie:
I'm glad that you enjoyed my comments. As to what I am trying to say...I believe it is perfectly clear: Cindy Sheehan is turning a critical cause into her own personal grandstand.
I spent two days at Camp Casey, including that one night that led to the early morning reporters that I never got the chance to talk to.
I was good enough to sit sentry all night long at her hamlet but not worth enough to speak to the media.
And when I tried to give my opinion to a puffed-up blowhard I was pulled back by several "Sheehan-ites." They grabbed me because they didn't feel that I was the "one" who should reply to the guy.
But I had hitchhiked about 3,000 miles to stand in that grass and say whatever I damn well wanted to.
There's a clear message here. And it doesn't just belong to Cindy.
I'm glad that you enjoyed my comments. As to what I am trying to say...I believe it is perfectly clear: Cindy Sheehan is turning a critical cause into her own personal grandstand.
I spent two days at Camp Casey, including that one night that led to the early morning reporters that I never got the chance to talk to.
I was good enough to sit sentry all night long at her hamlet but not worth enough to speak to the media.
And when I tried to give my opinion to a puffed-up blowhard I was pulled back by several "Sheehan-ites." They grabbed me because they didn't feel that I was the "one" who should reply to the guy.
But I had hitchhiked about 3,000 miles to stand in that grass and say whatever I damn well wanted to.
There's a clear message here. And it doesn't just belong to Cindy.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Sign-Off The War!
Now THIS is how to end a war!!!
[UPDATE 2008: Sadly the link to the graphic no longer exists...but three years later, the war still does.]
Ruthie And Sioux City
This is a copy of an email that I just sent to the City of Sioux City, Iowa:
_____________________
I hitchhiked from Washington DC and the last driver dropped me off about seven miles outside of your city.
Several minutes after his truck pulled away, I took out my cell phone and called your cities' police department.
I told the dispatcher that I was stranded out by the Truck Haven truck stop and asked for help.
I didn't get any.
Instead, the dispatcher told me to follow the interstate into town and gave me the address of the women's shelter.
Now I have no problem with walking along an interstate. But I was out there in the middle of the night, it was cold [this was about 1am yesterday morning] and the road was very dimly lit in places.
Sure, I had an LED flashlight but the trucks were rolling at top speed and I was taking quite a chance!
A man who had just finished a nine-hour shift at a temp. job came walking up and offered to escort me into town. We walked together. And nobody ever stopped to ask if we needed assistance.
Nobody.
By the time that we got into town, I could barely walk. I traveled quite a bit that day [from Des Moines] and part of that journey involved quite a bit of walking.
That man led me over to a bench in front of Walgreen and sat me down. Then he went in and bought some food and drink with the money that he earned that day.
After I finished my little meal, he brought me over to the women's shelter and stayed until a lady let me in the front door.
I will always appreciate and remember that man.
He doesn't have much more than I do but he carried my pack and told me stories and made sure that I made it safely to the shelter.
He's a hero. Your police department, on the other hand, is not!
I am disgusted. I shall remain that way.
It seems to me that your police department could have done more to help me.
And to them I say: "Shame on you!"
Consider my point made.
____________________
I will post any replies that I receive from that city.
_____________________
I hitchhiked from Washington DC and the last driver dropped me off about seven miles outside of your city.
Several minutes after his truck pulled away, I took out my cell phone and called your cities' police department.
I told the dispatcher that I was stranded out by the Truck Haven truck stop and asked for help.
I didn't get any.
Instead, the dispatcher told me to follow the interstate into town and gave me the address of the women's shelter.
Now I have no problem with walking along an interstate. But I was out there in the middle of the night, it was cold [this was about 1am yesterday morning] and the road was very dimly lit in places.
Sure, I had an LED flashlight but the trucks were rolling at top speed and I was taking quite a chance!
A man who had just finished a nine-hour shift at a temp. job came walking up and offered to escort me into town. We walked together. And nobody ever stopped to ask if we needed assistance.
Nobody.
By the time that we got into town, I could barely walk. I traveled quite a bit that day [from Des Moines] and part of that journey involved quite a bit of walking.
That man led me over to a bench in front of Walgreen and sat me down. Then he went in and bought some food and drink with the money that he earned that day.
After I finished my little meal, he brought me over to the women's shelter and stayed until a lady let me in the front door.
I will always appreciate and remember that man.
He doesn't have much more than I do but he carried my pack and told me stories and made sure that I made it safely to the shelter.
He's a hero. Your police department, on the other hand, is not!
I am disgusted. I shall remain that way.
It seems to me that your police department could have done more to help me.
And to them I say: "Shame on you!"
Consider my point made.
____________________
I will post any replies that I receive from that city.
Message To Richard Westwood
[Terry Cordoba: I have answered your comments in the same section where you last left yours. Go there for your message.]
BTK.
How about MBTK: More Boring Than Kansas?
He's just a sick old loser who will waste away the rest of his worthless life in the slammer.
BTK.
How about MBTK: More Boring Than Kansas?
He's just a sick old loser who will waste away the rest of his worthless life in the slammer.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Bird Flu Flap
Click on the post headline above and consider what is happening. Always remember and never forget: Birds of a feather all fall down together.
[UPDATE 2008: Here it comes again.]
[UPDATE 2008: Here it comes again.]
Ruthie On The Road, Update
No, I didn't die. I just got on the road and got really busy there.
I'm not in a place where I can take the time to catch up on everything but I hopefully will be able to do that soon.
It is especially wonderful to find a nice small-town library or one on a university campus...Where I can bang the keys until I'm all done!
I will be looking for one of those places this week. I promise.
Meanwhile, know that I am in Des Moines, Iowa and spent two wonderful days at the YWCA.
And one of my big concerns now is related to the talk about the impending bird flu pandemic.
More on that soon.
I'm not in a place where I can take the time to catch up on everything but I hopefully will be able to do that soon.
It is especially wonderful to find a nice small-town library or one on a university campus...Where I can bang the keys until I'm all done!
I will be looking for one of those places this week. I promise.
Meanwhile, know that I am in Des Moines, Iowa and spent two wonderful days at the YWCA.
And one of my big concerns now is related to the talk about the impending bird flu pandemic.
More on that soon.
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