OB Flashes: Community Bulletin Board: September 22-29

Frank Gormlie September 22, 2009 16 Comments

OB RAG Community Bulletin and sometimes Discussion Board for the week of September 22nd-29th, 2009.

News and views, community events, thoughts, musings – it’s all here. Discuss anything that is bugging you, or exciting you, or of interest. Or just something you want to share with the rest of us. Do it in the comments section.

Not only that, if you or your buds are having a meeting or event you would like to inform the rest of us about, do so here. If you are having a GARAGE or YARD SALE this week, let us know.

OB Flashes – Community Bulletin and Discussion Board: September 8th – 14th

Staff September 7, 2009 10 Comments

OCEAN BEACH, CA. This is OB Flashes – the OB Rag’s weekly Community Bulletin and Discussion Board. Discuss anything that is bugging you, or exciting you, or of interest. Do it in the comments section. Not only that, if you or your buds are having a meeting or event you would like to inform the rest of us about, do so here. If you want to get rid of something, like an old working TV, do it here.

Remember when … during the Bush years … how dissent was hushed up?

Source August 25, 2009 28 Comments

During eight years of Bush, progressives and those on the left (and, after a while, many in the center too) protested vigorously, passionately, determinedly, and-whoa, get this!-peacefully.

But seven meager months into the Obama administration, and right-wing extremists are talking secession, fabricating lies to induce fear and are stockpiling ammunition. They are apoplectic and want you to know it. Are you frightened? You should be.

Three Incidents of Protesters With Guns at Obama Events

Source August 18, 2009 19 Comments

Armed protesters asserting their right to bear arms, including a man with a rifle slung over his shoulder, gathered yesterday near a Phoenix convention hall where President Barack Obama spoke, a police spokesman said.

The protesters were taking advantage of an Arizona law that allows people to carry unconcealed guns, Phoenix Police Department spokesman Andy Hill said. Police made no arrests.

How the West Was Won – how urban planning in Ocean Beach became democratic

Frank Gormlie June 29, 2009 1 Comment

by Frank Gormlie

Have you heard of the OB Planning Board? Meeting monthly, the Board is the official body – made up of local residents, property owners and businesses – that advises the City of San Diego on development and construction projects and issues slated for Ocean Beach. And it’s the closest thing to an elected body for OB. … MORE INSIDE …

Protests in Iran an Inspiration for Apathetic, Apolitical Generation of Americans

Lane Tobias June 23, 2009 12 Comments

by Lane Tobias

As I have been following the election protests in Iran over the last week or so, I can’t help but feel inspired by the movement’s energy. Long a polarizing global political figure, Iran now has everyone fixated on the unrest in its streets.

For those of us who grew up only knowing Iran as an “evil” place with religious dictators who present death doctrines for anyone not supportive of the ruling regime, it has been an eye-opening experience seeing first-hand the cultural importance Iranians place on personal freedom.

Is the Pentagon subverting Obama’s plan to have US troops leave Iraq?

Source May 27, 2009 1 Comment

Former Congressman Tom Andrews, National Director of the Win Without War Coalition, released the following statement today:

Yesterday’s comments by Army Chief of Staff General George Casey that the Pentagon needs to begin planning to leave U.S. combat troops in Iraq for another decade …

The Anti-War Dilemma: How To Protest A President You Trust

Source May 12, 2009 7 Comments

During the Bush era, peace protests were presupposed. If the President of the United States showed up anywhere, so did the protesters. Now that Barack Obama has taken over the helm, though, peace activists are debating and rehashing protest strategies and often not protesting at all.

Activists, Reformers Now Control State Democratic Party

Source April 27, 2009 2 Comments

Before the California Democratic Convention ended yesterday, delegates bucked the Party leadership on the May 19th ballot measures – by securing a “no endorsement” on Propositions 1A, 1D and 1E. State legislators and Party operatives pushed “yes” on all six measures, but enough of the grassroots who stayed for the tail end of the session refused to go along.

Waterboard Sean Hannity? Yes, please.

Jon Carr April 23, 2009 16 Comments

by Jon Carr

Last night (4/22/09) on Faux News, Conservative Right Wing pundit Sean Hannity engaged in a debate with Charles Grodin over the hot topic of torture or as the right wing prefers to call it, “enhanced interrogation.”