today's blood pressure reading

actually, the name of the album i'm listening to could serve as the subject of the entry.  an olla podrida of offerings.  first of which is a small disappointment.  we were supposed to meet friends from boston (actually one of them is a longtime friend from dallas) next weekend in chincoteague, VA for a weekend of birding, wildlife-refuge strolling and general life reconnection.  they won't be able to make the trip because of family problems.  leaving us to decide what we will do.  G would love for us to go to the refuge on our own and spend a quiet peaceful weekend. though i see the beauty of that choice, i am campaigning for heading to DC and the demonstration/march to be held by ANSWER and United for Peace and Justice.  there will be a delegation from Poets Against the War, reading poems near the washington monument pre-rally.  i attended code pink's rally and march in early spring, but my involvement with these current groups has been entirely virtual, including having a poem published on the poetsagainstthewar.org site last spring.

it's clear that we need more large visible protests in places that can't be ignored or overlooked. i just read this article that astronomically elevated my blood pressure, and am happy to offer you the same opportunity. it's one reason i want to see more large protests continue. yeah, let's keep dissent visible.  if they can shuttle small groups or individual protesters aside to "free speech areas" like this, we need to make sure there are so many people speaking freely that they cannot be hidden away. you are familiar with the first amendment, yes? you were, perhaps, of the opinion that this whole country was a "free speech area?"  after you read the story you will see how wrong you are.  not anymore, kids.  not anymore.