an "Unprecedented" evening in Brooklyn...

[nostamj]

(a little positive post for a Saturday morning)

I had an interesting Friday night.

A friend invited me to a screening of the FL 2000 vote fraud documentary "Unprecedented" at a church in Brooklyn Heights.

The event was sponsored by a 'Social Action" group associated with the church. It was a small group (probably 14 including three guests who, like myself, had no affilitation with the church.)

After some confusion with the equipment, during which we enjoyed homesoup, ices herb tea (and popcorn--it *was* movie night!) we gathered around a large monitor and watched the film.

For myself, there was not much new information (I've read Palast, Tapper, Bugliosi and Deshowitz on the subject) but it was stunning to see the images again. James Baker lying over and over. The RW riot that shut down one recount. The smugness of Katherine Harris and Jeb Bush.

For others in the group, this was obviously new information--especially ragarding the purging of the voter lists. There were several "what?!" moments.

After the movie we moved to a circle of 'comfy' chairs and coaches for discussion. The group was a nice mix of types. Everyone was 30s-60s, black & white, soft-spoken to feisty.

Our conversation ranged from voting issues raised in the documentary to much wider topics including the encroachment of BBV, (I was able to get info about the upcoming book and Bev's website out there), racism (the senior paster, an extremely erudite man with a long history in civil rights was especially impressive), and strategies for getting out the vote and communicating effectively with republican/conservative friends and family.

There was *some* Bush bashing, but the focus was mostly contructive. In discussing strategy, we focused on raising ISSUES of concern to 'real people' over attacking Bush.

We talked alot about individual activism ("Each one, Teach on") and the problem with propaganda and lack of real news. (They liked my BushCo 'Trifecta' line: HATE, FEAR & IGNORANCE.)

All in all, a very positive, energizing evening. Whether it's a massive event like the DC Rally or a small gathering like this, I always find the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas to be empowering.

Well, that's really all there is. We didn't change the world. But I expect the next meeting will have at least double the attendance.

[SpiralHawk]

1. Thanks for the report, Nosty

And an appreciative click of the mouse.



"If we want things to stay as they are, things
will have to change." - Giuseppe di Lampedusa

[nostamj]

3. thanks!

as I feared, it's dropping like a rock....

someday i'll learn to use better subject lines like:

nude DEAN pics online!!! ;-)

[catzies]

2. Thanks for sharing that. A positive evening, in good company,

constructive dialogue, we all should have that every Friday night.

Thanks, Nostamj for all that you do and for this story. Uplifting for those of us who are hopeful in spreading our message. It begins with getting the information out there, and talking with good informed folks like you!

[Dudley_DUright]

4. Excellent Report Nostamj

Somehow I don't see this happening in a church basement in my neighborhood. I would love to see the film, but I doubt if Jeb will ever even allow it across the state line into FL. This would be a great topic to talk about on the Guy James show!

[nostamj]

5. thanks... i'm still thinking about what my call today will be about

i was home sick and watch A LOT of the repuke whine-a-thon, so i'm really tempted to talk about that. (with some serious rick sanctimoran bashing)

or, I could talk about something 'nice' like last night....

we'll see

[nostamj]

6. a kick for a 'good news' post

[Judi Lynn]

7. Thanks for taking the time to share info. on your excellent evening

Time very well spent!

Hope there will be similar events across the country while this film gets aired.