A year ago, most of the experts believed that Bush was going to be a
shoo-in. But today, thanks in no small part to the hard work of MoveOn
members across the country, we're dead even. And if we really push in
the next 10 weeks, on November 2nd, we'll elect a new President.
That's why today we're upping the ante and launching a 10-week
countdown featuring creative, funny, and beautiful ads from some of
America's top directors and actors, including Rob Reiner, to Scarlett
Johanssen, John Sayles, Matt Damon, and many more. We call it 10 Weeks:
Don't Get Mad, Get Even! Each week, we'll pair one new ad with a couple
of actions we can all take to make a difference as we speed toward the
finish line.
Check out the breathtaking first "10 Weeks" ad, Benny Boom's "Everybody," now at:
http://www.moveonpac.org/10weeks/
August 3rd, 2004 2:24 pm
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- A South Florida woman who died
this week had an unusual last request. Instead of
flower or contributions in her name to a charity, she
asked those who loved her to try to make sure
President George W. Bush is not re-elected.
Joan Abbey, shown here before her death, wanted most
of all to have President George W. Bush lose the
November election. Loved ones said that Joan Abbey was
committed to her political passions, even in death.
Abbey was born in Montreal, but lived for many years
in Miami Beach and Aventura. Family and friends came
from as far away as Canada and California to remember
Abbey at the Mount Nebo Jewish Cemetery in Miami.
Abbey, who was a lifelong Democrat, died
Monday--coincidentally on the first day of the
Democratic National Convention.
Her sister, Tillie Shapiro, said, "She was just a
caring person...She cared about people, and people who
were disadvantaged."
Abbey was buried the day after the Democratic
convention ended. Her unusual death notice in the
Miami Herald said: "You can honor Joan's values by
voting against George Bush and contributing to a
liberal or Democratic cause."
Abbey's nephew, Martin Shapiro, said, "What she cared
most about was improving circumstances in this
country... getting rid of George Bush and making this
a better country for all people."
Coincidentally, the presiding rabbi, Brett Goldstein,
is a registered Democrat but is voting for Bush, and
he questioned the timing of Abbey's message at such a
sensitive time.
"My contention is that if there's any situation that's
sacrosanct, it should be devoid of political
ramifications," Goldstein said. "Although people have
the opportunity and they can do it if they want to, it
is not really appropriate at this time."
Shapiro said, "It was her (Abbey's) essence. It was
her core value to try to see this country become a
better place and become a more just society. And I
think that was the last word she'd want to leave."
Abbey did not want her age known. Many friends said
she remained forever young in spirit and staunchly
committed to her beliefs.