Is the pen mightier than the sword? Let's put it to the test!
First, all credit for this idea goes to dKos user Sheba. I think she's come up with an idea that is right up the blogosphere's alley, and something the netroots can do to jumpstart creative antiwar activism.
By now we're all familiar with the "auto-pen" which Rumsfeld was using to sign the death notice letters to the families of those who have died in action. He has since announced that in the future he will sign all such letters himself. So Donald Rumsfeld needs a new pen, now that he can't use the autopen. Sheba's idea? Let's help him out with some pens! I think this is a great direct action tactic for the netroots, it plays to our strength and makes a statement.
The campaign showed me some of the strengths and weaknesses of the blogosphere. On the one hand, it's largely useless when it comes to moving majorities in electoral politics. It has however shown the impact that thousands or tens of thousands acting in a coordinated fashion can have. This idea goes right to that strength, and makes a vivid antiwar, anti-administration statement. What if Rumsfeld started receiving thousands or tens of thousands of pens? Would that sow some confusion at minimum in the Pentagon? Would it send a message that there is a new, sharper-edged antiwar movement emerging? A united netroots could make a statement that the administration is going to face coordinated mass opposition to its Iraq policies from here on out, and do it right in Rummy's face. Moreover, if the idea caught fire, it could jump into the media and start a felt-tipped cascade on Washington.
Anyone can stick a pen in an envelope and send one off tomorrow. The pen could be sent anonymously, or the sender could choose to make a statement and identify themselves, either is fine. Personal statement pens are good, too! But the point is the ballpoints, drown the Pentagon mailroom in pens. And every pen is a direct whack at Rummy.
Another thing I really like about this idea is that it broadens the range of tactics for the antiwar movement. Antiwar activists have used demonstrations and electoral politics, and that's just about it. We need to be more creative and inventive in ways that allow us to keep the pressure on the administration on an ongoing basis.
For these reasons, I consider Sheba's idea to be well worthy of consideration--and action. If you agree with me, here are some steps to take:
1) Send a pen to Rummy!
Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
- Help publicize the idea through blogs and email groups. The widest possible participation. Spread the word as widely as possible.
- A dKos recommended diary would help this concept get some blogosphere traction.
For a more detailed tactical analysis of this idea, see my post at
Liberal Street Fight.
I'm sending Rummy one of the pens I have left over in a box I got as a Dean Meetup host.