Houston Democrats

The event opened with a video - Independent Media in a Time of War. It was the first time I've had a chance to see it and it was eye opening. Of course I've known for a long time that the mainstream media is a mouthpiece for the administrtion, but seeing the images of injured civilians - especially children was striking, especially in light of the fact that these images that never saw the light of day in the United States were broadcast on CNN International.

The first speaker was Javier Couso, who's brother José was one of the journalists killed by U. S. soldiers at the Palestine Hotel on April 8, 2003. He spoke eloquently through an interpreter about the struggle to find out the truth about his brother's death. He comes from a military family, who understands that soldiers just don't shoot at civilians without orders or approval from officers higher up in the chain of command. There is just too much about the administration's official explanation of the incident doesn't match up with the facts as reported by eyewitnesses, the government's story has been through several changes over time. For more information visit JoseCouseo.info

Shay Everitt, a 17 year-old high school student introduced Amy Goodman. She told us how Amy had inspired her to get involved at an appearance last year. Since then she has become a volunteer reporter for KPFT and will be studying journalism and political science in college. Expect to hear her name in the future - my guess is she will be a future leader in the struggle to wrestle media control from extreme right wing partisans.

It was fantastic to have the opportunity to hear Amy Goodman in person. She talked about the silenced majority - the mainstream that really does care about the effects of war - not just the outcome. She repeatedly reminded us to write and call our elected representatives to voice our concerns and displeasure with every aspect of the Iraq war. We cannot count on the TV news for balance. In the lead-up to the Iraq war, out of 393 so-called "pundits" appearing on CBS, NBC, CNN and even PBS, only 3 were advocates for peace. Most were ex-military personnel who were paid to promote war. Amy talked about her recent interview with Phil Donahue (if you haven't heard it yet - go over to Democracy Now it's a must listen) and recounted a story about her one appearance on the Sally Jessy Raphael show. She told us about her narrow escape for a massacre by Indonesian troops in East Timor. It always saddens me that the back story on these massacres always seems to include the sale of arms by the U. S. to the perpetrators.

Amy Goodman is one of the giants in progressive media and has always been a big supporter of KPFT and Houston's progressive community. KPFT is struggling with fund raising this year. If you can head over to their web site and join or donate.

Update: PDiddie does a great job blogging about last night here.