Readers' Feedback Excerpt from Review of February 2005 "The power of a good poet who is personally committed to gospel nonviolence is immeasurable and needs to be celebrated. Today, I celebrate the gift of the poetry of Ian Reed. For months, I have been receiving his poems by email as he has dealt with such varied topics as the pain of 9/11, the contradictions of the "war on terror," the horrors of Abu Ghraib, the perfidy of the ruling economic and political powers in the U.S. empire, and the captivity of most of the U.S. churches by false imperial prophets. "Reed's skill is shown by the great variety of the poems. How many contemporary poets are disciplined enough to write sonnets anymore? But Reed uses the sonnet for his impassioned Patriot's Prayer and for Disciple's Dilemma, both written in April 2003. Elsewhere, he uses odes (Ode to Ares), Hip Hop rhyme-schemes, free verse, and more. "Through all these forms, Reed interweaves biblical allusions and quotations, close readings of current political events, irony, passion, sorrow (for both the state of the nation and the churches), biting sarcasm, lament, and great love." Michael L. Westmoreland-White Outreach Coordinator Every Church a Peace Church http://www.ecapc.org/ February 2005 "Ian Reed, a man who thinks and writes in the spirit of Shakespeare and the early prophets...I hope we can expect much more from one whose art seems to encompass so much. Thank you, Ian!" John Wilmerding, Convener and List Manager Coalition for Equity-Restorative Justice (CERJ) May 2003 "a fascinating, complex and imaginative collection of poems" Ruth Baldwin, Editor, Nation Books May 2003 "While I'm not a fan of poetry, generally speaking, I must say that your poetry turned me on in unexpected ways. I love the mix of poetry and politics and I couldn't agree more with the way you view today's world events. The Bible and Shakespeare are not my area of expertise but I enjoy the references nonetheless." Abraham C., New York City November 2005 "Dear Ian, I really appreciate the e-mails with ideas, suggestions, and insightfully intelligent commentary. You have a talent for writing that is exciting and positive that makes my whole day with each new post... There is a theocracy movement that Bush seems to be catering to...There is something in that community coffee that seems to lull people into a hazy, credulist state." David Dean, Drum Maker Cincinnati, OH June 2005 "Thanks for your wonderful writings and for making it so easy for people to find and read." Nalini L. April 2004 "Dear Ian, I am a beginning poet. Thank you for the breath of fresh air your poetry brings ... so far removed from the usual contemporary psychobabble. Your grateful fan," Lloyd, age 68 July 2003 "Thank you for your e-mails Ian. Through your writing and the links that you supply I feel at least I am keeping myself informed...the most important factor here is the accessibility of true information, or artistic representations and allegories that bring the truth to light...I have forwarded the manifesto to various American students who also have fears for their country. Hope all is well. Thanks again, keep sending." Saraid Dodd, Actress, London, UK September 2003 "Hi Ian. I just wanted to tell you that the other person I'm writing the spring script with is very impressed with your writing. And, of course, to thank you again for including me on your mailing list; we will definitely be using some of your selections. I love the thoroughness of your research, too. Keep up the good work! Thanks." PeggyRae Johnson September 2003 "You're a great poet." John McConnell, founder of Earth Day May 2004 "Thank you so much for your poems. They are wonderful! With warm regards." Jane, Author and Psychotherapist, NY March 2004 "I always enjoy your poems and letters. You have a gift there." Daniel O'Reilly December 2004 Cananical "Again thankyou for your moving and heartbreaking poetry." Jane Parsons-Fein, psychologist and author August 2006 Battle Hymn of the Republican "You are one sick puppy. Anti-American, Bush-bashing depraved individual--why waste more of my time in persuing (sic) this msg" David Hartzell November 2005 "One of your all-time best." Lynn, Radio Talk Show Host July 2004 Wordswroth "Dear Ian. Exquisite agony. Thank you." David Burleson, former UNESCO adviser to UNICEF January 2005 Oddfellow "Dear Ian. This is, simply, magnificent. Bless you, my friend. I am, most definitely, going to find a way to employ it - with your permission - into 'Blacking Iago.' Cheers for now, Bruce." Bruce Wall, Executive Director London Shakespeare Workout (LSW) Prison Project January 2005 Election Fraud for Dummies "Thank you for your really incredible piece on the election fraud--it's been posted to fromtherabbithole.com.  I'm so amazed about the ignorance among the general public about this, or the nonchalance about having yet another election stolen... "Here in the Big Apple, as the nearly constant drone of police and military helicopters provide the perfect Orwellian backdrop, we're speaking out--in small numbers so far though. Tomorrow, Saturday, is the second scheduled protest. The day after the stolen election, a group of mostly young people gathered in Union Square Park, but there were more 'men in black' than protestors. The entire park was surrounded by thugs in riot gear!!! "Looks like things will be ugly for awhile. The only hope is to bring this cabal down...and this might just do it. Remember Nixon!" Cathie, Editor, fromtherabbithole.com November 2004 "...an excellent text, and the results of your extensive research are completely persuasive that vote fraud was the way Bush anticipated getting the election...may I add congratulations and good luck to you for this worthwhile work you have done. I hope you get increased print." Jocelyn, Editor, thehandstand.org November 2004 Born Again "Fabulous!!!!  I needed to laugh.  I get caught up in the serious side of things too often...fromtherabbithole readers will enjoy this one." Cathie, Editor, fromtherabbithole.com November 2004 Cross Purposes "You have a gift, Sir. Thank you for sharing it." George-Erich Stroud Editor, ChristianConcepts.US We Hold These Truths.org October 2004 Dumber Cum Laude "I love your rhythm. It reminds me of Lord Byron." Jamie O., Graphic Designer October 2004 "This one is wonderful, simply pitch-perfect, going right to the heart of things. I've forwarded it on to friends who have very much appreciated it, too." Horst Rutsch, Magazine Editor September 2004 Sins of Commission "Hi Ian:  Thanks for your article--it is exceptional and I will be posting it this week...it draws in average folk--people earning a living and going about their lives who are extremely skeptical of conspiracy nuts.  You draw a succinct line to the nightmarish but very real conclusion that our government is directly responsible for the events of 9/11. Thank you for your contribution to this site and to the very important work we have ahead of us." Cathie, Editor, fromtherabbithole.com September 2004 Ode to the RNC "A wonderful piece." Jane, Author and Psychotherapist, NY September 2004 Bang for Buck "Exceptional, Ian, as always - you zero in on the crux of the matter and tell it like it is" Lynn R., research director September 2004 Wishing Well "Exquisite" Alanna Hartzok, Co-Director, Earth Rights Institute August 2004 Some Vital News "A terrific piece. I am interested to know if those remiss friends will get it-- maybe if they do just listen to Democracy Now or do just read any of the dozen amazing books now all over the place, or just see 'Now' now and again, they might. Terrific piece. I might want to send it on, or sections (credited always ) to people I know. I love mostly, the powerful, emotional remonstrances--how I feel so what you are feeling. I marvel that so few can accomplish so much when there is so little awareness, so little similar passion and righteous anger among our compatriots. There seem to be some amazing victories here and there to keep us going. I am thrilled with the Chavez victory, for instance." Lucille K., artist and impresaria, NY August 2004 "Beautifully written and well said. Unfortunately, my email distribution system is down at this moment or I would distribute it as widely as I could. Thank you for your profound statement. I recently survived a trip to North Carolina where I meet some very nice caring people who are very concerned about America today and had a fairly heated exchange with a bunch of Christian fundamentalists. Keep up the good work." Ed C., Barrister, London, Ontario August 2004 "I have again put your letter on my student websites, this time describing it as a political rant worthy of London in the 17th or 18th centures and likening your piece to that of Swift or Lamb or Pope." Tucker F., Teacher August 2004 UnConventional "Ian ... again, beautiful and so eloquent...I checked out your website ... your poetry greatly humbles me ... you have an incredible gift." Lynn R., research director July 2004 "Excellent stuff old mate, as are all the poems you send me!" Noel J., actor July 2004 Faux Geste "good on you Ian, better and better." Jocelyn, Editor March 2004 "Dear Ian. The poem is brilliant! I am forwarding it to select people. With warm regards." Jane, Psychotherapist, NY March 2004 Haitred "My god I don't know how you do it - so on the ball/up to the minute stuff. Much love," Gary, International Playwright March 2004 "Thanks. That's wonderful." Lynn, Radio Talk Show Host February 2004 Diary of a U.S. Soldier "Painfully true piece to read. Thanks so much for sending it to me. I didn't understand before Bush invaded when officers were predicting that it would be worse than Vietnam. I am beginning to understand. There is no end." Wage Peace, Christy January 2004 "Ian, this is excellent for its unflinching honesty. Thank you." Best Wishes, John Kaminski January 2004 "Thank-you so much for this. Makes one weep." Gill, Impact News DemoBrats "I wish I had known of Kucinich earlier ... as I continue to watch him I have been very impressed ... your information was interesting on him. thanks." Peggy Miller February 2004 "Good on ya, Ian!" John Wilmerding Coalition for Equity-Restorative Justice February 2004 Ode to C.S. Lewis "Just ran into your 'Ode to C.S. Lewis'. It's hysterical! Will be looking for your poetry. Anyone who calls Lewis "friend" is a friend of mine. Greetings from Houston. Felix Pande-Money-um "I like it very much. It really is comforting to know that Christ does not deserve to be linked to war…thank you again for your thoughtful writing." Rebecca Hale, Artist February 2004 Tribute of Tributes "I am about to do a broadcast on the BBC in homage of Shakespeare's Birthday. I very much want this nation to know of the great good of their native son, Ian Reed. You should and must be cherished here as well as abroad." Bruce Wall, Chairman London Shakespeare Workout Prison Project April 2002 As I Was Leaving My Office Last Night "Ian. As a gay person, I tend to know things are not always what they appear to be, and therefore maybe I am a little more quick to see through the lies...Bush has already established for me that he will say one thing and do the opposite." Neal, Marketing Executive March 2003 "It's always so great to get your fine, outraged e-mails. It was inspiring to me to read in this one about how you used to be afraid to speak out about such things but have found the inner courage to do so now... "The thing that's most discouraging to me right now about this war is how successfully it's been marketed. I have some friends who are basically decent human beings who are just swallowing the 'we're freeing the Iraqis' line. And the old trick of branding dissent as unpatriotic, an insult to our troops, supporting terrorism! I guess that's been around since government first began, but it was certainly used well by the Nazis, and now by the Bush bunch. "I loved being at the demonstration too. It was a beautiful, positive day, despite the efforts of the media to focus on the 'violent ending'. I was there at the end, and I can tell you that situation was basically manufactured by the police compressing people into a small space and not giving clear instructions about leaving... "So, what in the world can we do beyond going to demonstrations, signing petitions, and trying to spread the word to our friends and neighbors about how we feel about this war. I have this feeling that as artists we could be contributing more. Also, as smart, fairly computer-literate people, it seems to me that there might be some way that we could contribute to better networking among thoughtful, peaceful people... "It so often seems that it's just the extreme, freaked-out, self-disenfranchised far left (I don't mean this in a nasty way) that shows up for most of the actions. The demo last Saturday was a pleasant change from that. We need to somehow get more mainstream, powerful people to look more carefully at what's going one and get into action! I think your letter speaks to that point, and I thank you for sending it. "We admire you and what you're doing. We are always standing in support, so please remember that, if you ever feel along in this struggle." Leslie, Actress. March 2003 "That was gorgeous...thank you. With your permission, I would love to forward that to a few of my friends." Anjalika, Editor March 2003 "Don't feel alone. Many people disagree with the pre-emptive war. They don't speak out, because they feel their voice would not be heard. Don't be distressed by ignorant people even though sometimes they happen to be the majority (that's the cost we pay for democracy). Most people in the U.S. have no first-hand experience of war. Even though there was 9/11, no bomb has ever dropped on their backyard. I heard the sound of bombs as a baby, and I have seen horror on my mother's face from her experience of imprisonment during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong. That gives me a different perspective, because war to me is not just something you watch in movies or TV network news. So keep doing what you are doing. Sometimes being mad is just being human." Paul, NYC March 2003 "If only there were more Americans like you. I feel your pain." J. Sanjana, Canada. March 2003 "worth reading. Keep it up." Dan, Journalist. March 2003 "I totally relate to what you say. I am completely willing to buy into a theory that criminal acts against a state's own people are masterminded to prop up state power. Even to the degree that I have contemplated whether Bush had something to do with sanctioning 911, or at least turning a blind eye to intelligence pre-911. That one act has increased the U.S.'s global power base more than any amount of diplomatic or economic manouevering. "Am back in the U.K. now, and must say it's good to be back, not least because of the relatively free media. I didn't even watch the news in New York, as it's like tuning into Bush TV. And they say Saddam is the propaganda king!" Liz, Media Consultant, London March 2003 "We share much of the same sentiments...Let's discuss strategies to organize." Susan, Fashion Consultant, New York City. March 2003 Fool's Paradise "Well, I finished my dissertation yesterday and what a great feeling – 22,000 words on how war propaganda violates human rights, with examples from the attack on Iraq…I have used your 'Fool's Paradise' verse as the lead quote for the media chapter." Liz, Media Consultant, London November 2003 Pax Americana "I love the poem, it puts it all into perspective" Gill at Impact News, U.K. May 2003 Fibs "We are putting your poem Fibs into our 2nd edition hard copy of the paper. It will be with our lead story entitled SEPTEMBER DOSSIER, all about Tony Blair and what a lying toe rag he is." Impact News, U.K. July 2003 A Common Sense Manifesto "Dear Ian. Once again, this is an absolutely superb piece of writing and research. It is truly tragic to think that the '04 election outcome is so sure, and I hope that there is enough will and belief among us all to re-steer the course of the world. It is very difficult to stand up for what one believes." Liz, independent media & communications consultant September 2003 "Thanks for sending me this Ian - it was very well written and one of the more eloquent and informed opinions I've heard in quite a while - I'm glad to have read it - I concur on much and would love to chat with you about it. Cheers." Noel Johansen, Actor September 2003 "Brilliant. Can I forward the article to my friends?" Felicia Wang September 2003 "bitter and alarmist" Todd, Graphic Artist, New York City September 2003 "Dearest Ian. Mind if I put some or all of your stuff on the Website? I particularly like 'Common Sense Manifesto. It begs the question: isn't it about time the world had some decent politics with some decent politicians?" Gill, News Editor December 2003 A Christian's Letter to Bush "The letter to Bush is so to the point." Felicia Wang September 2003 Seeing Through a Glass Darkly “Damned good stuff!” Harley Sorensen, Journalist, San Francisco Chronicle September 2003