Posts with the tag freedom

To Him Who Overcomes

Annette Buchanan-Phillips — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:49:29 EST

To Him Who Overcomes...

Many people in the Civil Rights Era, sang a theme song, an anthem if you will, of "We Shall Overcome" and that old Baptist Hymn, inspired and galvanized the movement.

When President Obama & Vice President Biden were elected in November, 2008; to the surprise of some and the regret of others; it was a manifest destiny of equal rights prayers having been answered.

Yet we all know that the Presidency is not the man or woman that occupies it, but it is the living tradition of American Government, in continuity, and if God will it, in perpetuity.

I asked a question of those "Big Think" experts and contributers: "Where is the place in the whole world that has the best quality of life for Black people?" Not one reply. The silence spoke volumes, of world wide oppression, and economic suppression of a people. The truth is that we are already here. In most countries even the right to ask the question could mean a death sentence. ...But we have elected a diverse Government of representation of every group ever factionalized in our culture.

What looms on the horizon may very well be; the sunrise of the only ethnicity that we think of no matter what color or costume, or religion is presenting is "I am an American."

When our point of origin is less important than our current state of being; then we truly have "Overcome." Then every division, and every prejudice has melted away like so much ice in a springtime sun. The winter of our disconnection is soon to be over...and our connection has begun. The content of our character, and the quality of our interactions will be what truly matters.

We will still be myriad colors, and have a kaleidoscope of experiences, but sharing the same light of unity, within our right to diversity. I don't want a homogenized world; do you?

Instead as the French say: "Viva le difference..." and it really is okay to be different and still be respected, and respectful of the difference of others. We are all in this country together, and hurt to one, ultimately hurts all, because injustice tends to have a cumulative negative effect.

Thanks for reading my blog; and thank God for the United States of America.

Our Spirits Soar - Dedicated To Our President, A Year Ago Today

Ken — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:39:36 EST

To live
Under the open sky
Dreams unbounded
And hopes unfurled
Rippling
In the wind
Our spirits rise
Catching its current
And soar
Through time
And space

Across the land
Over the seas
Into the heavens
Our spirits soar
An aerial ballet
Of aspiration
And ambition
An ambassador
Of our life
To the stars.

Into sun swept skies
And harsher climes
Our spirits soar
Ever higher
Unbound by rooms
Or rules
Or guarantees
They roost
Only to rest

Beneath these skies
Our spirits root
Freedom and fulfillment
Partners to the land
And foundation
Of our great claim
Let lightning strike!
Let kingdom come!
We do not fear
Our spirits soar!

Click For Obama

Click For Obama — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:24:53 EDT

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Thank you,

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Our first announcement

Worship from Aiea, HI — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:36:38 EDT

How do you post a blog?

Yes we can be inspired!

Unknown user — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:07:56 EDT

About The new Quebec ethic and religious culture issue.

Going against the will of the people and parents concerned, the government of Quebec requires all children in Quebec to follow a new religious and moral state curriculum! This is called the new compulsory " Ethics and religious culture curriculum"

We believe this violates the law and international agreements. Parents are currently before the courts to enforce their rights. Thousands of parents are demanding respect for their rights, universal rights!

«Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.» (art. 26.3 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

«The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.» (art 18.4 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)

Things must change here too!

We can help parents by donation through the Canadian Constitution Foundation Make sure to select the cause: Religious Freedom/Liberté religieuse - challenging Quebec's mandatory ERC/ÉCR course

Quebecers must be inspired by the will and the hope represented by Barack Obama to change things about the tyranny of the Quebec government to impose this new religion state course.

Art.

Bryan — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:44:24 EDT

I recently recieved in my e-mail inbox an awful idea saying that supporters of President Obama should all honk at each other to show their support. Unlike whoever came up with that idea, I take my support of President Obama very seriously. So I wanted to offer some thoughts in the form of a blog on what things will actually help President Obama win reellection in 2012.

A SOULution!

Raw Truth — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:25:15 EDT

Courage is a defining moment in the life of every human and fear is an opportunity to re-member inner truth.

Times past, when Earth raised Her vibration, God called us home; this time Soul asked to experience the 'full meal deal' and go along for the ride. The mind cannot yet comprehend the magnitude of what is unfolding; this has never been done before!

We each own mis-creations surfacing to clear. No spectators allowed. ALL are called to participate. As the past clears, our choices attract or repel Light. The more we embrace fear, the more Light, which is the movement of Un-manifest Limitless God Love, flows through us.

You are Light, the only true POWER! Power of love accomplishes without effort, what force cannot do, for it goes where force cannot follow. Welcome to a New Age of Light!

Focus on the adventure instead of fear! There is only Light or absence of Light. We are each God Love, made manifest in the flesh, who allowed fear or other low vibration choices to dim our Light; freeze the power of our love. There is no one to blame! We came here in forgetfulness to experience contrast. We now know the effects of anti-love and are called to choose again. When we choose truth, compassion, love; Light returns and contrast ends!

Belief in separation is the root cause of all evil, fear, pain, scarcity, war, powerlessness and death. Our physical, mental, emotional, spirit body is one. All creation is God Love in limitless forms, including our conscious Earth Mother! As one with God Fire, I walked a 35 foot bed of burning coals; as one with God cancer my biology was restored naturally, instead of recommended chemo and radiation. Courage is the door to inner truth, InLightenment, God Love, the only true power. Although the Shift is global, in this freewill Earth zone, what you choose to believe is personal; always honored and respected.

A SOULution: when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGxZngLecK0&feature=channel

Obtain free, a Financial and Freedom Starter Kit: New Thought New Age SOULutions and free book 'The Shift', to understand what is happening now, why and how it affects you. Visit http://www.freetobewealthy.net look for the Gold Butterfly on the right and click Sign Me Up!

Doreen Agostino
World Changing Talk Radio @
http://www.freetobewealthy.net
http://www.twitter.com/rawtruth

STEAL THIS

Fredrich from Roanoke, VA — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:42:23 EDT

We should have a rally titled "Take My America Back" ~Basically, instead of protesting, we have workshops...a workshop on how to manage your finances with credit cards--taught for free, by pros; workshop for easy how-to's to create less of a foot print on earth--all under 100 dollars (easy 'go green' meets HGTV); workshop on hospital terminology--so we can understand what doctors are actually telling us, now, and make better future decisions, now!; workshop on CPR--....enough said really; workshop on cooking for a family of 4--under 50 bucks a day; workshop titled 'xxnumber of ways to start losing weight--tomorrow' (take the steps, stretch more, really tho. Why do we only stretch when we have or anticipate the idea of future pain due to our own out-of-shapeness?;is that a real word?; workshop on being a new driver--partially taught by teens from that very same community; workshop titled 'not for me'-- workshop for young adults planning for their futures (only own what you can afford!); workshop on indentifying financial leakage--we dont 'need'...eeeeverything!; workshop on real third world countries--a humbling lesson learned when you see how good we really have it; and finally (cuz I really could go on forever)a workshop titled 'explain, please?!'--help people understand how to effectively utilize their cell phones (explain things like social networking/SMS/MMS/BBM/AIM/Apps/WAPs/GPS/VVM...wow!)

The Catch:

1)...I dont want to organize it by myself LOL 1.5) its FREE for all! 2) I would love to have each 'rally' have at least one local person in each and every workshop = dedicated AMERICANS giving up their free time to help other PEOPLE...and yes, I meant PEOPLE, all of them. 3)Ideally: head to toe voluntary...no one gets paid, its all voluntary!; not the sponsors, not the organizers, not the appearences, not the musical acts, not even the clean-up crew...I mean really...we have a ton of unemployed people sitting around with countless degrees and experience and nothing else to do. Lets step up! 4) Lastly, if this ever came to pass, I would love to present a check to the President of the United States, that day, on the National Debt (cummulation of tax free donations created from these events, by people who believe in helping others for the sake of helping others) This is our country...we already own it, so lets own up to it! I owe it to YOU! This is me taking ownership of my America (insert picture of Uncle Sam--ironic) America, you down?!

Test

An enthusiast learner — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:56:49 EDT

Hello world

LAND IS FREE, WATER IS FREE, AIR IS FREE, FOOD IS FREE

Kelly from Menomonie, WI — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:29:40 EDT

At NO time did the God of the Holy Bible create the earth so that one human can charge another human for what God gave FREE.

Before the United States was invaded by white man LAND WAS FREE, WATER WAS FREE, AIR WAS FREE, FOOD WAS FREE!

Government has found a way to enslave humans to humans. If you don't slave for another man, all of your God given, life sustaining creation will be taken away. That is not FREEDOM! That is torture.

There is no such thing as stuck. There is no such thing as sustaining this financial economy.

Let the slaves go FREE.

LAND IS FREE, WATER IS FREE, AIR IS FREE, FOOD IS FREE!

Work for another human if you want to. THAT IS FREEDOM!

What do you think?

Krickle — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:07:48 EDT

I support health care reform because our country cannot continue on the same course. We all know that it may not be perfect from the start, but we have to start somewhere. Let's improve it as we go. My concern is that our active service men and women, veterans and their families will be asked to pay for their health care. I do not support this because they have endured and have sacrificed alot for our safety and freedoms. We should thank our military and their families by providing them with the care they need and require. I am married to a Vietnam Veteran, my son-in-law is in the Air Force being deployed next week to Afghanistan, my nephew is in the Army, and I have several uncles who have served in the military during war time so I know and understand the hardships they and their families endure. Let's pass health care reform and take care of our military...it won't be perfect from the start, but what is? We can make it work..

Freedom

Karl Dickey — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:47:27 EDT

So many Americans feel we are already free and we have personal liberty. When you compare us with some other nations that would be a reasonable assumption however it is not the level of freedom we had in mind when the Declaration of Independence was crafted, nor our Constitution.

Having to retain a permit to exercise one’s First Amendment right to free speech is opposite of our founding father’s intent. A permit is asking permission from the government to do something. Applying to the government to speak can be denied or unreasonably restricted. This is not freedom.

Here in Florida in order to carry a gun one must obtain permission from the state government even though our Constitution contains the Second Amendment which states, “…the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Perhaps an argument could be made for those that have proven themselves unable to keep and bear arms responsibly, however shouldn’t the “people” have to prove such irresponsibility first? Lawabidng citizens must run through hoops and pay a fee to protect themselves, their families, and their properties from criminals who are unaffected by unreasonable firearms legislaton. This is not freedom.

When I was young and naive I used to think my personal property was as safe and secure as I made it, however this was and is not accurate. The fact is the government can still find out what, in my opinion, is far too much about you even if you have not been charged with a crime. It used to be innocent until proven guilty but now it has completely fliipped to the point of Americans feeling they are simply subjects of the government. Our Fourth Amendment was to protect us from such a change, however through circumstances that I fail to understand, our Fourth Amendment has been usurped by power-hungry legislators and a court system that is more interested in case law & foreign laws than simply referring back to our own Constitution. Our Constitution is suppose to be the Supreme Law of the Land, but it is not so. Unfortunately, the average American seems more concerned with who wins the next Dancing With the Stars or American Idol competitions than with their government [temporary] success in overriding their inalienable rights. Today a police officer can write his or her own warrent (not presenting it before a judge) to enter your home without any probable cause. This is not freedom.

I could go on and on however it is clear we are not living the free life promised by our founding fathers via the Constitution. Time is long overdue to return true freedom to the American people.

It is time to truly care about who you vote to put in public office. Rather than listen to quick sound bites on the local or national television, take a few extra minutes and review the websites of the candidates to be on your ballot to find the candidate most in line with your values and who will most likely vote in favor of freedom when in office.

Hello World, Solitude has just join the tribe

Solitude The Maroon (Solitude La Marronne) — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:28:36 EDT

Salut à tous.

Solitude la Marronne est l'une des principales et paradoxalement plus méconnues des héroïnes de la révolution française aux Antilles. Cette fille d'esclave connu la liberté lors de la première abolition de l'esclavage et se battit avec acharnement lorsqu'il fut question de rétablissement. Deux siècle plus tard, Barrack Obama, un descendant d'esclave est à son tour sous les feux de la rampe. Mais il s'agit cette fois de saluer la plus importante personnalité au monde. Comment interpréter ce chemin parcouru ? Sinon en étant conscient que tous les combats mènent un jour ou l'autre à la victoire. Et que toutes les injustices sont un jour effacées. Barrack Obama est le symbole de la foi à travers le monde. Now we're proud to sing and say after another miracle, Michael Jackson : Keep the faith, like Obama did...

Revolution

ReX — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:59:29 EDT

If the government is so very corrupt and perverted ,with a prejudice agenda. Why should "We The People" continue to support Our own oppression?!?!?!?I am sick and tired of people saying "there is nothing we can do".We are stronger than you may think and smarter than thay give us credit for .The modern court system is more business than justice . Why do we let it go on???!!!!I think it is time for REVOLUTION to get a little more active ,we all need to sacrafice something butNever Our Freedom.

COMING OF AGE

caring_independent — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:08:38 EDT

you are coming of age my little girl
born to occupy a place in this world
a boom of youth in world population
while who seeks control sees exploitation

in the realms of life that deal with power
those who steer the platform and the altar
do know within you lies passionate drive
with desires to be seen and heard, alive

often twisting your fate with rebellion
of these youths, you are one in a billion
that swiftly lash out at Authority
having not yet reached full maturity

as it is, don't be found pawns in their game
conquer impulse if your world you'd reclaim
from who would distort their word to defeat
if you but see that life lies at your feet

with reason listen to words and caution
parents have no gain by your subjection
that slow burns away flights of love inside
union your spirit seeks while you divide

little girl, see the world as it changes
with a heart like yours, it ebbs and surges
trying to find its place to a shared peace
it grows in pains and sorrows for release

it will happen with or without you here
whether open to the truth you hold dear
or spent hidden to pursue shallow prides
the now or better good, its you decides

though we're cast within a similar frame
my time belongs to a past filled wth blame
as your own, but still tied to circumstance
choices will give you the dreams you romance

be free to leave go of shame little girl
break open the shell and shine up your pearl
bring others to come alongside to ride
grow powerful spirit and sense of pride

a billion, you are one or a portion
be insipred to find your true volition
choices not made or those made unwisely
will dim your light and darken your journey

deep inside your heart is a love that's pure
honest and sure and sweet for its liquer
i do mean for you to follow your dreams
a blessed union, peace, the stars and moonbeams

Written 4/16/2009 copyright MEWilson

My blog is at http://mark.baland.net/blog .

markbaland — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:51:31 EDT

My blog is at http://mark.baland.net/blog .

French navy seizes 11 suspected pirates

Zakoput from FPO, AE — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:00:18 EDT

The Navy tracked the pirates overnight after they attacked a ship called the Safmarine Asia. The French launched a helicopter from the frigate Nivose to head off the attack Tuesday night, then seized the suspected pirates Wednesday morning, the statement said.

Both the European Union and the United States have been patrolling the region since an upsurge in piracy off the coast of Somalia last year.

U.S. snipers killed three pirates holding a U.S. ship captain hostage Sunday. The captain, Richard Phillips, was held in a lifeboat for days after his ship, the Maersk Alabama, was seized last week

But pirates in Somalia vowed revenge, saying that an attack on another ship, the Liberty Sun, was a response to the killing of Phillips' captors.

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FREEDOM, WITH SOME WORDS FROM F.D.R.

caring_independent — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:46:20 EDT

our private secrets contain
seeds that empower this plane
inherent drive to freedom
if nursing at the bosom
do struggle to the moment
the journey from the parent
beginning at the white blood
it'll strive to meet the sacred
risking all to crawl and walk
to find expression and talk
a first date and a first kiss
think of ignorance is bliss

till a life's public secrets
reveal freedom's zealots
an AIDS we'd manufacture
find profaned human nature
while some vanities of sight
meant forgetting we are light
building up our palisades
like idols to a crusades
of cash, becoming captive
exchanges not vindictive
however bind us to greed
and acquisition-based need

decrying cosmic orders
deluded we are actors
blushing brides of freedom's ring
some seeds will carry death's sting
married to our kiss and tell
waking in our prison cell
while co-created ego
what we came and come to know
stopping the wants at present
whats made by whats eminent
domain, freedom so sublime
to capture in this lifetime

enforce personal domain
what's your understanding?

Four Freedoms - The Declarations - F.D. Roosevelt

In the future days which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.

The first is freedom of speech and expression - everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way - everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want, which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants - everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear, which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor - anywhere in the world.

That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called "new order" of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb.

Support the Basic Human Right and Need for Privacy

Citizen Greg — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:36:02 EDT

I just got done contacting my senators and congressmen/women and I'd like to know Barack's answer to this question and problem:

"As a citizen, I am glad to see that Government is attempting once again to act in the interest of The People. This would seem a good time to address one of the most inhuman aspects or American government: it's failure to recognize the basic human right to Privacy. At this time, under pressure of threats variously real, imagined, and fabricated, the government is becoming more invasive of citizen's privacy than ever before. And yet, any competant psycholigist or psychiatrist will confirm the basic need for privacy for maintainence of mental health.

What will YOU do to recognize this basic human right and act to make this basic human right and need a major factor in your future work as a representative of The People?"

- Citizen Greg

Libertarian Ideals that Obama is committed to

Libertarians for Obama — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:21:17 EDT

Granted, President Barack Obama is not completely "Libertarian" but who really is? Yet if you look at the Obama Agenda at: www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/ and look at Libertarian Party motto: Smaller Government, Less Taxes, More Freedom and LP issues at: www.lp.org/issues there are many areas of common interest. Below are some of the top Libertarian Party issues that Obama has some agreement with.

Libertarian Party motto: "Smaller Government, Less Taxes, More Freedom"

"Lower Taxes"
..."working families struggle to pay their taxes" www.lp.org/issues/taxes

PRESIDENT OBAMA: "I'll Cut Taxes for 95% of "Working Families"

Obama’s Comprehensive Tax Policy Plan for America will:
Cut taxes for 95 percent of "workers" and their "families" with a tax cut of $500 for workers or $1,000 for working couples.
Provide generous tax cuts for low- and middle-income seniors, homeowners, the uninsured, and families sending a child to college or looking to save and accumulate wealth.
Eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses, cut corporate taxes for firms that invest and create jobs in the United States, and provide tax credits to reduce the cost of healthcare and to reward investments in innovation.
Eliminating the need for millions of senior citizens to file tax forms

Libertarian Party: How Can We Cut Taxes?

... politicians spend millions to subsidize tobacco farmers...

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Goes After Farm Subsidies President-elect Obama gave an example of one piece of wasteful government spending: farm subsidies.
Obama cited a GAO report that said from 2003 to 2006, "millionaire farmers" got $49 million in farm subsidies despite earning more than the $2.5 million cutoff in annual income. "If it's true," Obama said, "it's a prime example of waste."

"More Freedom"

Libertarian Party: Freedom of Speech, Against Censorship"We defend the rights of individuals to unrestricted freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the right of individuals to dissent from government itself....
We oppose any abridgment of the freedom of speech through government censorship, regulation or control of communications media."

http://www.lp.org/issues/freedom-of-speech

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Freedom of Speech, Against Censorship

President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history. To send questions, comments, concerns, or well-wishes to the President or his staff, please go to website: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/Contact/

Change the Culture of Secrecy: Obama will institute a National Declassification Center to make declassification secure but routine, efficient, and cost-effective.
Everyone can participate and inform the work of the President through the online front door of the White House at the Office of Public Liaison & Intergovernmental Affairs (OPL-IGA). OPL-IGA will bring new voices to the table, build relationships with constituents and seeks to embody the essence of the President's movement for change through the meaningful engagement of citizens and their elected officials by the federal government.
Engaging the American People on Foreign Policy: Obama and Biden will bring foreign policy decisions directly to the people by requiring their national security officials to have periodic national broadband town hall meetings to discuss foreign policy. Obama will personally deliver Your Weekly Address via webcast.

"Removing the troops from Iraq"

Libertarian Party: We established years ago that the war in Iraq had little to do with national security, if it ever did. Even those that initially supported the war in Iraq have come around to recognize that the longer we keep our troops in the region, the more lives we lose and the more money is wasted. It is time to bring the troops home. http://www.lp.org/issues/current-issues
"We support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression." - Libertarian Party Platform, Section 3.1 (adopted: May 2008)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: to remove all of our troops from Iraq.

"Immigration" http://www.lp.org/issues/immigration

Libertarian Party: "For those workers already in the United States illegally, we can avoid "amnesty" and still offer a pathway out of the underground economy. Newly legalized workers can be assessed fines and back taxes and serve probation befitting the misdemeanor they've committed. They can be required to take their place at the back of the line should they eventually apply for permanent residency."

President Obama: http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/immigration/

Bring People Out of the Shadows: Support a system that allows undocumented immigrants who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens.

How your lust and addiction to credit infringes on my rights

LOL — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:50:15 EST

I keep seeing people posting to this forum begging Obama to “force banks to give credit.” Things like “I can’t get a 30 year loan to buy a house.” Or “My credit card company keeps reducing my credit.” When I hear these complaints I am reminded of a crack addict’s pleas that they use the drug “responsibly”. They all feel that if they could just get a little more they would be fine.

The reality is that use of a credit card has a much more profound and expansive impact on those around you then using crack does. Use crack, live 10 blocks over, and I will probably never know or feel the result. However, if you use credit to buy your groceries that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford, you have increased the market value of groceries.

Basic economics most people have at least heard of tells us that “a market price is set by the highest value at which people are ‘willing AND able’ to buy the product. Credit cards have allowed people who normally wouldn’t have the resources to compete in the market against me to have access to those resources.

Let us say you are browsing the fine objects available for sale at an auction. You spy a great cigar store Indian in the middle of all the other stuff that you feel you must have. When the auctioneer get around to tapping his cane on the Indian you feel that little jilt of excitement that you are about to become the owner of that which you desire. Much to your delight he starts the bidding off at just $10. You raise your hand high. But just like that you notice another bidder raise the hand. Back and forth you go. 15 becomes 20. 20 50, at about $75 you wish the other party would run out of money. Now on it goes until you bid $150. You are starting to feel the excitement of the win when you hear the other bidder’s friend say “OK” to the request to loan out $50. You are not to be outdone, so eventually you win the bid at $210. You think to yourself, “I wish that yutz hadn’t offered her that extra 50 bucks or I would have only paid $150 for this treasure.” Well that is how I feel when I walk into a grocery store or an electronics store to buy a product with cash. I wish credit card companies hadn’t offered so many yahoos credit to buy these products. They would be priced more realistically. That is the way I feel when I look at the going rate for college when trying to save up for my children’s future. I think, “I wish somebody would make it illegal to offer loans for college educations. Schools would have to charge a more realistic price if they actually wanted students to show up. Now you might think, “but they have to charge enough to pay for their teachers”. But can you imagine how much less a teacher would have to ask for as a salary if they could get a big screen TV band new for $200. It is a classic “chicken or the egg” scenario. Do people need paid more because credit has allowed market prices to be bid up or is it the fact that market prices are so high, that people need credit to pay for them and thus need paid more. For some reason bread only used to be 10 cents.

What happened in the housing market is that banks started offering longer and longer terms in order to get more people the ability to afford to “buy” them. A win/ win/ win for financing organizations. They get more buyer, buying at hire sale prices (which they are getting a percentage of), and earning more in interest over the long term. Interest that they charge you up front. The same thing happens with everyday stuff as banks offer credit cards into the market. Credit companies get paid form the vendors and the consumers. (The funniest thing I have ever seen was an annual fee. I have to pay you money for the honor of paying you money? This is worse economics then a strip club.)

So it is the people who are going through “credit withdraws” and are trying to convince the world that “then need it to survive” that are threatening to unravel any chance we have at a wholesome economic recover. So stop it. Your credit card reduced your limit? Good, you will thank them when you loose your job. A mortgage company won’t let you finance a 30 year loan on a $150,000 house that ends up costing you $350,000 with interest? Write them a thank you letter for not letting you make a mistake that will not only damage you but the entire economy for the rest of us who were also promised our government would give us the opportunity to be alive, free, and happy. None of these thing can you be if you are in debt and working 60 hours a week just to make the minimums. And I can’t be if I have to compete in a market were you are capable of doing that.

New Group on PerfSpot.com: Friends of Amy Goodman and Democracy NOW!

Andreas Klamm — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:11:35 EST

Friends of Amy Goodman and Democracy NOW!

By Andreas Klamm

New York City / London/February 2009/-- Important values such as health care, a good income, liberty, peace and democracy are very important not only to my American Brothers and Sisters but to many brothers and sisters in the entire world. Therefore I have created a new group on PerfSpot.com wich is called "Friends of Amy Goodman and Democracy NOW!" This new group is an UNOFFICIAL (not official) group of friends of the award winning journalist, broadcast journalist and author Amy Goodman, Juan Gonazlez and Democracy NOW!

The new groups web site can be found on:

http://www.perfspot.com/groups/democracynow

I do believe it is important to show as an token of love to precious people as Michelle and Barack Obama are or as Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez are that we do like their actions, TV programs and that we love them. Thats exactly what the new unofficial group on PerSpot.com is about, to show Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzalez and the Democracy NOW! - Team: You are providing an excellent TV and radio news hour and we love you.

Amy Goodman has received many awards. In December 2008 she has received the Right Livelihood Award which is referred as alternative NOBEL Prize by the Right Liveihood Foundation in Sweden.

Democracy NOW! is a daily educational TV and radio news hour which broadcast on more than 750 TV stations and 250 radio station in North Amercia and in the world.

The eduational TV and radio news hour Democracy NOW! is available on www.democracynow.org (Monday to Friday).

Amy Goodman, award winning journalist from Democracy NOW ! (www.democracynow.org) has received in December 2008 in the city of Stockholm in Sweden the Right Livelihood Award which is referred as the alternative Nobel Prize. Photo: Andreas Klamm, journalist (IBS TV Liberty, www.ibstvliberty.wordpress.com).

PerfSpot.com-Group: Friends of Amy Goodman and Democracy NOW!

The founder of PerfSpot.com-Group: Friends of Amy Goodman and Democracy NOW! the author, broadcast journalist and journalist Andreas Klamm believes like the award winning journalist, broadcast journalist and author, Amy Goodman from Democracy NOW! (www.democracynow.org ) that there needs to be an other answer then war.

Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez broadcast Monday to Friday an independent news hour on more then 700 TV station and on about 250 radio stations in North America. Amy Goodman has received with her sister laureates, Dr. Monika Hauser, Asha Haji, Krishnammal Jagannathan the Right Livelihood Award, which is referred as the Alternative Nobel Prize, in the city of Stockholm in Sweden. The TV journalist Andreas Klamm has produced several television productions about the Right Livelihood Award in Stockholm in Sweden in December 2008 and had a chance to meet his colleague the journalist Amy Goodman and other precious women engaged in the aid efforts to help many people in many different places in this world.

Therefore he is writing in his books also about people which truly can be called a voice for peace such as Amy Goodman and many other people in the world.

Books written by the author and journalist Andreas Klamm:

FRANCE ( www.amazon.fr )

Liberty, Peace and Media: Amy Goodman And The Freedom Of The Press - Excellent Journalists In Extraordinary Times, Books on Demand Gmbh; Paris, France; (February 2009), 276 pages, author: Andreas Klamm, journalist Language: English / German, bi-lingual, ISBN-10: 2-8106-0269-7 , ISBN-13: 978-2-8106-0269-8 , (21 x 14,8 x 1,2 cm)

Liberty and Peace NOW! Human Rights Reporters 2, Human Rights, abuses and violations of Human Rights, international understanding, Editeur BOD Paris, France, (February 2009), 280 pages, author: Andreas Klamm, journalist, Language: English / German, bi-lingual, ISBN-10: 2-8106-0427-4, ISBN-13: 9-782-8106-0427-2, (21 x 14,8 x 1,2) cm

Germany ( www.amazon.de )

Liberty and Peace NOW! Human Rights Reporters :: Medienprojekt Menschenrechts-Reporter :: Edition 2008, No. 1, Human Rights, abuses and violations of Human Rights, international understanding: Books on Demand Gmbh; Edition 1, (October 2008), 272 pages, author: Andreas Klamm, journalist, Language: English / German, bi-lingual, ISBN-10: 3-8370-7243-6 , ISBN-13: 978-3-8370-7243-3 , (21 x 14,8 x 1,2) cm

British Newsflash Magazine :: Magazin-Buch: Edition 2008, No. 1, Themen und Berichte aus Politik, Soziales und Gesellschaft, Issues from politics, social affairs and society, 200 pages,author: Andreas Klamm, journalist, Publishing house /Publishing centre: Books on Demand Gmbh; Edition 1, (June 2008), Language: German with some articles in the English language ISBN-10: 3-8370-4600-1, ISBN-13: 978-3-8370-4600-7, (29,7 x 21 x 1,2 cm)

Die Kinder der John Baptist Mission in Togo: Mission und Hilfe für Kinder, (The children of the John Baptist Mission in Togo: Mission and help for children), 200 pages, author: Andreas Klamm, journalist, Publishing house / Publishing centre: Books on Demand Gmbh; Edition 1, (August 2008), Language: German with articles by co-authors in the French and English language, ISBN-10: 3-8370-5762-3, ISBN-13: 978-3-8370-5762-1, (21 x 14,8 x 1,2 cm)

The books can be ordered on www.andreasklamm.blogspot.com (international shipping available, wordwide !) or online book stores, such as www.amazon.de, www.amazon.fr, www.bod.de, www.bod.fr, www.alapage.com, www.buch.de, www.libri.de and many other book stores.

New York, London, February 2009

PerfSpot.com-Group: Friends of Amy Goodman and Democracy NOW!

Amy Goodman on IBS TV Liberty:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG7s8XvcVrA, with Amy Goodman,

Jakob von Uexkuell and Andreas Klamm, IBS TV Libery, December 2008 from Sweden,

Stockholm.

Right Livelihood Award, IBS TV Liberty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-9thAhKTQI, Right Livelihood Award, with

Dr. Monika Hauser, Jakob von Uexkuell and Andreas Klamm, IBS TV Liberty,

Sweden, Stockholm, 2008. Production by Andreas Klamm, journalist, broadcast journalist

and author, IBS TV Liberty, www.ibstvliberty.blogspot.com, www.youtube.com/andreasklamm.

IBS TV Liberty on Right Livelihood Award

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGApBJ-VK2U, Right Livelihood Award, with

Asha Haji , Jakob von Uexkuell and Andreas Klamm, IBS TV Liberty,

Sweden, Stockholm, 2008. Production by Andreas Klamm, journalist, broadcast journalist

and author, IBS TV Liberty, www.ibstvliberty.blogspot.com, www.youtube.com/andreasklamm.

IBS TV Liberty on the Right Livelihood Award

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQV-gAugLns, Right Livelihood Award, with

Krishnammal Jagannathan , Jakob von Uexkuell and Andreas Klamm, IBS TV Liberty,

Sweden, Stockholm, 2008. Production by Andreas Klamm, journalist, broadcast journalist

and author, IBS TV Liberty, www.ibstvliberty.blogspot.com, www.youtube.com/andreasklamm.

IBS TV Liberty on the Right Livelihood Award

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuBChh7fC6U, Right Livelihood Award, with

Amy Goodman , Jakob von Uexkuell and Andreas Klamm, IBS TV Liberty,

Sweden, Stockholm, 2008. Production by Andreas Klamm, journalist, broadcast journalist

and author, IBS TV Liberty, www.ibstvliberty.blogspot.com, www.youtube.com/andreasklamm.

IBS TV Liberty: Freedom To Speak (Part II, Freedom Of The Press)

With Wafulla Ogutto publisher and journalist from Uganda and Andreas Klamm from IBS TV Liberty, Sweden, Stockholm, 2008. Production by Andreas Klamm, journalist, broadcast journalist

and author, IBS TV Liberty, www.ibstvliberty.blogspot.com, www.youtube.com/andreasklamm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPgOkg70WGI

IBS TV Liberty: Freedom To Speak (Part I, Freedom Of The Press)

With Wafulla Ogutto publisher and journalist from Uganda and Andreas Klamm from IBS TV Liberty, Sweden, Stockholm, 2008. Production by Andreas Klamm, journalist, broadcast journalist

and author, IBS TV Liberty, www.ibstvliberty.blogspot.com, www.youtube.com/andreasklamm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNQnLanXBGY

IBS TV Liberty

More information you will find on

Liberty and Peace NOW! Human Rights Reporters

* www.humanrightsrepoters.wordpress.com

* www.menschenrechtsreporter.blogspot.com

PLEASE: Do not forget to tune in to Democracy NOW with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez:

www.democracynow.org

Prohibition for Dummies

David from El Dorado Hills, CA — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:23:49 EST

The American Revolution was inspired by the government's repression of the unalienable rights of the colonists. They demanded change and the revolution brought it. Unalienable personal rights are not subject to majority opinion and their prohibition has to change or another revolution will take place. The fruit of freedom is diversity not forced conformity. Freedom prevents one group from forcing their personal choices on another group and vice versa.

PROHIBITION FOR DUMMIESEven killing is not prohibited in man’s or God’s law! It is regulated. The police and citizens have the right to use deadly force to defend themselves.Prohibition increases the problem.Freedom with reasonable regulation minimizes the problem.Prohibition benefits both the tax sucking enforcement bureaucracies and the crime organizations.Freedom minimizes tax sucking enforcement bureaucracies and crime organizations.Prohibition destroys the lives of otherwise productive law abiding citizens.Freedom allows otherwise law abiding citizens to be productive.Prohibition often puts innocent citizens between gang/gang and government/gang warfare.Freedom allows families to go outside without fear of getting shot in the middle of a gun battle.Prohibition tears apart more families.Freedom keeps more families together.Prohibition punishes the users, who are usually in the majority, with the abusers.Freedom respects the intelligence of the users and punishes only the abusers.

THE TRUTH HURTS...reply

Citizens for Change in America! — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:37:56 EST

The Truth HURTS…
This economic problem has always been about choice…what you decided to do with your money in the past and in the future is your choice that you have everyday of your life…AMERICA faces these choices and ALL of the AMERICAN PEOPLE will have to decide…
FACT: you paid off your house
FACT: you paid off your car
FACT: you paid off you credit cards
FACT: you paid off your investments
FACT: you paid off your bills
FACT: you paid off your expenses
FACT: you paid off your children’s educational expenses
FACT: you paid off you children’s college bills
FACT: you paid off your taxes
FACT: you paid off everything
FACT: DID YOU REALLY PAY and then some…so everyone can do WHAT EVER they desire…even for WRONG THINGS…for other peoples houses, cars, sunroofs, tinted glass windows, gas, tires, trucks, options, investments, summer homes, time shares, tips, trips, vacations, heat, electricity, clothing, food, college, medical, insurance, stocks, interest, bank loans, credit card bills, EVEN WRONG business CHOICES…did you…make these choices…take these risks…live this lie of fake prosperity.
The banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies and government offices…
all are having fun making choices with other peoples money…
yes everyone…especially those that might be considered too big to fail?
REMEMBER the BASICS (part of the costs of doing business is loss in theft, shrink and bad accounts…this is in all business models as experts are taught by experts…PROFESSORS teaching MBA’s and CPA’s for CEO’s and Presidents)
All the experts…
take their pay for whatever good or bad decisions and answers they tell you…
TALK IS CHEAP…but YOU PAY for all the CHOICES
YOURS…THEIRS…and everyone else in between…
every person not living by the Facts…
but by the MYTH…
Is sold on the idea to fill up every living Mystical Fantasy and Desire…
that is the Prophecy of EXPERTS…
fed to the people on both ends of AMERICA
Economic and Political
FACE the MUSIC…
BROKE is BROKE…
Do not hand me your meal ticket…I did not eat your lunch!
I did not own your business, bank, brokerage company, bakery, battery company, best shop or basket case…
do not give me your bills…
I didn’t get any of your pleasures, profits or perks…
I didn’t benefit from any of your lavish life style…
I didn’t get any thing before…
I don’t want anything now…especially, not any of your bills!
YOU went broke…not me…
You didn’t pay any of my bills…
You didn’t worry about feeding my children or sending them to school…
YOU KEEP YOUR OWN choices to yourself this time too…
IT'S YOUR CHOICE to keep the TRUTH...
PAIN FREE!

AMERICA...tell me WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Citizens for Change in America! — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:07:56 EST

TELL ME...what are you doing?

I pay my bills...paid off my house and can not sell it...moved because my x-spouse took our child to another state...was not made to bring him back after two years of lawyers, judges and court systems (even though the state had laws against and prohibiting children being moved out of their state)...I had to move to be closer, involved and remain to be an active parent for my child and our society benefiting from this action...faced with having to use some of my retirement/401k funds and pay taxes and penalties because I am not yet 59 and 1/2 years of age...will be penalized for paying off my car…will be penalized for paying off my house...will be penalized now for the actions of needing money to pay bills and do what citizens are supposed to do, but can't sell my house in this tough economy (loose money) and having to sell stocks/investments (loose money) because there is no plan for me, no bailout for me, no help for me...

you have PAID the RICH...PAID the RICHER...PAID the RICHEST

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY DOING...

what did you do...

what will you do...

what do you do?

CALL ME if you really care...I will give you the full story, painful details, hardships and sacrifices I have had to make...

the question is real...the question is important...the question must be answered...

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

THANKS...AMERICA...reply

Citizens for Change in America! — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:55:16 EST

Where are the thanks for AMERICANS...

we pay our taxes

we pay our bills

we pay our house off

we pay our car off

we pay our childrens educational expenses

we pay our childrens college expenses

we pay into our 401k

we pay into our retirement

we pay for our business expenses

we pay for our food

we pay for our clothes

we pay for our gas

we pay for our heat and electricity

we pay for our cost to be an American...explain it to me...

WHAT DID I DO WRONG...what went wrong in AMERICA?

tell me your thoughts...

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

LLJ — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:04:00 EST

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed and adopted by the UN General Assembly sixty years ago. Regardless of race, religion, or nationality, all men and women, everywhere in the world, are entitled to the human rights and fundamental freedoms set forth in it's thirty articles. Since it's adoption in 1948 the declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Build community by promoting the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights...to promote cultural diversity as well as the desire for global cooperation and dialogue between different cultures; Unity and Diversity.

http://www.unesco-club-vienna.org/ ...The UNESCO Clubs movement has developed hand-in-hand with UNESCO since the establishment of the first club in Sendai, Japan, on 19 July 1947.

Oil-fueled terrorism and Propaganda

k_michael — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:43:46 EST

While reading Thomas Friedman's book "Hot, Flat, and Crowded" with CNN on in the background, it struck me that I've heard a number of reporters repeat teh phrase: "The campaign is over, and now it's time to govern."

Not to put too fine a point on it, but, as the saying goes, "What planet are they from?"; the election campaign is over, but the campaign to maintain electoral support never ends.

This is very closely tied in with the necessity to "green" America for the following reason: given that it is both well-known, and well-documented, that terrorism is funded by oil revenues (often called "petrodollars", I cannot comprehend why we, the American people, are not being provuided with public-service messages clearly and simply illustrating not only teh facts recarding that funding, but also, the fact that, when the CAFE standards were eliminated in the 1980's, that alone directly led to the US wasting as much oil as optimistic estimates say is located beneath ANWAR.  In our rush to absolve ourselves of any and all responsibility, we as a people and government have long deluded ourselves that buying gas-guzzling SUVs and energy-wasting homes was a matter of "freedom", when it has, in fact, been the major vehicle for funding attempts to eliminate our true freedom.

President Obama has ntoed that we have an economic struggle ahead of us, and he has intimated that energy-independence is both an economic issue and a national security issue. I do not think, however, that either aspect has at all been sufficiently communicated to the populace, not by a long shot.  Perhaps we have become so sensitized to the mere mention of the word "propaganda" that we've allowed small minds to convince us the airwaves belong exclusively to commercial advertising (with snippets of programing squeezed in-between to keep us watchign the advertising).  If this is so, then some improtant lessons from history have been either ignored, or deliberately swept under the proverbial carpet.

I think it is not merely a "good idea", but rather, imperative that the oil-terrorism connection be communicated to the American people, and to all people in the West.  The potential tyranny of energy has been well-illoustrated by Russia's having plunged Europeans into an icebath, so to speak, by cutting off the flow of natural gas.  We, as a people, must either return to the realization that it is not the size of one's car or the square-footage of one's home that gives life value and makes it worth living; to reject that realization will mean that, by pursuing the Madison Avenue illusion of freedom as "purchasing choice", we will sell our true freedom to petrofascists.

Is it Too Late for the 99%?

Harm None — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:05:28 EST

I voted for President Obama. I did this in part, because I listened to him and I read what he said, and as far as I can see, he's a rational, reasonable human being, and a man of principle. The other reason I voted for him, quite frankly, is that he isn't a Republican. The Republican party rules, it doesn't govern, and it does so with contempt for the subjects. The Democratic party must stand toe-to-toe with the Republicans, backing them down and undoing some of their skulduggery, or we, the 99%, will be crushed once and for all.

It is said that 1% of the people in this country own most of its assets. The land, the capital, the banking institutions, the production machinery, etc., are theirs. Increasingly, as the years have gone by, I have seen the result of the rise to power of this 1%, and seen what it means for the rest of us. Their motto is, “Never enough.” (Or, maybe it's, “Nothing for the 99%”). Any suggestion that those who are better off have a moral duty to share with their less fortunate fellows is met with hysterical cries of “socialism!” They will go to their graves secure in their conviction that might makes right, and they are right. To them, that--and they--are all that matters.

I know of no spiritual tradition (unless one considers Satanism to be “spiritual”) that advocates destroying the planet and killing or condemning the masses to lives of misery and squalor for the benefit of the avaricious few. Nonetheless, such are the results of rule by this vicious minority, and it must be noted that many of them claim to be Christians. Even the misery and squalor are only begrudgingly allowed because someone has to be available to serve as cannon fodder abroad, and grist for the machine at home. If not for that, the 1% would, without compunction, plow the 99% under for fertilizer.

Only a short time has passed since the election, and it is already clear that the 1%, through their Republican minions and their sympathizers who remain entrenched in government, have dug in, folded their arms, and are absolutely determined to deny the 99% even the slightest gain.

Barack Obama must be a brave and forceful man, indeed, to forestall the final ruination of this country by the 1%, but he will not do it by playing fair. Far from it; he will have to trade the olive branch for a whip, harden his open heart, and lay in with that whip, or this will be the last generation of Americans who can even pay lip service to “freedom.” If he fails, the pretense will no longer be necessary, for only our masters will be free, to do with the rest of us—the 99% of us—as they please.

They won't be held back by any notions of fairness or compassion.

Economic Defense Is More Important Than Military

LOL — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:37:56 EST

It is funny (by funny I mean so scary that you either laugh or scream.) how the citizens and the politicians take our economic security so much less seriously then out military security. For those taking notes, here is a profound statement that I don’t want slipping by. You can never fully destroy a culture with tanks and bombs. However, you can completely and utterly destroy a culture with economic invasion. When the dust settles the people will just start breeding and rebuilding. Their food, their music, their livelihood will return eventually. Most often even the culture’s form of government and wealth distribution will return. Most defiantly they will not take on the appearance and characteristics of their oppressors. However, invade a society economically, and their children will all be trying to emulate their aggressors. It wasn’t the bombs in Japan that did the most damage to the traditions that defined them. It was the businesses.

Welcome to US NY friends

Andreas Klamm — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:57:55 EST

Welcome to US NY friends

This is a blog with Barack Obama.com on www.barackobama.com. Since more then 24 years I do have friends in the United States of America and in New York City and other places in the United States of America. This blog is about ideas not only for the people of the United States of America and it will deliver information that it will be possible to restore America and even the situation for many other people in different countries around the world if WE THE PEOPLE are going not only to support Barack and Michelle Obama and the new administration but also will co-operate for something good - the PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the FRIENDS of the people of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA... a New York Fire Fighter wish me already in 2002 before the change, that soon I will become an American citizen after I have been helping him as a volunteer with the American Red Cross in New York City. As I am a French-Tunesian-German journalist, broadcast journalist and author of several books I have been not allowed to vote for the new and first Afro-American U.S. President Barack H. Obama. However I have supported some public campaign and I have written some articles about the new U.S. President Barack H. Obama which have got not only published on the world wide web but in the paper also in the English and German language. In 2008 I have written and published 3 books which deal with social affairs and human rights issues on the international basis in the English and German language. If you want to read a good book I do recommend my book "Liberty and Peace NOW ! Human Rights Reporters" which has been published in October 2008 in the English and German language. As a token and support for international understanding I do write and publish most of my books bi-lingual in two sometime even in more languages. My books can be ordered with www.amazon.de Liberty and Peace NOW! Human Rights Reporters :: Medienprojekt Menschenrechts-Reporter :: Edition 2008, No. 1, Human Rights, abuses and violations of Human Rights, international understanding, 272 pages, author: Andreas Klamm,m Journalist, publishing center / publishing house: Books on Demand Gmbh; Edition 1 (October 2008), Language: English / German, bi-lingual, ISBN-10: 3837072436 , ISBN-13: 978-3837072433

British Newsflash Magazine :: Magazin-Buch: Edition 2008, No. 1, Themen und Berichte aus Politik, Soziales und Gesellschaft, Issues from politics, social affairs and society, 200 pages, author: Andreas Klamm, Journalist, Publishing house /Publishing centre: Books on Demand Gmbh; Edition 1 (June 2008), Language: German with some articles in the English language ISBN-10: 3837046001, ISBN-13: 978-3837046007

Die Kinder der John Baptist Mission in Togo: Mission und Hilfe für Kinder, (The children of the John Baptist Mission in Togo: Mission and help for children), 200 pages, author: Andreas Klamm, Journalist, Publishing house / Publishing centre: Books on Demand Gmbh; Edition: 1 (August 2008), Language: German with articles by co-authors in the French and English language, ISBN-10: 3837057623, ISBN-13: 978-3837057621

Something To Explain About My International Family

You might be wondering how can a man or woman be an WORLD CITIZEN and international?

First, my grandfather Haedi Sabaot, is a FRENCH-TUNESIAN citizen and was a FRENCH ARMY OFFICER stationed in the Germany city of Kaiserslautern, Germany in 1945 after World War II.

He was born in North of Africa and he was a so called Black-African man.

He has been in LOVE with my grandmother, Mrs. Martha Kolcaz (born as Maier) and she has delivered a child: My mother in 1946.

People in Germany in 1945 have been still indoctrinated by the NAZI doctrine. The "Fuehrer" liked not this much so called coloured people and my grandmother was persecuted in the city in which she used to live.

In 1950 she has made the hard decision to leave GERMANY forever and she moved to the STATE OF VICTORIA, city of MELBOURNE in AUSTRALIA and even changed her citizenship from the German citizenship into the AUSTRALIAN citizenship.

Already when I have been a teenager I became the unpaid "family interpreter or translator" and all of the communication by phone with my own grandmother, Mrs. Martha was ONLY in the English language.

Certainly I wanted to be able to communicate with my own grandfather, a FRENCH-TUNESIAN citizen which is missing since 1945. Therefore I have studied and learned also the FRENCH language.

For some reason already in 1984 I became very excited about the AMERICAN DREAM and the United States of America and its people.

Therefore I have placed several ads with the Los Angelos Receycler and other papers which do offer ads for free and contacted some organization to find some pen pals in the United States of Amercia.

In 1984 I have been in the happy position to find some pen pals in the United States of America. Since that early time im in touch by regular mail, phone and in these days also by email and the internet with my FRIENDS in the United States of America.

However I do have a dream, which is to become an American citizen.

In 2001 / 2002 I have been traveling two times to New York City and the United States of America. I wanted to help the American people and therefore I became a volunteer with the American Red Cross, although I do hold a GERMAN passport.

Soldiers, policer officers and many other people got exicted about my nice uniform which I have brought with me from Germany as I am not only a journalist, broadcast journalist and author, but as a secondary profession a registered nurse (R.N.) and paramedic also.

In New York City a fire fighter got in trouble after his own house got hit by lighting. However I have made the decision to help him as good as possible. After our mission was completed in the midst of NEW YORK CITY the fire fighter has said in front of his colleague, my ARC supervisior and me: "I wish you that you will become soon an American citizen."

My hope is that the fire fighters good wishes will be heard in the right and good office, soon, as I am waiting so long and longing to become an American citizen.

In New York City I have been laboring hard, 18 hours and I have been meeting hundreds of people face to face. Even those which lost loved ones after 911 and I guess because if all the impressions and the hard work I got a bit traumatized by 911 also.

However it was a honor to help many people and to meet precious, wonderful and good American citizen, which will be a great example for me how to help the communities in New York City.

My favourite city in the United States of America is New York City, followed by Boston, Chicago, Seattle (because a friend lives close to this city) and some other cities.

In 1986 I became the founder of British Newsflash Magzine (which was called first The Newsflash but its title has been changed to British Newsflash Magazine to avoid any kind of misunderstanding). And in 1986 I became with some friends and colleague in the German city of Speyer am Rhein and the English city of Leeds, England the founder of IBS Independent Broadcasting Service Liberty, Radio IBS Liberty, IBS Television Liberty, which is supporting international understanding since 1986.

The country where I want to live, work and marry is the United States of America and I am longing for to become an United States of America citizen. However because of my international family background in many ways (not in all !) I do think cosmopolitan and as a WORLD CITIZEN also.

For many reason I do believe the United States of America is the defender of democracy and a leader or a leading country in defending democracy and this is another reason for supporting the people of the United States of America.

In 2006 I became with other author the founder of the international media project "Liberty and Peace NOW! Human Rights Reporters" which is dealing with social issues and international human rights issues.

In December 2008 I had the great chance to meet a wonderful and excellent colleague in the city of Stockholm, Sweden as she has received there on the side of Krishnammal Jagannathan, Asha Hagi and Dr. Monika Hauser the Right Livelihood Award by the Right Livelihood Award Foundation which is also know as alternative Nobel Prize - the precious woman which I have been meeting and my colleague in her role as journalist, broadcast journalist and author is Amy Goodman from Democracy NOW!

However I do believe because of very precious citizen like her and so many others, the people of the United States of America and the United States of America are so special.

As U.S. President Barack Obama believes that America will be restored, I do believe the same thing and by the way I do believe President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and his children are precious and special, too.

Since 1984 I am working as journalist, broadcast journalist and author. Some awards from the department for political education I have received in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989.

To be a registered nurse (R.N.) and paramedic is a secondary profession only, since 1993. In the past I have been working also as an ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit) nurse for major German University Hospitals and for the Clementine Churchill Hospital in London in the United Kingdom, also.

Actually I do believe there are millions of precious American people and citizen and if the friends of those people will co-operate for SOMETHING GOOD I believe it will be possible not only to restore the situation of the people of the United States of Amercia and for many other people in many different places in this world also.

So far as possible I am trying to encourage on US NY friends my American FRIENDS to contiune to co-operate and work together for something good in the United States of America and in this world.

This is my hope and more information will follow, soon.

If you want to read some more information, please visit:

1. www.humanrightsreporters.wordpress.com

2. www.menschenrechtsreporter.blogspot.com

3. www.andreasklamm.wordpress.com

4. www.andreasklamm.blogspot.com

5. www.youtube.com/andreasklamm

6. www.regionalhilfe.de (Regional Aid about social issues)

7. www.britishnewsflash.org

My favourite television and radio programs comes from the United States of America.

It is Democracy NOW! with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez and I can recommend for all of those which do support democracy to watch the educational television and radio programs, Monday to Friday on about 700 television and 250 radio stations int the United States of America or on the Democracy NOW! web site on www.democracynow.org .

Andreas Klamm, Journalist and author

London, United Kingdom,

February 2, 2009

international service

US NY FRIENDS

CRY AMERICA

Citizens for Change in America! — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:35:42 EST

What is going on…is anybody really listening…

We have seen it all…more dollars for more scams, bonus, buyouts, bailouts, hoops, loops, etc.!

What is this anyway…

Is this the USA…

Are we American…

Is anybody listening…

Is anyone really there…HELLO

Please tell me you didn’t hang up…

You didn’t turn into a switchboard …

You didn’t put me on hold…

Let me know you still HEAR MY VOICE…

You know I am there…

You are

You care

You

Oh, please tell me you are still there America…any comment

...tell me, at the very least, you hear my cry!

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

WEBMASTER — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:26:19 EST

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

__________________________________________________________

January 21, 2009

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Freedom of Information Act

A democracy requires accountability, and accountability requires tansparency. As Justice Louis Brandeis wrote, "sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants." In our democracy, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which encourages accountability through transparency, is the most prominent expression of a profound national commitment to ensuring an open Government. At the heart of that commitment is the idea that accountability is in the interest of the Government and the citizenry alike.

The Freedom of Information Act should be administered with clear presumption: In the face of doubt, openness prevails. The Government should not keep information confidential merely because public officials might be embarrased by disclosure, because errors and failures might be revealed, or because speculative or abstract fears. Nondisclosure should never be based on an effort to protet the personal interests of Government officials at the expense of those thay are supposed to serve. In responding to requests under FOIA, executive branch agencies (agencies) should act promptly and in a spirit of cooperation, recognizing that such agencies are servants of the public.

All agencies should adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure, in order to renew their commitment to the principles embodied in FOIA, and to usher in a new era of open Government. The presumption of disclosure should be applied to all decisions involving FOIA.

The presumption of disclosure also means that agencies should take affirmative steps to make information public. All agencie should use modern technology to inform citizens about what is known and done by their Government. Disclosure should be timely.

I direct the Attorney General to issue new guidelines governing the FOIA to the heads of executive departments and agencies, reaffirming the commitmet to accountability and transparency, and to publish such guidelines in the Federal Register. In doing so, the Attorney General should review FOIA reports produced by the agencies under Executive Order 13392 of December 14, 2005. I also direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to update guidance to the agencies to increase and improve information dissemination to the public, including through the use of new technologies, and to publish such guidance in the Federal Register.

This memorandum does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enfrceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA

# # #

source: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1460623847

How I saved the world.

GlobalAlliance — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:07:13 EST

Your Honorable President,

this letter is in regards to an idea that will strengthen our ecomony, stabilize the Global market and ensure democracy has a sure foundation in tomorrows future generations to come. I have a website

wwwGlobalInternetAlliancecom

and believe it and Global Alliance can not only secure a succesful recovery for our Nation; but, increase Gross National Product to growth levels yet unseen. This idea will revolutionaize the way capitalism is done and ensure that the U.S. will not only lead the information age but allow for future U.S. children and families to flourish. This idea has been kept for fourteen years waiting for your arrival as President. The time has come; however, I need to get help on funding and mass media communication. Please take time to view the site listed above but it is in beta stage and several key factors that I have mentioned are missing. But here's the Mission Statement. "Global Internet Alliance is a Sovereignty of People who come together throughout the world to practice Democracy. Global Internet Alliance is a meeting place where people all over the Earth can meet at one location to unite, vote, and share information. Let us put our minds together and see what lives we can make for our future.By obtaining a census of votes throughout the world we can obtain real time opinions, polls, votes, and surveys on global issues. These votes will represent a true democracy throughout planet Earth. Democracy is essential for the preservation of freedom and natural resources of the Earth. Surveys and votes will be given to the mass media as a means to convey Global Internet Alliances objectives. Objectives will be voted on by Global Internet Alliance citizens and results of the elections will be given to its citizens via email. We the people can unite our minds, energy, and resources, to make a better place for our children and generations to come. Join Global Internet Alliance today and put another foot in the foundation of Freedom!" Please help me in my cause for freedom and the American way. Enclosed are contacts where I can be reached and any information which could help me would greatly be appreciated. Global Alliance needs Gov't grants or help with mass media coverage. Sincerely, Chris R. Koch(559) 221-0709(808) 965-8125 ChristopherKoch@hotmail.com

My opinion page on Barack's victory...

Lance from Ashburn, VA — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:57:25 EST

http://www.lancereviews.homestead.com/Obama_My_Opinion.html

Restaurant Specials

Ron from La Mesa, CA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:08:39 EST

The restaurants are indicative of gauging sentiment and playing to the public when reflecting "the taste" of the nation, just as when supporters of the past regime's anger at France over the Iraq war caused restaurants to change the name of certain dishes like 'French Fries' to "Freedom Fries". I'm sure that many of the restaurants across the nation will now start offering a dish called "Broccoli Obama".

change your destiny yourself just within 24 hrs

INDEPEDENT MENTAL MENTOR — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:10:58 EST

From the desk of president [WOW-INDIA]

LASTMAN,INDIA preloading to be resumed

The Declaration of

..........when in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political as well as social bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station ,to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

--That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.… When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for people to dissolve the political bands which

have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station

to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that

they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with

certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the

governed,

--That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to

abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such

form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes;

and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to

right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

LIFE ON EARTH IS GOVERNED BY TWO LAWS namely FABRICATED LAWS / NATURAL LAWS

UNFORTUNATLY WE ARE LIKE A DRIVEN CATTLE UNDER THE GRAVITATIONAL FORCES OF EARTH & UNIVERSE. NOT EVERY BODY BUT 99.99% OF HUMANITY

DISCOVER THE LAWS WHICH GOVERNS YOUR VIRTUAL LIFE.

Less than 0.01% of the population of world knows about this secret mind power technique they already possess... and I AM going to give you the chance to learn it for ALMOST FREE!... “The brain is the most complex and the most extraordinary biological system known. Compared to it, all science and engineering works are modest. Truly, the relents and relations that compose the continuum brain-mind interior are so fantastic and disturbing like the challenge posed by galaxies and its respective solar systems, in outer space. It is the human brain that must solve the mysteries, not only from the universe but also its own.”. We live now in the full brain decade, and we are all stimulated to participate in this discovery era Brain and mind’s knowledge take us to conciousness technology. This opens to man unsuspectable dimensions on administration resources on learning, making and loving capacities.

I AM GOING TO TELL YOU SOME AMAZING FACTS WHICH ARE SO POWER FULL & WORTHY THEY CAN CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE LIFE STYLE FOREVER

LETS TOGETHER CHANGE THE DESTINY OF HUMANITY

Through amazing powerfull & ultimate releasing very soon the razor edge technology FREE FREE

“To believe in the things you can see and touch is no belief at all; but to believe in the unseen is a triumph and a blessing.”

Er. LAST MAN OF INDIA

...the 'German's point of view on Islam' rant...

The Ranting Dream — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:54:03 EST

I’ve also posted this blog entry on my blog: http://www.theparadigmshiftshere.com

...we all need to dig much deeper - in unity, compassion, tolerance, forbearance, understanding, generosity, and respect - to first understand one another and then to realize and accept that we are essentially from the same 'mold' - if we are divided today, it isn't because of anything other than our own ignorance and choosing...

...it's very easy to point fingers and lay blame, but extremely difficult to take ownership...

...I am very tempted to rant on this in my trademark 'tongue-in-cheek' style, but in re-reading Barack Obama's 'Audacity of Hope', I'm beginning to resonate with his wise choice of speaking the language of inclusion, of conversation rather than confrontation...so, here's my humble attempt...

...as The Aga Khan eloquently pointed out in an interview: "...Rather than shouting at each other, we should be learning to listen to each other..."

What Obama's inauguration means to me!

mrcsmitty — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:40:31 EST

This inauguration to me means that we have hope for an Honest Government ! That ideas and Facts will be real and not just based on what the highest bidder wants to be fact. That trampling our "lesser" citizens to fill certain pockets with wealth by lies and greed will stop! That ruining our great planet with petroleum products and chemicals only because of bias studies and greed will come to an end! That thousands of Law Enforcement and Border Guards can stop losing their lives over lies and greed! That thousands of Innocent-Honest-Hard Working Americans won't have their Lives and Families ruined by unfair laws funded by lies and greed! That America will be what our Founding Fathers intended it to be, FREE! That our Economy can Flourish with Savings from our bias War on our own people if it were to stop! That Millions of Jobs can be created and sick could have natural relief! That we can end our current failed wars on our people and stop the injustice! That prohibition on our rights will end! That prohibition will end! I know we can do it! YES WE CAN!!! We can be back to an America that's government is OF the people, BY the people, FOR the people and not OVER the people! YES WE CAN!!!

Economic Sacred Cow Tipping

Rheanni — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:42:16 EST

The Status Quo is like a Hydra and during the elections several of its heads were cut off. It has taken a blow by those who have woken up to what’s going on and started to speak out against it.

Unfortunately, the Hydra is able to grow back its heads and the grab for power and economic resources continues.

A vision of hope and freedom has visited us before countless times in the history books of our planet, only to have the sovereignty of the people violently squelched or put back to sleep in a bed of apathy. Will we let that happen again?

Our collective history has deep roots that can make it seem as though the obstacles are insurmountable and that we are doomed to keep repeating the same mistakes over and over.

However, I have an idea that could take the juice out of those roots. What if we changed our mindset and took money out of the picture for a moment?

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

Harvey Milk

Miles — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 07:27:06 EST

I grew up in the bay area in Berkeley. I didn't know at the time what an open place the bay area was compared to other cities. I was on the tale end of the Free Speech Movement and I witnessed the students rioting and protesting the war in Vietnam. I was also one of the first students in the country to participate in full school integration. I remember feeling very privileged to be a part of this effort in 1969. Black Panther Headquarters, Black Power, Brothers, Students, War, King, B. Kennedy, Malcom X and so much more going on in my childhood. To me, it was all NORMAL.

9 years later, I was a student at Berkeley. Times had changed a bit in Berkeley, and the university was not such a hotspot, or at least, it didn't feel that way. And then, on a day in November 1978 word spread quickly of the Moscone and Milk assassinations. I lived on the Greek side of campus in a house that was converted to a boarding house just down the street from the sorority where 2 Moscone daughters lived. The students were all sympathetic and dismayed that this could happen in San Francisco.

I did not know much about Harvey Milk then. A high school friend of mine had come out to me earlier in the year. I was 20 and we had been friends for 10 years or half my life back then. He was from a prominent family and I knew them all quite well. At the time, all I could think about were the dumb things I said growing up and not understanding how much pain he had been through. We were kids and it was really the best of times, really!

I saw Milk last night. Wow! A true Martin Luther King fighting for the civil rights and constitutional protections that all Americans deserve. That day in 1978, I did not realize that it was 1968 all over again. I now realize how numb I had become. Shortly, our nation would turn away from issues of substance and slowly let the Religious Right take control of our country. Ron Reagan launched himself here in California and led most of us to believe in trickle down economics. Thirty years later we are just realizing the damage caused by in the name of GOD politics and the false Hopes created by a very good actor.

Not many people got rich during the last 30 years, but almost all got numb to values and true morals that should guide this great nation. In my mind, the only Patriots in this country are those that would fight for equal life, equal liberty and equal right to the pursuit of happiness. How did we get so far from this most important set of values that we all are entitled to, not as a race, religion or creed, but as Americans.

This movie about Milk and PE Obama's election remind us that we all know the truth about Freedom. As a people, we would be well served to accept the great diversity of our country and get back to working together to demonstrate the full value of Freedom. See the movie and stay away from the hate within us.

OBAMA FOR CALIFORNIA [ 1 ]

WEBMASTER — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:18:18 EST

Acampo * Acton * Adelanto * Adin * Agoura Hills * Aguanga * Ahwahnee * Alameda * Alamo * Albany * Albion * Alderpoint * Alhambra * Aliso Viejo * Alleghany * Alpaugh * Alpine * Alta * Alta Loma * Altadena * Altaville * Alturas * Alviso * Amador City * Amboy * American Canyon * Anaheim * Anderson * Angels Camp * Angelus Oaks * Angwin * Annapolis * Antelope * Antioch * Anza * Apple Valley * Applegate * Aptos * Arbuckle * Arcadia * Arcata * Armona * Arnold * Aromas * Arroyo Grande * Artesia * Artois * Arvin * Atascadero * Atherton * Atwater * Atwood * Auberry * Auburn * Avalon * Avenal * Avery * Avila Beach * Azusa * Badger * Baker * Bakersfield * Baldwin Park * Ballico * Bangor * Banning * Banta * Bard * Barstow * Bass Lake * Bayside * Beale AFB * Beaumont * Beckwourth * Belden * Bell * Bell Gardens * Bella Vista * Bellflower * Belmont * Belvedere Tiburon * Ben Lomond * Benicia * Benton * Berkeley * Berry Creek * Bethel Island * Beverly Hills * Bieber * Big Bar * Big Bear City * Big Bear Lake * Big Bend * Big Creek * Big Oak Flat * Big Pine * Big Sur * Biggs * Biola * Birds Landing * Bishop * Blairsden Graeagle * Blocksburg * Bloomington * Blue Jay * Blue Lake * Blythe * Bodega * Bodega Bay * Bodfish * Bolinas * Bonita * Bonsall * Boonville * Boron * Borrego Springs * Boulder Creek * Boulevard * Boyes Hot Springs * Bradley * Brandeis * Branscomb * Brawley * Brea * Brentwood * Bridgeport * Bridgeville * Brisbane * Brookdale * Brooks * Browns Valley * Brownsville * Bryn Mawr * Buellton * Buena Park * Burbank * Burlingame * Burney * Burnt Ranch * Burrel * Burson * Butte City * Buttonwillow * Byron * Cabazon * Calabasas * Calexico * Caliente * California City * California Hot Springs * Calimesa * Calipatria * Calistoga * Callahan * Calpella * Calpine * Camarillo * Cambria * Camino

OBAMA FOR MAINE

WEBMASTER — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:37:52 EST

Abbot Village * Acton * Addison * Albion * Alfred * Alna * Andover * Anson * Appleton * Ashland * Athens * Atkinson * Auburn * Augusta * Aurora * Bailey Island * Bangor * Bar Harbor * Bar Mills * Bass Harbor * Bath * Bayville * Beals * Belfast * Belgrade * Belgrade Lakes * Benedicta * Benton * Bernard * Berwick * Bethel * Biddeford * Bingham * Birch Harbor * Birch Island * Blaine * Blue Hill * Blue Hill Falls * Boothbay * Boothbay Harbor * Bowdoinham * Bradford * Bradley * Bremen * Brewer * Bridgewater * Bridgton * Bristol * Brooklin * Brooks * Brooksville * Brookton * Brownfield * Brownville * Brunswick * Bryant Pond * Buckfield * Bucksport * Burlington * Burnham * Bustins Island * Buxton * Byron * Calais * Cambridge * Camden * Canaan * Canton * Cape Cottage * Cape Elizabeth * Cape Neddick * Cape Porpoise * Capitol Island * Caratunk * Cardville * Caribou * Carmel * Carrabassett Valley * Casco * Castine * Center Lovell * Chamberlain * Charleston * Charlotte * Chebeague Island * Chelsea * Cherryfield * China * Clayton Lake * Cliff Island * Clinton * Columbia Falls * Coopers Mills * Corea * Corinna * Cornish * Cornville * Costigan * Cranberry Isles * Crouseville * Cumberland * Cundys Harbor * Cushing * Cutler * Damariscotta * Danforth * Danville * Dayton * Deer Isle * Denmark * Dennysville * Detroit * Dexter * Dixfield * Dixmont * Dover Foxcroft * Dresden * Dryden * Durham * Eagle Lake * East Andover * East Baldwin * East Blue Hill * East Boothbay * East Corinth * East Dixfield * East Livermore * East Machias * East Millinocket * East Newport * East Orland * East Parsonfield * East Poland * East Sebago * East Stoneham * East Sullivan * East Vassalboro * East Waterboro * East Wilton * East Winthrop * Easton * Eastport * Eddington * Edgecomb * Eliot * Ellsworth * Embden * Estcourt * Station * Etna

Introductionary Piece Dedicated to the Future.

T M — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:37:49 EST

I was encouraged today to actually post a few words. Encouraged that is by pressure from my family about the general hope I have for this country. We have a long road even now to travel upon, even though Obama has won the election - change will take time. So keeping this in mind, I have to look forward.

With the electrifying victory we must keep in mind that old wounds will take time to heal. And so saying, I present to you a short piece I wrote for someone special to me. After reviewing it, I decided it applies to our country and what I hope will happen in the future. So please enjoy this little piece that I'm going to call "The Ship."

Elegant nature: Why election bliss went global

Angel Garet — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:37:20 EST

No matter for whom or if you voted, a new rung in the ladder of human evolution is beneath your feet. For Americans who have lived long enough, election night 2008 may have produced the first palpable change felt in forty years. The monumental sense of loss that seemed to last forever after the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King has suddenly waned, allowing us to reflect on how we changed during a time when changes were too insignificant to feel or we were too numb to feel them.

In the interim, and not by coincidence, science has observed in nature a self-correcting mechanism responsible for the evolution of all that we know. Breakthroughs in cell biology and fractal geometry and mathematics have revealed a universal pattern of branching toward balance and perfection in a nonlinear yet persistent manner. It is present in galaxies as well as the systems of every living thing, and it tells us we are born stewards of the planet, wired to be receptors and processors of nature’s input.

New Position - Secretary for International Peace

Unknown user — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:27:39 EST

Wars after wars and security became the key word everywhere. Security is definitely important respeonsiblity of a President. But too much focus on National Security lead to too much of internally focussed. Every country thinks their national security is their utmost priority. This creates national divides. While focusing on national security, I wish Barak Obama needs to create a position, a new position called "Secretary for International Peace". This Secretary can work with national leaders, human rights organizations, minority groups to help to achieve peace which they deserve for long long time.

Areas like Darfour, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kashimir etc etc the fighting is countinuing in the name of "war on terror" by their respective governments for years and years. UN is largely does not actively working on these. There needs to be greater emphasis on PEACE than war which I believe is more sustainable and more close to American and Western Values.

The Audacity of Hypocrisy

Tim Schram — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:41:51 EST

The Audacity of Hypocrisy
The Neo-conservative / Religious Right View of Regulation

According to the Bush / Palin right the problem with government is that it regulates business too much and you not enough. When was the last time that a gay marriage resulted in the collapse of our economic system? When was the last time an adult movie caused rolling blackouts throughout California? When was the last time an abortion poisoned a community to the point that the sick and dying residents had to be relocated and the land condemned for generations? Since when did an individual that doesn’t know if god exists or not cause the overthrow of a foreign government and replace it with one friendly to American business?

Listening to the right, one gets the impression that business can do no wrong. But you, oh you are the most dangerous threat to America since bin Laden. The collapse of our economy and the epidemic of foreclosures is not the fault of greedy conmen that created investment instruments that they knew were fraudulent. It wasn’t the fault of Newt Gingrich and Bush deregulating the banking industry. No it was the fault of gays and lesbians marrying and raising children. It is the fault of all of us that want companionship, love, and happiness in our lives. As Falwell, Robertson, and others said, the 9/11 attacks, Katrina, and Rita were God’s wrath for our decadent private lives. That implies that the activities of our public institutions are guilt free. If that were true, why didn’t they attack the Playboy mansion or the bathhouses in San Francisco or Planned Parenthood? No they attacked US military targets. Maybe you didn’t realize how we use economic power as a weapon of war, but the rest of the world is aware of it. That doesn’t make the attacks any less horrific and wrong, but it is not what the rabid right claimed it to be.

It is time we told them enough is enough. If you don’t want your children watching violence or adult situations on TV, turn it off or change the channel. Don’t try to deny me as an adult my choice. If you believe abortion is wrong work to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. If you don’t want to marry another man or woman, then don’t. If the issue affects only those that consent to the activity, back off.

DOesn't anyone think a church spending 40 million to Ban rights is WRONG

Ed from Fort Lauderdale, FL — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:47:40 EST

Why isn't anyone questioning the spending of 40 million dollars by the MORMON church to ban gay marriage. The IRS has established laws against this and here they are: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-07-41.pdf Second: Why is a church spending 40 million dollars to ban gay marriage when the money could have been used to feed the poor, help the homeless, pay mortgages for members losing there homes, pay or help in someones medical bills and the countless other ways to help people. Why is not a member of this congregation even questioning the use of 40 million dollars in this manner. As a Catholic, if my church spent 40 million dollars to ban gay marriage they would never see a dime from me FOREVER yet these people who give their church money are happy with the way it is being spent. IS this what following the bible is all about and YOU PEOPLE THINK it is ok for a church to be using its donations for this purpose? This is proof that these people are stupid ignorant brainwashed people who cannot think for themselves and this church's motives are political and NOT charitable and thus should lose their non-profit status immediately. LETS hit where it hurts in the pocketbook since the morons who belong to this church seem to be incapable of thinking rationally for themselves. WHERE ARE THE LAWYERS AND PROSECUTORS on this..THEY BROKE THE LAW

Obama-Biden on the Proposed WRFA Bill

Ryan O\'Neil from Miami, FL — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:49:54 EST

Does anybody know the official position of President(elect) Obama and Joe Biden on Freedom of Religion in the workplace and support for the WRFA?

Super Tuesday February 12th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfuJAmCF3UI

progress regarding the Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA).

http://www.adventistreview.org/article.php?id=1674

better viewed above ^

House Panel Hears Adventist,
Others on Sabbath Protection

BY MARK A. KELLNER, News Editor, Adventist Review

n a 90-minute portion of a hearing on workplace protection, a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee heard an unmistakable message from a Seventh-day Adventist representative: the future of religious liberty in the workplace is in lawmakers' hands, and that legislation is needed to protect the rights of Sabbathkeepers and other religiously observant workers.

“These are my daughters,” James Standish, legislative affairs director in the General Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department, told the February 12 Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee hearing, holding aloft an enlarged photo of his children. “If my daughters grow up and they want to follow the faith of their mother, their two grandmothers, and their four great grandmothers, how are they going to be treated in the workplace? Are they going to be marginalized? Are they going to be harassed? Are they going to be fired when they could easily be accommodated? … The answer to that question is largely in your hands.”

Advancing the Cause
Both Representative Rob Andrews (D-NJ), chair of the subcommittee, and Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), a member of the panel and an original cosponsor of legislation aimed at solving the dilemma, told Adventist Review the measure has a good chance of advancing this year.

In comments opening the hearing, Andrews noted, “Although Congress amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in 1972 to require employers, in cases of religious discrimination, to provide a reasonable accommodation for employees’ religious beliefs, individuals continue to get fired, demoted, or not hired by an employer due to their religious affiliation without recourse.”

Asked whether any or all of the leading 2008 U.S. presidential candidates could sign the bill, Andrews told Adventist Review “I’d like to think President Bush could sign this bill, or any of the … candidates. It’s a constitutional issue, not a political one.”

In comments prepared for the hearing, McCarthy explained, “I felt the need to get involved… in favor of this legislation because I have heard of many individuals who are forced to choose between their job and their religion. Nowadays we have a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week work environment that clashes with religious observances. … Asking a person to leave their religion at their door is impossible and something they should not be asked to do.”

In his written testimony, Standish called for passage of the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, first introduced in the 109th Congress of the United States. The bill has had numerous cosponsors in the House and Senate, but has yet to advance out of either chamber’s responsible committees.

“Enough American workers have been humiliated and marginalized for no crime other than remaining faithful to their understanding of God’s requirements,” Standish said in his written testimony. “It is vital that Congress address this very real, well-documented problem. Americans from all religious faiths need protection. WRFA provides a modest level of protection to ensure that American workers are no longer arbitrarily forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood.”

More than 40 Seventh-day Adventists from the Washington, D.C., area attended the hearing, many sporting bright red, white, and blue buttons reading “WRFA Now!” A letter-writing campaign organized by the North American Religious Liberty Association generated close to 40,000 letters and e-mails to members of Congress in advance of the hearing.

Faith and Work
The choice between faith and work continues to confront Seventh-day Adventist Christians and others. In January, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld a lower court ruling and said the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority did not prove that asking other bus drivers to substitute shifts with David Marquez, an Adventist who couldn’t work from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, would create an “undue hardship” for the public transit agency. Marquez, who since found other employment, won $50,000 in damages and an offer of the MBTA position. The court also ordered the agency to pay Marquez’s legal fees. In another January 2008 case, a federal appeals court upheld a ruling that a Seventh-day Adventist worker was discriminated against for not working on Sabbath. The eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a former driver for United Parcel Service (UPS), Todd Sturgill of Springdale, Arkansas, will keep his award of nearly US$104,000 in lost wages and court fees from an earlier district court ruling and will get his job back.

“The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports that claims involving religious discrimination in the workplace increased 83 percent between 1993 and 2006,” Standish told lawmakers. “In contrast, racial discrimination claims declined by 8 percent during the same period, and other major categories of claims have held roughly steady or declined.”

One person who found a conflict between her faith and her career was Judy Goldstein, an Orthodox Jewish woman from New Jersey. Seeking to put her master’s degree in speech and language pathology to use, she applied for, and was offered, a job working with elementary school students near her home. The offer was withdrawn when she asked for a Sabbath accommodation during winter months when the sun sets early on Fridays: “The bottom line is that, in the end, I was not hired because of my religious observance–and that is wrong,” she told the lawmakers.

Not everyone who testified at the hearing supported WRFA. Attorney Michael J. Gray, representing the HR Policy Association, which he said was a group of “more than 250 of the U.S.’s largest employers,” said the bill would hurt, and not heal.

“WRFA will elevate the rights of employees seeking to avoid a company policy or practice based upon his or her religion over other employees and their beliefs,” Gray said. “Indeed, the law goes too far in demanding that companies provide accommodation, including financial support, for one employee while risking unfairly burdening other employees in the process. … Ultimately, WRFA leaves employers, and their employees, with more questions than answers.”

While Gray asserted that employers do accommodate many workers’ religious needs, Richard Foltin, legislative director for the American Jewish Committee, disagreed. In the years since a 1975 Supreme Court decision against a Sabbatarian’s request for accommodation, Foltin said, the record has been clear: religious employees often get less than what they asked for.

“It would be an overstatement to say that employees seeking a reasonable accommodation of their religious practices never prevail in court, to say nothing of the many whose cases we never hear about because they and their employers work out an accommodation amicably. But a brief overview [of litigation since 1977] demonstrates that for the most part, to borrow the title of one law review article on the subject, ‘heaven can wait,’” Foltin said.

Religious Accomodations
Foltin also addressed business critics of WRFA who suggested that spurious claims for religious accommodation would skyrocket under the measure.

“Historical precedent indicates that bogus claims are much more prominent in the minds of WRFA opponents than in reality,” Foltin said. “New York State has had a holy-day accommodation law for many years, yet there is no record of people bringing cases for failure to honor their ‘Church of the Super Bowl’ or ‘Mosque of the Long Weekend.’ For that matter, there has been no epidemic of these fanciful claims under existing federal religious accommodation law.”

McCarthy, after hearing both sides on the issue, cited her recent work in getting a firearms bill passed and signed into law, something she did by working with the National Rifle Association. Such cooperation among those with opposing views, she suggested, could be employed to make WRFA a reality.

“We’re not that far apart,” McCarthy told the witnesses. “The committee will continue to work on this.”

Zainab Al-Zuwaij, a woman who was persecuted in her native Basra, Iraq, by the Baathist regime of Saddam Hussein, offered some of the most poignant testimony of the hearing.

“As someone who grew up under hard repression and religious intolerance, I recognize how precious American freedoms are,” she said. “By coming together to promote religious diversity here in the U.S., we will offer a shining example to countries and societies around the world of how people of diverse religious outlooks can work together to advance a tolerant and free society.”

Many steps remain before WRFA can become law. It will have to be passed by the parent Committee on Education and Labor, then by the full House. Similar action in the senate, subcommittee, committee, and a full senate vote would precede the bill being sent to the president for his signature.

Additional information on WRFA’s progress and how readers can get involved is available online at www.religiousliberty.info

Any reactions ?

FROM AN AMERICAN PHILOSOPHER IN LONDON, ENGLAND

The Original NYC Free Advice Man — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:47:08 EST

Dear President-Elect Barack Obama,

My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy upon the passing of your beloved grandmother.

As The Original New York City Free Advice Man I would like to congratulate you, your wonderful family, friends and all our fellow supporters, true Democrats, real Republicans, sensible Independents and others, for getting you elected the next President of Our United States of America! I am exceedingly grateful to you and Vice-President-Elect Joe Biden, whom I consider a friend, for putting up with all the senseless garbage and difficulties that our opponents threw at us during this long, testing and tiring campaign. You can count on me to provide you, your administration and our government any and all Quality Free Advice, Objective Criticism, Critical Insight and Foresight needed to help insure that the coming four years or more will be successful, especially in restoring Our American image and reputation abroad and our Constitution at home.

Having been a specific target of those who have unscrupulously, severely damaged our country I hope to have the opportunity to meet you and/or my friend Joe Biden (who was my preference until you’re very promising Iowa Caucus victory) and briefly discuss my very unpleasant experiences these past seven plus years. I also hope my YouTube endorsement video (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejts46Ll1Nk ) helped a little bit, and that all my other efforts at home (Maryland/DC) and here in London contributed to our success. Should you ever need the views/ideas/opinions of someone who truly thinks way outside of ‘the box’, then remember that The Free Advice Man is fully at your service. Consider me one of your National Philosophical Advisors!

Respectfully yours, best, J

ean-Pierre Ady Fenyo

Philosopher-at-Large

The Original New York City Free Advice Man ( www.infinitysociety.org/FREEADVICEMAN )

November 3, 2008 Edgware, London, England, UK Europe

Swing the pendulum. Make history. Vote.

Douglas from South Gate, CA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:38:12 EST

This is indeed a historic election, and for reasons more significant than its being the longest and costliest in U.S. history. Underlying it all is the almost palpable sense that after decades of abuse, we -- the people of the United States -- are reasserting our fundamental right to power. The pendulum, which swung to the Right -- and shifted the balance of wealth and power to the top -- with the election of Ronald Reagan, has begun to swing in a more liberating direction.

Cuba and the change it needs

Anthony from Miami, FL — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:29:57 EDT

The following opinion piece was written by my boss Chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation Jorge Mas Santos.

How to Win the Cuban American Vote
By Jorge Mas Santos
Saturday, October 25, 2008; Page A15

U.S. policy toward Cuba is at best static and at worst counterproductive, a source of increasing frustration to many Cuban Americans. This sad status quo contributes to the challenge that Cuban Americans will face on Election Day as, once again, particularly in Florida, our vote will probably help determine the next occupant of the White House.

The overwhelming majority of Cuban Americans expect the next president to abandon today's failed "wait and hope" policy and adopt a policy of support and engagement directed toward opening new avenues of freedom for the Cuban people as well as enhancing stability in the United States.

The Cuban American National Foundation, the nation's largest Cuban exile organization, has a predominantly Republican membership. Yet our fundamental interest is not partisan politics but helping to restore freedom to our brothers and sisters on the island.

We entered the new millennium expecting U.S. policy toward Cuba to follow the effective model of the West's support for Poland's Solidarity movement and civil society across Eastern Europe. It was our hope that by seeking to empower Cuba's independent civil society through unlimited support for the brave men and women on the island opposing the Castro regime, the energy and resources of the Cuban American community would be unleashed. To this end, we have been sorely disappointed.

As a direct result of President Bush's strategic blunder in 2004 restricting contact with the island, Cuban dissidents have experienced a significant reduction in material and humanitarian assistance. They are also subject to a ban on receiving cash remittances that help them and their families survive. The isolation of these and other Cubans has increased while Fidel Castro's departure from office caught the Bush administration off guard. Together, these developments have helped Raúl Castro consolidate control over the Cuban people.

These failures in U.S. policy undermine important American interests. Just as a democratic Israel is a key U.S. friend in a critical region, a democratic Cuba would be a crucial ally in furthering democracy in Latin America. Cuba is important, also, because the dissatisfaction of its people under the Castro regime is bound to have a significant effect on Floridians and Cuban Americans nationwide. It has in the past.
The next president must put a stop to America's spectator approach. To this end, we have presented the campaigns of Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama with simple recommendations based on two basic premises: (a) the status quo is unacceptable; and (b) change needs to come from within Cuba. Our specific recommendations are:
• Change the rules that make it impossible to send cash aid and allow direct, substantial and unfettered aid to Cuba's dissidents.

• Lift the 2004 restrictions on travel and remittances by Cuban Americans. Removing the handcuffs that have prevented us from becoming active participants in the development of Cuban civil society will make us agents of change.

• Maintain sanctions that diminish the Castro regime's access to hard currency, which it uses to help fund its apparatus of repression.

• Engage democratic and reformist forces in Cuba, including those in the military and in the civilian government. They need to know that they can count on the friendship and support of the United States.

• Rebuild our intelligence capabilities in Cuba; they have been dismantled over the past decade, creating a vulnerability in this nation's security.

Both presidential candidates have made clear that they want to help the Cuban people achieve freedom. But Barack Obama's forward-looking and proactive approach toward empowering the Cuban people is more in line with these proposals than John McCain's vow to continue the Bush administration's policy.

More of the same will not bring about freedom in Cuba, and more must be done to directly assist Cuba's opposition movement. Cuban Americans are wary of empty promises. But on Nov. 4, before casting ballots, we will ask ourselves two important questions: Who will adopt a proactive policy toward Cuba, and if dissidents in Cuba had a vote in our election, for whom would they vote?

The writer is chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation.

http://canf1.org/artman/publish/home_page/How_to_Win_the_Cuban_American_Vote.shtml

-------------End--------------

For far too long the politics that relate to Cuba and it's people have been highjacked by the Republican party and it's goons here in Florida, and finally, for once, it seems like change is in the air!

PLEASE if anyone that's close to the campain reads this it is imperative that we take action and implement the points that Mr. Mas Santos has eloquently stated in his article.

As a Cuban/Venezuelan/American living in Miami I can say without any doubt that if real change in the policy towards Cuba is enacted by Mr. Obama the politics of this state will change from a "battleground" to a solid BLUE state for the Democrats!

This is a state that the Republicans have short changed with it's elected representatives since I arrived here and that is exactly the reason why it has always remained "at play" every election year.

It is time we change that once and for all, it is time we help the political prisoners and the people of Cuba not just with rhetoric but with action!

Go Obama Go Cuba!

"Real Libertarians" see Obama as a more "libertarian" choice than John McCain or Bob Barr

Libertarians for Obama — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:26:10 EDT

When intelligent Libertarians examine Barack Obama they see his high intelligence and intellect as an asset for rational thinking. Combined this with his background as a civil rights lawyer and constitutional law professor who's favorable to voluntary, free community organization, and who as a Senator, took a daring stand against the Iraq War -- it becomes easy to see that Barack Obama is more "libertarian" than not.

A general definition of a libertarian is: "A libertarian is a person who upholds the principles of individual liberty, smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom."

Barack Obama's background favors many principles held by libertarians and Libertarian Party members.

Obama has the "libertarian" advantage over McCain (or Bob Barr for that matter):

-OBAMA Upholds the principals of individual liberty:

Advantage, Obama. For libertarians, Obama's heart seems to be in the right place overall.
Here are some of the principals of individual liberty which Obama supports and John McCain does NOT:

a ban on torture
gay rights
separation of church and state
privacy
free speech

-OBAMA Wants smaller government:

Advantage, Obama. Obama's favorable to withdrawl and ending the Iraq [war] occupation saving taxpayers $100 billion+ in war spending. McCain talks a good game on against earmarks and other wasteful spending. But, as Bleeding Heartland points out, the cost of earmarks in 2007 was about $17 billion. The cost of the Iraq war, which McCain wants to both continue and expand, is about $165 billion. And earmarks don't breed new government programs that destroy our civil liberties.

-OBAMA Supports lower taxes:

Advantage, Obama wants to lower taxes for MORE people (about 90-95% of taxpayers) that is everyone making less than $200,000 but raise taxes for those making over $250,000. McCain wants to lower taxes for the rich, and lower them less than Obama for the middle class. A hybrid plan would be nice, but unless you are in the "millonaire bracket" Obama's tax plan favors more people overall than McCain and one of McCain's top advisers recently said that, if elected, McCain plans to raise taxes too. (Historical Reminder: Republican George Bush Sr. said, "Read my Lips - No New Taxes" but eventually raised taxes after he was elected.)

-OBAMA Wants more personal freedom:

Advantage, Obama. Only one major candidate is pro-choice, against a ban on flag burning and wants to soften drug laws and reduce the use of mandatory minimum sentences.

Barack Obama, "A Transformational Figure"

Cris — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:06:11 EDT

Obama is quoted saying, "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." As I've observed him over the past couple years, I've been impressed by his walk, his progress. He's remained steady and calm no matter what challenges have presented themselves. Not only has Barack matured during his campaign to exude even greater poise and diplomacy, but he's proven himself to be unflappable under fire by his opponents. I think Colin Powell's well-balanced perception of Obama, given during his interview with Meet the Press, stated eloquently what people all over the world are observing about Barack's walk, his talk and his confidence in running mate for VP, Joe Biden:

"...he (Obama) displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge, and an approach to looking at problems like this, picking a Vice President that I think is ready to be President on Day One. And also in – not just in jumping in and changing every day – but showing intellectual vigor, I think that he has a definitive way of doing business that would serve us well."

Powell concludes that segment of his interview by saying:

"I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming into the ... onto the world stage and on the American stage...."

I choose to put my trust in the leadership of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I trust they will both prove to be trustworthy servants and continue to walk their talk all the way to the White House and for the length of their term(s) in office.

May God give them discernment and wisdom to administer sound advice and judgement in all matters, keep them from harm and from doing harm as they serve the American people and negotiate with world leaders to work toward protecting our freedom, ensuring peace, improving humanitarian and environmental health, and spearheading economic, education and political reforms.

Healthcare is not a RIGHT!

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:54:04 EDT

http://www.afcm.org/hcinar_video.html

Notice: The following article is Copyright 1993 by Leonard Peikoff and is being distributed by permission. This article may be distributed electronically provided that it not be altered in any manner whatsoever. All notices including this notice must remain affixed to this article. Health Care Is Not A Right by Leonard Peikoff, Ph.D. Delivered at a Town Hall Meeting on the Clinton Health Plan. Red Lion Hotel, Costa Mesa CA. December 11, 1993 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen: Most people who oppose socialized medicine do so on the grounds that it is moral and well-intentioned, but impractical; i.e., it is a noble idea -- which just somehow does not work. I do not agree that socialized medicine is moral and well-intentioned, but impractical. Of course, it is impractical -- it does not work -- but I hold that it is impractical because it is immoral. This is not a case of noble in theory but a failure in practice; it is a case of vicious in theory and therefore a disaster in practice. So I'm going to leave it to other speakers to concentrate on the practical flaws in the Clinton health plan. I want to focus on the moral issue at stake. So long as people believe that socialized medicine is a noble plan, there is no way to fight it. You cannot stop a noble plan -- not if it really is noble. The only way you can defeat it is to unmask it -- to show that it is the very opposite of noble. Then at least you have a fighting chance.

Military Deployment Inside America???

Tammy — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:05:23 EDT

Regardless of your party affiliation, I am asking everyone to stop a moment and think about the things you love that make this country great. I bet after you think a while, it all boils down to being able to live your live making your own choices and live what we think of as a normal life free of fear for making those choices: whether to be religious and how, having any kind of conversation with anyone, whether or not to own a gun, what kind of job you want, where you want to live, the kind of job or career you have, etc.

Let freedom ring again thoughout our great United States! For the last several years, we have been ruled by an administration that has instilled fear in us in order to rule us, an administration that has degraded the liberties guaranteed in our Constitution. Living in fear is not a free life and is instead a weakening of our great democratic republic. I ask you to contact your representatives and add your voice to mine. Say to them we want freedom, not fear, and demand they act to protect our freedoms. I share the below with you not to inspire fear, but instead to inspire patriotism.

I have recently heard some very disturbing news. On October 1st, what is sometimes called the Bush Brigade (brigade = 3000 - 4000 soldiers) was deployed somewhere inside the United States. this brigade reports directly to the president. In any other administration, I would give this action the benefit of the doubt. But our current president has shown that he has repeatedly been willing to lie to us and take illegal actions. Below is an excerpt from Naomi Wolfe's article on Huffington Post yesterday:

"First, the founding generation set a bright line to keep military from policing our streets in 1807 because they knew from their own experience how easily military forces -- King George's -- could subdue civilian society. The First Brigade is Bush's force: they are not answerable to Congress or to the Governors of states: they are answerable to the Commander in Chief. In an Alternet posting, I interviewed Air Force Colonel (retired) David Antoon who noted that the troops must obey the president, even if he asks them to arrest Congress or fire on civilians or attack media outlets. If they do not obey orders, he notes, they face five years in
prison.

We should not have to remind ourselves that these scenarios are unlikely to understand that this power is dangerous. Antoon himself calls the deployment 'ominous.' Troops on our streets makes us something less than a democracy: one definition of a police state is when a leader sends his own military units into civilian streets. Meanwhile the civilian policing of citizens is becoming more brutal. Hundreds of preemptive arrests took place in St Paul, dozens of journalists were arrested."

It is supposed to be illegal for these troops to enforce civil laws, but the president put a signing statement on the law that basically says he's going to ignore that portion of the law (found what I think is a conspiracy site after following a few links in the articles above, but the text quoted is directly from law documents). I'm not saying he has already used these troops, but the potential is there based on his disregard for personal liberties thus far:

"The use of U.S. troops in law enforcment duties is a complete violation of the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act, which substantially limit the powers of the federal government to use the military for law enforcement unless under precise and extreme circumstances.

Section 1385 of the Posse Comitatus Act states, “Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army or the Air Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.”

Under the John Warner Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Bush on October 17, 2006, the law was changed to state, “The President may employ the armed forces to restore public order in any State of the United States the President determines hinders the execution of laws or deprives people of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law or opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws.”

However, these changes were repealed in their entirety by HR 4986: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, reverting back to the original state of the Insurrection Act of 1807. Despite this repeal, President Bush attached a signing statement saying that he did not feel bound by the repeal.

The original text of the Insurrection Act severely limits the power of the President to deploy troops within the United States.

For troops to be deployed, a condition has to exist that, '(1) So hinders the execution of the laws of that State, and of the United States within the State, that any part or class of its people is deprived of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law, and the constituted authorities of that State are unable, fail, or refuse to protect that right, privilege, or immunity, or to give that protection; or (2) opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws. In any situation covered by clause (1), the State shall be considered to have denied the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution.'”

Again, I share this information not to cause panic or fear. I have faith in our people and our democracy, and we can choose to make a difference. Please support our lawful government, and contact your representatives.

Savings Bonds?

Rev. Lee Legg — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:51:07 EDT

Dear Senator Obama,

The question continues to come up, "how are you going to pay for your programs?" I offer a possible solution which worked for our grandparents, and parent's generations, US Savings Bonds!

One of the biggest problems today is the lack of personal savings, and the dependence on credit. As a pastor of two small churches my family lives from check to check. The only savings we now have (thanks to the past eight years of failed policies)is the small amount I am able to put into my personal retirement plan; which has lost more this year than I can put in. How will I ever pay for my daughter's college education??? She plans to be a lawyer and has the wish of attending Harvard Law - there is no way I can afford to pay unless you are able to fulfill your plans as President. Our Son's education is being paid through the Army - thank God for the GI bill.

Since 1935 savings bonds have been sold to fund various national projects. The first bonds, "Baby Bonds," raised over $4billion dollars. That was 1935, just after the big crash of the markets. Just think what a Savings Bond promotion, along with a renewal of US payroll deduction plan could fund today. A new Freedom bond to free us from foreign dependence, used to fund alternative energies; or free us from a 10 trillion dollar debt.

"President" Obama, please renew the American Dream!

Just a suggestion from a small town pastor. God Bless You, Rev. Lee Legg

PS There is a wonderful video clip at www.ussavingsbonds.gov under history.

Where do you stand, Barack? Rights have been obliterated and manipulated by the administration.

Tresa — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:29:56 EDT

Why isn't this being discussed by Barack?

This is a major concern. Our freedoms, our country are at stake.

I need to know what position Barack takes on these issues and as a Senator, that there was not complicity on his part.

By not speaking about this, it feels just like the actions of current administration.

I want to donate additional money, but , at this point I haven't heard all that I need and want to hear from Barack

Our government and our "representatives" have failed us.

Read about these under reported issue along with others at:

http://www. projectcensored. org/top-stories/category/y-2009

Peace

American People Can Free Themselves And The Free World of ALL RAT's

MoorAmerican — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:37:45 EDT

Recorded for the Library of Congress October 4, 2008; 30 Days before Election Day 2008.

An Open Letter to the 44th Presidency of the United States of America in Congress Assembled and the Continental Congressional Commonwealth of the Free World.

There is no doubt that the present American crisis and global distress is due to a void of competent professional leadership by trustworthy American statesmen of unquestionable integrity, strong moral values, humanitarian ideals and commonwealth principles for sociable governance. Already my knowledge of your Character leads me to anticipate infinite satisfaction of your Presidency.

The American people have been impoverished by an unconstitutional sovereign banking trust that enslaves society’s orderly production of generational wealth to a fourth branch of government called independent agencies. Revolutionary war according to the provisions of the Constitution is once again the Heavenly order for the Commonwealth of the United States of America.

With Country First and love for fellow Citizens, the American people must Change the culture of public service and the body politic. The American people must rid themselves of political extremists which have established an axis of evil in the 43rd Presidency of the United States of America. The GOP Republican Party is Alqaeda! The Republican National Committee is an axis of evil for the base of 513,000 public offices by which all government corruption is conspired. Through complex multi-national corporate interests represented by government legislation lobbyists in Washington D.C. and nationwide mass media personalities, Alqaeda political extremists and networks are entrenched institutionalized global terrorists and criminals against humanity of American origin.

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A GREATER URGENCY FOR DEMOCRACY NOW TO RESOLVE OUR NATIONAL CRISIS, RESTORE THE BROKEN TREATY OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP, AND END ALL FOREIGN WARS ABROAD.

For this reasonable cause we are advocating a public debate and discourse by the American people on the General Election Battleground of 2008. Our divine purpose is to frame the narrative and make the case for CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE WE NEED NOW under the battleground banner of [[[ GOD: the original Government Office Director and Grass-root Organized Presidency of the Republic ]]] . Our battleground flag is the Stars and Stripes in the colors that don’t run nor retreat, but only knows victory in war for peace.

We hope to resurrect the spirit of the United States Constitution as the Supreme law of America. We hope to influence and guide the inscription of the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution by the American People, for the people’s unabridged sovereign right to make all cash money lawful unit value of United States Dollar Currency - that circulates freely in proportion to trade and commerce under presidential fiscal policy oversight and congressional monetary policy oversight exclusively for the American Working Class, to serve their beneficial commonwealth monetary trust in human service financing for housing, education, healthcare, and free enterprise economic development; functioning with unabridged immunity from systemic control by central bank regulations of every kind and every form; functioning strictly without exception as a medium of exchange, unit of account, standard of deferred payment, and store of value that preserves its purchasing power for food, housing utilities, energy, and consumable products/services essential to human life activities of free sovereign people; and permanently establishes a debt free society with free market capitalism that enriches the highest ideals of all human activity that lawfully pursues life, liberty, and happiness. We hope to righteously repair the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with Supreme Court rulings of Justice for All, graciously extended unconditionally to the family of sovereign nations that comprise the free world.

We hereby declare Election Day on November 4th, 2008, a national holiday in the United States of America as my Heavenly sent signature mark of authorization for the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, wisely crafted by the free will thoughts and sovereign power of the American People for their national security; and as my historical unwavering testament of faith in the excellence the 44th Presidency can most surely achieve above all adversity from its domestic and foreign enemies, present and future, throughout the glorious course of foresworn terms the American people freely elect it to humbly serve and protect their lawful constitutional interests, without compromise or corruption.

We have NO DOUBT the American people will succeed. Any intelligence worth communicating, which first reaches me, shall be related with unreserved freedom, candor & punctuality. May Heaven still continue to smile on our efforts!

With Heavens Love multiplied in all the blessings bestowed on the land of America,

John Hanson,

An American Revolutionary Leader and

President in Continental Congress Assembled.

WHO REALLY OWNS YOUR MONEY? Part Two: Inherent National Bankruptcy

Paisano — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:53:11 EDT

We are all familiar with a Ponzi scheme. The basic principle is to promise investors that money put into control of the operators will return high interest on the principal invested. Unfortunately, the confidence game promises to pay more interest than the principal generates, if the scheme generates any interest or gain whatsoever. The scheme will last as long as more investors are found whose invested principal will pay for the inflated interest due and payable to earlier investors.

The Federal Reserve operates a Ponzi scheme. Congress can pay for federal expenses with funds collected from taxes, imposts, and duties, but congress is never satisfied with this amount. The desire to buy votes from special interest groups, and financially assist politically connected friends (or is this redundant?), compels congress-critters to spend more, and this is identified as deficit spending. To finance this deficit, the Federal Reserve will create on their accounting books a line of credit equal in the amount of the bills, bonds, or notes the congress will authorize; i.e., the Fed receives the interest-bearing obligation on the full faith and credit of the United States and in return checks written by government agencies will be honored by the banking system. The accumulated deficits are identified as the national debt... It must be observed

the amount of money in circulation is increased by the amount of the principle (actually it is a line of credit that is generated) but the amount promised to be repaid is the principal and the interest. The interest is never created but it is promised to be repaid. It is impossible. The scheme will last only as long as more principle is generated to pay the interest. If all of the “dollars” in the world were used to buy back the bills, bonds, and notes, a national debt would still exist and be accumulating compound interest---but no “money” would exist outside of the Fed‘s vaults to repay the debt. The holders of federal debt would have a claim on the wealth of the United States citizens, but the citizens have no money to pay the debt. Confiscation of all real assets pledged as collateral would be in order. A feudal society with the Fed owners owning the land would be created.

To make the scheme appear legitimate, the Fed sells a large percentage of the bills, bonds, and notes, with the help of the U.S. Treasury, to remove much of the currency generated by the scheme (multiplied by fractional reserves) from circulation. Japan and China hold debentures for approximately 25% of the total U.S. debt. How much of this debt holding has been required by financial and government policies to gain approval of trade status for the past 40 years is unknown. It should be apparent that if Japan and China attempt to sell the obligations to support their economy, it would precipitate a world wide tsunami. How much purchase of the US debt is required of various other nations to gain favorable trade status is unknown, but it ties all nations into a global economy. The recent invasion of Iraq is theorized by some sources as retaliation for an economic policy designed to remove the dollar as the international reserve currency.As many have written, the new creation of money by deficit spending is

the source of inflation. Those closest to the money printing press will live better than those further away, and the farmers, as a class, are the most distant from the new money. This new money (VIDEO) is a way the wealth of the nation is confiscated from the people, and the people are for the greater part, completely unaware of their loss.

Some sources suggest the Fed has never been audited. That is not totally accurate. My 360 page copy of the 1996 Annual Report to Congress by the Board of Governors obtained after several calls to D.C., contains considerable information on the financial status and revenue transfers of the banks, branches, and the system, including interest earned from holdings of national debt. It is audited and signed by Price Waterhouse, LLP, page 275. All federal government entities are audited by the GAO, are they not? It is also known that

real estate owned by the Fed (including district branches) is subject to local property taxes and the tax bills can be verified at the county assessors office; real estate owned by the federal government is not subject to local property tax. Salaries of employees are, with few exceptions, set by the Fed with paychecks drawn on the Fed; they are not government civil service employees paid from the U.S. Treasury. The Fed also has their own private retirement program. The Fed is a privately owned, nationally incorporated for-profit business. The window-dressing of government appointed governors is from a pre-approved list.

No information is found that suggests an audit of any specie holdings, nor is there any information as to who owns controlling stock (Class A). Congressman McFadden went to his grave unsuccessful in his attempts to determine who owns the fed.When faced with litigation, the

Fed can choose, for their benefit, the mantle of a government agency or that of a private business. An entity that can select the most advantageous identification is not controlled by the law; it is above the law.

How long will the Fed be able to continue the Ponzi scheme? A common measure of the solvency of a corporation is the ratio of profit to the cost of debt service. A company that makes 30 times what they must pay for interest on long term debt is much more stable than one with a ratio of 3. Every year the US debt service cost increases, and the increase is exponential. Interest on the national debt now consumes 20 to 25% of the taxes collected by the federal government. It is only a matter of time before taxes will not be able to service the national debt.

National bankruptcy is inevitable. Of course, people who do not pay taxes, or terrorists, will be blamed for causing the problem just as the stock market collapse was blamed for causing the depression of the 30’s.

The Fed was pulling currency out of circulation in the late 1920’s and the stock market was the first to feel the impact with margin calls. Local banks were compelled to call notes that were normally rolled over from year to year to meet increased reserve requirements and the stock market was the most liquid. When the economy appeared to be stabilizing, the Fed repeatedly tightened the money supply to deepen the depression.

Gold backed currency was withdrawn. When the economy was expanded to pay for (the contrived) WW II, debt-bearing currency (with interest payable to the Fed) replaced the previous gold backed interest-free money. The Fed had installed their Ponzi scheme. Your grandfather who lost his farm during the depression probably never knew what hit him.

Today, the Fed is selling government debt at one to two percent. Is the government getting a bargain? Currency is available but demand is low. Major capital investments by businesses are being deferred as production facilities are being located overseasto escape oppressive taxation levied upon employees and operations, in addition to avoiding government regulations, restrictions and fines for variances. The price of a low interest rate for government debt is the destruction of the tax base. (In reality, congress does not care what interest rate is paid. Congress does not have to make a profit to stay in business---let the people pay whatever. However, interest earned by the Fed and financial institutes holding government debt is reduced.)

The economic rape of the public will be perpetuated as long as possible. Ever increasing deficits are necessary to pay the interest and make the economy look good. The increasing deficits will escalate the cost of debt service exponentially. Congress-critters will not complain of the system or threaten not to pay the interest---the Fed might not honor their pay checks. The Fed controls the testicles of congress.

MORE: http://tinyurl.com/4zygyh

Palin's words beutiful, for the ears only

Rakesh from Albany, NY — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:41:36 EDT

Palin spoke about freedom, that Americans need to fight for it, and that it will be lost if we didnt fight for it. I think, Freedom is a state of the mind, and it definitely cannot be achieved by the tactics of McCain and Palin. Her statements had the undercurrent of preaching freedom by instilling the fear of losing freedom. If she wants to fight terrorists, she should not help them, by, aiding them in their goal, of, spreading and instilling terror in the mind of Americans. That, according to me, is not freedom. Also, she speaks of providing education and spending extensively on it. That is not possible when funds are diverted to fueling illogically conceived wars and foreign policies. I must say though, that her vocal cords are great. But would those words help join world leaders together, or are those only good to the ears.

THE DREAM!

Nasia. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:33:46 EDT

WHO REALLY OWNS YOUR MONEY? Part One: The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation

Paisano — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:21:45 EDT

WHO REALLY OWNS YOUR MONEY? Part One: The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation

As the average American’s wealth continues to be whittled away by tumultuous markets, the rising cost of living, and the disastrous lack of leadership being displayed in the Nation’s Capitol, folks are just beginning to realize they have no idea who or what is in control of their wealth.

Many assume that the players they see and hear about on TV - like Hank Paulson, Ben Bernenke, or Alan Greenspan - work for the US Government, because that is who signed their paychecks. It is an easy mistake to make, as they look like Civil Servants in most every way: They are appointed by the President, they are confirmed by the full Congress of the United States, and they are paid with US Tax Dollars. Civil Servants then, right?

Well, no - not necessarily.

Most folks know absolutely nothing of the basic facts about how our finances are administered. They are unaware that the Federal Reserve is a privately owned company who’s shareholders are not citizens nor patriots, and who have no interest in the continued success of the United States beyond what we were able to offer them as a Super Power over the better part of the last century.

Just watch as the financial power centers are slowly shifted from the United States to the far east, particularly China, who’s system of government-controlled “free trade” has made them the fastest growing Empire in history. They don’t have to worry about what a Congress or constituents might think, no protesters to drive by, no subpoenas to dodge. Oh, and the environmental and human rights laws…

Totalitarianism geared towards textbook Fascism is a much more favorable environment for Capitalism to thrive in than is our Representative Democracy, which has outlived it’s usefulness since the development of the Multinational Conglomerate.

After years of unrestrained borrowing and spending, during which time the vast majority of our fundamental production capabilities and jobs were displaced and reestablished over-seas using subsidies provided by American tax dollars, the United States has lost it’s title as the best place in the world to keep and grow your money. We have essentially lost our AAA rating with the world. We are insolvent, and the world is running on us.

How can we tell?

How about the $700BB withdrawal they are working on for Wall Street and foreign-owned banks? How about the GSE bailout? And the record number of recent trips banks have made to the discount window - the one they opened up to gamblers 9investment banks) months ago? FDIC funds for Indy Mac and others? And how many transactions like Countrywide’s $11.5BB loan from the Federal Home Loan Bank System do we know about? Or all the treasuries being auctioned to provide liquidity?

And we are still borrowing and spending - just like they keep asking us to. Aren’t you glad your Social Security is not in the stock market right now? They already talked us into 401K’s that are quickly losing their value, both in the markets and through inflation and devaluation. And they have already tricked us into taking all the equity out of our homes to finance our lifestyles, which are lavish by world-wide standards. What freedoms and advantages we enjoy in our lives are not the norm, and those freedoms and advantages are being eroded so rapidly as to be almost imperceptible.

The false confidence that we as a people collectively hold that this State of Grace that we have enjoyed and have been blessed with for so long in this country will somehow continue unabridged for perpetuity is our hubris, and now our tragedy is realized as the final chapters of our great saga reveal our fate.

The foundations for this wholesale withdrawal of our Nation’s wealth were first laid when the Federal Reserve System was developed, which will be covered in later posts. The crisis at hand today demands we look at some of the relevant parts players that are acting to subvert our Rights, our Middle Class, our National Security and the Constitution of the United States, before we get into the history.

I was worried that nihilistic, neo-liberal ‘neo-cons” were setting the stage for Fascism under some delusion called the Project for the New American Century dreamed up by the Bush family and their minions, but I was wrong. They started setting up all the mechanisms in earnest by the early 1990’s under President Bill Clinton, who I always thought was too chummy with George Herbert Walker Bush-41 and was really a closet Right-Winger.

Isn’t he singing McCain’s praises now when he is supposed to be bucking for Obama? It will not surprise me a bit when McCain dumps Sarah Palin and announces - no, not Joe - but Hillary C as his running mate. Probably just paranoia, but I would not put it past the Clintons or old Turd-Blossom Carl Rove.

Anyway, the point is of this series is to reveal some of the “undisclosed” workings of our financial system, which as it turns out has long been an un-natural, undemocratic and un-constitutional marriage of private power and public funds for generations, and to shed some light on these unprecedented actions of our Federal Government which are technically displays of classic Fascist principles:

Various scholars attribute different characteristics to fascism, but the following elements are usually seen as its integral parts: socialism, nationalism, class collaboration, populism, militarism, totalitarianism, dictatorship, collectivism, statism, social interventionism, and economic planning… Fascist governments nationalized key industries and made massive state investments. They thought private property was to be regulated to ensure that "benefit to the community precedes benefit to the individual." They also introduced price controls and other types of economic planning measures. Fascists promoted their ideology as a "third way" between capitalism and Marxian socialism.

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation is the biggest Bank in the World that you have probably never heard it. They happen to be the registered owners of 99% of all paper (stocks, bonds, securities, etc.). Scary, but true. And they have a perfectly good reason for it - with electronic trading, it is impossible to make timely changes to registered ownership of the paper.

The DTCC retains registered ownership while you as the peasant investor have the designation of beneficiary of the instruments. More on all of that below. First, lets see what the DTCC has to say about itself:

DTCC, through its subsidiaries, provides clearing, settlement and information services for equities, corporate and municipal bonds, government and mortgage-backed securities, money market instruments and over-the-counter derivatives. In addition, DTCC is a leading processor of mutual funds and insurance transactions, linking funds and carriers with their distribution networks.

DTCC's depository provides custody and asset servicing for 3.5 million securities issues from the United States and 110 other countries and territories, valued at $40 trillion. In 2007, DTCC settled more than $1.86 quadrillion in securities transactions.

DTCC operates through six subsidiaries - each of which serves a specific segment and risk profile within the securities industry:

National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC)

The Depository Trust Company (DTC)

Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC)

DTCC Deriv/SERV LLC

DTCC Solutions LLC

EuroCCP Ltd.

DTCC's customer base extends to thousands of companies within the global financial services industry. DTCC serves brokers, dealers, institutional investors, banks, trust companies, mutual fund companies, insurance carriers, hedge funds and other financial intermediaries - either directly or through correspondent relationships. Increasingly, DTCC's customers operate both in the U.S. and overseas, where DTCC continues to provide them with services.

In the U.S., DTCC provides critical services to the markets for U.S. Government and mortgage-backed securities, and to all U.S. equity marketplaces, including the New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Stock Market, the American Stock Exchange, and regional U.S. markets, as well as electronic trading and communications networks (ECNs).

All services provided through the clearing corporations and depository are registered with and regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The depository is also a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System and a limited purpose trust company under New York State banking law.

Wow - can you believe these guys are this central to everything that is going on and we have not heard a peep out of them? Wouldn’t you think that their expertise might come in handy right now? Maybe they are - but not for the benefit of you and me.

Why is there so much secrecy in our financial system? Why is so much of the system, and our wealth, controlled by so few people who are so far removed from the law and the Constitution? And how is it they have been getting away with it for so long?

(From a 2003 article The unknown 20 trillion dollar company, and you think mine are long! So here are excerpts) About the DTCC:

Jim McNeff, Director of Training for the DTC… stated "the DTC is a brokerage clearing firm and transfer center. We're a private bank for securities. We handle the book entry transactions for all banks and brokers. Every bank and brokerage firm must secure their membership with us in case they become insolvent, so your assets are secure with DTC". Yes, you read that correctly. The DTC is a private bank that processes every stock and bond (paper securities) for all U.S. banks and brokerage houses. The big question is this; Just who gave this private bank and trust company such a broad range of financial power and clout?

This is another in the list of Federal Agencies like the IRS, FDIC, SEC, and the like who have amazingly broad powers yet little oversight by or subordination to any branch of government. Have you eve heard of an audit by the GAO of the Federal Reserve? You won’t, they are not a government agency, just the “Board” and it’s “Chairman” are, formerly Alan Greenspan and currently Ben Bernenke. The Federal Reserve Board are only an “advisory council” for the President and the families that own the FED, but they are not the decision makers. (More on the Fed in subsequent articles).

The reason the public doesn't know about DTC is that they're a privately owned depository bank for institutional and brokerage firms only. They process all of their book entry settlement transactions. Jim McNeff said "There's no need for the public to know about us... it's required by the Federal Reserve that DTC handle all transactions". The Federal Reserve Corporation, a/k/a The Federal Reserve System, is also a private company and is not an agency or department of our federal government, according to the 1998 Federal Registry. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors is listed, but they are not the owners. The Federal Reserve Board, headed by Mr. Alan Greenspan, is nothing more than a liaison advisory panel between the owners and the Federal Government. The FED, as they are more commonly called, mandates that the DTC process every securities transaction in the US. It's no wonder that the DTC (including the Participants Trust Company, now the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division of the DTC) is owned by the same stockholders as the Federal Reserve System. In other words, the Depository Trust Company is really just a 'front' or a division of the Federal Reserve System.

Don’t we deserve to know why this is from someone, especially now, like the media or our elected officials? I guess not, so here is more:

"DTC is 35.1% owned by the New York Stock Exchange on behalf of the Exchange's members. It is operated by a separate management and has an independent board of directors. It is a limited purpose trust company and is a unit of the Federal Reserve." -New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

The banks and brokers are merely custodians for their clients. By federal law (SEC), they cannot hold any assets in the customer's name. The assets must be held in the name of DTC's holding company, CEDE & Co. That's how DTC has more than $19 trillion dollars of assets in trust... or is it really in "trust" if the private Federal Reserve System is technically holding it in their "unknown" entity's name?

Obviously, if stock and bond certificates you've purchased aren't in your name, then the "holder" (the Federal Reserve System) could theoretically refuse to surrender them back to you under a "national emergency" according to the Trading with the Enemy Act (as amended).

Between the market crash and terrorism attacks, I don’t think the powers that be will have too much trouble manufacturing more “national emergencies” with which to further erode our Constitutional Rights. Remember the Patriot Act? They have not even begun to use that on us yet.

And it appears President Clinton has paved the way for a Gulag Society with his 1994 Executive Order 12919 (which I will also examine in subsequent articles). Right now though, the DTCC:

Simply put, the Depository Trust Company absolutely controls every paper asset transaction in the United States as well as the majority of overseas transactions, and they now physically hold (as of April 1999) 99% of all stock and bond book-entrys in their street name, not the actual owner's names.

REGISTERED HOLDER- A Registered Holder literally possesses, owns, and holds, his stock or bond with his name appearing on the face of the certificate. The company that issued the certificate has registered the owner's (holder's) name on their official books. This is the safest way to own a paper asset. You literally possess the fully registered certificate and only you can transfer or sell it. By all Rights and definition of law, you are the owner. You have it, you hold it, you possess it, and you keep it. You have the complete control over it.

BENEFICIAL OWNER- A Beneficial Owner is nothing more than a beneficiary, "One who is entitled to the benefit of a contract"- A Dictionary of Law, 1893. All book-entry stocks and bonds you purchase make you the beneficial owner, not the registered holder. The owner of a book-entry stock or bond is the entity or name that it is registered under.

Even the name of the shadow company that is the agent of who knows, possibly the IMF according to this article: CEDE. Can you believe that. CEDE. I kills me.

CEDE- To surrender possession of, especially by treaty. See Synonyms at 'relinquish'." -American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd Edition of 1992.

And that is just the plan, just as soon as everything gets a little more chaotic in our once static lives. Living in an Empire at it’s peak is like living in the eye of the hurricane - and if you lived your whole life there under the still, blue skies, you really have no idea what is heading your way.

It's quite obvious that the stock markets are going to 'crash and burn' at some future date and for some 'unknown' reason… The Great Depression is about to be repeated, and it will be as deliberate and manipulated as the first one that began with the stock market crash of 1929. We are, without a doubt, on the brink of the Mother of all economic Depressions.

Remember, this was penned in 2003. Pretty prophetic in light of this weeks news. So, how does your portfolio look now?

Your broker sends you a fancy accounting every month of your purported holdings, along with dividend and interest payments paid. The fact is, you only receive the benefit of ownership (interest and dividends) without holding title to your property. You are at the mercy of the registered owner, the DTC. If you don't believe this is true, then call your broker right now and ask them who's name is listed as the Registered Holder of your book-entry stocks and bonds. If you're lucky, the broker will tell you "why of course you're the Beneficial Owner", then you'll know the truth. He may emphasize to you that the stocks and bonds are being held in "safe keeping" for your own protection. This is broker language for "your stocks and bonds are held by the DTC in their street name as the creditor".

I tried it, and they don’t like to talk about it. At all. I had the feeling they did not understand it completely either, but they swore it was only for expedience and nothing sinister. Fine. But why a private company, and why all the cloak and dagger mystery surrounding what is purported to be the most regulated, the most transparent of all industries?

The reality is that the very history of the Federal Reserve is much more akin to that of conspiracies, Masons and secret inner circles of power. I can’t blame the conspiracy theorists, when you examine even the most tame of the accusations, you find a hell of a lot more mysteries than answers. One more point from the article that I am looking into:

A greater consideration is just exactly who does the DTC hold these securities for? As the owner, who has the DTC pledged these securities to? Our research points to the Federal Reserve System, an international private banking cartel with major offices found in Moscow, London, Tokyo, and Peking. By treaty with the United Nations and in compliance with the Bretton Woods Agreement, the DTC under regulation of the Federal Reserve System has pledged all those stocks and bonds to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These are the same paper securities found in your IRA and pension fund accounts, as well as in your brokerage account. Remember, you don't own them.... you're just a beneficiary.

The truth is, the securities you purchased and paid for with your hard earned money is collateral for the United Nations which is backed by the Federal Reserve System and it's associated agencies, such as the International Monetary Fund. Is it any wonder that the UN can operate year after year with increasing budgets, but without sufficient funds? The UN has nearly $19 Trillion of backing and reserves, thanks to millions of duped Americans. We are financing the New World Dis-Order with our stocks and bonds.

Sounds so ominous, but then again it doesn’t when we go back to some of the text that DTCC has provided about themselves and some of their initiatives on their own website. Remember, they technically own your securities, they are a private corporation that only serves banks, and they use whatever fees they collect to increase their world-wide monopoly. From DTCC:

DTCC Organizes GREAT Collaboration with Global Peers: More than 40 delegates from 11 infrastructure organizations across the globe came together in New York in July for the first annual Global Relations Exchange and Training (GREAT) workshop hosted by DTCC. The program is aimed at cultivating relationships among colleagues from international clearers and depositories, and fostering collaboration on key trends shaping operations practices in today’s capital markets.

Robert Hegarty, managing director and practices leader, Securities & Investments and Insurance from the independent research firm the Tower Group, discussed in his presentation on securities industry trends the demographic shifts transforming the capital markets, and the challenges facing securities and investment firms and infrastructure organizations.

“There has been – and will continue to be – a major shift of wealth creation from the west to the east and, along with that shift, massive numbers of potential clients to win and service. Companies that don’t embrace this new global marketplace will miss their opportunity to determine their future,” said Hegarty.

Having several of DTCC’s executives meet with these international delegates demonstrates the priority the organization places on gaining a more global perspective. “The sessions were extremely productive in helping us gain a better sense of the value foreign markets place on our services, and the potential business opportunities we all have outside our home borders,” said Patrick Kirby, DTCC managing director, Asset Services.

The DTCC is bigger than GM, GE, Google, Microsoft and many other mega-companies - all added together. Are you sure you never heard of them? Maybe you should take a look for yourself, and then come back to YourMortgageOrYourLife.com for some more surprises.

Black File 7001

Lee from Beaverton, OR — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:56:40 EDT

Black File 7001 Following my leaving the FBI after a five year long assignment, I discovered a black projected shrouded beneath the Federal Witness Protection Program that was sired by the CIA's MK-ULTRA Program. For the past eight years the Bush-Cheney administration has subjected me to actionable offences of psyops terrorism, "no-touch" invisible physical torture and threatened me with their "invention" of a criminal charge if I publish my book. I have black listed by the mainstream press and only Senator Obama and Congressman Kucinich have responded. My covert status has been commingled and outed multiple times in violation of Title 18 of the United States Code and I am seeking asylum in Canada through the U.N. Please feel free to communicate with me at BlackFile7001[AT]gmail[DOT]com.

The Time to Act is Now America!

Paisano — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:44:45 EDT

"Liars, and the Lying Lies They Are Telling You"

http://yourmortgageoryourlife.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/liars-and-the-lying-lies-they-are-telling-you/

"Privatizing Profits and Socializing Losses: How the Rich are Staying Rich"
http://yourmortgageoryourlife.wordpress.com/2008/09/19/privatizing-profits-and-socializing-losses-how-the-rich-are-staying-rich/
"Conspiracies and Headlines - What’s the Difference?"
http://yourmortgageoryourlife.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/conspiracies-and-headlines-whats-the-difference/

Obama-a symbol of democracy

Spiral — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:30:07 EDT

Scope-a symbol of freedom.
Dome-a symbol of democracy.
Nanotechnology and advanced materials can significantly reduce the cost of building symbol-house of democracy and freedom.

Are You Ready to Put the GOP Crap to Rest and Obama in the White House? Now?

Danielle — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:03:02 EDT

Hi Everyone,

The following information, that I am about to share with you, is dark, upsetting, somewhat graphic and will make every single one of you very angry. I know that is how I felt when I watched it; the first, second and third time. I have been researching the contents of this movie/documentary for the past 6 weeks, to try to disprove it...any of it, before sharing it with all of you. Unfortunately, I have not only been unable to find facts that prove otherwise, I've found more facts to verify its accuracy.

Liars, and the Lying Lies They Are Telling You

Paisano — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:19:26 EDT

http://yourmortgageoryourlife.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/liars-and-the-lying-lies-they-are-telling-you/

Excerpt:

"Like a lot of folks who are completely flabbergasted by the Government's repeated efforts to whitewash and gloss-over the all of the gross negligence, malpractice and criminality of this - The Worst Financial and Constitutional Crisis in Our Nation's History - I decided last night i would look up some of what the guys and gals at the Federal Reserve, Treasury, SEC, and FDIC were up to between 1997 and 2007, and how they could have not seen any of this coming until apparently this week.

I say apparently because the bureaucrats and sycophants are all maintaining that this whole fiasco is as big a surprise to them as it is to Mom-and-Pop getting foreclosed upon in their Golden Years.

I know they are lying, and you know they are lying.

So once again we will play the cat and mouse game of "who knew what and when" as the Crooks all disappear into retirement with their $Trillions of stolen loot, the Politicians will blowhard and achieve little, and the whole thing will fade away from the headlines with time and the advantage of a short American attention span.

But for now, while every is watching and mad as hell, I am going to try my best to do my little part in exposing the hypocrisy and bald-faced lies being spewed around Washington DC and the mainstream press. I was on-line all morning and found so much material that I had to abandon my original post and choose just one document to focus on today - the 2002 Annual FDIC Report..."

Conspiracies and Headlines - What’s the Difference?

Paisano — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:28:46 EDT

Latest: Conspiracies and Headlines - What’s the Difference?

Here is a a collection of today's best in far-out and conspiratorial theories surrounding the financial nationalization and surrendering of our democracy.

If you like conspiracies, you'll love this. If you want only straight news, believe it or not, you'll love this too.
Here is a a collection of today's best in far-out and conspiratorial theories surrounding the financial nationalization and surrendering of our democracy.
If you like conspiracies, you'll love this. If you want only straight news, believe it or not, you'll love this too.

What Has Happened to Our News Media?

Sherine — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:54:52 EDT

What happened to reporters who actually investigate and report facts and debunk lies? Is our mainstream "news" gone or has it been hijacked? How can we get it back? How is it legal for our media to be hijacked by a regime that dictates what will be reported and how it will be reported?

One of the fundamentals of a free society is unbiased mass media and news media, but we seem to have lost this. In it's place we have propaganda: "a concerted set of messages aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience. Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the cognitive narrative of the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda" (definition from Wikipedia).

Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.

--Garth S. Jowett and Victoria O'Donnell, Propaganda and Persuasion

One example is the book recently written by Jerome Corsi, which includes bogus, deceptive research and is treated by the media as acceptable, scholarly research.

I urge the members of our news media to get a backbone, find your integrity, and stop this nonsense before we lose everything that makes America a great country to live in. I urge the American people to reject this nonsense media; we vote with our dollars too, so think before you buy something that might fall into the category of propaganda, idiocracy, or gossip.

Women's Suffrage

Nanci — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:27:53 EDT

I just came home from a viewing of the HBO production "Iron Jawed Women" about women's suffrage in the 1900's (1920, to be exact). The star was the other Hilary, Hilary Swank. What these women endured, the dedication and total commitment they gave to their cause, against all odds and at great personal sacrifice moved me deeply. If you are older than 88 years, you were alive in the time that women did not have the right to vote. For me, that is only a generation away. Incredible!

Today, we must be committed to reminding women of the preciousness of that right, and the responsibility, in particular to our childre, in particular our daughters. It is not about having a woman on the ticket. That would be to say that women were still chattels and mindless extensions of men. It is not about the second time in history that a woman has campaigned as a Vice Presidential candidate. That would be to say that woman do not understand the issues, much less care about the future of our country and what it holds for our daughters and our children.

Women know that Barack Obama and Joe Biden stand for the issues that women stand for: equal rights under the Constitution, fair wages and the right to strike, education for our children that is not only granted to the rich, jobs so Americans (male and female) can make a living wage and not see their jobs outsourced overseas so corporate greed-pots can line their pockets while workers scrape to make ends meet, and the right of a woman to decide what happens to her own body. This is not a pro-abortion stance, this is the right to decide, and not be told our values. The right not to be told whether or not we are "Christian" enough, the right not to be lied to by those we entrust with leadership, the right not to be told that the economy is strong while we see it sliding away, and not to be told we are not Patriots and not supportive of our own sons and daughters who are fighting in the wrong war. The right to be compassionate, and not judgmental. If we give up these rights, we give up what America stands for.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden echo the values that I have forged in my life as a citizen of America, as a woman and as a patriot. That is why I am passionate about this election. That is why, for the first time in my life, I am volunteering to see Barack Obama elected. That is why I urge you to stand up and be counted. Make your position known. Listen to what the candidates have to say, watch their body language, believe first the words you hear for yourself and not the spin put on the words. Think for yourself, judge Obama's values against your own. I think if you do, you will find that you can support this candidate as well.

Be certain you are registered to vote. If you have married or moved since voting the last time, go to a political headquarters, call the Democratic party in your area, call your congressman and find out how & where to change your name and address. If you are not registered, know that in Washington State the deadline is October 4. After that, the election will be decided without you. If you turn 18 years of age before November 4 you can register to vote in THIS election NOW. Don't wait.

Don't wait for change to happen. As John Mayer says "Waiting for the World to Change" never works. If you and I do nothing, how can we have change? If we re-elect the same party, how can we have change? Don't let the Republicans continue to assume you are too dumb to see through their political lies and strategies. Don't let them continue to talk down to you. Demand answers. Demand truth. Demand accountability. Demand to hear what the woman on their ticket knows about national and international politics. Demand your rights as a citizen and a woman in the glorious country of America.

VOTE OBAMA!! OBAMA FOR CHANGE!! OBAMA FOR HOPE!! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!

This is my country

Martin from Powell, OH — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:06:42 EDT

For as long as I've been paying attention there has been a knee-jerk reaction to any American suggesting that the U.S. has made a mistake -- ever. That reaction goes something like this, "If you hate America so much, go live somewhere else."

I'll repeat something I've said before because it's emerging as a theme. The American popular psyche seems to be in a state of adolescence. "I'm the center of the universe and everyone else is an idiot." -- an attitude that understandably leads to misadventure.

The standard reaction to "go live somewhere else" has been to ignore it, in the manner of, "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Because to dignify it, we tell ourselves, is to give it credence. Well for a vast number of the citizens of this country, it already has plenty of credence. In fact it has become a standard reaction to deflect any criticism and to protect the collective ego we have developed as a national trait.

There's another approach. Not a great deal more mature, but a little. And a whole lot healthier than ignoring the delusional 'we can do no wrong' attitude. Here it is: "No. YOU go live somewhere else. This is MY country and you need to grow up or get out."

I have lived an American dream (one of many possible - but that's for another post) even if a modest one. I have an awesome family. We are two working parents - one of whom can still be around when the kids get home from school. Two boys who are creative, active, caring and handsome. We own a beautiful home and we have two dogs who are our best friends. Without a traditional education, I still managed to build a company, employ 40 or 50 people over several years and contribute to the economy while serving the philanthropic goals of over a hundred communities across the country. We sold the company a few years ago and now I'm off on another adventure. That's been the dream so far and I feel grateful that there's enough freedom and opportunity here to make it possible.

But there's a threat to our freedom from those who ignore our mistakes and who squelch dissent. We saw it in the Niagra current that pulled us all along into the war in Iraq -- into the debt crisis now ravaging the economy -- into a belief that there is only one set of values worth defending.

We will need to come together to grow up -- at least a little. Otherwise the pendulum will keep swinging and we'll spend all of our energy on that swing.

The Decision

colby — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:48:11 EDT

i posted this on my facebook, and it's generated pretty good conversation, with some heat thrown back and forth, so i figured i's post it here...oddly enough, i haven't been to this page since they changed things, so it's like i'm new all over again...whatever the case, my passion has been renewed, reignited since the conventions

is the choice REALLY that difficult? honestly?

is it not obvious that if you choose to vote for McCain, you are voting for at least four more years of the the eight we've just endured? McCain can try and latch onto the "Change" banner and throw Palin on the stage with himself every day, but does that change his positions? does that change his vision for America? honest to God people...just do the research...just dig a little and you will see that the McCain/Palin ticket isn't just lying about Obama's record and Obama's attitdue, but they are lying about their own... LYING...straight faced.... why does nobody care that they are lying? what is it you use to say, harv? and the peasants rejoice? i don't get it.

listen...if you're happy with the place america is at, if you are happy with the direction we are currently heading, then McCain/Palin is your ticket. if you like reading about banks closing everyday, people losing their homes and everything they own, college students (speaking from experience) drowning in school loans, billions being spent in a war that should have never been waged, broken ties with all of the world, then McCain/Palin is your ticket...go for it

real quick aside...on Iraq...it's pretty popular, always has been, to say that people who don't support the war, people who say we shouldn't be there are unpatriotic...i don't say this in vain, but for God's SAKE, people, don't you see that we aren't fighting for freedom there, we aren't fighting to protect America...it's the great lie force fed to us...if we truly cared about liberating oppressed people, why would we not be in Darfur, or Tibet, or one of the many countries that struggle with leadership like that of Saddam's...do you not understand that in our lifetime we will see this administration, surely Cheney, and possible Bush, charged with war crimes? it was all a lie, every readon they gave us for going was a lie...A LIE. it's not fighting for freedom..it's not defending America...God bless the people who volunteer to serve in the military, but this isn't what they volunteered to do...have you heard the story of the soldier who hired a hitman to shoot him in the leg so he wouldn't have to go back? or the guy who strapped a bag of tools to his back and jumped off a roof and crippled himself so he wouldn't have to go back. these people are destroying themselves...and it's our fault

and if you're voting for the McCain/Palin ticket because ideologically you line up with them, then fine...but consider this...did you not line up with Bush for this reason...is that not what got him a second term? because the people who were against gay marriage, or abortion, came out in droves to push that idea? and has anything changed thanks to bush? i mean, more states offer gay marriage, and roe v. wade stands just as strong, even after bush appointed conservative judges...
don't you get it? McCain's party will keep trying to sell this shit as gold. none of them have any desire to change what is...none of them want to overturn roe v. wade...if they did, why would you vote for them? if they did, they would never win another election...

you're being played. we're being played. i can shamefully admit that i was played in 2004 and have regretted it ever since.

change isn't lying about your record and not talking about the future. change isn't putting up a new face and a new banner.

change is saying, "we shouldn't be happy with what is, but we should be striving for what we can be." change is pushing ourselves to go beyond ourselves, byond our limits on ourselves, to see this country, this world as bigger than my county line, and realize i have to change if i want things to be better. don't you see that's the choice. we all have to change if we want this country to, if we want it to be better.

I'm a God-fearing, Jesus follower who believes abortion should be legal, because my faith shouldn't govern my country. I believe gay people should have the same civil liberties as straight people, whether or not i agree with their lifestlye, because condemning and smearing isn't loving my neighbour...because it's the next step in the evolution of civil rights...CIVIL, not Christian. I believe it's wrong for our leaders to use our military to strong arm themselves around the world, screwing us at home all the while. I believe in equal rights to every faith, because the Lord of mine told me to love.

I'm voting for Barack Obama because i am finding the courage to change myself, and hoping to help change my country for tomorrow.

What shall we do as poor workers with little time?

liberationyoga@youtube — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:55:10 EDT

We get our friends registered to vote, we encourage even those who can't yet vote to volunteer (no one should be without a political voice). We must be EVANGELICAL. I strike up conversations with any friendly face. Listen to their concerns and then respond with why THEY should vote DEMOCRATIC or for BARAK OBAMA. Even Republicans who work hard for a living should realize that FREEOM and CHOICE in the free market is the RIGHT of all trading partners, even the poorest paid worker. There is no freedom without an independent voice. Next do YOUTUBE using your webcam. Go there and check what I have done and do as I did: Express your free and independent voice for OBAMA!!! ALSO... call for information and ASK for the Democratic Party Head Quarters in your county... Leave them a message that you want to help...

IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN! We are Americans, we can make it happen...

David "MITCH" Stow

Wht do they Hate US?

AtlantaDem — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:21:40 EDT

On this, the seventh anniversary of 9/11, it is long past time to understand why we were attacked. President Bush has his own idea: "They hate our freedoms." At the time, I believed such a simplistic explanation to be self-serving, as indeed it has proven to be. The Bush administration has used 9/11 to instill hate and fear in most of the American population, thereby consolidating it's grip on power. Bush's obfuscation is not entirely untrue. There are those in this world who do indeed "hate our freedoms", and many of them live in dictatorial or authoritarian societies, or theocracies. At the same time, many in those same societies "love" our freedoms, and would like nothing more than to have the opportunity to live in a democracy similar, but maybe not identical, to our own.

Bush has used the simplicity of his pronouncement ("They hate our freedoms") to fix it in our minds. Is there a literate person on this Earth who is unaware of his words? It's simplicity and force drive out critical thought. He has used these words to justify our hate of "them". Without being specific about who "they" are, he has given himself wide latitude to act. He has never said that they are Muslims, but has relied upon people like Pat Robertson to make the absurd claim that we are at war with Islam. He uses the word "terrorist" freely to identify the enemy and only discriminates between Shi'a and Sunni when it suits his purpose. Even many of his supporters, like John McCain are confused. I'm not.

There is much to be learned by deconstructing the question: "Why do they hate us?" That the question is posed at all demonstrates that "they" do have reasons for hating "us". The attack on 9/11 was not a random, inexplicable event.

So , who are "they", and who are "we". If we can answer that, than we can get a grip on reality.

The simple answer is "they" are al Qaeda, and al Qaeda sympathizers. But simply attaching a label does not tell us who they are, or, more importantly, what motivates them. Knowing that "they" are mostly Arab and Muslim does not tell us much either. Unless you are a racist or religious bigot. For example, countries like Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and many others, are US allies. Although many in those countries had second thoughts about their allegiance after the US invaded Iraq.

More specifically al Qaeda are Wahhabists. This is not a word that you will hear from Bush supporters. To promulgate their obfuscation they have used the phrase: "Islamo-Fascists". It is a very descriptive word, but "Wahhabist" tells you much, much more about who "they" are.

This from Wikipedia: Wahhabism is the dominant form of Islam in Saudi Arabia and Qatar and is also popular in Kuwait, U.A.E., and Bahrain. It is often referred to as a "sect" or "branch" of Islam, though both its supporters and its opponents reject such designations. It has developed considerable influence in the Muslim world through generous funding of mosques, schools and other means from Persian Gulf oil wealth.

What is it about "we" in the US that Wahhabists hate? Do they hate all of us? No, they don't, they have many friends in this country. Ironically, the clue lies in the very phrase that Bush propagandists choose to employ. Wahhabists are fascists. This is not merely my opinion. There is a vast body of literature to support the contention.

Fascists of every stripe hate Western liberals and progressives. They hate our liberal democratic form of government. They hate our secularism and our freedom of religion. They hate our freedom of speech. They hate our multiculturalism. They hate our Rule of Law, man's law, not their God's law. They hate our insistence upon equal rights for women and minorities. They hate what they perceive as our "loose morals", even though our morals are none of their business, unless we transgress the Law. Our law, not theirs.

In a nutshell they hate our tolerance. Ridiculously, they believe themselves to be racially "pure", and not the descendants of Africans. To believe this they must reject science and cling to their faith. They are reactionary and backward, desiring to return us to some non-existent Nirvana of 200 years ago.

In November we have our last chance to reject these people and their hate, their fears and insecurities, their vile rhetoric, and mostly their abhorrent theology.

VOTE OBAMA !

Freedom and Justice

Kimberly from Palo Alto, CA — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:54:07 EDT

Dear Senators Obama and Biden,

I’ve become very concerned, watching the increasingly bald-faced lies and disgusting sleaziness of the Republican smear campaign against you (and, by extension, all Americans), that your important and inspiring message is getting lost under the mud being slung at you. With the media focusing on “lipstick” and Palin among other irrelevancies, the voters risk being distracted from what really matters in this election. So please forgive my presumptuousness, but I wanted to share with you what I hope to hear you focus on in the few days remaining before the election.

Telling the Truth NOW Campaign

For 8 years, the Bush administration has plied Americans with deceptions, smokescreens, and outright lies. They have repeatedly talked publicly about one thing while doing something else entirely. I am sure that I am not alone in this: I AM SICK OF THE LIES!!!

You have been honorable in your campaign, and you have led us toward a positive future by expressing your vision of America’s greatness. I was impressed by your refusal to attack even Sarah Palin’s hypocrisy in advocating abstinence-only sex education while her unmarried minor daughter is pregnant – while an easy target, the primary damage would have been to a child who has enough else to deal with, and I see your recognition of this as a hallmark of integrity, wisdom, and true leadership.

This is why I wish to suggest to you an approach that would greatly appeal to me and, I’m sure, many other Americans who are disgusted with dirty politics as currently practiced by the Republican party and its supporters. Please consider launching a “Telling the Truth NOW” campaign.

What is the truth now? What does America stand for now?

¨ Under the Bush Administration

¨ Under a McCain Administration

¨ Under an Obama Administration

I want to hear from you that under an Obama Administration, America will once again stand for freedom and justice.

Not, as under the Bush Administration:

¨ Corruption (“Scooter” Libby, Alberto Gonzalez…)

¨ Incompetence (bin Laden still free at large, Katrina response…)

¨ Unprovoked aggression (Iraq)

¨ Greed (coziness with oil companies, sub-prime mortgage crisis…)

¨ Torture (Abu Ghraib, Bush veto of waterboarding ban…)

¨ Jailing anyone without trial (Guantanamo Bay…)

Senator Obama, I urge you to resist all distractions, ignore Sarah Palin, and focus your messages on clearly linking McCain to Bush (voted for Bush policies 90% of the time = NO CHANGE) and stressing that under an Obama Administration, America will once again stand for freedom and justice. These are the values that have made America great, and elicited the respect and admiration of people across the globe. These are the values that speak to who we are as a nation, as a people. Unfortunately, the truth now is that these are not the values that America has stood for under the Bush Administration, and they are not the values that the rest of the world sees us demonstrating. You have the historic opportunity to change that and, in so doing, restore America to greatness not only in fact, but also in the eyes of the rest of the world.

I want to hear you say that an Obama Administration will roll back the Bush Administration’s unprecedented attack on America’s civil liberties and our Constitution. Tell me that the United States will no longer detain and indefinitely imprison people, including American citizens, on the presumption that they are guilty (as “enemy combatants” or otherwise) until they manage to prove themselves innocent – particularly when denied legal representation or even the right to be confronted with the charges against them! Tell me that the United States will not, unequivocally will NOT, use torture. Tell me that Americans will NOT be subject to wiretapping and surveillance without a warrant. Tell me that you will stand up for our Constitution, and that under your leadership America will once again stand for freedom and justice.

Please, Senators Obama and Biden, tell me that!

New Era

Iuliu from Van Nuys, CA — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:00:56 EDT

Dear Senator Obama, It is with great hope that I write you. This is a pivotal moment in history. Never before, in the history of mankind, have there been such realistic possibilities to bring about true progress as now. I believe that you have the moral conviction, strength of character and courage to unite our land and bring about a global change that will benefit us all. This country was founded on courage and an ideal that all men are created equal and should be treated as such. A survival of the fittest mentality is not the true spirit of mankind. It is the mentality of greed and oppression. It is the ideal of those few that find solace in arrogance rather than in empathy. We all exist together and should do our best to help each other. There have been countless sacrifices endured by millions, globally, to ensure that freedom prevails and tyranny fails. I’m disturbed that political campaigns are still regarded as races, competitions to attain a prize. That prize being public office. Holding a political office is an honor, neither a prize nor a goal. An elected official has a responsibility that is greater than him. One bestowed to him by the countless sacrifices and hopes of all generations past. Today, this means that the trust of millions is placed in his hands. Trust is a sanctity that should not be violated. This quote, from your website, brings me hope. “It's time to put an end to the say-anything-to-win politics of the past. Together we can face the challenges of the future with a new kind of politics and a new kind of leadership.” I truly hope that by “a new kind of politics and a new kind of leadership”, you mean to say that we can all look forward to a leadership that can bring about the truest sense of democracy. We have unprecedented power, and as such have a responsibility that has never before been endured. You, as the potential leader of our nation, have the hopes of millions, potentially billions, in your hands. Our strength should be used to benefit all of mankind, not just ourselves. “With great power comes great responsibility.” You have my best wishes and support. Respectfully, Iuliu M. Oros

production@generalordersno11.com .

Speaking Freely ... Or Not?

The Cranes — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:16:48 EDT

As this blog was launched, we sent email invitations to friends and family and to some business associates. We invited them to participate in the dialog. We made a point that the initial post - The Case Against McCain - was intentionally provocative. It includes jargon and rhetorical techniques that have become too common. And that have undermined constructive dialog on issues. We also noted a desire to contact people who did not think like we do. The response has been quite interesting. In many ways it’s inspiring. Some of the response has already appeared in Comments on the blog. More interesting though, are responses from those who did not plan to Comment for various reasons. Here are a few of them:

The Problem with Obama!

Jamie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:22:35 EDT

Obama is just like any other politician. Afraid to speak his own mind for fear of loosing an election because he was not poised enough to answer questions like a robot. The media is to blame for this. All politicians are doing it though. I wish a politician could just once use some class and decide that they will speak from the heart, not from a teleprompter, Obama is a great speaker, and when I say speaker, I mean reader. He can read a teleprompter like nobody's business, but he can he speak from the heart. I have not seen him do this once this campaign.

Obama has only passed 2 bills in the senate:

#1 Was to give the people of the Congo thier own freedom and government. #2 was to name a post office. They say that Palin has no leadership experience. What does Barrack have? Palin was at least a mayor turn Gov.. That is something both parties are missing. The rest of the parties are senators. Senators stink because they love lobyist money and they have no experience in the military. Well at least John McCain does, but most don't. We are in a war that needs to end and we think that sending a senator with no experience in to make decisions will help us. Ok have fun with that!

This country is being fronted by an organization that sets out to keep us busy with mundane things like Barracks comment about a pig or fish. Who cares. If we are idle minds we are dangerous. We need to get rid of the two party system and find something that works. get rid of all those fools in congress spending our tax money like water, and asking for more. We need to find a way that a normal person can become president instead of some overpaid politician who thinks that he/she can change the way the world works. If you are a democrat or republican and you think that this election is over environment, abortion, economy, the war, and health care, you are dead wrong. This election is about our freedom from a crappy goverment.

On Election day vote for Mickey Mouse and show these politicians that you mean business. That you are tired of this system of corruption and power hungry people who dont live in the same shoes as the common man. Tell em that next year you want a tax rebate check for all of your taxes they have wasted in the past few years. Tell McCain to grow a set, and Obama to stop talking change and make some. Change the way you run for president so people can see it in you. Not hear it in your words. We have to see it.

In The Name of Freedom

PrayersForAmerica — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:41:16 EDT

By Julie Redstone

The current of idealism within American history and spiritual life which cherishes freedom and desires to protect it at all costs is very strong. Freedom from oppression and the subjugation to laws made a continent away was the very warp and fiber of the Declaration of Independence upon which our country was founded. Freedom has always been highly prized in America, paid for in blood, tears, and the sacrifices of many.

Yet, much has also been done ‘in the name of’ freedom – wars have been fought, laws have been broken, the rights of individuals have been violated, land has been appropriated, and governments abroad have been overthrown – all to protect our freedom and maintain our national security. Today, we run the risk, once again, of acting on behalf of protecting our freedom in ways that do not further the deeper values that America holds, and, indeed, ways that trespass against certain of these values. We run the risk of limiting freedom ‘in the name of’ freedom.

How does this work?

It happens when those who love America can no longer see her wrongdoing as well as her virtue - when they can no longer see her failures as well as her successes.

It happens when those who wish to preserve America’s freedom are willing to sacrifice the freedom of other peoples in order to maintain our own.

It happens when those who espouse freedom, limit its meaning to those who agree with them, and denounce, ridicule, or criticize those who disagree with them.

It happens when those who wish to preserve freedom through the exercise of power, discredit those who believe that there are other ways of preserving and protecting freedom – ways of cooperation and conciliation.

It happens when political slogans are used which seduce or manipulate people into thinking something that they would not ordinarily think if the facts were known.

It happens when the ‘right to choose’ which is the inherent right of each individual is limited by misinformation, disinformation, or other form of deception or slanting of truth so that a free choice is not really possible.

It happens when those who are foreign to our soil are seen as social, political, or economic threats, simply by virtue of being foreign, instead of potential allies or friends.

It happens when America as an ideal and as an entity becomes exalted beyond the bounds that humility would proscribe, so that pride and grandiosity replace the desire for truth, and the willingness to place America first becomes a call to power instead of a call to healing.

It happens when freedom and the desire for freedom separates from unity and the desire for unity with others. This partnership is an eternal partnership that must be maintained in order for ‘freedom’ to remain free.

For more than two centuries now, America has stood in the world, despite its limitations, as the ‘land of the free’. Yet, true freedom can never be gained or maintained unless the freedoms of all are enhanced, both at home and abroad. This cannot happen through an orientation toward power, but only through an orientation toward a peace which embraces all.

The current of idealism within America that seeks to protect and uphold freedom is strong and must remain strong, for it is a core part of America’s identity. Yet, the distortion of that current so that it becomes a call to glory and dominance rather than a call to unity and joining with others must be watched for with vigilance. For ‘freedom’ and ‘unity’ must remain in balance so that each can be preserved with integrity. ‘Freedom’ without ‘unity’, can descend into either anarchy or into the domination of the many by the one. ‘Unity’ without ‘freedom’ can descend into an obliteration of differences between individuals, and a rejection of the right to dissent. The true freedom upon which America is based must seek to perpetuate this balance and to learn to live by it in order that her true destiny and greatness can come into being. For America’s greatness lies not only in her history but in her future, and not in her self-assertion of greatness, but in her willingness to embody the moral virtues on which she is founded for the benefit of the world.

By Julie Redstone of LightAmericaSpirit.org

Suggested Theme Song!

GJMcG — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:53:53 EDT

Some of my dearest relatives are southern and part of the struggling working class who consistently vote Republican, against their own best interests! They are among that group of citizens who think Obama is "elite" and "not one of them".

I don't know if ANYTHING can sway their opinion, but I do know they are country music fans! So, while I was traveling recently I heard this song come on a country radio station, and I immediately decided that perhaps music could help Barack make a "country connection"!!!!

I do not know Garth Brook's political views, but he wrote the PERFECT lyrics for Barack Obama's theme song!

It is titled "We Shall Be Free", and here are the words:

This ain't comin from no prophet,
Just an ordinary man,
When I close my eyes I see,
The way this world shall be,
When we all walk hand in hand,

When the last child cries for a crust of bread,
When the last man dies for just words that he said,
When there's shelter over the poorest head,
We shall be free,

When the last thing we notice is the color of skin,
And the first thing we look for is the beauty within,
When the skies and the oceans are clean again,
Then we shall be free,

We shall be free,
We shall be free,
So stand straight,
Walk proud,
'Cause we shall be free,

When we're free to love anyone we choose,
When this worlds big enough for all different views,
When we're all free to worship from our own kind of pew,
Then we shall be free,

We shall be free,
We shall be free,
Have a little faith,
Hold out,
'Cause we shall be free,

And when money talks for the very last time,
And nobody walks a step behind,
When there's only one race and that's mankind,
Then we shall be free,

We shall be free,
Listen to what I'm saying to you,
We shall be free,
Cause every night and day I pray it's true,
Together,
Forever,
We shall be free.

I can't think of any song that more perfectly fits Barack Obama's goals for this country!

Why We Are Here

ebwally — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:46:02 EDT

FLIGHT 18 is a place where we can explore thoughts and ideas together. We believe in the People of the Growing Awareness. We live in dark times and the future is in our hands.

In Hebrew, 18 means Life. FLIGHT 18 is the flight of life.

For the next two months I will chronicle my DIRECT ACTIONS in support of Barack Obama for President in New York City.

If we are not working toward a better future then what are we doing? I've been doing what I can to help for a long time.

Let's start at one of the beginnings.

On January 20, 2001, my friends and I went to the nation's capitol to video document the rainy inauguration of George W. Bush. Later at a church a Reverend declared the beginning of The Direct Confrontation Movement. It called us to get in the way of those who put our democracy into the pockets of war profiteers and the politicians who enable them.

Fast forward past art events, protests and street theatre.

August 2004. For each day of the Republican National Convention I rode around Manhattan on my Peace Bike singing, speaking out and waging peace. One night, I and Harmonic Insurgence, a vocal group, greeted delegates as they returned in buses to their hotels with songs like the Star-Spangled Banner with the only lyric being, "Stop the War" repeated over and over.

Wearing a suit, I handed out a flyer that read: "A message from a real Republican: “Corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.” -- Abraham Lincoln, in an 1864 letter.

Progressive fun. That's why we're here.

This is Flight 18. My name is Eric Wallach and I'll be your captain.

All aboard.

a vote for the current republican presidential ticket is a step towards loosing America's most precious freedoms.

David from Glendale, CA — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:34:05 EDT

I would like to see Mr. Obama, Mr. Biden or Ms. Obama point out that the big government the republican party claims the democratic party is prescribing (which I do not believe they are) is far preferable to the controlling government the republicans always try to place on Americans. I would take a big government as opposed to a government that takes away one of our greatest freedoms; freedom of choice. If it were up to republicans I would not have the freedom of choice for my body (abortion), the freedom of who I marry (gay rights issue), what I read (Sarah Palin's desire to have the government control what books are in my library as opposed to having parents decide what is best for their children), freedom to choose what religion my children are taught in public schools (republican party's desire, Sarah Palin in particular) to see creationism taught in public schools instead of allowing parents to decide what religious teachings my children are exposed to. The republicans even claim giving anyone anywhere access to any gun is a freedom. I see this as more of the reverse to be true. The knowledge that anyone anywhere without any type of screening could posses any type of weapon is frightening. The republican party and the government over all cannot raise my children and cannot take away my freedom to choose. They cannot take away what makes America free, successful and a leader in the world - the right to choose, the right to raise my children the way I see fit. Please make sure the democratic party does everything they can to get the message out that a vote for republicans brings us another step closer to loosing these things.

Why We're HERE!!

deliziosa: 8 is Enough — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:25:10 EDT

We all have come from various walks of life to end up here. Not just on this site, not just as supporters of this campaign, but here in the sense that we've (hopefully) arrived to a new state of mind and a new view of what the future can hold for us. I can speak for myself in saying that before I was not interested in politics, or really anything to do with our government. With the candidacy of Barack Obama and the message he brought with it, I found a renewed sense of pride in my country and first time interest in how my country "works". And I don't care how the media spun it, but I think most of us understood what Mrs. Obama meant when she said that about "The first time in her adult life..." There has been such a disconnect with the American people from it's government, and even the America people from one another. Times have gotten so hard that it's hard to take the time to care for your fellow man, nor, in these dog eat dog days, are we encouraged to do so.

It's hard for me to understand how some people don't want to see things change for the better. Quick anecdote: I recently volunteered at an elderly care facility. My goal was to make the residents there happy. It didn't take much. Simple things like talking, touching their hand, playing UNO, painting their nails, or putting in an "oldey but goody" movie in the VCR was all it took to make their day. The employees though, soon grew frustrated with me. I faced constant confrontation whenever I tried to do any activity with the residents. They began to feel as though I was trying to show off, show them up, or show them how horrible they were that they never took the time to do these things. They didn't realize that I wasn't there for them, I wasn't even really there for me (although I was equally rewarded by making them happy), I was there for the residents. I couldn't understand how some people didn't want good things to happen to people, especially those who are the most likely not to find much good in life.

WALMART: Forcing Workers to Attend Political Meetings Illegal Court Rules

jeffrey — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:27:14 EDT

MY COMMENT: Walmart in Mexico was making workers take a portion of their salaries in merchandise from the store they worked at! Our relations are important. When Bush admin supports these practices in Mexico, what do they intend for the USA?

Friday, September 05, 2008 Mexico Supreme Court orders Wal-Mart to stop paying workers in store vouchers Joe Shaulis at 11:27 AM ET [JURIST] The Mexican Supreme Court of Justice [official website] on Thursday ruled [press release, in Spanish] that Wal-Mart de Mexico [corporate website; JURIST news archive] may not pay employees in part with vouchers redeemable only at its stores. The court nullified the employment contract of a worker who challenged the voucher payments, finding that they violated Article 123 of the Mexican Constitution [PDF text], which guarantees the right to "dignified and socially useful work." The court likened the arrangement, which Wal-Mart called the Plan of Social Welfare, to a practice that prevailed during the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz [profile], who ruled Mexico [JURIST news archive] in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Until the practice was abolished by the current constitution in 1917, workers could be forced to buy exorbitantly priced goods at company stores. AFP has more. AP has additional coverage. From Mexico City, El Universal has local coverage. Among other legal setbacks for Wal-Mart [JURIST news archive], four labor groups filed a complaint [JURIST report] with the Federal Election Commission last month, alleging that the retailer forced employees to attend meetings where political campaigns were discussed. Last year, a Philadelphia judge ordered Wal-Mart [JURIST report] to pay nearly $47 million in legal fees and costs resulting from a class action brought by employees who had been denied pay for work they did during breaks. A jury awarded the same plaintiffs $78 million for their off-the-clock labor, plus $62 million in damages [JURIST reports] under a Pennsylvania law that prohibits employers from withholding pay for more than 30 days. Also last year, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the certification [JURIST report] of a class alleging that Wal-Mart had discriminated against female employees.

Country First

Jeremy — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:14:55 EDT

Hi my name is Jeremy and for anyone that knows me, this is not a document that anyone would be expecting to read from me. But in 63 days our country is going to decide the next President of the United States, and on that very day we will decide as Country where this Country is today and where it is going in the future.

On one had we have Barack Obama trying to bring change to this Country by changing the way this country does day to day business. He wants to lower taxes imposed on the middle class, create jobs that people like you and I can excel at, he wants to help reduce if not eliminate our dependency on foreign oil, and lower health care cost. He wants to make American strong by making our backbone stronger. People like you and I are that backbone, it is not the super wealthy that make our Country strong. It is people like you and I that work 40 + hours a week just so we can enjoy those few quite hours at home with our family and friends. It is the kind of ideas that Obama is bringing to the table that will make a difference in lives of people like you and me.

One the other hand we have John McCain running a campaign on the principle of putting Country first, if to imply the fact that the other side does not. It is this "Country first" idea that has me pulled into this election hook line and sinker, because one would have to ask the question: Country first, Really? Career First, More Likely.

With his first major decision he brings on to the seen a fast talking, good looking, popular Mayor with absolutely no experience to be Vice President of the United States and currently under investigation for abuse of power. While a campaign should not be about the Vice President in this case it is. We have to look at what Palin brings to the table, and ask the question would someone putting Country first really put this person in charge of the country? Ask yourself the following.

1. Should a President or Vice President EVER imply that our Country is fighting a War of God's plan & that our troops are doing the work of God? First off is War ever really God's plan?

2. Should a President or Vice President EVER have a say in what books go into our libraries?

3. Should a President or Vice President EVER allow creationism and nothing else be taught in our Public schools?

The above are NOT principles that make this Country what it is and what it should be. American stands for Freedom, Freedom of speech, Freedom of CHOICE, Freedom of Religion, that is why we are the United States of America. The above thoughts, principals, and ideas take a stab at that Freedom. Choosing Palin as a running mate is NOT putting Country first, it is putting Career First… No Question!

So Put Country First, Put the Middle Class First, Put Jobs in America First, Put OUR Economy First, Put Change First, Put our God given right to CHOOSE the path we want to take First, Put Obama in the White House!

VOTE Nov. 4th.

Hypocrisy

EMC — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:48:19 EDT

People are whining that Palin is being attacked because she is a woman. They are playing the gender card.

The problem here is two-fold. One, as a staunch and vocal supporter of "AbstinenceOnly", she has a pregnant, out-of-wedlock teenager - so much for her value system...Second, and perhaps much more important, she wants everyone to leave her family and it's choices alone and private, YET WANTS TO OUTLAW EVERY OTHER WOMAN'S REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM!

This woman is NO Hilary Clinton (in many ways) and she has GOT TO GO!

animalemc@yahoo.com

Arab Muslims first class citizens in Israel whereas Israeli Jews are second class citizens

Natalia from Acampo, CA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:31:07 EDT

Palestinian Arab Muslims first class citizens in Israel whereas Israeli Jews are second class citizens?

Imagine, Israeli non Arabs (i.e., Jews) have to put up with:1) Back stabbing -- example #1:Constant finding out on more and more Israeli Arabs aiding genocide bombers (whether with info or more than that), stabbing the very Israel, they're citizens of, thus indirectly murdering their fellow Israelis, the Israeli Jews...2) Back stabbing -- example #2:

The Israeli Arab parliament members constantly whine about being "second class" citizens, after getting free education and achieving whatever they achieve, inside equal-rights & equal-access democractic Israel. As payback, these back stabbers are tarnishing Israel's image all over, especially on Arab global media.

3) Uneven rights -- Arab's advantage over Jews:

Israeli Arabs (unlike Israeli Jews) are exempt from serving in Israeli army (which is naturally for the protection of all Israelis), still they enjoy the same rights as Israeli Jews: voting, education, free speech, etc.

4) Now the favorite part: Israeli Courts (& often security) favor Israeli Arabs over Jews
Who's second class now?

5) Wait, there's more: Israeli government allowing Arabs more rights far MORE than Jews, blatantly, especially in access to land.

Who's second class now?
Favoring Arabs over Jews Inside Israel
Fact Sheet #24:
Israel's Security Fence Every effort is being made to exclude Palestinian villages from the area within the fence and no territories are being annexed... Israel's Supreme Court took up the grievances of Palestinians and required the government to move the fence in the area near Jerusalem to make things easier for the Palestinians. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/talking/24_fence.html

Fence Rulings: Democracy in Action Israel's Supreme Court sided with the Palestinians in a precedent-setting decision Wednesday, ordering the government to reroute part of its West Bank ... http://www.honestreporting.com/articles/critiques/Fence_Rulings_Democrac y_in_Action.asp

Divesting from Morality [Jews can't live in Arab states or in the Palestinian Authority but] ... Israeli Arabs sit in the Knesset, serve on the Israeli Supreme Court and ... http://www.law.harvard.edu/faculty/dershowitz/Articles/morality.html

Nightmare or Dream (Eugene Narrett, PhD) May, 2000 When Jews try to collect other debts from Arabs, the same ingratitude emerges, not just from the Arabs, but enforced by Israeli courts where "the chances ...
http://www.freeman.org/m_online/may00/narrett.htm

Arabs, Muslims first class citizens in democratic Israel? (Temple Mount shut to non-Muslims on election eve) http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite? cid=1139395680496&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Temple Mount shut to non-Muslims on election eve
The Temple Mount - was closed to Jews today in response to Muslim threats of violence if Jews were allowed to visit. ... (July - 2004) [clearly more rights to Arabs in Israel than for any Jews] http://www.ourjerusalem.com/ourjerusalem/story/oj20040728.html

Expulsion from 'Peace House' in Hevron?... The extreme-left group Peace Now has been pressuring Peretz to expel the Jewish families, claiming that Jews should need special government permission to buy Arab houses. The group has made no similar request requiring special permission for Arabs to buy Jewish homes.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/121909

Army Declares Hevron Closed to Jews - Inside Israel - Israel News ...Arabs then sued in Israel's Supreme Court against what they called the "infiltration" of the Jews to the stores, and the Court ruled in their favor ...
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3? id=96728

Moreover, when it comes to residential land, the ILA sometimes offers Israeli Arabs more favorable terms from than it does to Israeli Jews. Thus, the ILA charged the equivalent of $24,000 for a capital lease on a quarter of an acre in new Jewish communities near Beersheva while Bedouin families in the nearby community of Rahat paid only $150 for the same amount of land.16 In a different case, when a Jewish policeman from Beersheva, Eleizer Avitan, applied to the ILA to lease land in a Bedouin community under the same highly subsidized terms available to the Bedouins, the ILA refused to lease him land there under any terms, so he sued. Israel's Supreme Court ruled in favor of the ILA, saying that what might be viewed as ILA discrimination against the Jewish citizen Avitan was justified as affirmative action for Bedouin citizens.17
http://www.meforum.org/article/370

In several cases, where Palestinian farmers utilized the Israeli court system to lodge complaints that the army was unnecessarily taking land without proper military purpose, the Israeli High Court of Justice decided in favor of the plaintiffs. The army site at Beth El (near Ramallah) is the best-known case, and probably one of the few cases in all of world history where the legal system of the victorious country decided in favor of the defeated, contrary to the security-related demands of the army. The IDF was forced to move its base about ten kilometers further west, to accommodate the land claims of the local Palestinians. http://www.think-israel.org/meir-levi.settlements.html

Israel's Supreme Court is among the finest courts in the world today. ... We see that the Israelis routinely decide in favor of the Palestinians against their own government... http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp? ID=13590

Israeli Court: Israel must re-route (the life saving anti-terror) barrier (because of inconvenience of some Arab 'Palestinians) August 2007
http://news.yahoo. com/s/ap/20070904/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_barrier_9

Israel's Supreme Court is perhaps the worst enemy and offender favoring Arabs over Jews in its self-image of supreme fairness and justice. It has given its "supreme" ruling against an area of peace and security which should be left to military and security experts - a supreme ruling against the security barrier and separation fence against terrorism in support of a similar stupid ruling by the Arab-Islamist controlled U.N. International Court of Justice (or Injustice as the case may be). What about the rights of Jews in Arab controlled and dominated lands and nations? Are there any? http://www.opinioneditorials.com/guestcontributors/gfitleberg_20050130.html

Israeli text book tells Arab story - World - theage.com.au Israel approves school text book acknowledging to country's minority ... what had been British-ruled Palestine prompted an invasion by Arab armies and the ... http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/israeli-text-book-tells-arab- story/2007/07/23/1185043028015.html

Affirmative Action ? the Israeli Edition It is now official. Last week, the Israeli Council on Higher Education decided to make Jews second class citizens within Israeli universities. Yes, after 1,300 years in which Jews were discriminated against in the Middle East and discrimination in favor of Arabs took place, the semi-governmental Council on Higher Education has decided that Israeli universities must discriminate in favor of Arab. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/844

More on Arabs, Muslims (first class citizens inside Israel) having more rights than Jews in Israel Jerusalem holy sites

The Israeli government shied away from ensuring the right of Jews to pray on the temple Mount, opting instead to grant the Muslims the right to administer the Mount. Jewish prayer was immediately forbidden.

Regardless of what the Judaic law says about permitting Jews on the temple mount, the issue of Arabs, Muslims INSIDE Israel's democracy having far more rights is overwhelming.

http://www.templeinstitute.org/gallery_45.htm

---

PA Arab Squatters Remain on Jerusalem Property
16 November 07 11:38by Ezra HaLevi(IsraelNN.com) Yitzchak Herskovitz, in his eighties, continues to battle Arab squatters in the courts as yet another eviction was postponed Sunday.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/SendMail.aspx? print=print&type=0&item=124251

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(Arab Racism even inside Israel, So Israel is a free democracy and Arabs are elected into high offices.... whereas in "Palestinian" controlled areas a Jew... can't even live there - Islamic apartheid & Judenrein!
What then do Arab representatives do instead?
Stab Israel in the back and call for it's destruction and for it to be a fascist 'Arab Only State'....)
Arab MK: 'Palestine Belongs to Arabs, Not Jews' - News Briefs ...Tibi wrote in the editorial that Palestine belongs to its Arab residents, not to the Jewish occupiers. Tibi told Palestinian Authority Arabs in Ramallah ...

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/130741
---

Gov't Allows Arabs To Squat on Jewish Farmland 22:19 Jan 07, '07
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=118929 [again the Israeli very govt. gives more rights to Israeli-Arabs intruders over Israeli-Jews].

(IsraelNN.com) The Civil Lands Administration has allowed Arabs from Yatta,
near Hevron, to squat on land 10 miles away that has been farmed by Jews for
10 years. Nearby residents of Beit Yatir, in the southern Hevron Hills,
protested on the property Friday, claiming that the presence of the Arabs
presents a danger to the area.
"Their tractors are unlicensed and they drive them on the roads at night
without lights," said a Yatir spokesman. Army officers who arrived on the
scene confirmed that the Arabs left their identity cards at a nearby
checkpoint because they had no permit to live on the grounds, but Civil Lands
officers later said temporary permission would be given until the dispute is
settled in the courts.

---

Jew Fights for his home, invaded by Arab Squatters

http://esseragaroth.blogspot.com/2007/07/jew-fights-for-his-home.html
July 2007

Yitzhaq Hershkovitz is fighting to regain control of his house from Arab squatters in "East" Jerusalem.

The INN TV Report with Aharon Deutch can been viewed by clicking here http://www.israelnationalnews.com/TV/?act=one&id=1988

...After a 15-year fight, Mr. Hershkovitz finally obtained a court order to have the squatters removed. Yet, the police has not been helpful in enforcing the evacuation. One of the issues was that the Arabs were keeping their goats hidden inside the house, which apparently is against the zoning regulations. However, every time the police arrived to execute the order, or rather do a pre-execution investigation, the goats are taken outside through the back an and hidden somehow. There is now a stay on the eviction order.

Fortunately, he has been getting some support from friends, including the Defense-training and Torah-study, IBF Canine Unit, based in K'far Tapu'ah.

I'll try to find out more information about what can be done to assist and support him.

Again, and again, Israeli Arabs are often favored OVER Israeli Jews, Did somebody (in the Arabist camp) say "apartheid"?

Israeli Arabs are first class citizens over Israeli Jews!

___

israelinsider: politics: Police order Temple Mount closed ahead of demo by Jewish activists
(April 7, 2005)
http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Politics/5288.htm

---

One Jerusalem -- Blog -- Help Keep Jerusalem United! After spending over an hour discussing Israel's challenges I came away with the ... Anyway, since Olmert prefers to beat and threaten Jews in Hebron, ...
http://www.onejerusalem.org/blog/archives/2006/01/israels_challen.asp

The Jewish struggle Against Arabs in Israel Wherever there's a problem with Arabs, a new "disengagement" plan?
http://web.israelinsider.com/Views/4511.htm

Supreme Court Rulings - Jews Protest in Jerusalem to protest against the recent anti-Jewish rulings of the Israeli Supreme Court. ...
http://www.ahavat- israel.com/protest/rulings.php

An Israeli Supreme Court ruling did not deny that the land was Jewish-owned, but ordered the Jews to be moved out in order that ... sinners not go unpunished. ... http://www.ourjerusalem.com/action/story/protest- against-the-pogrom-in-amona.html

"The Hell of Israel Is Better than the Paradise of Arafat the 200000 Arab residents of Jerusalem preferred to remain under Israeli ... In fact, most of the Arabs in the city prefer to live under Israeli rule ...
http://www.danielpipes.org/article/2534

Israel is the only country in the Middle East in which an Arab can file a case against his country in the Supreme Court. Israel's Supreme Court is among the finest courts in the world today. It enforces the rule of law on a daily basis against inevitable abuses that occur when a nation is at war. As we look at the United States Supreme Court this week there are two big cases -- the Hamdi case and the Padilla case. At question is if we can detain and hold terrorist combatants at Guantanamo indefinitely, while deciding if they are prisoners of war or common criminals.
One has only to look to Israel, which see resolved these things 20 years ago.
We see that the Israelis routinely decide in favor of the Palestinians against their own government. In 1989, Justice Brennan, perhaps the most liberal justice in America's court, went to Israel at the invitation of Justice Aharon Barak of the Israeli Supreme Court. Brennan said, "God forbid that terrorism should ever come to the shores of the United States. At least we in America have the model to help balance the needs of security against the needs of liberty. That model is Israel."
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp? ID=13590

---

URGENT: Free Daniel Pinner b4 23.3.06 [Archive] - Israel Forum Daniel claims that he only shot in the air to disperse the Arab attackers. The judge favored the testimonies given by several Arabs, despite countless ...
http://www.israelforum.com/board/archive/index.php/t- 9920.html

Creating a Palestinian Apartheid State?
http://www.freeman.org/m_online/jan05/pasko.php

There are currently 12 Arabs elected to the 120-member Israeli Knesset representing Arab nationalist, communist and Islamic parties. There is an Arab justice on the Israeli Supreme Court. This is apartheid? (Dec - 2006) http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/stories/MYSA122706.07B.gurwitz.1 dd1635.html

Myths VS Facts

Human Rights in Israel and the Territories Today, within Israel, Jews are a majority, but the Arab minority are full citizens who enjoy equal rights. Arabs are represented in the Knesset, ... http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths/mf18.html

Israeli Arabs: Expectations and Realities, Abdel Rahman Zuabi, Deputy President of the Nazareth District Court, became the first Arab to sit on Israel's Supreme Court. ... http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp478.htm

A Free People in Our Land: The Status of the Arab Sector in Israel ... an Arab Justice was appointed to the Supreme Court and Arab ...
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Facts+about+Israel- +The+State/A+Free+People+in+Our+Land-+The+Arab+Sector.htm

Israeli Arab explodes Mideast 'lies'
Lebanese woman says she discovered freedom in Jewish state... "As a Middle Easterner brought up on this patent 'Israel is a racist state' propaganda, I discovered it is total hate-inspired nonsense," she said." I've seen with my own eyes what kind of society Israel is. I consider Israel to be one of the most multi-racial and multi-cultural countries in the world. There are no racial restrictions on becoming a citizen of Israel like there are in many Arab countries. Remember, Jews can't live in the neighboring Arab Kingdom of Jordan or in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
She explained that more than 100 different countries of the world are represented in the population of Israel.
"Consider how the Israeli government spent tens of millions of dollars airlifting more than 40,000 black Ethiopian Jews to Israel in 1984 and 1991," she said. "Since 2001 Israel has reached out to help others taking in non-Jewish refugees from Lebanon, the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Vietnam, Liberia, Congo and even Bosnian Muslims. How many such refugees have the 22 states in the Arab league taken in? The Arab world won't even give Palestinian refugees citizenship in their host countries."
She added that more than 1 million Arabs are full Israel citizens, that an Arab sits on the Supreme Court of Israel, that there are Arab political parties expressing views inimical to the state of Israel sitting in the Knesset, that women are equal partners in Israel and have complete human rights.
"Show me an Arab nation with a Jew in its government," she challenged. "Show me an Arab country with half as many Jewish citizens as Israel has Arab citizens. I'll borrow some of your academic freedom now and say that Arab nations are the real racist and oppressive states."
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43175

Israelis aren't 'racist' - they're worried
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite? cid=1167467807212&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter

"Apartheid"? The High Court and leading Israeli Arab Politicians http://www.beyondimages.info/b53.html

AJN - Israeli Arab involvement in terror grows Since the intifada began in September 2000 -- and Israeli Arabs rioted in sympathy ... scores of Israeli Arabs have been detained for alleged contacts with ..
http://www.ajn.com.au/pages/archives/intifada/0028-intifada- 02.html

Twisted Words and Phrases (2) More examples of Arab propaganda, giving new meaning to old words.
http://www.factsandlogic.org/ad_87.html

FLAME: The Arabs of Israel: Are they (really) a "persecuted minority? Like all other Israeli citizens, they have full rights to vote and to hold elective office. Both Arabs and Druze hold seats in the Knesset, the Israeli ...
http://www.factsandlogic.org/ad_08.html

Middle -East-Info.org - Arabs and Muslims in Israel Israeli Arabs and Muslims have the right to vote and to hold public office, ... They have full rights to citizenship. They are free to speak their minds. ...
http://www.middle-east- info.org/gateway/arabsinisrael/index.htm

Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict To the contrary, today one-fifth of Israel's citizens are non-Jews, including over one million Arabs, and Arabic is an official national language. ... http://www.ict.org.il/articles/articledet.cfm?articleid=414

Arab Refugees and the Right of Return After the end of hostilities in 1949, there were 140000 Arabs in Israel. ... the Jews lived for generations as second-class citizens in a primitive, ... http://www.eretzyisroel.org/~samuel/refugees.html

The Jewish Refugees From Arab Countries - Israel's War Against ...Jews had never been more than "second-class citizens" under Arab rule, the report says, but their life became "simply untenable" after Israel appeared. ...
http://www.israel-wat.com/jewishrefugees_eng.htm

The Arabs of Israel (Part 1) Israel is first and foremost a society of Jewish immigrants. ... The Arabs of Israel became bi-cultural and bi-lingual citizens, educated in accordance with ... http://www.wzo.org.il/en/resources/view.asp?id=24

IHC [In Muslim countries] Ethnic minorities such as Azeris, Arabs, Kurds, Turkomans and Baluchis, are treated as second-class citizens. Women in Iran are struggling for their rights, ...
http://www.infoisrael.net/cgi-local/text.pl? source=3/e/050720029

Israeli Arabs: Expectations And Realities
http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp478.htm

WorldNetDaily: Israel: Island of justice in the Middle EastIsrael's High Court has ruled that the route, along which a 25-mile barrier ... in the Middle East, Israel is committed to justice for Jews and Arabs alike. ...
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=39242

Myths & Facts - Human Rights in Israel and the Territories... the Israeli Supreme Court also ruled that the government cannot allocate land based on religion or ethnicity, and may not prevent Arab citizens ...
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths/mf18.html

Israeli Arab appointed as a JNF [Jewish National Fund...] director despite court appeal ...Israeli Arab appointed as a JNF director despite court appeal-News and commentary relating ... where there are MKs from the Arab sector," .
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/878859.html

Lying About Discrimination With Statistics And let's not hear any nonsense about Israeli universities discriminating against Arabs, because they all discriminate in favor of Arabs under affirmative action ...
http://www.jewishpress.com/page.do/21226/Lying_About_Discrimination_ With_Statistics.html

The Jewish struggle Against Arabs in Israel [and Courts favoring Arabs in Jews' historic land and that was redeemed by Jewish money]
http://web.israelinsider.com/Views/4511.htm

Arab Treatment of Palestinians There is much information regarding Israel's treatment of Palestinians. However there is not much out there discussing Arab treatment of Palestinian ...
http://www.themiddleeastnow.com/arabtreatmentofpalestinians.html

The "Brutal" Israeli Occupation? Every Arab who fell under Israeli "occupation" was free to live his life ... The Israeli treatment of captured populations had a lot in common with the ... http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/4/29/31242.shtml

AN ANSWER TO THE NEW ANTI-ZIONISTS: THE RIGHTS OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE TO A SOVEREIGN STATE IN THEIR HISTORIC HOMELAND http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp507.htm

A Free People in Our Land: The Status of the Arab Sector in Israel For the first time, an Arab Justice was appointed to the Supreme Court and Arab deputy ministers have served in Israel's Government. Arab citizens serve in ... http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Facts+about+Israel- +The+State/A+Free+People+in+Our+Land-+The+Arab+Sector.htm

YI Guide to the Israeli-Palestinian Dispute Distorting Israeli Arab RealityThe co-existence of Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel has long been a model for ... Miller's first claim -- that Israeli Arabs lack 'access to military or ...
http://www.youngisrael.org/israel.htm

Critiques Distorting Israeli Arab Reality http://www.honestreporting.com/articles/45884734/critiques/Distorting_Isra eli_Arab_Reality.asp

The missing piece http://powerlineblog.com/archives/013494.php

Review of The Forgotten Millions: The Modern Jewish Exodus from Arab Lands. The volume contains some first-class talent, mostly Israel academics, and they cover ... http://www.danielpipes.org/article/817

Dennis Prager -- First they came for Israel, then they came for America . ... everywhere in the Arab and Muslim worlds are usually second-class citizens at best and terribly ...
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0206/prager020706.php3

israelinsider: Views: A virtual tour of (so called) "Apartheid" Israel... a dhimmi (second class citizen) and an enemy of their state. ... In the Apartheid State of Israel there are almost one million Arabs. ...
http://web.israelinsider.com/views/6787.htm

JIMENA Jews Indigenous to the Middle East & North Africa were considered dhimmi, a "protected" group of second-class citizens. ... On May 15, 1948, five Arab armies invaded Israel with the intention of ...
http://www.jimena.org/faq.htm

The nature of the Jewish state Israeli Jews are a variegated people ? many look just like Arabs and vice versa. The charge of racism as we know it in the U.S. is no more than liberal ...
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp? ARTICLE_ID=34396

Myths & Facts - Israel?s Roots?The Jews have no claim to the land they call Israel.? ... During the British mandate alone, more than 100000 Arabs emigrated from neighboring countries and ...
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths/mf1.html

Myths & Facts - Human Rights in Israel and the TerritoriesArabs in Israel have equal voting rights; in fact, it is one of the few places in ... More than one million Arabs live as free and equal citizens in Israel. ...
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths/mf18.html

Jewish and Israel News from New York - The Jewish Week,In fact, according to UN statistics, more Jews were displaced from Arab countries ... as the rights of Jewish refugees are no less legitimate than those of ...
http://www.thejewishweek.com/top/editletcontent.php3? artid=5486

In the years that followed, the Israelis made their desert bloom. They built the only industrialized economy in the entire Middle East. They built the only liberal democracy in the Middle East. They treated the Arabs who remained in Israel well. To this day the very large Arab minority, which lives inside the state of Israel, has more rights and privileges than any other Arab population in the entire Middle East. http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp? ID=4454

'Arabs have good life under Israel'"I am sure that the Palestinian [Arabs] in Israel have more rights than in any other Arab country
http://www.jnewswire.com/article/394

The productivity and tolerance of the Jews in the state they created have given birth to an Arab citizenry inside Israel of more than one million people. ...
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/horowitz041002.asp

For non-Jewish citizens of Israel, the answer to all these questions is "Yes. Unequivocally." Israeli Arab citizens are by law equal to Jewish citizens; they enjoy the same rights and are legally protected from discrimination. Non-Jews enjoy every freedom that democracies recognize, including freedom of worship, the free expression and exercise of religion, equality of financial, material, and employment opportunity, political power, and all legal rights. Indeed, Israel's Declaration of Independence demands nothing less. According to the Declaration, the Jewish state "will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions." Israel's Arab citizens have, in fact, reached positions on Israel's Supreme Court and have elected powerful parties in the Israeli Knesset that fully participate in Israeli political life.
http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp507.htm

UJC -- Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Brief Guide for the ...And who knows better than the citizens of Israel, who include Holocaust survivors and refugees from communist lands and from Arab extremism, how dangerous ...
http://www.ujc.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=68620

Like "apartheid South Africa". ... non-Muslims are treated as second-class citizens (the despised Dhimmi). ...
http://www.honestreporting.com/articles/critiques/Pilger_Pilfers_the_Truth.a sp

Misc.

Jihad Watch: Slain Israeli Arab's father begs for sanity in PA My message first of all to the religious leaders, the Palestinian leadership, ... who reside as Israeli Arab citizens, repect the land they live in, ...
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/001716.php

Arutz Sheva - (Israel National News) Throughout the Arab world, women are routinely treated as second-class citizens or worse. In Saudi Arabia, women are prohibited by law from driving cars...
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/article.php3?id=488

An Open Letter to Senators Obama & Clinton

Unknown user — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:14:37 EDT

PROFESSOR HOVHANNESS I. PILIKIAN, B.A. in Eng. Lit. (American Uni of Beirut),

B.Sc. Hons. in Psych. (Open Uni), M.A. in Soc. Anth. (Sch of Oriental & African Studies),

Gulbenkian Foundation Scholar in Econ. (LSE) (London Uni),D.A.A.D-Fellow (Uni of Munich),

D.G.G.B, Dip. Th. Pr. (R A D A), Cert. Hum (Open),

Adamian Award (Ministry of Culture – Armenian S.S.R.), F.R.A.I.,

Contributor to Encyclopaedia Britannica

10th August 2008

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL)

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY)

Dear Senators Clinton and Obama,

You may like to know that my personal letter (dated 1st July, copy below) to your good selves is now an Open Letter published on the Web on

http://www.gibrahayer.com/index.php5?&page_id=21&path=29,21

My letter contains (1) A new Theory of History – that History advances by mindset-shifts,

(2) A radical historical interpretation of Warmongering – that it manifests masculinist obsessions contingent on the rape of women and the murder of ‘their’ children, and finally

(3) A proposition for a new socio-economic paradigm – universal CHILD-WELFARE, for all, to achieve global peace... with the sound-bite;

All For Child-Welfare and Child-Welfare For All

Yours truly

Professor Hovhanness Israel Pilikian.

***

Initially Exclusive to the Addressees 1st July 2008

Entirely Private and Totally Confidential

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL)

713 Hart Senate Office Building

District of Columbia 20510-1305, Washington DC

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY)

780 Third Avenue Suite 2601

New York, NY 10017

Dear Senators Clinton and Obama,

If only the two of you would join hands, there can be no reasonable doubt that you two shall win the forthcoming presidential election, from that moment onwards ... and assuming that you shall resist all electoral fraud from the Republicans – for the very good reason that, with baited breath, the whole world expects America to change. The horrendous neo-Cons succeeded not only destroying Iraq, with Depleted Uranium bomb-winds blowing towards the Israeli nation they pretended to defend ... the inhuman neo-Cons destroyed as much America’s good name, dragging it into the sewage of History. The American people deserve desperately your healing powers to pull them out of History’s murderous mires of genocidal sludge.

Senator Obama is absolutely right that America is ready for change – and Senator Clinton has the right idea for that change – hence this letter to provide the clinching philosophical argument and deep conceptual grounding of your cause to make it irresistible for the whole world to adopt.

I think Human civilization evolves by paradigmatic shifts in Mindset – by which I mean that a nation’s mind – meaning the communitarian-brain – is re-wired through the processes of social relations and modern communications-media into certain ways and patterns of communal thinking.

Mankind’s History hitherto, alas, has manifested the Primates’ barbaric survivalist mindset of crude brutal power for its own sake. It took millennia for the parochial Italian Renaissance humanism to follow, and several centuries for the French Revolution to reflect and universalize by then the re-wired mindset of the Renaissance humanism. The American Revolution earlier for the first time in history had affected an ethical mindset shift by exemplifying the concept of Power-To-do-Good, and not for its own crude sake. Unfortunately the neo-Con Bushites wished to revert to the Malthusean-Hobbsean Jungle Law, demeaning the principles of the American Revolution. Thus, overall, human history hitherto (even at its best with the American Revolution, never mind now in the genocidal dumps with the Bushists) has manifested the humanoid Darwinist mindset of the proto-fascist (and Nazi) masculinist brain-wiring, set on the oppression and rape of women and children, and the elimination of ‘useless people’...

I shall propose to you a new paradigm to wire-up a new mindset to evolve in our post-modern human brain, if only the United States of America, as the dominant world-power, would agree through yourselves to pioneer its globalization ... Like a panacea, it shall solve all socio-economic problems, including all dangers from Climate change, which must be turned into the single most important issue of international politics. And it is this, and where Mrs Clinton already possesses the inkling by virtue of her maternal instinct – CHILD-WELFARE – pure and simple, it must be made the single slogan, the cornerstone of ALL complex policies held together in consistency. In the immortal words of Britain’s Silver Poet, Alexander Pope – “The Child is the Father of Man”.

History hitherto has been the ruthless product of bi-gender competitiveness, the male always oppressing, dominating and ultimately raping the female – well-proven by antique myths – females, be they divine or mortal, are always ‘ravished’ against their will – and endless modern warfare – even today, now, women are being raped in ... Zimbabwe, and everywhere else where genocidal wars are active, stretching back in time to Herodotus – the first Historian who lived in the 5th c. BC, and whose very first paragraphs record the gang-bang by Phoenician sailors of the free ‘feminist’ women of Argos – thus, according to the Herodotusean historical record, the very first of the countless series of world wars have begun with a ... gang-bang, literally, a group rape by foolish men of a group of innocent women!

The only way this awful bi-polar human stupidity can be eliminated once and for all from the disturbed human psyche and sexualized Freudian mindset is by creating a focus on a deeper perspectival third-dimension ; the child-and-its-welfare.

Both genders must focus all life-force on tending a healthy child, literally and metaphorically, in a healthy geophysical and social environment – it can become the measuring stick and guideline for all ethical human behaviour and action, individually, on the micro-, and politically on the macro-levels.

Marriage throughout history and in all cultures is played out as a power-game for the benefit of the adults in the game – Divorce in the West consequently, has been riddled with adult partners’ power-obsessive narcissism – their children as mere inconvenient extensions of their egos. In Britain, child-welfare is a byword for corrupt legal practices, and serving equally as political football for governmental publicity stunts.

A new categorical imperative in the style of Emmanuel Kant, one of the great thinkers of all time, in my proposed new paradigm would be – Do nothing that will shame your children, and you in their eyes - Adopting this as the cornerstone of all social and couple relations – it may reduce Divorce, one of the great Western social ills hitherto based on parental narcissism and gratification rather than the needs of child-welfare. And Hollywood film-industry shall produce less public nudity, if actors considered the shame of their children felt at their parental pornographic exposure.

Thou shalt not do anything that harms a child – which ensures that paedophilia for example, never takes hold of society – there are serious high-powered post-modern attempts in Anglo-America to render it acceptable ... And the British American Tobacco (BAT) company would be stopped immediately from the crime of selling tobacco to African children!

Thou shalt not kill children, or their mothers, can serve as grounds for all wars all over the world to be stopped – a good reason to dismantle globally the military-industrial complexes, against the inhuman dangers of which President Eisenhower first of all so wisely warned the American nation back in the 1950’s. A very simple undeniable post-modern historical fact is that America is armed to its teeth and ... toes with thousands of nuclear bombs - it simply does not need more of any ordenance! You need not waste a cent more on further armaments - instead, release all those trillions onto societal health and well-being!!! According to the Bible, Peacemakers are the children of God – I can never understand how and why an American Christian can ever be a warmonger.

Child-welfare must force the realization of Mrs Clinton’s humanitarian policies of universal health-insurance for the people of America – the first and only one of its kind (overdue) in American History. And according to the new paradigm I am proposing, Thou shalt not kill children and their mothers, now add to it – and their fathers, and grandparents – We all are the children of God!

And now to the ultimate problem of all global problems – Climate Change, which is a deceptive turn of phrase to camouflage the horrendous evil truth of destroying the very Oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere we need to breathe second-by-second ... Never mind polar ice-caps melting, oceans rising, we are (like the foolish individuals who smoke cigarettes on the micro-level) as nations destroying on the macro-level by-the-second the very Oxygen we need to survive and live by! Such destruction is evidence of sheer human cultural stupidity – dumping each year 7 billion tonnes of pollutants in the atmosphere of this sweet little child-planet.

Even the Nobel-prize winning Mr. Al Gore won’t dare speak the truth – the global car and aviation industries are satanic evils that need be controlled, transformed and absolutely rationalized, not-expanded. There can be no stupid glee and Big Business hand-rubbing in the lunatic economic predictions that China shall be helped to have ... 900 million cars in the next decade.

Hitherto, the planet Earth was conceived as a ‘mature woman’ – Mother Earth/ Mother Nature – and messed about, abused and finally ‘proudly’ raped by the Macho-male-warmonger-idiot. At the odd occasion in history when a Woman had acquired such power – Queen Elizabeth the First of Britain, and Catherine the Great of Russia – they have strangely morphed into the macho-male paradigm – with Ms Madeleine Albright, the elder Bushite lacking any female nurturing instincts, declaring infamously to the world that the death of half a million Iraqi ... children is a price worth paying for the discomfiture of one male idiot – the banana-tyrant Saddam Hussein, ex CIA operative and ordained murderer of Abdul Karim Kassem, his predecessor.

If one conceives of this planet – a grain of dust in the vastness of the universe – as yet another little child of the great Creator – then the politicians must do EVERYTHING to save it from the violent stupidities of bi-gender power-obsessed politics, as my noble wife Clarice puts it, “child-planet is precious, in need of care and protection, like all children”.

All for child-welfare – and Child-welfare for all should be the hub of the new neural network out of which the new mindset of the future mankind can and must be wired before we destroy ourselves through sheer stupidity – narcissistic greed and waste of our planet’s resources.

Only thus, dear ... President Obama, and Vice-President Clinton, can you change America, and the rest of the world, into a new order and Pax Americana, not by genocidal warmongering all over the world that is reducing day-by-day the very Oxygen we need to breathe merely to live as God’s little children!

Yours truly

Professor Hovhanness Israel Pilikian.

8th July 2008.

P.S. Please forgive me for the awkward lay-out, as I do not know enough computers to have done a better job ...

Freedom is Golden

Silentboom — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:21:29 EDT

Freedom is Golden

As the Olympics wind down, I am amazed at how things change every four years. Many Americans were glued to their televisions to watch the excitement from Beijing, and also heard announcers wax nostalgic with memories of times when the Soviet Union was the USA's biggest competitor for Olympic gold. There was a time when it was unthinkable that a government as powerful as that of the Soviet Union's could possibly crumble, yet crumble it did. The irony is that the strength of the Soviet government was also its weakness, as no country, no economic system can remain strong under the crushing burden that is central planning.

Central Planning is sold to a hopeful people as a way to solve societal problems, to right wrongs, and bring about perfect justice and equality. Central Planning promises you everything you are entitled to. As a bonus, goods and services produced by others are added to the list of commodities that everyone has a "right" to. Suddenly everyone is entitled to healthcare, housing, education, food, et cetera. It might sound nice that the state will magically provide all these wonderful things, but these rosy promises mask a dehumanizing, ugly reality. The other side of these entitlements is that now the doctor, the builder, the teacher, the farmer are slaves to the all-powerful state. No longer do they serve patients, students, or customers. They work in complete obedience to the state, their only customer.

Central planning will tell you that you are entitled to many things. Liberty tells you that you are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; to whatever you earn, and nothing that you don't. While it may seem harsh to some, we must look to basic economic truths and to history to see which model is cruel and which model is kind.

The truth is that central planning cannot provide for economic success like freedom can. Central planning makes promises it cannot possibly keep. We live in a world of unlimited wants and limited resources. If you put a massive and powerful government in charge of distributing those resources, it is not a surprise that government and those in bed with government are first in line for those resources. The poor and the middle class – the most hopeful and trusting – are hurt the most, as the state always underestimates their needs and overestimates their ability to pay taxes and absorb inflation.

The Soviet Union's collapse is a dramatic example of the failure of central planning. Americans celebrated this collapse, not only because it meant less competition for Olympic gold, but it provided hope that with the end of the Cold War, our policy makers could drastically reduce overseas commitments and out of control military budgets. Most especially, we celebrated because with the collapse of Soviet communism it was apparent that liberty, not central planning, is stronger. Freedom empowers the individual. Central planning dehumanizes the masses. There may always be a struggle for power and government, but for this reason, freedom will always win out in the end. And as we celebrate the accomplishments of our individual athletes in Beijing this year, we must continue to go for the gold here at home, and keep the flames of liberty burning bright.

Congressman Ron Paul

http://www.house.gov/htbin/blog_inc?BLOG,tx14_paul,blog,999,All,Item%20not%20found,ID=080825_2350,TEMPLATE=postingdetail.shtml

Re: Israel's Great Multi-racial, Multi culture, Cosmopolitan society

Natalia from Acampo, CA — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:59:06 EDT

Re: Israel's Great Multi-racial, Multi culture, Cosmopolitan society

... Next, Harrison looks at definitions of fascism. The phenomenon is not confined to the political Right, since the USSR was as fascist as the Third Reich. Nor is it absent in the Third World. The inability to distinguish between people and their leaders is a fallacy often made by patronising Western intellectuals. As for the [racist Arabs'] accusation that Israel is a "racist, apartheid" state, the author argues that it is instead a nearly textbook example of a multicultural society. There are Black Israelis and Arab Jews and anyone can convert to Judaism. In Israel the holy places and right to worship of all religions are respected, which is not the case over vast areas of the planet.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Resurgence-Anti-semitism-Liberal-Opinion-Philosophy/dp/0742552276

-------

ISRAEL'S NEXT TOP MODEL (you can't get more multi racial, more multi color than that)

This year (2006) marked the second season of the reality tv competition searching for Israel’s Next Top Model (the show is a knock off of Tyra Bank’s program “America’s Next Top Model”). The three finalists are depicted in this picture. All are Israeli young women. Two are Jewish, one is Muslim. Kristine, the blond model was born in Russia. Mimi, the black model was born in Ethiopia.
Her family belongs to the group of courageous Ethiopian Jews who braved starvation, exposure to the elements, wild animals, brutal marauders and exhaustion to escape Ethiopia by WALKING to the Holy Land. Niral, the brown haired beauty on the left, was born in Israel to a Muslim-Israeli family.
Niral won the competition and is now , Israel’s Next Top Model.

See more at: Israel the GEM!

YES, BIDEN!!!

Rosewalker — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:55:31 EDT

Hello all,

NOW THIS IS A DREAM TEAM!! :)

I am so incredibly happy that Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden that I had to share my feelings with all of you!! I know many of you feel the same -- I hope you all do, but I know some of you may not be as familiar with his history of service in the Senate, or at least have not seen him over the course of his career as he's fought for "the little guy" time after time, pushing for fairer minimum wage, veteran's benefits, and a host of other issues that we all support.

I think Barack has made a GREAT choice for VP and I know this same sentiment is being echoed again and again on here today!!

CAN YOU FEEL THE WIND OF CHANGE BLOWING?? CAN YOU HEAR IT??

TODAY, IT SOUNDS LIKE A HUNDRED FREIGHT TRAINS HEADING STRAIGHT FOR THE WHITE HOUSE, CARRYING THE HOPES AND DREAMS FOR A UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; A COUNTRY ONCE AGAIN SOLIDLY RESTING ON OUR CONSTITUTION AND THE FREEDOMS IT GUARANTEES.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's work to make it happen!!

In the Month of August

Sheri Bailey — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:02:50 EDT

August 21, 1831 an enslaved man named Nat Turner marched into history when he led an insurrection that resulted in the violent deaths of almost 60 white men, women and children who were residents of Southampton County, Virginia. Nat Turner was called "the Prophet". Unlike most other Blacks he could read. No one knows how he learned to read but from the age of four he could and he traveled from plantation to plantation sharing his visions which called to him to lead his people out of enslavement. One hundred and seventy-seven years after Nat Turner served as a general leading an army into a battle in the War Against Slavery his legacy is one of a madman who rates brief mention in American History books because his was the first slave uprising in North America that resulted in the deaths of whites. The physical history connected to Nat Turner is mostly being allowed to disintegrate and eventually it will be gone or controlled by those who are biased against the truth of what Nat Turner represents. And what he represents is the fact that unjust and oppressive laws can never suppress the human pursuit of freedom and happiness. In 2015 the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War will be observed across America. The Nat Turner Insurrection was the first unofficial battle of the Civil War; John Brown's 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry was the second battle with the official war fought from 1861 - 1865. The significance of what started on August 21, 1831 must be acknowledged so that we can take from the past what we need to move into a better future.

August 28, 1963 over 200,000 people marched on the nation's capitol demanding jobs and equality. One hundred years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation a young Baptist minister named Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke about his dream of living in a country that would not judge a person by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. August 28, 2008, forty-five years later to the day Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination to be President of the United States and he will have earned this honor because of the content of his character along with his ability to inspire the weak to try harder and the strong to share more.

In the month of August an enslaved man with no resources and a small band of followers threw down the gauntlet and challenged an immoral slave system. In the month of August a Baptist minister gave voice to the Modern Civil Rights Movement, picked up an olive branch and challenged America to live up to its founding principles. In the month of August Barack Obama will become the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States. He will do so with a vision tempered not with what is wrong with our nation, but with what is good and a plan on how we can all come to together to improve on access to the American Dream for all.

Peace in the Vision of a Nu World,

Arguments Against a War in Iraq

Silentboom — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:32:01 EDT

Congressman Ron Paul
U.S. House of Representatives
September 4, 2002

Arguments Against a War in Iraq

Mr. Speaker;

I rise to urge the Congress to think twice before thrusting this nation into a war without merit- one fraught with the danger of escalating into something no American will be pleased with.

Thomas Jefferson once said: "Never was so much false arithmetic employed on any subject as that which has been employed to persuade nations that it is in their interests to go to war."

We have for months now heard plenty of false arithmetic and lame excuses for why we must pursue a preemptive war of aggression against an impoverished third world nation 6000 miles from our shores that doesn’t even possess a navy or air force, on the pretense that it must be done for national security reasons.

For some reason such an attack makes me feel much less secure, while our country is made more vulnerable.

Congress must consider the fact that those with military experience advocate a "go slow" policy, while those without military experience are the ones demanding this war.

We cannot ignore the fact that all of Iraq’s neighbors oppose this attack, and our European allies object as well.

If the military and diplomatic reasons for a policy of restraint make no sense to those who want a war, I advise they consider the $100 billion cost that will surely compound our serious budget and economic problems we face here at home. We need no more false arithmetic on our budget or false reasons for pursuing this new adventure into preemptive war and worldwide nation-building.

Mr. Speaker, allow me to offer another quote from Jefferson. Jefferson said: "No country perhaps was ever so thoroughly against war as ours. These dispositions pervade every description of its citizens, whether in or out of office. We love and we value peace, we know its blessings from experience."

We need this sentiment renewed in this Congress in order to avoid a needless war that offers us nothing but trouble. Congress must deal with this serious matter of whether or not we go to war. I believe it would be a mistake with the information that is available to us today. I do not see any reason whatsoever to take young men and young women and send them 6,000 miles to attack a country that has not committed any aggression against this country. Many American now share my belief that it would be a serious mistake.

First, there is a practical reason to oppose a war in Iraq. Our military now has been weakened over the last decade, and when we go into Iraq we will clearly dilute our ability to defend our country. We do not enhance our national defense by initiating this war. Besides, it is impractical because of unintended consequences which none of us know about. We do not know exactly how long this will last. It could be a six-day war, a six-month war, or six years or even longer.

There is a military reason for not going to war. We ought to listen to the generals and other military experts, including Colin Powell, Brent Scowcroft, Anthony Zinni, and Norman Schwarzkopf, who are now advising us NOT to go to war. Some have even cautioned against the possibility of starting World War III. They understand that our troops have been spread too thin around the world, and it is dangerous from a purely military standpoint to go to war today.

There is a constitutional argument and a constitutional mistake that could be made. If we once again go to war, as we have done on so many occasions since World War II, without a clear declaration of war by Congress, we blatantly violate the Constitution. I fear we will once again go to war in a haphazard way, by executive order, or even by begging permission from the rotten, anti-American United Nations. This haphazard approach, combined with a lack of clearly defined goal for victory, makes it almost inevitable that true victory will not come. So we should look at this from a constitutional perspective. Congress should assume its responsibility, because war is declared by Congress, not by a President and not by a U.N.

This is a very important matter, and I am delighted to hear that there will be congressional hearings and discussion. I certainly believe we should have a balanced approach. We have already had some hearings in the other body, where we heard only one side of the issue. If we want to have real hearings, we should have a debate and hear evidence on both sides, rather than just hearing pro-war interests arguing for war.

There are even good political reasons for not initiating this conflict. War is not popular. It may seem popular in the short run, when there appears to be an immediate victory and everyone is gloating, but war is not popular. People get killed, and body bags end up coming back. War is very unpopular, and it is not the politically smart thing to do.

There are economic reasons to avoid this war. We can do serious damage to our economy. It is estimated that this venture into Iraq may well cost over a hundred billion dollars. Our national debt right now is increasing at a rate of over $450 billion yearly, and we are talking about spending another hundred billion dollars on an adventure when we do not know what the outcome will be and how long it will last? What will happen to oil prices? What will happen to the recession that we are in? What will happen to the deficit? We must expect all kinds of economic ramifications.

There are countless diplomatic reasons for not going. All the Arab nations near Iraq object to and do not endorse our plans, and none of our European allies are anxious for this to happen. So diplomatically we make a serious mistake by doing this. I hope we have second thoughts and are very cautious in what we do.

There are philosophical reasons for those who believe in limited government to oppose this war. "War is the health of the state," as the saying goes. War necessarily means more power is given to the state. This additional power always results in a loss of liberty. Many of the worst government programs of the 20th century began during wartime "emergencies" and were never abolished. War and big government go hand in hand, but we should be striving for peace and freedom.

Finally, there is a compelling moral argument against war in Iraq. Military force is justified only in self-defense; naked aggression is the province of dictators and rogue states. This is the danger of a new "preemptive first strike" doctrine. America is the most moral nation on earth, founded on moral principles, and we must apply moral principles when deciding to use military force.

Please let me marry the one I love!

Seeking Equality - That's it. — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:44:13 EDT

I am a gay American. I have known that I was gay since I was around 10 years old. I grew up hiding who I was until I turned 31. It was a life of deceiving myself and the one's I love.

As an American, I've been told all my life that I live in the Land of the Free; a place where all men are created equal. Yet, each day I'm reminded that I am not free to openly express my love for the person I want to share my life with. I am also not equal; I do not have the same rights and privileges as those around me. I am not asking for anything special, just the freedom to marry the person I have loved for the past 9 years and the equality to create a home, a family, and a life with all the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else.

Our country has matured over the years in our free rights movements. We've realized that a man and woman should be able to love one another no matter what the color of their skin is, but the love of a man for a man or a woman for a woman is denied by the government in a majority of the 50 states. Currently, California and Massachusetts are the only two states that offer the right to legally marry. New York recognizes marriages from other states, and Massachusetts also performs weddings for those from New Mexico and Rhode Island as those two states do not prohibit it.

I truly believe the United States is the greatest country on the face of this Earth. It saddens me though, that countries like Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and Spain all allow two people that are in love, but happen to be of the same sex to legal marry in the eyes of the government and in the eyes of God, but our great country does not. Additionally, 15 other countries, including Croatia, Mexico and the United Kingdom, allow same sex partnerships or unions.

My partner and I held a commitment ceremony, in our Church, with the help of our Pastor, under the eyes of God; to the amazement of some, there were no lightning bolts and the Church did not explode. God loves me. He always has and He always will.

All I want to do is have the same rights as a man and woman who get married. I want to be able to have a home in mine and my partners name without one of us having to purchase renters insurance. I want to be able to know that if something happens to one of us, that the other will not have to be penalized or jump through hoops to maintain everything we worked for together. I want an opportunity to adopt a child and raise him in a house filled with love, encouragement, and faith.

I hope that Mr. Obama can take a stand and make a real change. When he was born, his parents would not have been able to legally marry in several states; that wrong has been corrected. It now needs to be corrected for those of us who still are a footnote to the belief that all are created equal.

I implore you Mr. Obama to take a stand for true freedom; for equal rights for everyone. Most times it is not easy to do the right thing, but that doesn't make it any less right.

The Failed War on Drugs (The War on Personal Freedom)

Joseph Atkin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:21:26 EDT

I come from a deeply rooted American family. I am a direct descendant of William Williams, the delegate from Connecticut who was one of the signers of the Declaration of independence, and also the son-in-law of John Trumbull, George Washington's right-hand-man. As such, I am raised with complete awareness of our Civil Rights as a citizen of the United States. That being said, I would like to bring up America's Failed War on Drugs. I believe a comedian by the name of Bill Hicks said it right: "It is not a War on Drugs, it is a War on Personal Freedom."

Energy Policy, Timely Action, and our Core Values are Pivotal to America’s Future

Dr. Jeffrey Kargel — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:13:18 EDT

Every period of history has written its own future; that’s the nature of the Universe. One moment conditions and strides into the next. That’s obvious. However, there are relatively stable times when likely future paths are more predictable or more controllable and less prone to deleterious derailments than other times. This is not one of those stable times. It’s not stable economically, politically, or environmentally. There are times so precarious, due partly to careless human management of affairs on our planet and partly just because of physics and geology, that decisions or events pushed one way would create a totally different future than decisions or events pushed another way. Precarious times make fertile grounds for revolutions. Think about the time of the World War II years and the development of the Cold War. Or the American Revolution and the Bolshevik Revolution. The question during such revolutionary times is always which way to go? Whose revolution will it be? Whose strength will become dominant and whose world order will prevail over the others? Whose ideals will become embedded in society and institutions of the future? And now we ask, whoever comes to dominate the new order, will logic and respect prevail, or will one disaster presage the next in a cascading sequence of traumas delivered to everybody and everything on the globe? Or will this century be much less about domination and much more about sound persuasion and allowance for being different?

Will China replace America as the pre-eminent economic and military power, and if so, what path will they take in their superpower management of our planet, including the global environment and America’s and the democratic free world’s economies and political institution? Will Russia’s relations with the West take a turn back to the Cold War? Will neglect of real issues in the Islamic World press them to take increasingly militant stances, including support for al Qaeda, and will our continuing response render democracy and freedom something of the past? Will increasing American dependence on foreign petroleum spur opposition to America and the democratic free world by China, Russia, and al Qaeda all in the same generation? Surely we cannot struggle against all three at once. Fortunately, the possibility exists that we might need not struggle against any one of them, if we and they are wise. If I wax too optimistic about this, at least we can avoid a global free-for-all. We can avoid it, but will we? Will we destroy ourselves and all the ideals America has grown to represent by trying vainly to tackle foreign adversaries in short-sighted and ineffective ways? Will uncontrolled fear drive America and the democratic free world to embrace step-wise lowering of our standards of freedom and technological encroachments on our privacy, such that eventually individuals and unsanctioned groups have no standing with increasingly totalitarian-minded governments? Will we do to ourselves what no totalitarian ideology has been able to achieve?

The threats are not only about human relations. Will growth in global burning of fossil fuels bring on climatic shifts so profound that the major economies and powers of the world collapse under the burdens and damages wrought by this generation’s decisions? Will climate change or depletion of nonrenewable resources be foremost in wringing failure from civilization’s technological success?

The decisions and paths taken over the next few years will substantially determine our American path and the global future. These times are as serious and globally consequential as any time in history, for better or worse.

I ask some serious questions, as though there may be a dire fate we are thrusting ourselves into. However, I am optimistic that America will reassert itself as a positive force in the world; reassert its insistence that all men and women are created equal and embody the individual and collective pursuit of happiness; reassert itself through the power of knowledge, logic, and compassion as well as through steadfast opposition to ideologies—foreign-born and domestic-- that would overturn a millennium of human progress in well being and civic freedom. I am optimistic that if we try to be better as a people, work even harder than ever, keep and reinforce our core values when devaluation threatens, then we will be as successful as geology and physics and logic can make us. I believe--not in some blind-follows-the-blind way, but in a "trust but verify" type of way-- that Barack Obama has the ideas, the advisors, the good sense, and the boldness that will be needed to take us where we must go. I am optimistic about America and about our world.

True Religious Freedom

David from El Dorado Hills, CA — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:27:35 EDT

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. There are some like Bush/McCain and some Christians who say they believe in religious freedom, and may be sincere, but what they are really promoting is their freedom to live according to their personal religious morals(which is consistent) and their freedom to use our constitutionally secular government to force their citizen neighbor to also conform to their personal religious morals (this is inconsistent with true religious freedom)! The fruits of this false religious freedom, millions of religious and non-religious citizens potentially repressed and forced to convert and/or conform to a self-righteous groups personal moral doctrines or be put in prison, are proof of its error. Bush/McCain have chosen to follow the example of the Islamic terrorists by declaring that “you are either for us or for the enemy!” Yahshua ha Mashiach, Jesus the Christ, experienced the results of this thinking and predicted that others in the future would too. John 16:2 ……. yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. Barack believes in true religious freedom as our founding fathers envisioned and God inspired. The constitution prevents the government from selecting a religious group and its associated personal religious morals and making them the law of the land. The fruits of promoting this God inspired wisdom are not anarchy but maximum personal freedom which leads to true peace and a mutual respect for diversity with social accountability and responsibility.

May God continue to bless the U.S. of A. by allowing Barack Obama or Ron Paul to be President of the U.S. of A.!

DNC Ground Zero

lplzydeco — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:12:11 EDT

8/17/08 - Just over a week to go... till the Party's party begins.

I'm taking the week of the DNC off from work in order to partake, but now that it's almost here, I'm not sure I want to. I was excited. I've been volunteering, registering voters, canvassing, making calls, etc. I applied for "Community Credentials" on the first day, but, I got the dreaded "you've been wait-listed" email and now all I feel is disappointment.

I'm watching what the cops and the City have planned for "crowd control" and wonder where the F our freedoms have gone? Freedom Cages? Speech Zones? I sent $25 to the People's Law Project, which will be providing legal support for protesters and dissenters. It's not much but it's what I could afford right now.

I see what this Administration's policies have done to this country and wonder and worry if there is even anything left to save? We are bleeding blood and money all over Iraq. We've lost so many jobs, over 700,000 this year alone. We have people losing their homes to foreclosure. We have people who can't afford medical care, can't declare bankruptcy, and as a result are losing their homes.

Actually, now that I mention it... I think Barack's healthcare proposal needs a review because I don't think it goes far enough. The statement "Americans deserve affordable healthcare" is a non sequitur to me. We need to rip apart our healthcare system and take out the profit PERIOD! Our GNP should not go up when someone gets a terminal illness. We should emulate the healthcare programs of Europe (excluding the UK, which was tainted by Conservative Margaret Thatcher). France, by the way, has the #1 healthcare system in the world!

I see what is going on in the Republic of Georgia and Russia, Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, Palestine and Israel... a total wet dream for the F-ing neocons and a horror for anyone with sense. I'm sure Grampa McSame and his lobbyist, Randy Scheunemann, had something to do with Georgia's attack on South Ossetia. Why was Condoleezza Rice there to discuss NATO the 2nd week of July? What else was "discussed"? If it is found that they had something to do with bringing us to brink of MAD again, they should be tried for treason! For fomenting another war.

I contemplate the genocides, rapes, slavery, and kidnappings in so many African countries, it is hard to keep them all straight and it makes my heart hurt. So many examples of human inhumanity in the world.

Unfortunately, all I have are questions and absolutely NO answers. I hope Barack has some.