Ohioans For Obama

Sharing my old notes with you'll

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:12:24 EST

Physical conditions which are caused by emotional conflicts are generally referred to as being Psychosomatic.

The mental condition in which anxiety is not generally found is Psychopatic Personality.

The Rorschach test - Helps in a diagnostic formulation and in determining differential treatment.

Ethical values are most generally acquired through the integration into the self of parental values and attitudes.

Rethink reform

Walt — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:28:40 EST

There is a disgusting full page ad on page 17A of today's USA Today. It shows the bare bottom of a male patient in a hospital gown. It is a view I sometimes see at work but we are trained to preserve a patient's modesty by securing the ties of the gown. Small print at the bottom of the ad says ,"paid for by the Employment Policies Institute." I went to their web site and to the Rethink Reform site at www.rethinkreform.com. There is no information there about where they are getting their money. That information would be very helpful and I think that it should be required in all advocacy ads in the future. I will make that a priority in the future. We don't need a list of all donors, but we do need to know where the big donations are coming from.

COBRA bites

Walt — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:28:47 EST

Beginning yesterday, the emergency government subsidy that lasted 9 months began expiring for the first recipients of COBRA help. COBRA is the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and it enables the unemployed to keep their health insurance for 9 months after losing a job if they can afford to make the exorbitant payments. When my wife and I moved to Utah, we paid about $850 per month for just the two of us. The average cost for a family across the US is about $1100 and the government subsidy paid about $700. Imagine being unemployed and being required to pay $400 per month with government help or $1100 per month without government help for health insurance. COBRA really does bite.

Ends/means

Walt — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:44:22 EST

Do the ends justify the means? That is a question all of us have been asked in school. Usually the discussion is about hypothetical's and when we are young, the alternatives don't mean a lot. However, now the discussion is about to get very real and each of us will be asked to decide if the ends have justified the means. Let's assume that everyone in the Bush administration had the best interests of the US at heart when they tried to protect the country from future attacks. We soon will be asked if the means they used were justified by the ends they sought. It is going to be a very difficult time making those judgments.

War tax

Walt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:37:21 EST

I favor a surtax to help pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Until George W., we as a country have always taxed ourselves to pay for ongoing wars. George W. borrowed to pay for his wars. During the Vietnam war, everyone figured their tax bills and then were required to add 10% to the remittances to the IRS as a surtax. There were still deficits that led eventually to higher inflation, but the onset of that inflation was delayed.

India

Walt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:34:40 EST

Why is India important to the US? India is the most populous democracy in the world and is expected to surpass China in 40 years to become the most populous nation in the world. We outsource factory jobs to China and we outsource service jobs to India. India can also play a critical role in our battle with al-Qaeda. Look at the map and you will see that Pakistan is sandwiched between India on the east and Afghanistan on the west. Since partition in 1947, India and Pakistan have disputed over many issues with Kashmir being the most important.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir and now both countries have nuclear arms. Some experts consider this dispute to be the most dangerous on the globe. The state of Kashmir in the north of India is checkerboard or crazy quilt of various peoples and religions. Some want to join India and some want to join Pakistan while some want to be independent of both. Untangling the conflicting claims will take the wisdom of Solomon. There has been no progress in solving the Kashmir problem in the 60 plus years that India and Pakistan have disputed the area. I think that at some distant future, India and Pakistan may both share rule of the area with a co-dominion. That will require a degree of cooperation that presently does not exist.

Returning to the present situation, some elements of the Pakistan government and military support the Taliban in Afghanistan so that Pakistan can face India without a threat from a hostile power in the rear. If Barack can reduce tensions between India and Pakistan, perhaps Pakistan will be more willing and able to confront al-Qaeda in Pakistan itself. We can use all the help in the tribal areas of Pakistan that we can enlist.

I love Barack

Walt — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:55:19 EST

I love what Barack is doing for the country. It is so nice to be able to respect the President. I love Barack.

Iraq/Afghanistan/Vietnam

Walt — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:27:09 EST

There is no significant similarity among these three wars except for the financial impact on the US. Vietnam was partially financed by taxes and the deficits led to increasing inflation that culminated in Jimmy Carter's defeat in 1980 by Ronald Reagan. The current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been financed entirely by borrowing which will probably lead to inflation in the near future. That deficit spending contributed to the crash of 2008 and led to John McCain's defeat by Barack Obama.

Living wage

Walt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:04:48 EST

I support a living wage, which varies depending on where you live, and is approximately double the minimum wage. The living wage is defined as the amount needed to bring a family of four up to the federal poverty line. Why do I support it? If the minimum wage were increased to a living wage, all other wages would be increased and all of us would enjoy a higher standard of living. Detractors point out that some entry level jobs would disappear. That is true. I would train those lacking jobs to fill higher paying skilled jobs.

The question that needs to be asked and no one is asking is: who is willing, are you or are we, to be associated with an economy that forces millions to work for near starvation wages? I am NOT. This nation has the resources to provide a dignified life for all who work. If a job is worth doing, it is worth paying a living wage for its performance.

Capitalism

Walt — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:03:53 EST

Some prefer unbridled capitalism. I prefer capitalism with a bridle. Opponents call capitalism with a bridle socialism. I prefer to think of it as compassionate conservatism.

Michael Moore's new movie called Capitalism: a Love Story is an uneven treatment of the recent financial meltdown. There were two parts of the movie I found particularly interesting. He had extensive film of the recent, December 2008, sit-in in Chicago of the terminated workers at a factory that made windows until it could no longer get financing from Bank of America. The workers were not paid what they were owed and were thrown out of work just prior to Christmas. I grew up in Chicago and the film showed how close to the Loop the factory was. The Loop is Chicago's center of political and financial power. During the sit-in, a Catholic Bishop visited the strikers to voice support. He told how his life was shaped by growing up on the South side of Chicago where abandoned steel mills sit empty and the lost jobs they represent. His experience was similar to Barack's when he was a community organizer in the same area.

The other part of the movie that impressed me was a much shorter segment that showed FDR making a radio address just before his death. FDR thought that the voters should see that part of his speech so he invited movie cameras into the office where he was broadcasting. FDR proposed another bill of rights for the US in which certain rights would be guaranteed: adequate affordable healthcare, a living wage, decent housing and affordable higher education. He died before these rights could be enacted, but the US imposed these rights on the constitutions of our defeated enemies in WW2, Germany and Japan. Isn't it ironic that our defeated enemies enjoy those rights now and after more than 60 years, US citizens are still denied them?

United States Senators Move!

Richard — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:32:31 EST

The Senate must get off it's duff and pass health care reform this year! It is what the majority of Americans want. Senators and that includes you Sen Leiberman do something for your constituency! Stop the political games and Act decisively for the American people who put you into office!

A new day

Walt — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:21:04 EST

A new day dawned
Exactly one year ago tomorrow.
His critics see a glass half empty
Barack sees a good beginning.
The road ahead is hard and long
The BushMess will not yield
In a day or month or year.
Those of us with Barack
Should stop from time to time
For a bit of fun and to survey the path
How far to go and how far we have come.
The Right may raise their voices
But that is all they raise
Everything else they lower
Hopes, expectations and results.
The BushMess is their doing
As much as it was George W.'s.
BushMess, BushMess go away
Don't return another day.
Wishing will not prevent a repeat.
Only hard work and constant vigilance
Will preserve our freedoms and our democracy.

Cheney's chutzpah

Walt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:51:14 EDT

Dick Cheney, the master of pulling strings on his puppets from backstage, has lost his position backstage at the White House and his puppets who have retired, resigned or been convicted of a crime. Now that he is in the unfamiliar position of speaking for himself in front of the curtain, he is trying to be a Republican spokesman at the same time as he tries to defend himself from looming charges of sponsoring torture. To suggest that the Obama administration is incapable of defending the country when he and his puppets let bin Laden escape, invaded Iraq needlessly and neglected Afghanistan is the height of chutzpah and hypocrisy.

Haste makes waste

Walt — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:48:00 EDT

Haste makes waste is the slogan of Haste International, a large multinational company, and the world's largest supplier of waste. At the beginning of George W. Bush's first term, they had 13 factories in the US and now there is only the one required for government contracts that specify made in the USA. The other factories have been closed and the jobs shipped to China. We now import 95% of our waste from China. The reason I am talking about Haste International now is that Dick Cheney is urging Barack Obama to use haste in deciding the next steps in Afghanistan. The Bush administration used a great deal of the Haste product and you can see the waste all around the US and the rest of the world.

Logic is facing a surge in unemployment since Bush left office. The sign on the door of employment offices at the Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, and other conservative think tanks reads, No Logic Need Apply. Logic has gone out of fashion at the Republican party too. The policy now is make any charges against the Obama administration, however false and fanciful. If repeated often enough and loud enough, some will believe.

Student debt

Walt — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:03:30 EDT

A college degree used to be a sure ticket of admission to a middle class life style. No more. With the rising cost of college and the accelerating disappearance of good paying jobs, exacerbated by the Great Recession, new grads are finding it very difficult to find jobs that will allow them to begin paying back the loans that got them through school. Many are forced to live at home with their parents as they postpone starting a life of their own.

Adding to the downward pressure on wages is the insistence of business to import temporary workers to fill jobs that Americans would fill but at a higher wage. A recent online study shows that IT workers, such as computer programmers and software engineers earn about 6% less than they would without the competition of H-1B visa workers. The undocumented and those with green cards or H-1B visas hold down wages for all of us.

When supply and demand are equal, the price set by their intersection is called the market clearing pricer since enough is supplied to meet demand with no overage. Business wants no government interference in setting the market clearing price since a price too low would lead to shortages and less profit on items they sell. However, when it comes to their purchases, business is happy with a price below the market clearing price since it reduces their costs and increases profits.

Let's assume no H-1B visas are issued. Jobs would be filled with American workers and wages would rise if some jobs are not filled. That would create an incentive for Americans to train themselves in the skills needed to fill what are now better paying jobs. It might take some time, but eventually, the supply of job applicants would increase to meet demand and a market clearing wage would be established at the higher level.

Afghanistan

Walt — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:24:40 EDT

In the September 28 issue of Time magazine, Joe Klein has an informative article about Afghanistan. The past US strategy put our troops in the wrong places. General McChrystal wants more troops so that he can put troops in the right places and keep the troops already there in the wrong places. We should be in Kandahar in strength because that is where the Taliban began and it is the home of both Mullah Omar and the Karzai brothers, one of whom runs the country, the other runs Kandahar in corrupt fashion. Afghanistan has just experienced five years of ineffective Karzai government and now we and they are expected to support the Karzais for five more years after a probably stolen election. To read the article online, please go to www.time.com/swampland

Opportunity

Walt — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:49:39 EDT

The US is the land of opportunity. However, not everyone gets an equal opportunity to succeed. Some start life with wealthy parents and some don't. The child of privilege will be able to afford to live in a good neighborhood, enjoy good food and a healthy life style and a quality education. The child of poverty will be denied so many of those things. So much for equal opportunity for all. It's like a race with varying starting positions with the starting point determined by a draw. The slowest racer may be required to go two or three times as far as the fastest. That's not fair.

The undocumented

Walt — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:55:57 EDT

Why do the undocumented come to the US from Mexico and points South? For the money of course. If we truly want to slow or stop illegal immigration, we must eliminate the attraction of earning money in the US. Money spent on a southern border fence would be better spent, in my opinion, on undercover INS agents posing as undocumented aliens in sting operations in our larger cities and towns. Stiffer penalties for hiring the undocumented and mandated jail sentences will go a long way toward reducing hiring. With no way to support themselves here in the US, many of the undocumented will return to their homes to the South.

In addition, we should work with Mexico to help their leaders make Mexico a better place for their citizens to live, thereby reducing the need to work in the US. We should make it clear that Mexico and others can no longer export their problems north. Phasing in increased penalties and mandatory jail time here in the US over 5 or 7 years will give the leaders of Mexico and others time to make the needed reforms that will keep the undocumented home, not here in the US. Mexico should enforce progressive taxation, reduce corruption, and with our help, destroy their drug cartels.

Hurray for Our Side!

Richard — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:40:21 EDT

The Baucus bill passed committee by a vote of 15-9 with only one Republican vote(Sen. Snowe). Hurray for our side. Now we must inform our representatives that we want the public option put back in during the conference commitee deliberations! We almost out of the woods!

The Plan

Walt — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:06:13 EDT

The Plan, Big Ideas for America by Rahm Emanuel and Bruce Reed was published in 2006. Both authors worked in the Clinton White House and now Rahm Emanuel is Barack's chief of staff in the current White House. The book is worth reading if only for the insights in the Clinton era and Emanuel's thinking now. Emmanuel contends that we should not fight the Republicans on their terms, trying to outshout each other. Instead, Democrats should offer solutions to our problems that the voters will support. He offers his thoughts on a wide range of subjects including: universal service, college access, retirement savings, health care, fiscal responsibility, corporate welfare, tax reform, green energy and the war on terror. Well worth reading.

He even quotes from one of my favorite Presidents, Teddy Roosevelt who included the following in a 1910 speech to Civil War vets in Kansas: "At every stage, and under all circumstances, the essence of the struggle is to equalize opportunity, destroy privilege, and give life and citizenship of every individual the highest possible value.... We work in a spirit of broad and far-reaching nationalism when we work for what concerns people as a whole. We are all Americans. Our common interests are as broad as the continent."

Their True Colors!

Richard — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:42:38 EDT

Now the insurance has come out against the Baucus Bill saying that it will lead to higher premiums. Why am I not surprised by this? I wasn't fooled by this self-serving industry. Our representatives and President Obama need to stand firm against this chicanery.

Afghanistan is not Vietnam

Walt — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:40:28 EDT

Afghanistan is not Vietnam. Comparing the two will not lead to illumination as to what to do. It is a false and misleading analogy. Afghanistan is unique and so is the problem of the Taliban and a nuclear Pakistan. Barack is smarter than the critics who are pushing for more troops or a complete withdrawal.

Turkey/Armenia or Armenia/Turkey

Walt — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:44:33 EDT

The recently announced agreement of Turkey and Armenia to recognize each other is a big deal. In itself, it almost justifies Barack's Nobel peace prize. Since the forced relocation of Christian Armenians during WW 1 by the failing Muslim Ottoman Empire as a potential fifth column in which 1 million to 1.5 million Armenians died, both sides have been at odds. Armenians both in the US and Armenia have been demanding that Turkey acknowledge past misdeeds, which some have labeled genocide.

For its part, Turkey has always denied responsibility for the actions of the Ottoman Empire although Turkey occupies the heart of the former Ottoman Empire. When he established modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk westernized the Turkish alphabet making it very hard for Turks to read the voluminous documents from the past.

Why is this first step to better relations between Armenia and Turkey so important? Turkey and Armenia at peace with each other will make it easier to route oil from farther east through the area. Turkey is a member of NATO and a US ally. Turkey wants to join the European Union and this brings them closer to membership.

I am not an expert on the events of WW 1 and the Ottoman Empire, but I am currently reading A Shameful Act by Turkish historian Taner Akcam which covers that period.
This bodes well for the soon to happen Arab/Israeli talks.

Nobel peace prize part 2

Walt — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:54:22 EDT

The Nobel committee gave Barack the prize in part to show that the world has a different perspective on his efforts than many of his critics here in the US do. Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa received his Nobel peace prize in 1984, ten years before the dismantling of apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela. Archbishop Tutu had not completed his work in 1984 and some think that he received the prize to ensure his safety from the white South African government. Giving Barack the prize now may be the international community's way of answering Barack's critics here in the US. They approve of what he is trying to do and want him to succeed. That is not true of many Republicans at this time.

Nobel peace prize

Walt — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:36:12 EDT

Congratulations, Barack

Patrick Henry

Walt — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:29:22 EDT

Why did the Patrick Henry Caucus choose Patrick Henry for the name of their organization? For his quote, "Give me liberty or give me death," I suppose. During his lifetime, Patrick Henry was the greatest living speaker. People said that he could convince anyone of anything. He teamed with John Marshall for a short period. It is the opinion of some that Marshall and Henry made the greatest legal team of all teams anywhere in the world for all time. Marshall wrote the legal arguments and Henry delivered them. As much as I respect Patrick Henry, there were two members of the Supreme Court who I regard more highly, John Marshall and Louis Brandeis.

John Marshall served with Washington during the Revolutionary War and later wrote a long biography of Washington. He served as John Adams secretary of state at a time when the Secretary of State assumed the duties of the Presidency when the President was out of town. This was before the Vice President assumed those duties. Adams was out of town a lot. At the end of his Presidency, Adams appointed Marshall Chief Justice of the Supreme Court where he served for many years. Marshall was the third Chief Justice but it was during his tenure that the form and substance of our federal court system took shape. Marshall was related to Jefferson but they were on opposite sides politically.

Louis Brandeis was an associate justice of the Supreme Court from 1916 to 1939. Before went on the Court, he did a lot of pro bono work for the disadvantaged. He actually defeated the insurance companies of his day in New England when they tried to overcharge workers for term life insurance. Before he went on the Court, he defended an Oregon law that limited the daily work of women in factories. He won that case using vast amounts of economic data gathered by volunteers. With this case he changed how cases were argued before the Supreme Court and later as a member, he changed how cases were decided. At first, he and Holmes were on the minority side of 7-2 decisions, but over time his decisions carried the majority.

I think that the country would be better off with more citizens like Louis Brandeis. They have been too rare in our history. Now if we return to strict construction of the Constitution as the Patrick Henry Caucus and others advocate, we will be overturning the good work of Brandeis and others to protect the weak. Do we really want to strike down laws that protect the weak, such as hours worked by women in factories? I think not.

Passionate

Walt — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:12:50 EDT

Last night, Keith Olbermann devoted the entire hour of Countdown to a passionate denunciation of health care insurers. I enjoyed every minute of it. If you play by the rules, you expect to be treated fairly. I was not treated fairly by my insurers and they keep changing the rules in their favor.

To be fair, the insurers are not the only problem with health care. There is big pharma overcharging for drugs; malpractice suits frequently over reward a few and neglect the many; records are archaic, and doctors are forced to practice defensive medicine. Please watch this special comment

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NEPUo_IcO8&feature=related

Jobs, jobs, jobs

Walt — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:32:31 EDT

Between now and November 2010, Barack's critics will be talking jobs, jobs, jobs. It will be all talk and no cigar. I respectfully suggest that all those talking heads, members of Congress, lobbyists, and think tank members resign their current positions and look for a job in the manufacturing or the service industry. Only with a real job will they be qualified to talk about jobs, jobs, jobs. I wish them luck in finding a job with no REAL job experience in their resumes. Instead of pointless criticism, what the country and the jobless really need is constructive suggestions to reduce unemployment soon.

Socialism

Walt — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:26:18 EDT

Socialism is a term used by many today to express their opposition to many different proposals. The favorite term used to be communism but you don't hear that used as much today since the USSR dissolved. Socialism is a word used as though democracy and freedom are opposites. That is not true. Most countries still practicing socialism successfully are democracies with all the freedoms we have, but with a higher level of taxes. Who opposes higher taxes? Those who will have to pay them and those who are fooled into thinking that they will have to pay them.

Let's do away with taxes and government. We want freedom and free market capitalism which are not the same thing. Let's do away with Social Security, Medicare, unemployment benefits and disaster relief. Make our highways into toll roads. Extend the workday to 12-14 hours each, six days per week. Take children out of our failing schools and let their start earning a living in factories here in the US instead of sending those jobs to South America, Africa or Asia to employ children there. Our children can work just as well as their children. Now that is freedom.

The Way I See It.

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:02:47 EDT

There are no religions that are better than others, but the truth is, that they are really all one and the same.

Moreover, they all shared the same moral values and fundamentals.

Even if their philosophical concepts, mythology, epic stories vary the basic thoughts and goals are the same.

Religions are different in their ponts of view, because of the influence of cultural ways, and ancestral ancient traditions, and rituals.

You see, when people say "their religion is the only way, or that it is better thatn other", it is because of the fact, that human nature is afraid of the unknown.

Therefore, many people out of ignorance, lack of knowledge about others traditional beliefs, feel "safe" rejecting, and not wanting to learn what they do not know.

God = is one an the same yesterday, today, and always.

God has many names and many ways, but they all takes us to the same center.

Senate Democrats

Richard — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:35:39 EDT

The Senate Democrats hold the key to whether we will have health care Reform this year! It's time for them to step up to the plate for all Americans! The GOP is not going to vote for this legislation no matter who proposes it! They are just using stall tactics in an effort to kill it!

8 months

Walt — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:09:27 EDT

January 20 to September 26, 2009. The Obama presidency is only 8 months and a few days old, but it seems like forever. The Bush administration is a rapidly fading bad dream. If Barack had a honeymoon, it was certainly a short one. All the Republicans can do is make noise and delay, and that they are doing at full volume. Barack continues to make good decisions and great speeches. Soon the 2010 electioneering season will be upon us and it will be another 12 months of the same old right wing noise. The time is going to drag, but we can make use of it to reduce their numbers in Congress. The Republicans are counting on history to increase their numbers in Congress. Let's give them a big surprise.

Welcome to the Future

Walt — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:13:01 EDT

I was eating breakfast at work Sunday before beginning my shift at 7:00 am when a music video by Brad Paisley captured my attention. It featured smiling and attractive children of many races with captions stating their choices for future occupations. The optimism of this video is so uplifting and encouraging that it contrasts greatly with the dissension and anger that so much of TV news presents today.

Efficiency

Walt — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:58:45 EDT

What price efficiency? How much is efficiency in financial markets worth? How much is it worth to you or to me? The hedge fund owner/manager who clears $billion in a single year, $500,000 per hour, thinks he/she is worth the price. If we put the job out for bids, I am sure that someone would volunteer to do it for $500,000 per day and then someone else would offer to do it for $500,000 per week and then another for $500,000 per month and finally $500,000 per year. I don't care if the financial markets are super efficient or not. I might be willing to pay $500,000 per year or I might not.

The standard argument heard from Wall Street is that huge salaries and bonuses are necessary to keep the talented from joining competitive firms. So what? If the talented were not profitable to an individual firm, it would not matter who they worked for.

Then there is the other false argument thrown out by those who support the present tax structure, that the US has a high rate of taxation. That may be true on paper but it does not reflect the real world of tax loopholes and tax havens. If the hedge fund owner/manager really believes this, let him/her take his firm elsewhere and start paying taxes in a foreign country with a lower tax rate that lacks the tax loopholes that exist here in the US.

The numbers describing the US economy are huge, in the $trillions, but that is not an infinite number. If some pay themselves and friends in the $billions, that leaves less to be divided among the rest of us. How much is enough and how much is too much? We can read about how much is more than enough when we read about Wall Street's greed.

Health Care Speech

Richard — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:11:41 EDT

President Obama's speech on Health Care was excellent! He showed a mastery of the issue! The President voiced a real comittment to this needed legislation!

Fetal rights

Walt — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:59:47 EDT

What rights does a foetus have? If life begins at conception, the rights of a foetus don't stop at birth. The foetus has a right to good prenatal care so that she/he will be born healthy. Then the new US citizen by virtue of being born in the US has the right to affordable health care that ensures his/her life is not cut short by illness in childhood or as a young adult.

Zeitoun

Walt — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:24:17 EDT

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers is the true story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun's life as a painting contractor in New Orleans before, during and after Katrina. He is a Syrian-American known by his last name because people found it easier to pronounce. He arrived in Houston by ship and found an American woman to marry and raise a family and start a successful business. His family evacuated before the hurricane but he decided to stay and look after the rental properties they owned. The hurricane did little damage in his part of the city but the flooding caused by the levee breaches did extensive flood damage. He helped rescue some people who were stranded and fed some abandoned pets. He owned a used canoe which he used to get around. About a week into the aftermath of Katrina, he and three other men were arrested on suspicion of being looters or terrorists. He was held incommunicado for about three weeks before he was able to smuggle out a message to his wife who was able to contact a lawyer for help in arranging his release. The experience humiliated him and caused weight loss and aging. His wife is suffering from a mysterious illness which may be PTSS, post traumatic stress syndrome.

This book is well worth the read. Then please recommend it to a friend. A portion of the purchase price is being donated to the rebuilding of New Orleans.

Writing

Walt — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:04:05 EDT

When I was a student, writing was hard. What do I say? Now as a senior citizen, I have something to say and writing down my thoughts and opinions is easier. The more practice I get, the easier it becomes. If you want to make your thoughts known and possibly have an influence on national or local issues, write to your Congressman/woman, US Senators and local newspaper. You can find their email addresses by using Google. Use your own words, just don't forward someone else's work. Once is not enough. To have an effect, you must write repeatedly and redouble your efforts when an election looms. Write to those you agree with and those you don't. Here are the email addresses of a liberal and a conservative to get you started. rachel@msnbc.com and georgewill@washpost.com

Labor day

Walt — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:58:22 EDT

On Labor day September 7, 2009, the future came to Cincinnati before it came to the rest of the US. Mark Twain reportedly said, "When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." Today Barack spoke to the assembled AFL-CIO and his words of praise for labor were an indication of what we can expect tomorrow when he addresses the nation's school children and Wednesday when he addresses a joint session of Congress on health care reform. He is fired up and ready to fight for a better America. Let us join him and carry this struggle to a successful conclusion.

Greatly disturbed and offended in Nutley, NJ

Peter and Linda — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:20:18 EDT

September 4, 2009

I am greatly disturbed and offended by the decision of the superintendent of schools in Nutley, New Jersey to preview a Presidential speech in an attempt to find “relevance”.

An address directed toward school children about education is unquestionably relevant. The address will not have anything to do with any academic curricula. The speech is to be a commentary on the importance of education. I am certain that President Obama will not attempt to brainwash or indoctrinate our children regarding health care reform or economic proposals.

The importance of staying in school, earning a diploma and/or a higher degree, learning a trade and being a responsible citizen, and similar concepts have been integral to President Obama’s position on education. While most children learn political20ideas from their parents, are these not values that all children should learn regardless of political orientation? Even if one does not agree with the President’s political ideas, it is nonetheless, beneficial for our children to hear differing opinions and ideas and discuss them. By not encouraging our children to listen to the Presidential address we are promoting censorship. We cannot pretend that his ideas and commentaries are irrelevant just because they may not coincide with our personal political agendas.

In my opinion, it is an egregious disregard for the President’s well intentioned attempt to inspire our children, and in essence, the future of our nation.

Sincerely,

Alicia Realmuto
Nutley, NJ

NJmortican@gmail.com

Final Tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy

John Cavanaugh — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:48:07 EDT

   Having been born in Boston into an Irish Catholic family in December of 1963, my parents named me "John" in honor of President Kennedy. As we struggle with today's economic recovery and other tough issues such as immigration policy, we should remember that not long ago, "HELP WANTED: No Irish Need Apply" signs were placed in many businesses across the country which may explain why the successes of the Kennedy family have been such an inspiration to so many Irish-Americans and other immigrant families.
   I was privileged to be a 16 year old volunteer on the Kennedy in 80 campaign. Even though Ted Kennedy was unsuccessful in that effort, he kept in touch with me throughout the years and even took time to send me a personal note 15 years later saying how "proud" he was when I earned my doctorate in Political Science from the University of South Carolina. Likewise, I cherish my signed photograph of Senators Kennedy and Kempthorne with my parents and I at Arlington National Cemetery when my father was awarded the meritorious service medal for his achievements as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
   As the nation remembers my friend and political mentor, it is particularly important to share more of these very personal "behind the scenes" vignettes of this great American statesman. More importantly, we should honor his service by dialing back the polarizing rhetoric that surrounds his signature issue of health care policy. At present, we have been trying to fix our health care system to no avail for decades. As the number of our fellow citizens without health insurance, now more than 47 million people, continues to increase, who will be their voice now that Senator Kennedy is at rest?       Let me suggest an answer in his own words: "You don't have to be President. Everyone can make a difference."
John W. Cavanaugh, Ph.D.
President & CEO
CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
3683 Preserve Crossing Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43230-6467
(614) 245-8290
www.crossculturalcomm.com

9-9-09

Walt — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:16:44 EDT

On September 9, Barack is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on health care reform. This is Barack's ultimate weapon and I bet that health care reform opponents are quaking in their boots. As a poker player, Barack knows that 3 nines beats any 2 pairs and the Republicans have a lousy hand.

The most interesting part of the evening may be which Republican draws the short straw and must respond to Barack's speech. What will he/she say when the President has said it all? I expect the President to carry the evening and we, all Americans, will be the beneficiaries.

What use insurance?

Walt — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:02:06 EDT

What good is health care insurance? When I was a child, I remember one doctor's visit where he made a house call. We paid $20 in cash which my parents thought was a big deal. My father was the sole bread winner and his take home pay was probably $75-100 per week. We just barely made ends meet. I did not follow the evolution of health care and insurance because I was too young to care.

As an adult, I have watched how dental insurance has changed the dental profession and the charges I must pay. I suspect that it has followed the same path laid out by health care but I am not certain about this. What I pay for dental care has risen, adjusted for inflation, and after insurance, I still must pay a significant amount for dental care. I can afford dental care as long as I still am working, but what will happen when I retire and lack dental insurance?

Who is benefiting from health care and dental insurance? I am not. It must be the insurance companies and the health care and dental providers.

Senator Kennedy

Richard — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:51:30 EDT

Senator Kennedy was an inspiring politian. He examplified the American Spirit! Hopefully his spirit will translate Congress into Action on the health issue that affects all Americans!

Fact

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:30:23 EDT

Parliament granted the vote to women over the age of 30 in 1928, in Britan.

Before that time, women were not allowed to Vote.

The Public Option

Richard — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:35:20 EDT

President Obama I hope your listening. We must have a public option in the healthcare equation! I supported you and President Obama you need to Lead this debate. The Republicans will never be for a bipartisan plan. So with a Democratic majority in both Houses do the right thing and get on with it!

The Health Care Debacle

Richard — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:58:28 EDT

Greed and Stupidity are what is preventing America from enacting health care reform! Greed from Wall Street to Main Street and Stupidity among those who believe the Right Wing Lies! How does one deal with these factors?

Practical Yoga

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:00:44 EDT

nBhakti Yoga = It is a philosophical concept of complete love and devotion to the Creator/God/Goddess – as it is stress in the Veda Holy book of Verses known as the Gita. nRaja Yoga = It is an ancient philosophical concept of one being in complete union with God = The Supreme Soul - through meditation and pure actions and complete total devotion to God the Father. This method of Yoga concentrates on meditation and is known to be a good technique for beginners, because it concentrates less on strength. Raja Yoga. nThis Yoga teaches us balance. nWhen you start this path of spirituality you gain this power of wisdom so that you can transform the world. nGod give you the power to transform the people and the world – with qualities such as: nGentleness nPeace nPurity nInnocence nSo, God will give you the strengths and courage and power to stand up for the Truth. nComplete spiritual development – it is the Goal for self and others – so that others can live in Peace and Harmony. nYou have to experience – the truth – which than changes your vibration – and the vibration of the Human Soul even affects the Vibration of nature – and this good Vibration of purity affects everything around. nThe Vibration spreads and everything even plants and animals catches that Vibration of Purity from the Human Soul. nMoreover, when a human being becomes pure – The Vibration of that individual can have an impact in changing the people and the world. nIn order for a person to transcend spiritually to a level of purity, one must: nChange attitude nStand out for the Truth nHabits have to change nThoughts have to change nSo, that as a result of practicing this Yoga path, one can develop spiritually. nGod passes His Vibration to us through meditation, – and we pass that vibration of God and purity to others. nRules of Wisdom: nStick to the Truth. nFallow God’s instructions and directions. nIf you reach the stage of purity and of Godlikeness and qualities – then you will become a demigod – and you can affect nature through your vibrations of: nPeace nHarmony nSo, you will be able to affect others with these good Vibrations of Purity and promote wellness to others by first healing the spirit. nHuman Being = Body, Mind, and Spirit. nWhen one becomes contented and satisfied – and have a good relationship with God – The Supreme Soul takes care of everything and fulfills all your desires. nThen, God comes to teach us, but to become Godly we have to obey him =The Supreme Soul our father -The one and only God. nOnly when your Soul becomes Pure and Peaceful, - and thoughts – and attitudes change, – Then, and only then – It is when we become worthy by observing all the laws that God teaches us – then we can become part of Gods coven and share the Vibrations of Goodness and purity to others – so that others can change and one can give those good Holy Vibrations to nature – so that nature can change also for the better. nNature serve us and it is affected by the Human beings Vibrations, which also affects plants and animals. nYoga = Union with God nOne must do this Yoga to have a relationship with God and to understand it more. nOne side of the tree of life is the awareness of God the father and the Philosophy of Karma, – and the other side of the tree the other side is not concern with love for God the father = like all religions that were created and the ignorance of religions against other religions. nThe Yoga of the intellect needs to have the connection with the Seed. nEvery religion is but a branch of the tree of life. nOne must open his/her intellect to other religions, so that one can understand everything. nWhen you have The Seed, then, you can understand The Whole Tree. nThe Seed is God. nThere must be a connections with God so that their could be complete salvation of The Soul and other Souls. nWe learned from each other even though we are all different, and we learned to cooperate. nIn this way, you can see the beauty of all those Souls for all The Souls come from the same tree – from the same seed which is God the father – and we all Souls are one family – brothers and sisters Souls belonging to the same tree no matter what color or race we are all from the same family – the family of God – The Same Tree.

Human life

Walt — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:05:27 EDT

The media gives us bread, circuses and celebrity shenanigans as a daily diet. It is time to demand that they use some of that time and space for more important matters, such as human life here in the US. We can devote time to saving human life outside the US once we get our own house in order.

All media should present daily a small black-bordered box listing the causes of death and the cumulative totals for each cause from January 1 to date comparing this year with the preceding year. For causes of death, let me suggest the following: motor vehicles, cancer, stroke, abortion, guns, and war. If we quantify deaths and present the data to the voters, I think that we finally will get some much needed action to reduce those totals.

Health Insurance Reform

Jane Anne Jeffries Johnson — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:38:35 EDT

I retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District in February. I felt it was my civic duty to give up my job and live on my retirement, since the economy is struggling. I moved to Friday Harbor, Washington, where the economy is doing better than in California. I am able to keep abreast of the changes President Obama is making toward a more viable society and economy. I urge everyone who voted for him to continue to support him now. The sharks are swarming, and there is blood in the water. It's time to come together as a force for change.

To lie

Walt — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:18:43 EDT

I lie

He/she lies

You lie

We lie

You lie

They lie

Who tells the truth?

Who do you trust?

Barack Obama

Mis(s) Information 2009

Walt — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:32:07 EDT

During the Congressional recess in August, the large healthcare insurers are sponsoring a beauty pageant of sorts, looking for the person who can most help defeat healthcare reform with the most outrageous and misleading statements, a Mis(s) Information 2009. The winner will receive one year of prepaid health insurance, no pre-existing conditions covered of course.

A Job Well Done!

Richard — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:28:56 EDT

The return of the two journalists by President Clinton illustrates the value of team work. Vice President Gore, President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and countless others helped to secure their release. Letters, e-mails to the journalists and their families kept their hopes up during this crisis. A Job well done!

Afghanistan

Walt — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:09:22 EDT

More troops for Afghanistan? I thought that we changed commanders there to implement a new strategy.

Afghanistan will not go away. I recommend two books to get a feeling for the situation. The first is An Unexpected Light, Travels inAfghanistan by Jason Elliot. The unexpected light is caused by Afghanistan's altitude and thin air. It describes the country before the Soviet invasion. The second book is hiding from me at this time so I cannot list the title and author. However, it should be required reading for all our troops over there. It was written by Afghan rebel leaders and describes their tactics in attacking and defeating the Soviet troops. The geography of the country has not changed and what worked before will work now.

Statistics

Walt — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:34:32 EDT

Statistics are the last refuge of a scoundrel. In a recent survey of scoundrels, of those responding 83% stated that they had taken refuge in statistics within the past 30 days.

Torture

Walt — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:42:31 EDT

When are our leaders finally going to denounce US torture? The longer they wait for popular opinion, the lesser their remaining moral authority. This is especially true of our religious leaders. The editorial pages of our newspaper are filled with calls by US opinion leaders for Moslem moderates to denounce al-Qaeda and other extremists. Yet those same leaders are silent on US prisoner abuse.

Barack Obama Walter Hecht

Walt — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:17:31 EDT

After a 6 month hiatus, I am again posting to my blog at www.barackobama.com since the healthcare reform fight is heating up and in preparation for the 2010 election. If you Google search for Barack Obama Walter Hecht, you will find a link to the blog. There you can read as many of the 372 posts or as few as you wish. Re-reading some of the posts, I am satisfied with the overall quality of the writing and encouraged by some favorable comments. I am particularly pleased with some of the poetry. Hope you enjoy the posts and will recommend the site to others. Thanks.

Waterloo

Walt — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:47:40 EDT

Recently James DeMint, Republican junior senator from South Carolina, revealed the Republican strategy on health care reform, defeat Barack Obama so that his presidency will fail. It is not about health care reform; it is about re fighting the 2008 election. Now my confidence in team Obama, Barack and his advisors, is very high. It is the same team Obama that won elections in Illinois, the Democratic nomination and the 2008 election. If health care reform is anyone's Waterloo, it will the Republicans's. They are completely overmatched by team Obama.

Fairness in Judge Sotomayor's Hearings?

Richard — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:41:11 EDT

Other than just being negative, what fairness are the Republicans providing with questions of Judge Sotomayor's suitability to be a Supreme Court Justice? The answer is None! The questions should be geared toward her qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court Not some litigious debate about abortion,civil suits and the like. A person who serves on the Supreme Court must Not have any biases and Must decide cases based upon the facts of the case. Under the Republican Administration (Bush) , we've had pandering to the Right Wing. This has got to stop! All Americans must be represented on the Court.

The Energy Bill

Richard — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:25:37 EDT

The United States Senate owes it to President Obama and the nation to pass the pending Energy Bill. If Congress had passed energy legislation during the Carter years, we wouldn't be in the energy crisis now. Get it right this time. Pass this needed legislation Now!

The healthcare battle

Richard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:31:24 EDT

President Obama has consulted with members of both political parties over his proposed healthcare initiative.It is now time for Congress to come together on this proposal and pass it into law.Our country needs this legislation now!

Site For Lisbon Ohio

Dylan Joy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:50:46 EDT

www.lisbon4obama.webs.com

Feel free to check it out!

Iran's Election

Richard — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:46:38 EDT

The people of Iran are the winners in their election as thousands voice opposition to their current leaders. The Mullahs better accept this as they will be over thrown as was the Shah in the past. I believe Iran is on the verge of a civil war because of this apparently fraudently election. What do you think?

To date the ONLY person who had said the bombing in an Iranian Mosque was INDIRECTLY the work of US and Israel is a substitute/temporary leader of one of Tehran’s Friday prayers and he is NOT a high ranking Iranian government official!

ARK — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:56:55 EDT

As of today neither the Leader of Iran nor its President, nor any other Iranian government official have blamed the bombing in a Mosque located at Zahidan, Iran on US or Israel. The only person who had expressed that opinion is a substitute or temporary leader of one of Tehran’s Friday prayers. It is a free country and a person is entitled to his opinion but that should NOT be called an official governmental statement. So the report by Agence France Press (AFP) is EXAGGERATED.

However, that is quite different from the US State Department intestinally and wrongfully calling another country “The number one sponsor of terrorism” and making sure to ignore the real threat which is the Al-Qaeda and those regional allies who support them!

Dick Chenney

Richard — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:43:39 EDT

When he was Vice-President Dick Chenney went for weeks being unheard of. Now that he is out office Chenney is making statements criticizing President Obama. Apparently Chenney feels he can scare America now. However, Americans are too smart to fall that . Witness the 2006 and 2008 elections were Republicans who supported W. were kicked out of office. Dick Chenney should Retire from politics and let America move forward positively. What do you think?

Norte Dame Commencement

Richard — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:37:17 EDT

President Obama should be granted an honorary degree tomorrow notwithstanding his views on abortion. His critics say he is too Pro-Choice and that would go against the grain of a Catholic college.But let's look at the facts. President Obama advocates a reduction in abortion by providing good health care.How can any one argue with that? President George W Bush received honary degrees when in office and he is arguably the Worst President in history. Again looking at facts, Obama with his emphasis on the economy and health care the lack of which undoubetdly contributes to abortion, should be awarded an honary degree as he is the President of the United States.Don't let a radical minority deny him this award.

Funding Universal Health Care

Richard — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:06:26 EDT

I am just giving my opinion on how to fund Universal health care that is being addressed by the President Obama and Congress. I'm advocating funding this plan by taxing every one a small tax perhaps 1% so that this needed service is borne by every one including retirees.Every one needs this service and it is unfair to ask those who smoke and/or drink to support this plan soley. I realize my opinion may not be a popular one but I think it's a fair one . What do you think?

Obama's Hamburger Hamlet - Much Ado About Mustard

Mark Wiznitzer — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:19:44 EDT

To be, or not to be medium well, that is the question!
In the most high and palmy District of Washington.
A little ere 100 days the mightiest Republicans fell,
Were storefronts now tenantless, and swine flue fright doth rule,
Did gibber of Ray's Steaks and Hell Burgers in Arlington streets.

Where Geithner and Bernanke proclaimed that
Both a borrower and a lender be;
For loan oft gains both votes and friends,
And borrowing stimulates weary economy.

Find out the cause of this effect,
Because the Commander in Chief hungereth.
Or rather say, the cause of this detect,
For this effect defective comes by cause,
So with his VP escapeth his White Castle.

Not a computer mouse stirring.
And then it started like a guilty thing
Upon a fearful summons.
But, look, the noon, in hungered mantle clad,
Obama rides o'er the slew of yon high shills.
The memory be green of Arugula farmers,
With Biden that less than kin, yet more than kind.
That it should come to this!

"Season your admiration with a spicy mustard."
The President's baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth their ratings tables.

Words, words, words.
Give thy thoughts no tongue, except on talk radio.
Why, Rush, a robustious periwig-pated fellow,
Very like a whale,
Would hang on him,
As if increase of appetite had grown
By what it fed on.

Sean cried "Thrift, thrift, Horatio Alger!
All is not well; I suspect some French socialist Dijon foul play.
Something is rotten in the state of Virginia."

Alas, poor Yokels! We knew them, Ho-radio.
Tis as easy as lying.
What! Frighted with false ire?
The loonies doth protest too much, methinks.
They have a plentiful lack of wits.
More matter, with less condiments.
There is nothing either good nor bad, but thinking makes it so tasty.

"This above all: to thine own self be true,
Medium-well it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Brevity is the soul of wit:
"No ketchup" commandeth the Prince.

Lord! we know what we are, but know not what we may be.
For I am more a modern Lincoln than an FDR.
He was a man, take him for all in all,
We shall not look upon his like again.

A king of shreds and patches worthy of GQ.
Not just a rhapsody of words.
For the apparel oft proclaims the man.
Report me and my cause aright
To the unemployed.
Come, my limo!
Good-night sides;
Good night, sweet relish;
Good night.

Justice Souter

Richard — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:50:26 EDT

Justice Souter's retirement from the United States Supreme Court brings to a close of one of the best supporters of the U S Constitution. He was indeed a supporter of the little man who had to go up against Big Corporate interests. With Justice Souter one always had the feeling that he was with the vast majority of Americans. Now President Obama will have to find his replacement. Let us hope that President Obama nominates some one who will objectively champion the little man.

Welcome Aboard!

Richard — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:58:26 EDT

Sen. Arlen Spector's decision to leave the Republican Party and join the Democratic Party is Welcome News to those of us who are fed up with filibusters posed by the Republicans. Senator Spector will be a great addition to the Senate Democrats.What do you think?

Who inspires and finances Al-Qaeda & that Type of Extremist Wahabi Activities? Saudis, Drug Trafficking &...

ARK — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 06:44:38 EDT

There is ONLY ONE source of inspiration for Al-Qaeda: The Saudi style Wahabism

There are a few sources of Al-Qaeda financing: drug trafficking, Saudi financing &… Now for VOA Persian, using a very unreliable source in Turkey to claim they were some contacts between the Al-Qaeda and the Shia Hezbollah in that country is a total farce. Perhaps Hezbollah and Al-Qaeda cars passed each other on a crowded Street in Istanbul?! Just recently in separate bombings in Iraq, the Al-Qaeda and their cronies killed more than one hundred Shia Moslems…Now to claim the Shia Hezbollah had some thing to do with this terrorist group who murder innocent civilians is really wrong! To date tens of thousands of Shia Moslems & about eight thousand Americans have been murdered by these terrorist extremists who think they are religious! Perhaps these Al-Qaeda terrorists and their Saudi mentors should also be listed as murderous and racist tugs who commit genocide right there on top of the list, next to Hitler…Or is there a plan to create division among Moslems and make Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan & … their battle ground. Those who finance and plan such attacks should know that in the event of such a disaster, no country involved in such planning will be safe and negative economic effects of such a conflict will be far reaching. Or perhaps they want to bog down US troops in Iraq, so they would not be able to move to Afghanistan & Pakistan were these terrorists have their head quarters.

Please forward to Liz Cheney

Peter and Linda — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:11:39 EDT

Of course, the average concerned American does not have access to email addresses of the pompous, rich and famous that just say whatever they want and we have no way to respond! Anyone that is able to contact Ms. Cheney, please forward this for me.

Thank you, in advance.

Peter Realmuto

Dear Liz Cheney,

You don't consider what was done torture? If you're serious, what would you think it was if it was done to your family members? I'll bet you'd change your smug, arrogant mind then. I thought, in America, no one was above the law? Apparently, that does not apply to you and the rest of the socially superior snobs.

Apparently, as brain washed and biased as you are, anything your daddy and the corrupt Bush regime did was fine ... of course, it didn't affect you or your family. You probably think your daddy and "Cowboy" Bush were the only ones able to keep America safe. I'm surprised you didn't reiterate what your despicable daddy said about how vulnerable we are now, without them in charge ... deviously hoping for another attack, so President Obama looks like a failure. Of course, future attacks won't affect you and your families directly anyway, so to hell with the rest of us, right?

Why don't you, your daddy and George W. just quietly ride off into the sunset? Hopefully, hell is just beyond that sunset.

Disgusted with all of you,

Peter Realmuto

Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh say there is no drug use in America

amadeusmax — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:23:32 EDT

I am amazed at how desperate the far right media has become the very thing they claim the left media was. Now they refuse to recognize the huge amount of drug use that is happening in America. It's like they want to take a blind eye on crime to further a political Agenda. They refuse to see the drug use done by Americans. They want to pretend it isn't happening. They are saying it's un American to recognize the harm buying drugs causes. This is going to cause a conflict with their own followers since some of them have to in real life defend themselves from the very drug business that puts their republican followers into harm.

I can understand why Rush Limbaugh doesn't want to recognize illegal drug use, it's great way to cover up his own indiscretions. Sean Hannity is now completely gone insane. It's almost like they are trying to sweep the drug problem in America underneath the rug. I'm sorry but most of America know where the drug cartels are, and know they travel to America to sell their product.

To say that we as American aren't buying drugs is saying that there is no drugs in America. That would mean all the deaths didn't happen from overdoses, all the cops that died from drug dealers and those stoned on drugs didn't happen.

Why is Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity trying to make the Drug Dealers look good by saying it's UnAmerican to say what the problem really is? Why are they defending drug dealers?

Does Rick Perry have the Right to Terminate 23 million American Citizenships?

amadeusmax — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:19:05 EDT

Does Rick Perry really have the right to even hint at seceding from the US without speaking to the constituents first. There have been a lot of people who have died for America from Texas, and I'm sure their families don't want somebody trying to use their citizenship as a bargaining chip for one persons political career.

As a matter of fact I am sure there are many in Texas who don't want anyone in the Texas Government messing with their US citizenship at all. Taking your personal beliefs and expecting your constituents to follow them is not the democratic way. The Texas governor is not in a seat of royalty. He is to follow the will of the people. He does not have the right to determine who is to be a US citizen.

Not to mention the Dollars and Federal Military bases. Maybe the Federal Government should talk to Texas about withdrawing all the United States faculties such as military bases, and the Airports that were built with all 50 state American Tax Money.

If Texas leadership doesn't want to be apart of the United States, isn't that about being UnAmerican. Does the Governor have the right to terminate the Citizenship of millions of Americans? Since he has been given this thought, will he allow people to leave Texas if they wish to remain US Citizens? Will he pay back the US Government for all their faculties, equipment, roads, and funding that has been spent in Texas?

Stop forwarding your trash!!!

Peter and Linda — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:55:38 EDT

I'm sick of all the negative emails, knocking every single thing President Obama suggests or tries, in his attempt to find solutions to rebuild America and the American spirit after the last 8 miserable, disheartening years. Here's just one example of the trash they waste their time forwarding.

"You can say it all you want. Obama is ushering in socialism. One doesn’t have to be a brain surgeon to understand that. Apparently though, you are having difficulties."

I will not even write what I really want to say to them. It would definitely be XXX-rated. If they have nothing constructive or productive to say, let them please keep their wretched opinions to themselves and don't say anything at all. Instead of wasting their time trying to tear the country down, these characters might want to participate in any and every attempt to restore America to it's greatness of yesteryear.

Get over yourself and pray that President Obama succeeds, so all Americans succeed. Think about it the next time, before you begin to criticize and display your arrogance and ignorance.

Rove, Cheney & Limbaugh: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Paul Evans — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:20:44 EDT

Evans Politics Liberal Politics, April 12, 2009, by Paul Evans

The powers that were from the Bush administration are keeping their noses firmly in midst of the media limelight. Limbaugh stated that he wants President Obama to fail, and the media is still talking about that. Dick Cheney pugnaciously declared about April 7th that President Obama's policies were making America less safe, setting off major jawboning among the talking heads. It seemed to finally be settling down, only to have Karl Rove call Vice President Biden a "Liar," as you might expect on Fox News, on April 10th. (Watch the discussion of this on Hardball on Evans Politics Videos, here.) Eugene Robinson on that Hardball show made that point that Rove is showing up all over the place, which "doesn't sound like that great an idea to me. ....Whatever he's doing he's doing a lot of it. He seems very determined to be a player, and to try to set some kind of tone and agenda for the Republican talking points machine...."

Over at the Washington Monthly on April 11, Steve Benen is making exactly the point I am making about this:

KEEP ON TALKING, KARL.... Three of the least respected, least admired figures in contemporary American politics are Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney, and Karl Rove. If Democratic leaders had their way, these three would be up front and center as much as possible. Especially as far as the White House is concerned, the more three on the attack, the better President Obama and his team look.
And wouldn't you know it, in these early months of the Obama presidency, it's working out pretty well.
Limbaugh has strengthened his reputation as the de facto leader of the party; Dick Cheney is annoying Republicans by making so many public appearances and taking cheap shots at the nation's leadership; and Karl Rove is arguably an even more rabid attack dog now than he was when he helped run the White House.

And the polling numbers support the idea that having Rove, Cheney and Limbaugh lead the charge for the GOP is something Democrats can feel pretty satisfied about. At MSNBC's First Read on April 10, here, Mark Murray wrote a piece titled "GOP Deperately Seeking Mr. Popular":

We can tell you one thing about the current Karl Rove-vs.-Joe Biden spat: Democrats are loving every second of it.
Why? Because -- as with Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh before him -- the public has a very sour opinion of Rove. "We're not too worried that Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh, and Dick Cheney are battling it out to remain the face of the Republican Party," a Dem strategist emails First Read. "Every time Rove pops up, it just serves to remind people what they wanted to change."
...snip...
An August 2007 Gallup poll showed Rove's standing at 26% favorable, 44% unfavorable. Another Gallup poll early this year had Limbaugh's at 28%-45%. Per the December 2008 NBC/WSJ poll, Cheney's was 21%-58%.

I did a little more digging on the approval ratings of the Repugnant Three to see if I could find more current data. Gallop did a poll between March 27 - 29 of 2009 on favorable/unfavorable percentages. At that time Karl Rove was 21% favorable, 44% unfavorable and 35% "never heard of/no opinion" (How anyone could either not have heard of these guys or have no opinion about them is beyond me, but I guess a lot of Americans are just not that into politics.) Cheney had a 30% favorable result (and our former fearless leader, George W. Bush had advanced into the stratospheric realm at 35%, from an all-time low of 28% on at least one poll). Pollster.com for November 4-5, 2008, among likely voters, had Rush Limbaugh at 23% favorable, 51% unfavorable and 26% "neutral/no opinion." Also for Rush Limbaugh, Gallop had a poll from February 5th of 2009:

Gallop Poll - February 5, 2009
Rush Limbaugh Popularity

Republican:     60% Favorable; 23% Unfavorable; 17% Other*
Independent:   25% Favorable; 45% Unfavorable; 30% Other*
Democrat:          6% Favorable; 63% Unfavorable; 31% Other*

* Other = "Never heard of/No opinion"

So long as no clear popular leader of the GOP emerges, Democrats are perfectly comfortable with letting Rove, Cheney and Limbaugh thrust their immense egos into the spotlight. We don't even really have a preference: let the three of them vie for face time, it's all good. The Repugnant Three, hated as they were during the painful eight years of George W. Bush, are good news these days for the Obama administration.

Pirarcy at Sea

Richard — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:15:34 EDT

The seizing of an American ship off Sommalia demands a strong action from the Obama Administration. Obama needs to show he can't be intimidated by these outlaws. We need to find these thugs and eliminate their outposts. Let me know what you think.

Real "Health"

Kwaku — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:50:24 EDT

The concept known as "Health has some rather strange travels. From early recognition as the motivating factor to efective living to the 1986 World Health Organization's "resourse for everyday life". It has been used to describe the chief ingrediant to beneficial life.

It has not, however, included the use of 1/3 of mans ability to exist. In the january 2006 issue of The American Journal of Public Health, an article by Lester Breslow MD of UCLA medical school ask for definitions of what "health" is that takes in our present understanding of mans nature and the scientific understanding of the nature of life.

He briefly mentions that all prior scientific study has concentrated on the characteristics of disease and has taken the view that disease is to be measured by its effects on the body and mind wwhile giving only passing mention to the character of a portion of man delineated as the spirit or soul.

Though composing one of three parts of what most consider to be the totality of humanity, (body, mind, and spirit), it is only tangiently viewed as it relates to his 'health". Dr. Breslow argues rightly that todays medicine is concerned with and measures only chemicals and markers of disease states. It has no measures to evaluate "health" only illness. Is there anyone in all of creation who believes a human being can be healthy without a healthy spirit?

I am not refering to the religious definitions that speak of a eternal piece of humanity that will eventually leave his body and mind behind but the envisioning, creative portion of mankind that is responsible for communicating with worlds of possibilities that can find their expression in the here and now. All inventions of man first saw their birth in an image of possibilities in the spirit that was transfered to the mind for cretion in this reality.

Without exploring and utilizing the faculties of this vital portion of humanity how can "health" be defined let alone realized. I have written to Congressman Conway (D-Michigan) in detail, at his request, regarding these subjects and The Trivalent Understanding pioneered by Prometheus of Ohio Inc. (a Health education Company).

I only hope that the next century of America's growth will include not only a meaninful definition but a sicere search for "Health", thank you.

Tell it like it is ... period!

Peter and Linda — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:23:24 EDT

A message from one of our southern (Georgia) relatives, followed by our very rapid response.

The message:

"So you are one of "them" that I can blame all the new taxes that are going to hit us.... good thing you are up there and not down here for me to smack the back of your head!"

Our response:

"Actually, you're lucky you're down there. You sound just like your brother. We tried it "your" way for 40 years. We didn't hear you characters complain for the last eight miserable years. Our retirement account is gone, we're working longer hours and more days just to make ends meet, but God forbid we should wake up and take a stand for change. It can't get a hell of a lot worse!!!

If y'all want to continue the red states vs blue states crap, you're going to be the big losers, so keep it up. It's coming!!!

Linda and I were VERY committed and involved in this election, like never before. We had had it with the same old conservative broken promises and their lies. We were very active ... canvassing, making phone calls, mass mailings, registering new voters, got voters to the polls and attended focus groups and rallies, not to mention all our monetary support. What exactly did any of you complaining, sore-losers do to get McSame elected???????

If the GOP didn't turn into "the party of no", maybe you would all see exactly what could be accomplished, if we ALL acted like Americans, instead of being divisive, blind party followers! Oh, I forgot, only the Christian conservatives love their country ... according to that white trash Palin."

God bless President Obama and may God bless America!

Will It Never End?

Richard — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:00:45 EDT

The Franken-Coleman debacle continues to go on.The fact of the matter is that Coleman Lost! Now Republicans are dragging on this seemingly endless Court fiasco to what end? The only ones hurt by this is the people of Minnesota who are not being represented! This is nothing more than being a sore loser(Coleman). What do you think?

New Afghanistan Policy

Richard — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:15:52 EDT

President Obama detailed a new Afghanistan policy yesterday. I fear what it lacks is a clear understanding of the CULTURE of these people in the region. Their core beliefs are "an eye for an eye." That translates into death for any infraction of Islam. The adherents of this Radical belief are Not interested in Women's Rights or Education. In fact, they would see Education as a threat to tribal leadership. All I'm suggesting is that the Obama plan Must have clear goals and an exit strategy. Let me know what you think.

The Economic Plan

Richard — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:04:50 EDT

President Obama's Economic Plan shows the Confidence and Leadership that is Needed Now. The plan to buy up the bank's bad assests should be tried. What have we to lose? Something must be done to free up credit so that the banks can start lending again. What do you think?

AIG bonuses vs. Outsourcing Outrage

GJMcG — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:24:07 EDT

AIG spent $165 Million on bonuses, and the nation is outraged.

BUT a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch says that JP Morgan Chase is preparing to spend about $400 Million to transfer thousands of American jobs to India, and NO ONE seems angry about this! I am furious.

JP Morgan Chase took taxpayer money in the bailout, and now plans to eliminate the jobs of some of those taxpayers! This is FAR worse than the bonus payments, IMO, because the impact is long-term. Once those jobs are sent to India, they aren't coming back. It's one more slap in the face to America's dwindling and suffering middle-class.

The proposed law to retroactively assess a 90% tax on the bonuses scares me to death. I think it's a bad precedent. BUT if they can pass something as unique as that, WHY can't they pass a law that says any firm taking bailout money can NOT outsource any more jobs until they've paid the government back in full?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me this makes you angry too! And please give public voice to my outrage! If you Google "JP Morgan Chase India" you can find online articles and blogs to verify the story, but I have not found it reported in any of the major newspapers, like the NY Times, or on Network or cable news.

I would love to see national attention focused on outsourcing by bailed-out firms!

AIG Mess

Richard — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:51:05 EDT

AIG giving bonuses to their executives with our Tax money shows how contemptuous they are of the American public. Those executives should be fired for their thievry Not Rewarded! Perhaps Congress can find a way to take back the bonus money. I say tax them all. What do you think.

Stem Cell Research

Richard — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:59:40 EDT

Stem cell research again poses a moral dilemma.What to do with embryonic cells? On the one hand opponents of this research believe that life begins at conception and this approach should be banned.On the other hand, proponents of this research say that embryonic research shows much promise in curing diseases such as Parkinson,MS, spinal colummn disorders to cite a few examples.Maybe the key to this moral dilemma is if researchers can create an embryonic like cell from Adult stem cells. Let me know what you think.

Random Thoughts

Richard — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:48:07 EDT

President Obama and Congress will have to deal truthfully with the pending legislation over workers right to unionize. The unions like it or not helped to create the Middle Class over the last 60 plus years. Why shouldn't workers be given the opportunity to organize? Workers helped create the wealth for the Greedy CEOs. The've earned their right to organize! On another matter, the Presidential Library of George W Bush at the SMU campus is a joke. This is merely an attempt to Distort history by Bush cronies who got us into this mess(foreign&domestically). We need the truth about the 43th President not another falsification of history.

Please Pledge Your Support

Peter and Linda — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:31:33 EDT

We just signed a pledge of support for President Obama's plan to renew and strengthen America's economy.
Please help "our president" to succeed. By helping President Obama succeed, America will succeed!

Unless your sentiments are in agreement with such ignorant, malicious people like Rush " I hope he fails" Limbaugh and "the party of no" (the GOP), who are determined to see President Obama fail, thus causing America to fail ... please show your support for America and get involved now.

Watch the video announcing this new initiative and pledge your support now:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

Thank you.

Peter and Linda Realmuto
"2 Reals 4 Obama"
NJmort@aol.com

Limbaugh: "Kennedy Will Be Dead By The Time Health Care Bill Passes"

Peter and Linda — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:34:20 EST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/06/limbaugh-kennedy-will-be_n_172595.html

These words from the overweight, cigar smoking, drug addict ... a prime candidate for a massive coronary. With any luck, maybe we could call it "The Rush Memorial Healthcare Plan" ... but then again, he doesn't even deserve that posthumous honor!

A Thoroughly Disgusted American
Peter

A Clown!

Richard — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:42:46 EST

In today's New York Times Rush Limbaugh is described as a Clown! I think he is worse than a clown with all his divisive banter about the President! Limbaugh is what is Wrong about America with his myoptic, provincial, negative attitude. America is better than Rush Limbaugh. Let me know what you think.

Justice Dept. Memos

Richard — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:23:51 EST

Should the Bush Administration officials be prosecuted for the alleged abuse of the Constitution? The recent Justice Dept. memos suggest that this matter should be brought to the public so that these infractions will Never again occur. Let me know what you think.

This is the "change" we voted for!!!

Peter and Linda — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:20:11 EST

President Obama's plan ... Read it ...Understand it ... Support it.

Please be open-minded and, by all means, use some common sense. Try NOT to be like the arrogant, ignorant conservative right. They say "no" before they even look at the plan or care about what's best for the American people or what we voted for in November. Their only concern is to attempt to rescue their broken, sad party and ... to hell with the average citizen and what's best for all of us. If they want to say no and display contempt for all of us, we can start from now to send them a clearer message in the next elections, when they lose more seats in the House and the Senate. They want to punish us ... we will PUNISH them. Then, just maybe, they'll start to understand that we voted for change and "we want change" ... PERIOD!

This is the change we voted for. President Obama has done his part, now we need to do ours.

looking for DISABLED Katrina Evacuees

darlene matthews — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:32:16 EST

Attention Hurricane Katrina Survivors!

We want to hear from people who have a disability or who have diabetes who had an experience with Hurricane Katrina.

Are you someone or know someone who:

Has a disability or has diabetes?

Is 23 years of age or older and evacuated from southern Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina?
Would be willing to participate in our research study and share their story about their lives before, during, and after the storm?

We are doing research to study the impact of Hurricane Katrina on people with disabilities or diabetes. We are collecting information on the barriers and disruptions they experienced in their lives, the strategies they used to reestablish their lives and their disaster-related needs as they recovered from Hurricane Katrina. Participants will be asked to spend approximately 30 minutes on the telephone answering survey questionsand will receive financial compensation for their time.

To sign up for this study or for more information call 1.866.578.4366. This project is in collaboration with the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University and the ILRU Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital.

found this on disaboom.com

State of the Union - Calling us Forward

David — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:37:48 EST

Barack is set to hit the airwaves in one hour with his first keynote address to both houses of Congress. This is why we elected him, because he knows how to tell everyone what needs to be said, even when the truths are difficult to hear. He knows how to express himself quite well-- so much more clearly and credibly than our recently departed Duuhbya. It's been so long we almost forgot what it could be like to have a President we can believe in. Well, we're finally on the journey now.

I realize the times are tough because of the mess we've inherited from W's 8 long years of ineptitude and slamming the national ship from shoal to reef and back again. It will take time and collective work, some sacrifices and faith in our ability as Americans working together for the common good, to patch the hull and get our ship of state out into the main channel where she belongs. Bailout is a good analogy here... If we work together, we can get this job done!

For those who haven't been there, I encourage you to check out the Recovery.gov website!

http://www.recovery.gov/

your $65

Ann — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:55:48 EST

"Because of what we did, 95% of all working families will get a tax cut -- in keeping with a promise I made on the campaign. And I’m pleased to announce that this morning, the Treasury Department began directing employers to reduce the amount of taxes withheld from paychecks -- meaning that by April 1st, a typical family will begin taking home at least $65 more every month. Never before in our history has a tax cut taken effect faster or gone to so many hardworking Americans." [source]

What will you do with your $65?

The Obstructionists

Richard — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:43:03 EST

Their is no question that the Republicans are going to continue to be obstructionist to President Obama's agenda. I say vote them all out office except for the ones that supported the ARRA bill in the Senate. They were at least willing to listen and vote on the merits of the bill. But for those Republicans in Ohio who voted against the bill knowing full well the State's high unemployment stats,I say they are showing their true colors(not giving a hoot about the average working class person). Let me know what you think.

Senator Gregg

Richard — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:59:53 EST

Sen. Gregg's backing away from the Secretary of Commerce position shoes a lack of Thinking on his part. He shares this lack of thinking with his Republican collegues. In the Obama Administration one has to be able to Think in order to be a part of President Obama's Cabinet. Let me know what you think.

President Obama Celebrates Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

Jill 4 Obama — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:37:22 EST

THE BRIEFING ROOM • THE BLOG
Thursday, February 12th, 2009 at 12:19 pm Happy Birthday, Abe

The Great Emancipator would have been 200 years old today, and President Obama is marking the occasion in several ways. This morning he spoke at the Lincoln bicentennial celebration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and tonight he’ll address the 102nd Abraham Lincoln Association Annual Banquet Dinner.

Last night he appeared at the Re-Opening of Ford’s Theatre, the site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Lincoln. Big names like Katie Couric, James Earl Jones, and Jeffrey Wright, appeared, and there performances by the President’s Own Marine Band, violinist Joshua Bell, and Audra McDonald, among others.

The 44th President commended the 16th’s many accomplishments, but made particular note of his commitment to the future, even amid the upheaval of the Civil War.

"When President Lincoln was finally told of all the metal being used at the Capitol, his response was short and clear: That is as it should be," President Obama said in his remarks. "The American people needed to be reminded, he believed, that even in a time of war, the work would go on; that even when the nation itself was in doubt, the future was being secured; and that on that distant day when the guns fell silent, a national capitol would stand, with a statue of freedom at its peak, as a symbol of unity in the land still mending its divisions."

White House photos 2/12/09 by Pete Souza

Who will help?

John Cavanaugh — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:54:29 EST

In the Feb. 1st Sunday Columbus Dispatch, reporter Rita Price asks the key question all citizens of Ohio must now address as nonprofits like South Side Settlement House struggle with declining resources and skyrocketing demand during this historic economic crisis. During these difficult days, we need only look back to the very founding of our nation to find our answer. As Thomas Paine wrote on Dec. 23, 1776 : "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman". Indeed, we can all join everyday heroes such as Child-care worker Wynida Searcy and provide a "service stimulus" to our struggling communities. Now more than ever all of us have an opportunity to fulfill the mission outlined by former Corporation for National Service Chair Stephen Goldsmith and Senator Harris Wofford who wrote: "As the government seeks to deal with the economic crisis and relieve the distress felt by millions of families, we should not overlook the great American tradition of service. More than 60 million citizens every year are providing service to their neighbors and their communities". Here in Ohio, whether that be answering Governor Strickland's recent "Call to Action" or Representative John Patrick Carney's proposal to allow retired medical workers to maintain their licenses to serve at low income health clinics, we can and should help to ensure that our friends and neighbors weather this economic storm. Can all this be done during such a time of turmoil? Again, if we draw inspiration from our recent past, we will discover that our greatest triumphs have come during times of impending peril. We can and should follow the example of our parents and grandparents who grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and whose productivity on the home front keep our nation whole. Likewise, we should remember that it was this "Greatest Generation" who survived the war pressed on to build and rebuild our industries. So who will help? The generous and innovative citizens of the great state of Ohio!

Born Again American - Founder Norman Lear

Darrell from Bloomington, WI — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:43:02 EST

The New Era of Opportunities for Civic Affairs in Broadcasting
- with Darrell Udelhoven

Because of all the new digital channel frequencies there is a broad spectrum of program opportunities for broadcasters, sponsors and the listening and viewing audience. These new technologies open up a broad spectrum of new venues allowing the radio-talk call-in programs to merge with television channels and with the Internet in both video and audio formats. This results-in by far the best audience reach compared to the use of one type of broadcast frequency format.
The quality of our mass communications is a high-level determinant of the quality of our lives and our eventual destinies. Nearly everything we know, do and achieve is communicated through our eyes, our ears and other sensory organs. This is why all forms of radio and television broadcasts represent our most important resource toward beneficial change for all of humanity.

A large percentage of America's problems have been due to the lack of transparency in government and corporate affairs, resulting in needless wars and economic inequities.

Our government gave the big finance companies $750 billion without stipulations as to how it was to be used, now they have given broadcasters are public owned digital frequencies without stipulations or guidance in the way that they are to be used for the public interest, need and necessity.

Over the air television broadcasting is a virtual wasteland. There is little or no utility value content in broadcasting programs. The hierarchical intelligentsia's voice in broadcasting has failed the owners of the broadcast frequencies & has also failed the global citizenry. This failure has cost our global community trillions of dollars of loss & untold suffering, it is time for the owners of the frequency resources to have unbridled access to broadcast over the new digital channels.

Government of, by and for the people cannot function in the interests' and needs of the people unless they have some control over the dissemination of content on their public owned broadcast frequency airwaves. We cannot permit these new government licensed digital frequencies to be used or squandered in non-essential unproductive content.

The potential to change the course of our destinies and to allow a representative Republic to function for the benefit of the people will always depend on the people having a powerful voice in the content of the information that is disseminated to them through the frequencies that they own.

We need interactive programming content that involves telephone talk, the merging of radio, television and the Internet, in order to reduce the use of energy and toward rebuilding our economic communities from the ground up.

Here is a link to WPR The Ideas Network Audio Archive Stream; 02/06/9, 10am broadcast, "Born Again American," founded by Norman Lear
Internet home of "Born Again American," Sign the Pledge & email your friends with a link. |
Internet Home of TV Producer, Norman Lear's Website

We can begin to build radio & TV communication community networks along with syndicated programs to reach every community in America so that, "We the People can begin to speak to each other & participate in organizing toward empowering ourselves toward governing ourselves, as was intended.

Wall street & the finance sector would not have gotten out of hand if 9 years ago the truth had been disseminated to "We the People," & therefore we had forced our elected representatives to force the Security & Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate wall street & finance sector! Trillions of dollars could have been saved along with our economy!
All of what I have suggested is feasible & should be accomplished for everyone's benefit ASAP.

There is much more, which we will deal with later. - Darrell Udelhoven

BR Internet Merge

The Mass Media Role Toward Economic Restoration

My Political and Economic Page Links The Real Political Issues

Wisdom Principled - Empowerment Communications
Darrell Udelhoven (U-DL-HOVEN) Darrell - Bloomington
udarrell

Action Now!

Richard — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:21:15 EST

President Obama's stimulus is being pidgeon holed by selfish Democrats and Republicans! Have they no shame. People who are looking for money to pay the bills are not forgetting who put these politicians in office. Apparently no one save the President puts the American public first. Congress Get It Together.