smu graduate returns diploma to protest bush library

Utterly revolted by the idea of her alma mater playing host to a library and think-tank for President Bush, Marilyn Trent sent her diploma back to Southern Methodist University.

Trent encourages other SMU graduates to do the same if they can part with their hard-earned diplomas. "The returning of my diploma was a personal decision on my part. I saw it as an action that might encourage other alumni who are disgusted by this development to protest," Trent said in an email.

She also hopes that SMU faculty will continue to speak out against the Bush library complex on their campus: "If those associated with the university who have jobs at stake are brave enough to speak up, all the more should those of us who can't be intimidated be willing to join with them."

north texas colleges and universities respond to the virginia tech tragedy

Yesterday and today, a local show of support for Virginia Tech from North Texas area colleges and universities came in the form of statements from presidents and chancellors, vigils and more.

Along with emergency preparedness information, Southern Methodist University offered this statement: "All of us in higher education share the grief of the Virginia Tech family and send our heartfelt condolences to all those touched by this tragedy."

The following is excerpted from a statement released by Dr. Wright Lassiter, Jr., the Chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District.:

In today’s often-violent world, college campuses are a refuge for many, and a safe place to learn; however, our colleges are a microcosm of the larger world, and we must be prepared to handle the effects of that world on those who either learn or work within our institution. Would we trade the freedom that an open campus provides for learning and growth and replace it with security measures that hamper access and education? Such a closed environment is contradictory to the open exchange of ideas and the world of higher education.

With emergency plans in place and proper training for law enforcement personnel, we hope to meet challenges from the outside world when, and if, they occur. In the meantime, we must be vigilant, observant and aware of our surroundings.

Students at the University of Texas at Dallas can pick up black ribbons at the student government office and other locations on campus. More information about the organized efforts at UTD can be found here.

The University of Dallas held special services today. Members of the University of North Texas community have been invited to attend a vigil held tomorrow morning, led by President Gretchen M. Bataille.

who is emil reichstadt?

We don't know either.

But he's apparently ready to take on Sen. John Cornyn. Reichstadt is the first Democrat to throw his hat in the ring for the 2008 Senate nomination.

Here's a quick run-down of information gathered from Reichstadt's press release: Reichstadt is an Arkansas-born 58-year-old Democrat that once attended Southern Methodist University and knew Willis D. Tate. He is a former Army JAG officer (stationed in Germany during the '70s and '80s) who supports a strong military. He also supports bipartisanship and cleaning up the environment. He currently practices law in Dallas.

Sounds good, right? But who is he? I guess time will tell. Everybody's got to start somewhere, but it does seem odd that this guy's first foray into the political arena is a bid for his party's nomination to the United States Senate.

Could he really pull it off? It's going to take a lot of fundraising! He'll have to edge out bigger names that are being thrown around, if those campaigns come to fruition (i.e. Nick Lampson, Rick Noriega, Bill White). He may also face Barbara Ann Radnofsky, who ran against Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2006, and may have her sights set on Cornyn's seat in 2008.

So, Emil. It's going to take more than an announcement. Show us what you've got.

four years

Four years ago today this travesty in Iraq began on Bush's orders. We still lack the answers to exactly why our soldiers are dying there.

This isn't a partisan issue -- our leaders have failed us. Our president and the former Republican majority failed us by rushing us into a war of distraction without the right information or intelligence and without properly preparing our troops. The former Democratic minority failed us by voting in favor of this mess and allowing the Republicans to railroad this agenda through Congress.

But the new Democratic majority is trying to make up for that. And you can be a part of the new majority: if not the majority party, then at least the overwhelming number of Americans that are ready to see the war come to a close.

It has come to our attention that the following protest events are scheduled today in the Metroplex:

Activists will have more opportunities to practice their rights on Monday, March 19, the unfortunate fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. That day, the Dallas Peace Center will host the “Oil for Blood Drive,” where donors will receive a quart of oil for donating.

Demonstrators will again meet in the parking lot adjacent to the Mockingbird DART rail stationat 4:30 p.m. From there, the group will march westbound on Mockingbird to the La Madeleine next to SMU, stopping periodically to engage drivers. This strip mall, located at the corner of Mockingbird and Airline Road, is part of the proposed site for the future Bush library, policy institute and museum.

Following the demonstration, participants will head to Potomac Park, located directly behind the strip mall. Musicians, poets and speakers will perform at an open mic block party, including Bill McDannell, a VIETNAM VET and former pastor of the UMC who is walking from California to D.C. for peace. Tables will be set up for artisans and activists to present their wares. For more information, please visit DallasRally.com.

There will also be a candlelight vigil in Denton to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq on Monday, March 19. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Downtown Denton Courthouse Square.

If you can attend these events, please do. It's time to step up and demand a change.

Four years is long enough.