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Snatched
by Angry Annie
| Feb. 2, 2008 |
In fourth debate sponsored by coal industry group,
still not one question about global warming
Way back when, when Presidential debates were run by the League of Women Voters, the questions were real questions and the debates weren't obvious shams. And of course, that's why the debates were snatched from the League of Women Voters, to be turned into blathery fluff-fests...
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Angry Annie
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Think twice
South Korean court gives Lone Star head 5 years for stock fraud
If we did this here they might think twice.
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In America, someone guilty of massive stock fraud would probably be appointed to head the SEC.
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Helen & Harry
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Cold, unfeeling, mean-spirited, greedy
MySpace helps hackers kill site for atheists and agnostics| |
Excerpt: MySpace deleted the 35,000-member "Atheist and Agnostic Group" on Jan. 1, a little more than a month after hackers broke in and renamed the group's site "Jesus Is Love," Bryan Pesta said Wednesday.
MySpace has ignored repeated requests to restore the group's site, including an online petition with more than 500 signatures, said Pesta, who was the group's moderator.
"These actions send a clear message to the 30 million godless people in America that we are not welcome on MySpace," Pesta said.
A MySpace spokeswoman did not return calls seeking comment. |
Which just goes to prove what insecure, egocentric assholes "Christians" are. About what I would expect from them.
*** *** ***
West gives false "democracies" a pass| |
Excerpt: Western governments, eager to pursue their political or economic interests, too often reward self-proclaimed and flawed "democracies" that clearly abuse the political and civil rights of their citizens, according to the latest edition of Human Rights Watch's annual "World Report" released here Thursday.
The mere holding of elections does not make a state democratic, according to the report. Yet both the United States and the European Union (EU) have used such exercises to justify aid and closer ties to friendly or potentially useful governments, according to the report.
"It seems Washington and European governments will accept even the most dubious election so long as the 'victor' is a strategic or commercial ally," said HRW director Kenneth Roth, author of the report's introduction. |
Hummm...maybe it's because we are a "flawed democracy that clearly abuses the political and civil rights of it's citizens". You know "Birds of a feather..."
*** *** ***
Will foreclosures spark an arson boom?| |
Excerpt: With the national foreclosure rate zooming and the real estate market in a two-year funk, the insurance industry fears more homeowners will see arson as a way out of their financial woes. A recent report by the industry-funded Coalition Against Insurance Fraud notes that with "untold thousands of homeowners struggling with ballooning subprime mortgage payments, fraud fighters are watching closely for a spike in arsons by desperate homeowners who can no longer afford their home payments." |
When homeowners just walk away...| |
Excerpt: From the Wachovia conference call: 'Part of one of the challenges is, and we've mentioned this before, a lot of this current losses have been coming out of California and it's -- they've been from people that have otherwise had the capacity to pay, but have basically just decided not to because they feel like they've lost equity, value in their properties, and so in a way, we may have -- it's hard to know right now, but we may have seen somewhat of an acceleration problem loans as people have reached that conclusion and we're just going to have to see how the patterns unfold here.' |
Both of these articles portray people who do this as "deadbeats" or worse. Nether one really takes into account what other reasons may be involved. Walking away from an investment this large, with the future economic consequences, would not be something that the majority of people would take lightly. There would have to also be a feeling or belief that -A- they have absolutely no recourse and -B- that the mortgage company is, for lack of a better term, "bad guy". In other words a lot of negative feelings. Enough to justify these actions.
Besides the current problem of the "sub prime" lending, I think that the banking and lending institutions also need to take a long hard look at how the public perceives them and why it is so obviously negative. Like a very, very cold, unfeeling, mean-spirited, greedy villain from the silent movies.
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On MySpace, the moral of the story is: When your free speech is in the hands of a giant corporation, you can be silenced at any moment.
On the bad perception of the banking and lending industries, I'll just say, I think of myself as an honest person -- I'd never steal from a human being, or I'd do everything I could to avoid faltering on a debt. But we declared bankruptcy in 2006, and believe me, I feel no sliver of shame. It's not at all like defaulting on a debt to a human being. Quite the contrary, I feel terrific about our bankruptcy -- it makes me smile to remember that, just once, we had a chance to stick it to the bastards, and we did.
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Helen & Harry
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Heathens like me
What a crock...
'God's Basic Training' Web Site Down| |
Excerpt: A Fort Jackson, S.C.-area minister whose Web site boasted photographs of trainees holding up Bibles and rifles at a "God's Basic Training" Bible study class has taken down the site at the Army's request. |
In a war zone I can see the carrying of weapons everywhere -- but in South Carolina? But then some Christian nutcases consider every place a war zone for their proselytism. But, again, then I guess all those "Christian Soldiers" in South Carolina need to have their weapons at the ready to defend their "God" against heathens like me.
*** *** ***
The horse is gone ...
Report uncovers Parson Corp.’s failures in Iraq| |
Excerpt: Reports issued this week by a government watchdog continue to fault the largest American construction firm in Iraq for project failures, but also gave hope that oil revenue could help the reconstruction process. |
LOL!!! How often have we heard this?
*** *** ***
So...
Editorial: Betrayal of Afghanistan| |
Excerpt: Three reports issued this week highlight the ways in which the outside world is failing the Afghan people and predict that if the international community does not improve its performance, Afghanistan will tumble back into dissent and chaos and the forces of bigotry will once again seize control. |
That happens when it isn't the Bush's central war on terror.
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Wig
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9/11 Commission report based on torture
9/11 Commission controversy| |
Excerpt: The analysis shows that much of what was reported about the planning and execution of the terror attacks on New York and Washington was derived from the interrogations of high-ranking al-Qaida operatives. Each had been subjected to "enhanced interrogation techniques." Some were even subjected to waterboarding, the most controversial of the techniques, which simulates drowning. |
Now we know why the 9/11 Commission report is so -- ah -- tortured.
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This is, I believe, news worth reporting, so why is it hidden in such an obscure corner of NBC's news site, and under such an innocuous headline? "9/11 Commission controversy"? How about, "Key 'facts' of 9/11 investigation were obtained through torture"?
I grow weary, SirJ, sometimes so weary I can hardly lift my dukes to keep up the fight.
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Helen & Harry
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Thought cartoon
by Herb Ruhs, MD
| Feb. 2, 2008 |
A small Uncle Sam in a Superman cape stands at the head of the stairs with a stern look holding a smoking gun. Figure lays awkwardly on stairs with crosses for eyes and blood streaming down the stairs. Parent figures wearing sweaters emblazoned with World Opinion stand at the bottom of the stairs in shocked disbelief. Balloon over the small Uncle Sam says, "I'm a Super Power and I don't have to go to bed until I want to."
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Herb Ruhs, MD
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What worries Republicans
Republican Senator gets worked up about destruction
of videotapes ... in New England Patriots spying
Arlen Specter has been an embarrassment to America since Kennedy's assassination, a 45-year record of bumbling ineptitude and criminal malfeasance...
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Erica
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Dialogue for
Friday, Feb. 1, 2008
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Cops out of control
by Multiplific
| Feb. 1, 2008 |
Epidemic of police brutality & harassment sweeps America & UK
Surprisingly, I was aware of almost every incident. They have videos though, which ought to be delicious, like donuts!
Mmmmmm. Donuts!!!
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Multiplific
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Little boxes
by Mr. Chuckles
| Feb. 1, 2008 |
Re GM Execs: How can we destroy our company, again?
Ooops, the Hondas in the commercial were not hybrids I think, but the company as a whole has a reputation for high MPG vehicles, which really is not deserved -- unless you count the motorcycles. Every year the Honda Accord gets bigger and bigger! Those old Civics were tiny little boxes, but no more.
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I remember the little tiny Civics, when they first started selling four-wheelers in America with a car so small fat people couldn't fit inside, and those tiny porthole back windows...
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Helen & Harry
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If you aren't with us
by Herb Ruhs, MD
| Feb. 1, 2008 |
After loosing battle after battle in a never ending Class War, maybe the answer is shift to a War Against Classes.
* * *
People should consider looking at a new web site called Full Frontal Scrutiny.
"Full Frontal Scrutiny is a joint venture between Consumer Reports WebWatch and the Center for Media and Democracy, two non-profit organizations whose mission includes consumer education using investigative reporting. This Web site seeks to expose front groups, which are organizations that state a particular agenda, while hiding or obscuring their identity, membership or sponsorship, or all three."
Go to frontgroups.org/ and see the wolves shorn of their wool.
* * *
Recent Congressional history cannot be understood without reference to the assassination of Paul Wellstone and the deaths of his wife, child and friends along with him. The gauntlet was laid down. If you aren't with us you, and your family can die.
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The possibility can't be dismissed, and won't be investigated...
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Helen & Harry
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Never give in to hopelessness
Re Hunger for deep change
Well spoken. But we do owe you. People like me have been hiding out, keeping our voice low. People like you and Harry have had the courage to put yourselves out there.
A positive outlook is vital if one wishes to capture the attention of the people. For all the glory of science, humans are illogical. These illogical humans are who we have to live around.
Never get locked into us vs them. It is only we. Emotions are a huge unknown, and the key to dealing with illogical humans. In fact, this is the ONE thing that is at the root of most of the worlds problems. Emotionally we must go through the crucible and then the anvil. Magic may be a load of manure, but psychologically it is among the greatest tools. It's a jungle in here, and one needs real power and real allies. Emotionally the world hungers for real leadership.
I'm afraid some of us are just a lost cause when it comes to atheism and the scientific outlook. We come out of meditation and know that science has not answered it all yet. We know that this has been a battle between Christian dogma and Atheistic dogma. In a place that neither of these dares tread, we find the greatest clarity and power.
After growing up with a bomb-shelter building father who was sure the Ruskies were going to attack in the 80's, I will never give in to hopelessness again. Win or lose, it is what we hold in our consciousness that dictates who we are. The world is tired of conservatives. Their way leads only to defeat. They give us no hope, only fear. People are tired of hopelessness and wars that can not be won. Bush was so bad the he actually woke up some of the republicans. When he is gone some of these other brainwashed people will allow themselves to start to think. And they locked themselves into denying global warming. Oops!
And like I said, it is about creative intelligence. This is a documented thing. And no-one was more creative than those "damn hippies" and the way they raised us to be creative and think outside the box (squares). But we won't drop out, we will drop in.
I'm developing QUACK Theory (Quantum Underlying Analogous Cosmic Kinesthetics). It is partially a joke, but it "states" that gravity is the 1st dimension acting on a wave plane that is the 2nd dimension and creating a 3rd. Gravity works like elasticity, its very nature snaps back towards 1d space, carrying the wave/particle "boat" it has induced along with it. As waves expand outward, gravity contracts inwards from the area of effect. Gravitic Induction Field. When you stare into a black hole, you are looking at a rift to 1st dimensional space. A black hole unties the 1d and 2d realities. 1d created the - pole and 2d the + pole. Particle/wave duality is a gravity well induced by 1d space and then acted on by that same 1d space. The universe is mostly flat because it was a 2d wave plane to start out with. There is no absolute infinity in our universe, only relative infinity. Zero is the opposite of infinity, and neither are numbers. Aspiring sci-fi authors can really be a pain in the arse, cant we? But saying that we have proven dark energy exists because of the gravity effect is a little out on a limb itself.
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I'm a little under the weather this evening... not under enough to bother worrying, but too under for an extended chat. And even at my best, when the topic turns to quantum anything my mind starts circling the drain.
I will say, I admire and envy your optimism, and need it too once in a while. And I really think you've hit the nail on the head boiling it all down to a battle between Christian dogma and Atheistic dogma. Too many people are too attached to their dogmas on both sides of that equation. I tend toward atheism but I've always been a live and let liver, an outlook sadly rendered null and void by the theocratic nutzoids.
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Helen & Harry
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Heart and guts
Question of the day: Can we beat McCain?| |
Excerpt: Back to business: most people believe McCain would be the toughest of the potential GOP candidates to beat in November, if for no other reason than the press worships the very ground he walks on (while they hate Hillary Clinton with a passion). Given that he’ll be working with that kind of an advantage, can we take him? |
I would say yes... if they use an old strategy... one that worked very well in a previous election, LBJ vs Barry Goldwater, where Goldwater was painted as a "hot head" that would get us into a nuclear war if he was elected. Worked very well. I remember one of the things that was said about Goldwater's campaign. "In your heart you know he's right. In your guts you know he's nuts."
* * *
Re Where am I?
You are what is know as an Independent. Someone who actually thinks. An obscure branch on the political tree but full of surprises. Unfortunately this particular group is rapidly becoming extinct and may disappear altogether in the next eight years or so. Their political habitat being ravage by an invasive species known as the "Dodo". (No relation to the bird of the same name.)
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Chris M.
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GM Execs: How can we destroy our company, again?
by Mr. Chuckles
| Jan. 31, 2008 |
GM exec: Car prices could jump| |
Excerpt: U.S. automobile prices could rise significantly in the near future because of industry restructuring, rising raw materials and regulatory costs, General Motors' (GM) chief financial officer said Tuesday. |
This reminds me of someone... Oh yeah, Mr. Potato Head!
I am also reminded of a recent TV commercial from Honda which proudly displayed their fine line of green automobiles -- with between 22 and 29 MPG.
Back in the 70's a Honda Civic could get 55+ MPG, now it is in the 30's at best, with Hybrid technology!
Here is how things will go, in my opinion.
1) Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles from Toyota around 2010 or so. That makes gasoline optional for short haul trips, like to the store. And you can "refuel" from clean alternatives such as solar, wind, or your local electric company.
2) The auto market itself splits two different ways:| |
• Short-haul vs. Long-haul
and
• Spartan Economy vs. Roman Luxury. |
The "short-haul" market will be comprised of specialty vehicles with no gasoline engine, just batteries or a fuel-cell. They'll be designed for short day trips and nightly recharging. Because they are short haul they won't need so many luxuries, and because of the energy shortage some of them will be very lightweight -- perhaps even having room for just the driver in front and one passenger or cargo riding shot-gun behind the driver.
An add-on option for short-haul electric vehicles will be a portable recharging station -- i.e. electric generator! Yep, as an extra add-on for your battery-only vehicle you can load in an electrical generator, and it will be fueled with an optional (removable) gas/ethanol tank holding, perhaps, 5 or 10 gallons of fuel. The generators won't drive the wheels, but will charge the batteries. Another option is solar panels and solar body panels -- the car will recharge itself constantly during the daytime (that will take a bit longer...)
Long-haul vehicles will be like those today, like what the GM guy is talking about... pigs.
The Spartan vs. Roman split is the other differentiator of the future. Just as Tata Motors has a $2,500 car in India, so will there be a need for super-economy cars in the U.S. Ergo, the GM guy is pretty much wrong -- except that, yes, someone will always be willing to sell cars to Roman Emperors... like what you see in Cadillacs and limousines.
Sure. In the future I think most people will be going for economy, and whatever toys they want for the ride they will bring separately. Mostly people will just be happy to be able to afford wheels. A $10,000 car is what we need now, not more GM hogs. And we need another 55 MPG Civic!
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I don't like cars and never have (I take the bus), so I've never paid much attention to miles per gallon. Still, I remember when carmakers' ads bragged about MPG, and I remember those bragging numbers being in the mid-thirties. Decades ago. And hell, my old man had a late 1970s Buick, a huge honkin' oil tanker of a car that nobody pretended was designed with fuel economy in mind, and it got about 22 MPG.
So what happened, that now a maker of hybrid allegedly-greener-than-green vehicles "brags" about 22 to 29 MPG? How stupid and suicidal are carmakers? Seriously, how did this happen, and why?
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Shared treason
by Angry Annie
| Jan. 31, 2008 |
For determined, willful neglect of duty, Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party are essentially co-conspirators in the ongoing dismantling of the US Constitution by the increasingly tyrannical Bush administration.
Bush again asserts authority to bypass law
This is what happens when criminals are given absolute impunity, when people charged with oversight instead turn their backs.
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Angry Annie
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What 'conservative' means
by Cartoon Corpse
| Jan. 31, 2008 |
Re The Devil's Political Dictionary
These days 'conservative' means stupid and vicious goddamned xtian pretard son.
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Cartoon Corpse
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A big risk for Democrats
Why Florida has become a sideshow for the Democrats| |
Excerpt: If the Democratic race remains close and no one has a majority going into the convention in August, we could see a showdown over seating the Florida delegates -- and the Michigan delegates, too. Michigan also held an unofficial primary that Hillary Clinton won without a campaign on January 15.
Suppose Clinton needs the Florida and Michigan delegates seated to put her over the top. The Obama delegates will insist that the party enforce its rules and exclude them. Until Obama gets the nomination. Then all Democrats will be welcome to join in the celebration. |
This was a big risk for the National Democratic Party. For if Obama becomes the candidate, alienating the Democrats in Florida by not allowing them to have a say in the convention could swing them to the Republicans. Especially with a McCain/Lieberman ticket. Do not forget that there is a very large Jewish population in South Florida who would switch sides just to give the finger to the Party. I do not personally like Clinton but I also really despise Lieberman and McCain is only marginally more awake than Bush.
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The Democratic Party made its rules, announced them well in advance, and announced that there would be a penalty for breaking their rules by holding these ridiculously early primaries. If the Democratic Party has any integrity, the rules will be enforced as announced. Of course, the Democratic Party has no integrity, so I don't doubt that the rules will be changed to fit the political situation.
As for McCain, I'd have to brush up on his history to say for sure -- and I really, really don't want to have to brush up on John McCain. But my impression is that he's no more awake to reality than Bush, he simply suffers from a different set of delusions.
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Helen & Harry
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Backtracking
A US war crime:
Iraqis come back to bombed-out village, seeking care, shelter| |
Excerpt: The rubble that surrounded the crumbling schoolhouse at the center of Monday’s clinic included the remains of an Iraqi health clinic.
Like much of the town, it was destroyed late last year in fighting between al-Qaida in Iraq and troops from the Army’s 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment. |
How do we justify what has happened here? George Bush is directly responsible for us being war criminals.
* * *
'Child' detainee nears military trial
Sickening. I guess we can conclude this child was left behind. George Bush "decided".
* * *
New Stryker faring poorly in field| |
Excerpt: "You can kick down doors and risk losing our guys," Handrahan said. "Or I
can just knock down the building from a [kilometer] away and call it a day." |
The mercenary point of view.
* * *
Iraq troop reductions? Not so fast.
Huh? Do I smell a backtracking of the euphoria over the "surge"?
* * *
It's hairless, has buck teeth, doesn't feel pain
We have one in the White House.
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Everything about the "surge" is, of course, a lie. Troop reductions will be manipulated and exaggerated for political gain. And of course, a surge is a short-term increase, not something that lasts more than a year.
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Helen & Harry
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Where am I?
by Chibikiba
| Jan. 31, 2008 |
Re The Devil's Political Dictionary
Where am I? I'm poor, believe in evolution and God (none of that crazy Jesus stuff), educated a fair amount (can program basic stuff including visuals in C++ even though there is NO reason you would) and I'm relatively political (I have campaigned in may area for a couple years now).
Now that I think about it maybe I'm just confused.
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Dialogue for
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008
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Isms in all forms tainted with greed
by Kathy Fisher
| Jan. 30, 2008 |
Greed, stealing, power over others, bullying, killing. What ism makes people behave so badly toward one another? Intolerabl-ism, greed-ism, your's-is-mine-ism, I'm-better-than-you-ism, might-is-right-ism??? ... MORE ...
Under what rock?
Re Unplug from the economy
Unplug? sh... that requires having the job -- any job -- in the first place, no? Chronically unemployed/underemployed Me would love to be able to unplug but that means having the means to do so in first place! Out of work again, too long and too often. Love when they tell me how well I am doing or how they like me because I know what comes next and all the other times waiting and waiting and finally get to see someone who just actually has no involvement in actually decided if/when/who gets hired... Can't live with people and can't run down the street with machete clearing them out of my way, not without getting in trouble with people who all dress alike in blue or green who tell you to lay that weapon down. Also lots of fun meeting whole lots of people trying for same job like the other day at McD where there were 53 (including me -- I counted!) for the same openings on breakfast shift.
Then again, the economy is doing so well, they tell me. They also tell me Elvis is alive... However after 8 years Bush gets to retire and with full pension no less! Gods, what union is he in and where do I sign up?
Loved his speech, I think it was done using copy and paste in Word 2000 from all his previous ones. What wasn't plain old inaccurate was a lie and looking at all the Congresspeople slap his shoulder and thank him (for what, finally shutting up?) was amazing. Where do we find these people? Under what rock?
Maybe I should run for that office? My platform is: I promise to take the money and split. Just try and find me. Can I have it all in quarters as in I will be at the video arcade the next 4 years finally learning to beat my daughter's score on Joust!
zen hugs,
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jos (for president or any other job available...)
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Advice from upwind
by JS Magruder
| Jan. 30, 2008 |
Re Lentil strategy
Just a couple quick thoughts about emergency kits, lentils and such from your friendly,
home economist.
There's no point stockpiling items for some future disaster -- you'll end up dumping the
items after they expire or when the mice get to them (trust me on this). Start introducing
items into your regular shopping like powdered milk, sardines, etc. Each time you shop,
buy a few extra and put them into rotation in your kitchen. This will also result in less
of a major investment at one time (Who has that kind of money to plunk down on supplies?).
When something like tinned beans go on sale (ask my husband about the 17¢ chili
beans -- actually, don't) stock up, but by all means, use them.
Different lentils will give different levels of discomfort. The small ones, like red
lentils do not require soaking and are easy to digest. Larger ones can, and probably
should be soaked a few hours or overnight. This will help with any um, ill winds. This is
true also of beans -- they need a good overnight soak. Keep in mind, if you rely on a
municipal water supply, or need electricity to power your well, dry beans are not a good
survival option.
Rice keeps well in airtight containers, but brown rice will go rancid sooner because of
the intact bran. Powdered milk is a staple at our house, though you again must consider
the water issue. Evaporated milk can also be re-constituted.
I'm purchasing the giant pressure canner I've had my eye on for a while. This will
enable me to preserve more than jams and jellies, which are tasty, but probably not
life-sustaining in the event of plague, war, or whatever else happens (I wonder, can
vitamin C survive the cooking and canning process for marmalade? I should find out, I have
18 lbs. of grapefruit sitting in my kitchen -- hey, it was on sale). This spring, we break
ground on a backyard brick oven.
I wouldn't call myself paranoid, but living so far out in the country it seems sensible
to prepare for washed out roads and weather that might strand us for a period of time. It
frightens me when I see how many young people don't know how to boil an egg or sew on a
button. I can just imagine how they would approach the task of building a campfire.
Anyway, soak those lentils and you should be A-OK. I'll be standin' up-wind of you
though, just in case.
Again and again
A lot is being swept under the rug ...
Army investigating deaths of ‘several’ detainees in Iraq
Again and again, no-one knows what is going on. Asking the Pentagon is like asking the tree in the meadow.
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Wig
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More or less farty
Re Lentil strategy
I can't say whether lentils are fartier or less so than the other beans. I seem to recall that draining after the first soaking and replacing the water eliminates much gasseosity from the legumes, but perhaps that is an urban myth. Vegans in general are probably fruitier than Carnivores, which makes sense considering that they are doing the work of the Evil Cows, who are blamed by many as being a primary source of greenhouse gases.
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Undoubtedly worth the risk, thanks. It's popcorn that's making me miserable these days, much more than beans. A do-it-yourself movie-size dose leaves me on the toilet the whole next day. Not that you asked.
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Helen & Harry
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To dream
Portugal accused of large role in Guantanamo fiasco| |
Excerpt: Portugal helped illegally transport over 700 prisoners to Guantanamo Bay by allowing use of its territory or airspace, a report said Tuesday, urging Lisbon to launch a public investigation. |
In some nations, it's considered scandalous when the government cooperates with kidnapping, torture, and war crimes galore. I like to dream that one day, it'll be scandalous in America, too.
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Rita T.
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Unplug from the economy
by Herb Ruhs, MD
| Jan. 29, 2008 |
Think about it: would you play Monopoly with someone who insisted that they could rewrite the rules with impunity, or make up new ones on the spot? If not then why are you participating in the US financial economy, borrowing money, taking out mortgages, investing, saving your money in large banks, and allowing your union, your pension plan, your church or other membership organization to do so without your approval? Better to put your energy and funds to work locally, form co-ops, start an alternative currency project, do barter, join The Freecycle Network™ or anything else that is counter to the reigning financial establishment.
* * *
The real wealth of a nation is a function of the degree of trust shared amongst its people and not reflective of the amount of currency in circulation.
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The Monopoly analogy is apt indeed, and I'd love to be less an economic participant than I am (though we're not very much able to participate anyway)... I'd heard of Freecycle but clicking the link and poking around, it's an even cooler concept than I'd thought and our local group seems to be booming. I'm joining ...
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Stardust
by Kathy Fisher
| Jan. 29, 2008 |
We are stardust, we are golden... and we have got to get ourselves back to the garden...
Davos '08 + decent foreign policies + Ron Paul = I got carried away
As I watched the reports coming out of Davos, I saw that the economic bad news was being exposed and the truth or some of it was being legitimized by all of those big name attendees that were being interviewed. Of course, those reporters doing the interviews looked pretty surprised as did the reporters back home at the local TV stations. Very interesting. Then, before any panic could set in, the government leaders made their TV appearances. They were offering comments meant to reassure the public. In fact, it is likely that governments will need to tweak their foreign policies or even make drastic changes to survive the recession or worse facing the US. It will be interesting to see what changes ARE made. The two articles below indicate some of what is involved in making such changes.
Why does Turkey want to change its foreign policy?
Clearly, the author supports the new changes, but more importantly he explains them succinctly and gives his view of why they are being made. For example, he states that “Turkey, until recently, had a passive foreign policy.” That was because the country was focused on itself and interested only in Cyprus. However, the new policy is dynamic requiring many diplomatic efforts “on every continent.” Such efforts have also included many trips by Turkey’s Prime Minister, President, and Foreign Minister to Turkey’s neighboring countries since Turkey now has this strategy -- ”zero problems with neighboring countries.” Given Turkey’s interest in becoming an energy hub (spoken of frequently), it is also opting for carefully balanced relations with all of the countries that might be involved including Russia, Iran, Iraq, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Syria, Egypt, Israel, and the European Union (EU). The Sudanese President was also a recent visitor, and a recent Turkish TV panel discussion on Sudan confirmed what I wrote earlier. The 60 year Ottoman Empire Turkish connection with the Sudan region was also discussed.
Of course, Turkey’s zero problems and energy interests have also allowed it to expand its trading relations with more countries which should help it survive losing some US customers as the recession hits harder. As for the surprising news that the US is backing Turkey getting involved with nuclear energy in some manner, more articles confirm that some agreement was reached but few details have been released -- mentioned so far is that there are plans for 3-5 nuclear reactors so that Turkey can export electricity. This ISN’T a development that sounds good to me -- Turks really DON’T want early generation nuclear reactors. They DO remember Chernobyl. Who exactly is pushing this and why?
By the way, France’s Sarkozy has been out and about recently and has been signing nuclear energy related agreements (his way to reduce CO2, I guess) with Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Algeria. At the same time Iran is still a target. Hmmmmm.
Brzezinski clan color revolution vs Diebold vote fraud
This long article covers a number of topics, but it also indicates in somewhat blunt terminology some of the twists and turns in US foreign policy. Emphasized is the importance of the particular team behind the President elect in determining US policy. Obviously, they aren’t the only influence.
The author, Webster G. Tarpley, points out that Barack Obama is backed by the “Brzezinski-Soros machine” with Brzezinski viewed as a rabid RUSSOPHOBE ready to do anything to damage Russia (today) and the Soviet Union in the past (like send in the Database proxy fighters and create the Khomeini regime in Iran!). He indicates that “under a Brzezinski controlled Obama foreign policy: the US might soon find itself locked in combat with ... the resurgent Russian Federation. ... ” A real WWIII. He warns that the tactics used by the Brzezinzki clan to create Ukraine’s phony and destabilizing “orange revolution” along with other “color” revolutions (regime changing by the US during an election) could be used to get Obama elected.
As for President Bush, Jr.’s advisors, Wolfowitz, Feith, and Libby are mentioned, and they are described as ISLAMOPHOBES given their “obsession with the security needs of Israel ... and a pathological hatred of Arabs and Moslems.” Mrs. Clinton is considered better than Obama because the Sec. of State she would pick, either Richard Holbrooke or Wesley Clark, would be less of a rabid Russophobe than Brzezinski. He assumes that Edwards’ team would be even less Russophobic. Unfortunately for Iran, it is a “target” for both types of “phobics.”
About the Republicans, he says that “any Republican can be relied on to continue the bankrupt Bush-Cheney neocon line for four more years, including a wider war with Iran.” He sees the 9/11 truth movement losing out because they have divided between Ron Paul and Kucinich. Of course, now Kucinich has dropped out. So who ARE Ron Paul’s advisors? With some difficulty (??), I found the names of his Legislative Director -- Joseph Becker, and his 2 Legal Counsels Bruce Fein and Alan P. Dye. There is also his recently appointed Economic Advisor -- Donald L. Luskin.
Mr. Dye is a member of Freedom House -- both Brzezinski and Wolfowitz are also involved in it. Mr. Fein is a member of the Heritage Foundation (HF) and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Other members of the HF are Regan/Bush officials while others involved in the AEI include John Bolton, Michael Ledeen, and also Wolfowitz. In Tarpley’s terms, it looks like Ron Paul has BOTH the Russophobic and Islamophobic types associated with his advisors. It also seems that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have their Islamophobic advisors, for example, Martin Indyk for Hillary and Dennis Ross for Obama.
As for Ron Paul’s own ideas about foreign policy, this speech from November 29, 2001 to the House of Representatives is interesting -- he seems to accept the official 9/11 explanation, but I still think it’s a MUST READ. This speech follows upon the Oct. 7, 2001 invasion of Afghanistan (Paul voted FOR it) and the signing into law of the USA PATRIOT Act on Oct. 26, 2001 (it was passed by the House on Oct. 12 -- Paul voted AGAINST it). Regarding his Afghanistan vote, this article explains that he also entered a bill, H.R. 3076 -- the 9/11 Marque & Reprisal Act of 2001, that was designed to enable the president to respond to non-state actors while limiting his authority to only those actually responsible. Regarding the PATRIOT Act, the Nov. 29 speech spends a lot of time on (as he puts it) the “unpatriotic” PATRIOT Act which he says (with a lot of clear examples) drastically undermines the liberties of Americans and to him involves the “growth of big government.” His idea here of big government seems to be a Federal government that does NOT act within the “severe restrictions” placed on it by the founders.
His ideas regarding foreign countries in the Nov. 29 article indicate that he takes the concept of “sovereignty” very seriously. I was surprised at how very well informed he was in 2001 about UNOCAL’s plans in Afghanistan, the US support of the Taliban (and their threats later), and even about bin Laden (he believed he had serious renal disease) -- MUCH better informed than I was for some time. He also talks about the problem of “ulterior motives” such as “expansionism, economic interests, desire for hegemony, and influential allies” affecting foreign policy and ours, in particular. If these lead to militarism and the use of the draft (to him a form of slavery), then you have problems. In the 4th linked article he talks of his belief in the concept of a “just war,” the idea “that war must only be waged as a last resort--for a discernable moral and public good, with the right intentions, vetted through established legal authorities (a constitutionally required declaration of the Congress), and with a likely probability of success.”
In other words, his views about the Iraq war and foreign policy are more complex than I’ve generally seen discussed. Since foreign policy IS a complex business, it means than he is trying to be realistic and honest about it. Even if you don’t agree with all of his views, he does approach things with a LOT of common sense and even the sense of treating others as you’d like to be treated yourself. Actually, that WOULD be a good approach to foreign policy. Also, I’d like to see US foreign policy goals and strategies spelled out clearly and openly for all to see as the Turks have done and do every time speeches are made. If they are not ashamed of stating them openly, I’d say that means normal decency is involved.
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Marie K.
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Lentil strategy
During the Bush years I have performed every possible experiment with flour which does not involve yeast or baking powder. I have mastered flat bread and tortillas, at least to my tastes. (Note: unbleached is best for your health, and wait to purchase until on sale -- then load up, it will keep.)
But now the price of canned refried beans is $1.00 -- or more. And the cost of energy to cook beans has /surged/ even more, never mind the tediousness of cooking and mashing them! I cannot eat peanut butter-raisin flat bread slathered with Mesquite Honey every day... wouldn't be prudent...
The answer: lentils. They cook fast and taste just fine. To save energy soak them in hot tap water for an hour. Then change the water and bring to a boil for a minute and turn off the heat and let them soak for another hour or two; by this time they will be very soft. At this point, add whatever -- dried onions, powdered garlic -- and cook slowly until they're mush, which shouldn't take very long at all, depending. Add salt and pepper, and that's a meal. To the leftovers, add some flour and cook slowly for a little while to make glop, which can be used to fill tortillas or flat bread.
Lentils are the perfect addition to your "disaster" stockpile because they cook fast and will keep for years. Add flour, salt, oil, dried onions, powdered garlic, pepper, water and multi-vitamins, and you could survive indefinitely. Add a few other items such as peanut butter, raisins, honey, coffee crystals and powdered milk and you could live like a king.
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Appreciated, but let me ask a serious question: As I've grown older, I've found that my body's response to most beans is increasingly unpleasant, both for myself and for those I'm close to. I haven't eaten many lentils, however -- do they have the same effect on you as kidney or pinto beans?
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Hunger for deep change
Re In the hands of capitalists
Please do not give up hope just yet, Helen. It is an uphill battle all the way but people like me have the audacity to rise to the challenge of "can't be done". And the long shot wins sometimes. Before 9/11 was allowed to happen people were basically turning more and more liberal. It is happening again.
Remember that our media goes through satellites and a clever group can co-opt that. From getting the perfectly honed message out to spying on the untouchables who pull the puppet strings of the presidents, it is all possible. And hackers tend to be rebels. This is very dangerous to our country from the standpoint of an outside power, but then we are very dangerous to the world if we lose the liberal cause -- such as a subliminally imprinted and drugged (anti-depressants and hard drugs) populace and army.
But my point is that the unknowns may weigh in our favor. People may become resistant to nationalism. And the truth is really very insidious once it takes root. As the older generation loses power and dies out they will be replaced by more evolved people. People who do not remember them fondly and people who will brush aside the people they have created in their own image. The lies of the '50's don't do well in the modern world. Yet the world hungers for something like the '50's America; but the real thing, not the make-believe.
You may not believe in astrology but I have seen it working. The people born during the '60's have Uranus/Pluto (in Virgo) conjunct, sextile Neptune (in Scorpio). The very rebel energy that describes the '60's is a part of us. We are a generation that will hunger for the deep change, and yet remember the simpler times of the '70'sand the changeover in the 80's. If unguided we may be worse than the Bushies, no matter our ideology. If guided we will complete what the hippies started, and get it done right this time.
Thinking and feeling are far more than axioms firing and secretions. But we must BE that something more, not just think it.
Creative intelligence is the answer to many of the problems we face. Our adversaries are remarkable bad in this respect. You see, it is very hard to be conservative and have creative brilliance. I pity the fools.
I totally agree with you on the importance of winning the presidency. It is just that people tend to think it will solve the problem and they get apathetic when it doesn't.
Being a liberal country is the best national security we can have. We can become what we always pretended we were. The giants (corporations) can go the way of the tobacco industry. From might to flight in a few short years.
In the words from one of my favorite movies Excalibur (1981) -- "Never give up the quest!"
p.s. I told people Botox was a very stupid and dangerous idea, lol.
p.s.s. Boycotting is superior to protesting in the present day. Lets bring it back.
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Excalibur is a fine motion picture, and I appreciate your optimism. A wise physicist once said, amidst an argument over warp speed in Star Trek, "If science ever surpasses the speed of light, it won't be accomplished by people who've decided it's impossible." So if America survives, it won't be with any thanks to people who've decided it won't. Hope you're right, even as I'm pretty sure you're wrong.
I've been at this for more years than even I can believe, and based on all those years of activism and observation my opinion is that we've passed the point of no return, and America can't be salvaged. We are witnessing twilight's last gleaming, after which there will be "dark ages" before there's any possibility of enlightenment.
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One last thing and then I'll get out of your hair, lol. The world owes the aware of your generation and the people like you and Harry EVERYTHING. THANK YOU for keeping the torch alive and thank you for your site. I didn't mean to sound a bit ageism. Truth is I have felt a bit like an old man my whole life. And my hippie parents and open-minded grandma are the very base upon which I am built. I have no middle class upbringing to fall back on. The fire the people like you have lit is all I have.
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You're not in my hair, just my heart. A word of thanks is appreciated once in a while but yours is a smidgen overstated. I doubt we've lit any metaphorical fires, the world doesn't owe us diddlysquat, and other than going to rallies on the weekends we don't do as much as we used to. We're just trying to stay awake until the end, and live our lives with some integrity. No different than you, I'll bet, just older and crankier.
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Nutcases
Chief Rabbi says move Gazans to a Palestine in Sinai| |
Excerpt: In the interview Metzger also described Jerusalem as "the capital city
forever to the Jewish nation." He argued that Muslims have no connection to
Jerusalem commenting that "behind the Kotel we have a mosque. But when they pray
even though they are in our holiest place, they face Mecca. Their back is to
Jerusalem. So you can see from only one sign that it does not belong to them.
They have nothing - no connection." |
Religion has nutcases everywhere.
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Livni meets US general William Fraser| |
Excerpt: "We are honest in our will to reach an agreement," but "there are security
parameters which we cannot give up," Livni said. |
Israel's charade goes on, on, on, on and on.
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This doesn't smell like success to me ...
Five GIs killed in northern Iraq
Bush/Cheney LIED to get into Iraq. They're now LYING to stay there.
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Bush will seek $70-billion more for wars
Billions for killing. Cut spending for American people programs.
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Blackwater protesters given secret trial, criminal conviction, and jail time| |
Excerpt: Last week in Currituck County, N.C., Superior Court Judge Russell Duke presided over the final step in securing the first criminal conviction stemming from the deadly actions of Blackwater Worldwide, the Bush administration's favorite mercenary company. Lest you think you missed some earth-shifting, breaking news, hold on a moment. The "criminals" in question were not the armed thugs who gunned down 17 Iraqi civilians and wounded more than 20 others in Baghdad's Nisour Square last September. They were seven nonviolent activists who had the audacity to stage a demonstration at the gates of Blackwater's 7,000-acre private military base in North Carolina to protest the actions of mercenaries acting with impunity -- and apparent immunity -- in their names and those of every American. |
Justice wears that blindfold for cover.
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Wig
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Kennedy's endorsement
by Angry Annie
| Jan. 29, 2008 |
So Teddy Kennedy has endorsed Barack Obama. Kennedy's endorsement doesn't matter much. It certainly doesn't matter to me, and I'm an old-time liberal. To me, Kennedy is just the guy who's been the public face of liberalism for over 40 years -- during which time liberalism went from a viable possibility to a pejorative to a joke. Teddy Kennedy is to liberalism what Ken Lay was to corporate capitalism.
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Angry Annie
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Compliant Democrats
Bush will seek $70-billion more for wars
With this allegedly "Democratic-controlled Congress", asking for war funds means getting war funds...
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