Separation of Donkey and Spine

Separation of Donkey and Spine (Back View) © 2007 Emily Duffy Photo by Sibila Savage

I've been hoping, since the November 2006 election, not to ever have to use my most recent political sculpture, "Separation of Donkey and Spine."

Unfortunately, this afternoon, the Democratic leadership in Congress caved in to George Bush's radical, war-mongering agenda. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer just announced the "concessions" described in this New York Times article. And here is how the Senate Dems voted last week on the Feingold-Reid Bill. A sickening NINETEEN Democrats voted against this bill which would have started troop withdrawls.

Apparently, the Democrats are more afraid of Bush than they are of us, the American people. Somehow the powerful and connected in Washington DC have forced their hand. Does that mean we should throw up our hands in frustration and give up?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

















Separation of Donkey and Spine (Front View) © 2007 Emily Duffy Photo by Sibila Savage
















Separation of Donkey and Spine (Detail of Donkey) © 2007 Emily Duffy Photo by Sibila Savage

This sculpture consists of two small wood coffins. The larger of the two carries a Donkey stuffed animal which has $100 bills coming out of every orifice. It wears a choke collar emblazoned with GOP logos and gold spikes. The Donkey's coffin has the U.S. Constitution inside the lid. The document, an oversized parchment replica, has been burned, torn, bled on, and trampled. The outside of this coffin is collaged with news clippings documenting the long trail of weakness by Democrats in the face of ever-mounting outrages by the Bush Administration. The outside of the lid is covered with a real American flag, just like the full-sized coffins, returning from Iraq, that Bush won't let us see. This coffin is the resting place for all Democrats too weak, or afraid, to uphold their oath and defend our Constitution. Both coffins are lined with blood-red velvet.



















Separation of Donkey and Spine (Detail of spine) © 2007 Emily Duffy Photo by Sibila Savage

The smaller coffin holds what's left of the Democrats' spine. There have been a few heroic, patriotic, members of Congress all along. In November 2006 we elected a few more of these brave souls to represent us in the halls of government. Unfortunately we still need more of them to replace the kowtowing wimps cluttering up the aisles. Americans overwhelmingly want an end to the war in Iraq. The outside of this tiny coffin is covered with quotes by a few of these people. They listen what we are saying, then they act upon it. They're holding hearings, digging through vast piles of evidence, seeking the truth of Bush Administration illegal activity. They deserve our deepest thanks and our continued support, and they need to hear from us.

Get on the phone/fax right now and call your two senators and your one representative and politely let them know you DEMAND an end to this war! You'll find all the numbers HERE. Don't let up folks, call them every week at the very least...every day if you're willing, don't worry about being a pest...remember they work for us! We must make them more afraid of hearing NO from us than from Bush and his thugs.

















Separation of Donkey and Spine (Detail spine text) © 2007 Emily Duffy Photo by Sibila Savage

Here is one of the quotes collaged on the side of this part of the sculpture:

Senator Russ Feingold March 13, 2006

The President authorized an illegal program to spy on American citizens on American soil, and then misled Congress and the public about the existence and legality of that program. It is up to this body to reaffirm the rule of law by condemning the President’s actions.

All of us in this body took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and bear true allegiance to the same. Fulfilling that oath requires us to speak clearly and forcefully when the President violates the law. This resolution allows us to send a clear message that the President’s conduct was wrong. Source.

Dear readers: We should never, NEVER give up this fight to save our country. No matter the era, the location, or the people involved, fascism is always the same cruel, evil, poison that must be stamped out. It is our collective power, as a still-free people, that can restore this democracy. Let's win our country back. Please CALL! no matter what time it is, or how busy you are. Thanks so much. - Emily



Kicking Donkey Democratic Party Logo

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