URGENT EMAIL FROM AUSTIN FOR CHANGE:
AUSTIN FOR CHANGE
WWW.AUSTINFORCHANGE.COM
The Statesman, George W. Bush, and YOU
In 2000, the Austin American-Statesman endorsed George W. Bush, and urban rumor has it that they will do so again in 2004. Clearly, this does not reflect the ideas and sentiments of the Austin community.
These rumors may or may not be true, but because publishers can overrule local editorial boards in their endorsement decision-making, we plan to be prepared for instant mobilization.
Yes, we can cancel subscriptions and all that. However, in the event that this endorsement takes place, we would like to use the opportunity to not only hurt the Statesman financially, but to turn the anger and incensed feelings into actual *change* and let the rest of the press know how we feel and to counteract their influence.
In the event that the Statesman endorses George W. Bush this Sunday:
Wake up and see if they have. If they have, check your email. We have a tentative plan to lineup on the Congress Avenue Bridge at High Noon MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 with plenty of signs and plenty of bodies, plenty of volume and plenty of power. After our protest, we will provide everyone with either a phone list to call from home to help turn out the vote, or a walk list and leaflets to distribute in your own neighborhoods. We must transform the anger into positive happenings and change, and you can help be a huge part of that.
For more information, please simply reply to this email.
Victory is within our grasp but we need your help more than ever.
In the event that the Statesman endorses John Kerry:
We still need your help. Please come to 512 E. Riverside Suite 203 to pick up a phone list to call from home or a walklist and leaflets to distribute to Democrats, New Voters, and Targeted General Election voters in your area or another area. Let's not allow time to slip away.
Some "choice cuts" from the 2000 Austin American-Statesman Endorsement of George W. Bush:
Economy
"Bush is right when he says the surplus is our money. But the national debt is ours, too. A tax cut should be balanced with continued reduction of the national debt."
National Defense
"Gore brags about being an active partner in this administration. The administration's national defense policies are nothing to brag about.
The administration has overextended a pared down force and has been unable to curb congressional appetites for pork, which too often puts money into hardware and not enough into training and retaining military personnel.
Our troops need more than glib assurances from the vice president that they are the finest fighting force in the world. The need training, benefits and better pay.
Bush's comments about restraint and humility suggest an administration that would be slow to commit military power to problems overseas. Bush's wise caution is reflected in the widespread support of his candidacy by retired military leaders who understand the limits as well as the uses of U.S. power."
Woman's Right to Choose
"...but Bush's record on judicial appointments in Texas is pretty clear. While he has leaned toward what's called "pro-business" jurists, nothing about his appointments indicates hostility toward a woman's right to choose whether she will or will not have a child."
Education
"Bush has shown strong and impressive leadership in education."
Environment
"Could Bush have done better on environmental issues in Texas? Of course. Is he capable of learning from the pounding he's been taking on the issue? Absolutely."
Final Call
"Bush has the right combination of judgement, political ability and personality to lead the nation and the world."
