In a June, 2005 essay for Palgrave MacMillan, I wrote the following of CODEPINK:

"As women in the U.S. move forward with their activism, they must appreciate the great advances brought about by the women pioneers who came before. Because of the noble and heroic work of their predecessors, the women of today are able to venture beyond issues of women's rights and gender inequality. Although there is still much to be accomplished on these fronts, the current injustices wrought by corporate globalization, U.S. imperialism, unjustifiable wars, and religious fanaticism, have redirected women activists from the national stage into the global arena. CODEPINK, as a key women's organization, collaborates closely with social justice organizations throughout the world. It has put a new face on women's activism with a fierceness and creativity that would make Susan B. Anthony grin, and blush, all at the same time."

That statement is even more accurate today.

On September 15th, 100,000 peace activists marched through the streets of Washington, DC to demand an end to war. The corporate media grossly under-reported their numbers. Because of the dereliction of Time Warner, News Corp, Fox, Disney and the rest of America's corporate media, the world believes there is minor opposition in America to George Bush and his immoral wars. Because of the media's failing as an agency of truth, and its betrayal of those who uphold it, America strays ever further from democracy.

On October 27th, another 100,000 peacemakers (cumulatively) marched in several locations across the nation. Mainstream media again distorted the facts. In Los Angeles, photos and videos of the event verify that thousands of patriots marched. Yet, on KNBC, the NBC affiliate, anchor Furnell Chapman reported that "hundreds" marched in L.A. Even with visual proof, he lied. They have no shame.

If only it were illegal to use the people's airwaves to purposely LIE TO THE PEOPLE!!

For the nation's peacemakers - the silenced heroes who defend the Constitution - there are no delusions of an honorable mainstream media. The lessons of deceit and deception have long been taught. Corporate media serves the President - NOT the people. Correspondents value face-time and air-time - NOT the truth - which is sad, because when that rare moment of truth does finally get told, it carries incredible power.

In a split second, thanks to Charles Dharapak and the Associated Press, the entire world bore witness to the depth of anger and disdain millions of Americans feel for the architects of Bush's war. Desiree Fairooz' expression was the expression of millions. Her actions were the actions of millions. Her words were the words of millions - and they've been shouted again and again on the streets of America - unseen, unheard and unreported to the rest of the world.

And her hands...

Desiree's bloody hands are the bloody hands of millions of Americans who bear the pain of knowing, like the "good Germans" before them, that they, too, are held accountable for the deeds their leaders do.

On October 27th, a day for America to protest the war, patriots marched with RED stained hands in solidarity with the truth. Thank you, Desiree Fairooz, for shouting truth to power. Thank you for telling our story. Thank you for giving the media a rare moment to shine - and an incentive to shine even brighter.