Politics:
Is Corruption In Washington Beyond Repair?
Today we offer a lesson in political science for those who may have forgotten what they should have learned in high school. Our nation’s founders established three branches of government. They are Administrative, Legislative and Judicial. Written within the Constitution was a system of checks and balances within these three governmental branches designed to assure fairness and equality for everybody. It is no secret that something has gone seriously wrong.
Today we offer a lesson in political science for those who may have forgotten what they should have learned in high school. Our nation’s founders established three branches of government. They are Administrative, Legislative and Judicial. Written within the Constitution was a system of checks and balances within these three governmental branches designed to assure fairness and equality for everybody. It is no secret that something has gone seriously wrong.
A House Divided . . .
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. He went on to win the Presidency against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858.
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. He went on to win the Presidency against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858.
Reviewing The Shock Doctrine
We recommend reading Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine, a work that exposes the puppet masters operating behind the scenes, using war, programmed uprisings and even natural disasters to push the world into a twisted militaristic- capitalistic system that exploits the working class. Klein’s research included four years of on-the-ground reporting in disaster zones, including the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, and describes how rapid-fire corporate reengineering of societies caught up in the shock of disaster was used to change economic systems for the benefit of big corporate interests.
We recommend reading Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine, a work that exposes the puppet masters operating behind the scenes, using war, programmed uprisings and even natural disasters to push the world into a twisted militaristic- capitalistic system that exploits the working class. Klein’s research included four years of on-the-ground reporting in disaster zones, including the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, and describes how rapid-fire corporate reengineering of societies caught up in the shock of disaster was used to change economic systems for the benefit of big corporate interests.
Is Orwell's 1984 Scenario Upon Us?
After 9-11 the United States went into a State of Emergency which most Americans do not realize has continued unchecked to this day. A federal emergency declaration gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the power to deal with whatever it declares to be an emergency situation. This ranges from natural disasters like floods and hurricanes to dealing with the threat of terrorism. Government now has machines that listen through the walls of your home to hear what you say and machines that see through your clothes revealing all at airports. There are listening devices that scan personal telephone conversations from satellites in space, and Internet chat room chatter is being bugged all the time by government officials watching not only for for terrorists but child pornography junkies.
After 9-11 the United States went into a State of Emergency which most Americans do not realize has continued unchecked to this day. A federal emergency declaration gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the power to deal with whatever it declares to be an emergency situation. This ranges from natural disasters like floods and hurricanes to dealing with the threat of terrorism. Government now has machines that listen through the walls of your home to hear what you say and machines that see through your clothes revealing all at airports. There are listening devices that scan personal telephone conversations from satellites in space, and Internet chat room chatter is being bugged all the time by government officials watching not only for for terrorists but child pornography junkies.
Cold Hearts In High Places
American voters wanted help and voted for change when they went to the polls in the past elections. Aggressive attack advertising campaigns financed by unknown special interest groups clouded the issues and voters fell victim to a crafty scheme by big power brokers. Consequently voters stacked the deck against themselves. The Republican Party, which strangely stands opposed to any government program designed to offer assistance to the poor, hungry and homeless in the midst of an economic downturn that has left our nation in the worst financial condition since the Great Depression, has now gained control of the Congress and may continue to freeze any action in the Senate without extreme compromise.
American voters wanted help and voted for change when they went to the polls in the past elections. Aggressive attack advertising campaigns financed by unknown special interest groups clouded the issues and voters fell victim to a crafty scheme by big power brokers. Consequently voters stacked the deck against themselves. The Republican Party, which strangely stands opposed to any government program designed to offer assistance to the poor, hungry and homeless in the midst of an economic downturn that has left our nation in the worst financial condition since the Great Depression, has now gained control of the Congress and may continue to freeze any action in the Senate without extreme compromise.
Socialism Is Not Communism
There has been confusion concerning the differences between communism and socialism. For example, we heard television talking heads once declare that the late Hugo Chavez, the dynamic leader of Venezuela, was a communist. He was really a socialist and instrumental in leading a large block of neighboring South American countries into a collective socialist state. We believe much of the confusion lies in the fact that there are similarities between the two political ideologies. Even Karl Marx believed that socialism was a stage on the way to communism. Because of what he taught, many of the people who got interested in communism at beginning of the Twentieth Century were calling themselves socialists. And while Russia was under the harsh communist dictatorship of Joseph Stalin, the nation was known to the world as the Soviet Socialist Republic.
There has been confusion concerning the differences between communism and socialism. For example, we heard television talking heads once declare that the late Hugo Chavez, the dynamic leader of Venezuela, was a communist. He was really a socialist and instrumental in leading a large block of neighboring South American countries into a collective socialist state. We believe much of the confusion lies in the fact that there are similarities between the two political ideologies. Even Karl Marx believed that socialism was a stage on the way to communism. Because of what he taught, many of the people who got interested in communism at beginning of the Twentieth Century were calling themselves socialists. And while Russia was under the harsh communist dictatorship of Joseph Stalin, the nation was known to the world as the Soviet Socialist Republic.
Beware The Spin Doctors
When the Teabaggers first hit the streets with their silly hats and misspelled signs we laughed at them. We laughed at the antics of radio and television personality Glenn Beck as he distorted American history and made so many outlandish claims we thought no one could be taking him seriously. We laughed at the behavior of Sarah Palin after her display of ignorance all but destroyed Senator John McCain’s chances for winning the presidency in 2008. But something strange has been happening behind the scenes while we were laughing so hardily at the clowns. It appears that professional spin doctors were busy twisting the minds of a growing number of Americans and making them believe the clowns were reality. Voters then were rejecting moderate-thinkers and nominating representatives of the Teabag Express as real Republican candidates for the U.S. House and Senate during the midterm election primaries.
When the Teabaggers first hit the streets with their silly hats and misspelled signs we laughed at them. We laughed at the antics of radio and television personality Glenn Beck as he distorted American history and made so many outlandish claims we thought no one could be taking him seriously. We laughed at the behavior of Sarah Palin after her display of ignorance all but destroyed Senator John McCain’s chances for winning the presidency in 2008. But something strange has been happening behind the scenes while we were laughing so hardily at the clowns. It appears that professional spin doctors were busy twisting the minds of a growing number of Americans and making them believe the clowns were reality. Voters then were rejecting moderate-thinkers and nominating representatives of the Teabag Express as real Republican candidates for the U.S. House and Senate during the midterm election primaries.
A House Divided . . .
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. He went on to win the Presidency against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858.
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. He went on to win the Presidency against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858.
Is Corruption In Washington Beyond Repair?
Today we offer a lesson in political science for those who may have forgotten what they should have learned in high school. Our nation’s founders established three branches of government. They are Administrative, Legislative and Judicial. Written within the Constitution was a system of checks and balances within these three governmental branches designed to assure fairness and equality for everybody. It is no secret that something has gone seriously wrong.
Today we offer a lesson in political science for those who may have forgotten what they should have learned in high school. Our nation’s founders established three branches of government. They are Administrative, Legislative and Judicial. Written within the Constitution was a system of checks and balances within these three governmental branches designed to assure fairness and equality for everybody. It is no secret that something has gone seriously wrong.
Nixon’s Last Hurrah
Sanilac County was a solid Republican stronghold when I was reporting there. During the heat of the Watergate Scandal, President Richard M. Nixon appointed Republican Congressman from the Thumb’s Eight’s District to fill a federal judicial vacancy on the Bay City District Court. And in the early spring of 1974, the vacancy created a hotly contested race in a special election between Harvey’s chief aide, James Sparling, and a Democratic Candidate, Michigan Representative Bob Traxler. A special election was set for April 16. Strangely, President Nixon felt so strongly about the party regaining that Congressional seat that he decided to stump for Jim Harvey in the Thumb District. His press corps announced a tour that would begin at Bad Axe, the Huron County seat, then move south into Cass City in Tuscola County, then southwest into Sandusky, the Sanilac County Seat. It was such a rural farming area that people had a hard time believing that Nixon would really come to the area. But when Secret Service agents began showing up in the various towns along the route and checking buildings, we knew it must be true.
Sanilac County was a solid Republican stronghold when I was reporting there. During the heat of the Watergate Scandal, President Richard M. Nixon appointed Republican Congressman from the Thumb’s Eight’s District to fill a federal judicial vacancy on the Bay City District Court. And in the early spring of 1974, the vacancy created a hotly contested race in a special election between Harvey’s chief aide, James Sparling, and a Democratic Candidate, Michigan Representative Bob Traxler. A special election was set for April 16. Strangely, President Nixon felt so strongly about the party regaining that Congressional seat that he decided to stump for Jim Harvey in the Thumb District. His press corps announced a tour that would begin at Bad Axe, the Huron County seat, then move south into Cass City in Tuscola County, then southwest into Sandusky, the Sanilac County Seat. It was such a rural farming area that people had a hard time believing that Nixon would really come to the area. But when Secret Service agents began showing up in the various towns along the route and checking buildings, we knew it must be true.
Is Orwell’s 1984 Scenario Upon Us?
After 9-11 the United States went into a State of Emergency which most Americans do not realize has continued unchecked to this day. A federal emergency declaration gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the power to deal with whatever it declares to be an emergency situation. This ranges from natural disasters like floods and hurricanes to dealing with the threat of terrorism. This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, since 9-11, the passage of the Patriot Act and the creation of the Office of Homeland Security, our government has adopted almost draconian measures to oversee the actions of Americans in what appears to be state of paranoia because of the constant threat of another terrorist attack.
After 9-11 the United States went into a State of Emergency which most Americans do not realize has continued unchecked to this day. A federal emergency declaration gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the power to deal with whatever it declares to be an emergency situation. This ranges from natural disasters like floods and hurricanes to dealing with the threat of terrorism. This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, since 9-11, the passage of the Patriot Act and the creation of the Office of Homeland Security, our government has adopted almost draconian measures to oversee the actions of Americans in what appears to be state of paranoia because of the constant threat of another terrorist attack.
Our Eroding Bill Of Rights In America
The document we refer to as the Bill of Rights is, in effect, published as the first ten amendments to the U. S. Constitution. This document, which assures individual rights, was created early in the history of our nation, back when states were still living under the promises of the Declaration of Independence that assured state sovereignty as countries within themselves. The constitution, framed in a national convention in 1787, was perceived as a contract among the states to provide a central headquarters to deal with such common issues as national defense, common currency and a federal judicial system. This grand document has been altered in legislation and court rulings over the years.
The document we refer to as the Bill of Rights is, in effect, published as the first ten amendments to the U. S. Constitution. This document, which assures individual rights, was created early in the history of our nation, back when states were still living under the promises of the Declaration of Independence that assured state sovereignty as countries within themselves. The constitution, framed in a national convention in 1787, was perceived as a contract among the states to provide a central headquarters to deal with such common issues as national defense, common currency and a federal judicial system. This grand document has been altered in legislation and court rulings over the years.
Attacks Against Mr. Biden May Be Unwarranted
President Joe Biden is a man under constant assault. He succeeded Donald Trump who was also the brunt of vicious attack. I know our earlier presidents were also under the media radar with every move they made. Whether the assaults were justified is questionable. But they obviously are making the nation’s top job more difficult than it ever should have been. The things Mr. Trump did and said during his time in office were so strange and radical he was an open target for the media outlets all over the world. But now we are seeing the same kind of media attacks against President Biden. The attacks are coming from the Republicans and from the media. The social media is producing chilling accusations and commentary from faceless subscribers who offer no proofs. Even the political cartoonists are painting a picture of Biden as a doodling old fool. But is it true?
President Joe Biden is a man under constant assault. He succeeded Donald Trump who was also the brunt of vicious attack. I know our earlier presidents were also under the media radar with every move they made. Whether the assaults were justified is questionable. But they obviously are making the nation’s top job more difficult than it ever should have been. The things Mr. Trump did and said during his time in office were so strange and radical he was an open target for the media outlets all over the world. But now we are seeing the same kind of media attacks against President Biden. The attacks are coming from the Republicans and from the media. The social media is producing chilling accusations and commentary from faceless subscribers who offer no proofs. Even the political cartoonists are painting a picture of Biden as a doodling old fool. But is it true?
Why Anarchy Does Not Work
Anarchy: (a.) absence of government (b) a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority (c) a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government.
Ever since Crowley penned the words “Do what thou wilt,” as a call for a new expression of freedom in what he described as the new Age of Horus, his followers has sought this state of existence, knowing full well that they were calling for anarchy. While anarchy may sound appealing to many, we know from historical experience that the human race, in its present spiritual condition, does not do well without the iron rule of government.
Anarchy: (a.) absence of government (b) a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority (c) a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government.
Ever since Crowley penned the words “Do what thou wilt,” as a call for a new expression of freedom in what he described as the new Age of Horus, his followers has sought this state of existence, knowing full well that they were calling for anarchy. While anarchy may sound appealing to many, we know from historical experience that the human race, in its present spiritual condition, does not do well without the iron rule of government.
Our Founding Fathers Never Wanted A Democracy
Early in my career as a journalist I had the privilege to work for a most remarkable managing editor that had a lot to do with preparing me for all of the pitfalls that journalism has faced in these, the declining years of the free American system. Bert Lindenfeld, a former World War II submarine commander, ran his newspaper office in Benton Harbor, Michigan, with the iron fist that one might expect from such a man. There was no democracy there. Lindenfeld was a wise man however; he knew how to bring out the best in his writers. He devoted his time training us to be as good as he expected us to be. I distinctly recall having lunch one winter afternoon with some of the writers and Lindenfeld joined us. The conversation that day involved politics, and for some reason it swung over to the way our government was swinging from its original formation as a republic, into a democracy. Bert said he thought this was a very bad sign. What Lindenfeld was saying was what French observer Alexis Tocqueville argued . . . that the conflict between the impulse for private gain and the impulse for community and the common good would eventually tear America apart. Indeed, what is occurring in the United States today is the very worst scenario of the disaster perceived by Lindenfeld and Tocqueville. The conflict that Tocqueville warned about is happening before our eyes. And with corruption now implanted so deeply within all three branches of our government, finding a cure without a second revolution might be next to impossible.
Early in my career as a journalist I had the privilege to work for a most remarkable managing editor that had a lot to do with preparing me for all of the pitfalls that journalism has faced in these, the declining years of the free American system. Bert Lindenfeld, a former World War II submarine commander, ran his newspaper office in Benton Harbor, Michigan, with the iron fist that one might expect from such a man. There was no democracy there. Lindenfeld was a wise man however; he knew how to bring out the best in his writers. He devoted his time training us to be as good as he expected us to be. I distinctly recall having lunch one winter afternoon with some of the writers and Lindenfeld joined us. The conversation that day involved politics, and for some reason it swung over to the way our government was swinging from its original formation as a republic, into a democracy. Bert said he thought this was a very bad sign. What Lindenfeld was saying was what French observer Alexis Tocqueville argued . . . that the conflict between the impulse for private gain and the impulse for community and the common good would eventually tear America apart. Indeed, what is occurring in the United States today is the very worst scenario of the disaster perceived by Lindenfeld and Tocqueville. The conflict that Tocqueville warned about is happening before our eyes. And with corruption now implanted so deeply within all three branches of our government, finding a cure without a second revolution might be next to impossible.
The Republican Dismantling Of America
If you think Trump was a bad president, that’s probably because he was boldly operating where everyone could watch. But he followed two other harmful Republican presidents who also were busy destroying this nation’s foundations at the grass roots. During the eight long years George W. Bush held office, his Christian-charged administration did all it could to break down the framework of the U. S. Constitution and force extreme religious values deeper into the laws of the land. The erasure of personal liberties under the Patriot Act, the restrictions on stem cell research and outspoken opposition to abortion and gay marriage were among the best known cases in point. Prior to Bush, Republican President Ronald Reagan introduced “Trickle-down economics” that included extreme tax cuts on the rich and spending cuts on key social programs enjoyed by the people.
If you think Trump was a bad president, that’s probably because he was boldly operating where everyone could watch. But he followed two other harmful Republican presidents who also were busy destroying this nation’s foundations at the grass roots. During the eight long years George W. Bush held office, his Christian-charged administration did all it could to break down the framework of the U. S. Constitution and force extreme religious values deeper into the laws of the land. The erasure of personal liberties under the Patriot Act, the restrictions on stem cell research and outspoken opposition to abortion and gay marriage were among the best known cases in point. Prior to Bush, Republican President Ronald Reagan introduced “Trickle-down economics” that included extreme tax cuts on the rich and spending cuts on key social programs enjoyed by the people.
I Don't Say The Pledge of Allegiance Anymore
There is nothing wrong with patriotism. National pride is the foundation of a strong nation where people can feel safe and secure. What I object to, however, is media and socially imposed patriotism for the wrong reasons, and the constant use of old and sometimes meaningless clichés designed to excite crowds for political purpose rather than legitimate national defense. I am especially bothered by the Pledge of Allegiance that we make to our flag. This pledge is taught to little children in grade school and it is repeated in schools and most public meetings so frequently that saying the words becomes rote. We say the pledge without thinking about what the words mean. I object to the pledge because it no longer represents the state of our nation. To be truthful, it probably never did.
There is nothing wrong with patriotism. National pride is the foundation of a strong nation where people can feel safe and secure. What I object to, however, is media and socially imposed patriotism for the wrong reasons, and the constant use of old and sometimes meaningless clichés designed to excite crowds for political purpose rather than legitimate national defense. I am especially bothered by the Pledge of Allegiance that we make to our flag. This pledge is taught to little children in grade school and it is repeated in schools and most public meetings so frequently that saying the words becomes rote. We say the pledge without thinking about what the words mean. I object to the pledge because it no longer represents the state of our nation. To be truthful, it probably never did.
A Dark Prophetic Warning
Back in 2019 my late wife Doris was in communication with a spiritual entity that called itself The Abba Father. It was another election year and this entity issued a severe warning about some looming “skullduggery” by the Republican Party. We should remember that President George W. Bush was completing his eight year in office and there was a serious campaign going on involving the late Senator John McCain, Republican, and the Democrat, Barack Obama. The Abba Father predicted that Barack Obama would win the election. But this contest involving the nation’s first black president would trigger an ugly Republican plan to steal back the White House. We could not perceive of it at the time but now, looking back at this and several other prophetic warnings left me shocked at their accuracy.
Back in 2019 my late wife Doris was in communication with a spiritual entity that called itself The Abba Father. It was another election year and this entity issued a severe warning about some looming “skullduggery” by the Republican Party. We should remember that President George W. Bush was completing his eight year in office and there was a serious campaign going on involving the late Senator John McCain, Republican, and the Democrat, Barack Obama. The Abba Father predicted that Barack Obama would win the election. But this contest involving the nation’s first black president would trigger an ugly Republican plan to steal back the White House. We could not perceive of it at the time but now, looking back at this and several other prophetic warnings left me shocked at their accuracy.
When I Was A Republican
My father was a strict Republican. When he went into the poll booth I am sure he was one of those guys that just put an X on the party box at the top of the ballot. I grew up and worked in a strong Republican area in Michigan. I always considered myself an independent voter because I never liked some of the people the Republicans and Democrats put up as presidential candidates. For example, I loved Kennedy, liked Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford and didn’t like Lyndon Johnson. I strongly disliked Nixon, was not happy with Reagan or Clinton and really disliked George W. Bush. One year I was so angry at the party candidates I voted for George Wallace. Yet in the beginning I voted Republican.
My father was a strict Republican. When he went into the poll booth I am sure he was one of those guys that just put an X on the party box at the top of the ballot. I grew up and worked in a strong Republican area in Michigan. I always considered myself an independent voter because I never liked some of the people the Republicans and Democrats put up as presidential candidates. For example, I loved Kennedy, liked Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford and didn’t like Lyndon Johnson. I strongly disliked Nixon, was not happy with Reagan or Clinton and really disliked George W. Bush. One year I was so angry at the party candidates I voted for George Wallace. Yet in the beginning I voted Republican.
Father and Son Presidents
Presidential Crisis Theory
Some years back I befriended a man who seemed to be obsessed with patterns in historical events. As we munched an occasional lunch together he would expound on various conspiracy theories and suppositions about possible alternate realities than the world as we thought we knew it. I liked his mind and enjoyed his ideas. He did his research and could present mathematical data to virtually prove the patterns and make me believe that they were somewhat plausible. I think he was among a number of special people "sent" to reprogram my brain in those early years of awakening. He helped make me aware of the plastic, artificial world around us that we are programmed to think is real. One of his theories still haunts me as I watch the political games going on in our nation’s capital. He said that to be elected to a second term, a president must establish a national crisis about mid-way through his first four years in office, and have it resolved before the next election. We can easily see this pattern during the last half century, but with some odd variations.
Some years back I befriended a man who seemed to be obsessed with patterns in historical events. As we munched an occasional lunch together he would expound on various conspiracy theories and suppositions about possible alternate realities than the world as we thought we knew it. I liked his mind and enjoyed his ideas. He did his research and could present mathematical data to virtually prove the patterns and make me believe that they were somewhat plausible. I think he was among a number of special people "sent" to reprogram my brain in those early years of awakening. He helped make me aware of the plastic, artificial world around us that we are programmed to think is real. One of his theories still haunts me as I watch the political games going on in our nation’s capital. He said that to be elected to a second term, a president must establish a national crisis about mid-way through his first four years in office, and have it resolved before the next election. We can easily see this pattern during the last half century, but with some odd variations.
God Allows All Authority
There are various Bible verses that tell us that God is in control of all things, and that followers of Jesus must obey the laws of their government. Romans 13:1 reads: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God." Thus believers in Christ must blindly accept the fact that winners of recent political elections in the United States were given their authority by God, even though there has been strong evidence that the elections have been rigged by corrupt election workers all the way up the the Supreme Court, which gave big corporations the power to offer unlimited financial support to the candidates of their choosing.
There are various Bible verses that tell us that God is in control of all things, and that followers of Jesus must obey the laws of their government. Romans 13:1 reads: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God." Thus believers in Christ must blindly accept the fact that winners of recent political elections in the United States were given their authority by God, even though there has been strong evidence that the elections have been rigged by corrupt election workers all the way up the the Supreme Court, which gave big corporations the power to offer unlimited financial support to the candidates of their choosing.
Jane Stillwater
Things Americans Don’t Want to Hear About
By Jane Stillwater
1. That America's foreign policy basically consists of piracy, theft and murder;
2. That our dangerous obesity epidemic is caused by eating GMO wheat, high-fructose corn syrup, processed food, unstable amounts of sugar/sugar substitutes, fast food and pesticides;
3. That Julian Assange, Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden deserve to be treated as Superheroes for trying to save our freedom -- instead of being treated like Darth Vader and Joker;
4. That Trump may be bat-shite cray-cray but Pence has sold his soul to the Devil -- and I know this because I met him personally in Iraq in 2007 as he positively gloried in all the evil murder and "war" going on over there;
5. That we are slowly but surely going back to the days of coat-hanger abortions. Read the Full List of 34
By Jane Stillwater
1. That America's foreign policy basically consists of piracy, theft and murder;
2. That our dangerous obesity epidemic is caused by eating GMO wheat, high-fructose corn syrup, processed food, unstable amounts of sugar/sugar substitutes, fast food and pesticides;
3. That Julian Assange, Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden deserve to be treated as Superheroes for trying to save our freedom -- instead of being treated like Darth Vader and Joker;
4. That Trump may be bat-shite cray-cray but Pence has sold his soul to the Devil -- and I know this because I met him personally in Iraq in 2007 as he positively gloried in all the evil murder and "war" going on over there;
5. That we are slowly but surely going back to the days of coat-hanger abortions. Read the Full List of 34
The Bloomberg Candidacy
It has been impossible to avoid the media excitement over the announcement that American billionaire Michael Bloomberg is jumping into the 2020 presidential race as a Democratic candidate. Bloomberg, a long-time popular mayor of New York, co-founder, CEO and owner of Bloomberg L.P., and strong advocate for environmental issues to battle global warming, is thus establishing a strong candidacy designed to defeat the Democratic Party candidates that have been battling for a chance to represent their party in a race against Donald Trump one year from now.
It has been impossible to avoid the media excitement over the announcement that American billionaire Michael Bloomberg is jumping into the 2020 presidential race as a Democratic candidate. Bloomberg, a long-time popular mayor of New York, co-founder, CEO and owner of Bloomberg L.P., and strong advocate for environmental issues to battle global warming, is thus establishing a strong candidacy designed to defeat the Democratic Party candidates that have been battling for a chance to represent their party in a race against Donald Trump one year from now.
Facebook Accepting Political Propaganda
Like millions of Internet surfers from all over the world, the social media outlet Facebook has become a fun place to visit. The site created by Mark Zuckerberg and his college friends in 2003 has since drawn a membership of nearly 200 million users who use the site to visit friends, relatives and neighbors, sell personal items, join interest groups and swap hot news items. It’s a fun place to visit and many of us find ourselves returning more than once a day. That business of posting current news links might sound innocent enough. In fact the Pew Research Center found that 55 percent of Americans now get their news from social media, and most of these from Facebook. Consequently this and other public media sites have become fair game for political warfare.
Like millions of Internet surfers from all over the world, the social media outlet Facebook has become a fun place to visit. The site created by Mark Zuckerberg and his college friends in 2003 has since drawn a membership of nearly 200 million users who use the site to visit friends, relatives and neighbors, sell personal items, join interest groups and swap hot news items. It’s a fun place to visit and many of us find ourselves returning more than once a day. That business of posting current news links might sound innocent enough. In fact the Pew Research Center found that 55 percent of Americans now get their news from social media, and most of these from Facebook. Consequently this and other public media sites have become fair game for political warfare.
News Stories Reflect Growing Human Lunacy
Columnist Thom Hartmann posted a recent column in which he argued that America’s failed education system and a subsequent dumbing down of the people has been responsible for the destructive mess that has been going on in Washington in recent years. He wrote: "Many of today’s biggest political issues, like our privacy rights, would not even be up for debate today had it not been for the attack on education. If more Americans had a strong understanding of our history, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney would never been able to pull off the Patriot Act, we would never have put a radical character like Donald Trump in the president's office, and we wouldn't be sitting idle while the current administration proceeds to dismantle the great government we had in place."
Columnist Thom Hartmann posted a recent column in which he argued that America’s failed education system and a subsequent dumbing down of the people has been responsible for the destructive mess that has been going on in Washington in recent years. He wrote: "Many of today’s biggest political issues, like our privacy rights, would not even be up for debate today had it not been for the attack on education. If more Americans had a strong understanding of our history, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney would never been able to pull off the Patriot Act, we would never have put a radical character like Donald Trump in the president's office, and we wouldn't be sitting idle while the current administration proceeds to dismantle the great government we had in place."
Locked in Competition for Space
The collective subconscious awareness by humans living on a dying planet seems to be prompting a growing interest in the possibility of colonizing other planets in our solar system. Our current robotic exploration of Mars, and a search for water, is only a prelude to a Trump Administration call for a beefed-up space program that will send men back to the moon and beyond to the red planet. Mr. Trump has proposed the creation of a Space Force which he apparently envisions as an extension of the U.S. Military. And with other nations and private enterprise now in competition for a piece of the ongoing space exploration, the money for a beefed-up campaign to claim command of the sky, a renewed effort to send men to establish colonies on the Moon and then Mars seems to be pouring into the NASA budget.
The collective subconscious awareness by humans living on a dying planet seems to be prompting a growing interest in the possibility of colonizing other planets in our solar system. Our current robotic exploration of Mars, and a search for water, is only a prelude to a Trump Administration call for a beefed-up space program that will send men back to the moon and beyond to the red planet. Mr. Trump has proposed the creation of a Space Force which he apparently envisions as an extension of the U.S. Military. And with other nations and private enterprise now in competition for a piece of the ongoing space exploration, the money for a beefed-up campaign to claim command of the sky, a renewed effort to send men to establish colonies on the Moon and then Mars seems to be pouring into the NASA budget.
Is Time Speeding Up?
Older folks are quite aware of the way time seems to pass at a faster pace as we age. When we were children, it seemed that a day of play was a very long time. A year was eternity, and we had a tendency to wish the clocks to run faster when waiting for special events like birthdays or a vacation trip. After hitting the big 40, it seems as if the clock begins spinning so fast we want to put the brakes on it. But to no avail. Thinning hair, root canals, middle-age bulge, aching joints, hemorrhoids and fast growing nose hairs all become part of our daily lives. You don't see the older generation celebrating birthdays like children do. If we can pause from the pace of our daily lives to take note, world events also seem to be developing at a faster pace. It is almost as if everybody is in a race toward something . . .
Older folks are quite aware of the way time seems to pass at a faster pace as we age. When we were children, it seemed that a day of play was a very long time. A year was eternity, and we had a tendency to wish the clocks to run faster when waiting for special events like birthdays or a vacation trip. After hitting the big 40, it seems as if the clock begins spinning so fast we want to put the brakes on it. But to no avail. Thinning hair, root canals, middle-age bulge, aching joints, hemorrhoids and fast growing nose hairs all become part of our daily lives. You don't see the older generation celebrating birthdays like children do. If we can pause from the pace of our daily lives to take note, world events also seem to be developing at a faster pace. It is almost as if everybody is in a race toward something . . .
Can Time Travelers Go Back To Fix This Mess?
One reason the Matrix film series was so popular is because it suggested that we live in a make-believe world where events can be altered by master game players at the push of a button. As humanity rushes headlong into the threat of extinction because of over-population, reckless environmental policies and consequently a polluted, dying and over-heating planet, we seem incapable of fixing our desperate condition. Not only can we not fix it, America’s Republican leaders seem incapable of agreeing that it even exists.
One reason the Matrix film series was so popular is because it suggested that we live in a make-believe world where events can be altered by master game players at the push of a button. As humanity rushes headlong into the threat of extinction because of over-population, reckless environmental policies and consequently a polluted, dying and over-heating planet, we seem incapable of fixing our desperate condition. Not only can we not fix it, America’s Republican leaders seem incapable of agreeing that it even exists.
The Danger in a Voter Surge Against Trumpism
I voted a straight Democratic Party ticket this week. I did it out of personal anger at what a gang of Trump followers in Washington are saying, doing and threatening to do to our Democratic system. But I know a shift that gives the Democratic Party total control of our government offers extreme dangers too. I remember what happened when Lyndon Johnson gained total control of the nation because of a sympathy vote following the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
I voted a straight Democratic Party ticket this week. I did it out of personal anger at what a gang of Trump followers in Washington are saying, doing and threatening to do to our Democratic system. But I know a shift that gives the Democratic Party total control of our government offers extreme dangers too. I remember what happened when Lyndon Johnson gained total control of the nation because of a sympathy vote following the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Can We Trust The Poll Numbers?
Probably because I still use the old land-line telephone system at my home I am subjected to a rash of nuisance calls. Some of the more interesting calls have been from so-called pollsters who say they want my opinion about current political issues. Because, like most Americans, I have some strong opinions I attempt to participate when the pollsters call. But the moment they learn that I am an elderly, retired gentleman living in a rental apartment, they suddenly lose interest and say they do not want my opinion on anything. So why is this? Since statistically the older Americans are shown to be the most faithful voters it would seem that our opinion in the polls would be important.
Probably because I still use the old land-line telephone system at my home I am subjected to a rash of nuisance calls. Some of the more interesting calls have been from so-called pollsters who say they want my opinion about current political issues. Because, like most Americans, I have some strong opinions I attempt to participate when the pollsters call. But the moment they learn that I am an elderly, retired gentleman living in a rental apartment, they suddenly lose interest and say they do not want my opinion on anything. So why is this? Since statistically the older Americans are shown to be the most faithful voters it would seem that our opinion in the polls would be important.
The Fight to Keep Kratom Legal
While the battle between citizens and the government over the legalization of marijuana is making headlines, another lesser publicized fight over the natural plant-produced effects of kratom is also raging. Kratom is made from the leaves of an Asian grown tree known as Mitragyna speciose, a relative of the coffee plant. Natives have been chewing the leaves for energy and pain relief for centuries. It has recently been found to be an effective and safe replacement for opium and opium products like the pain reliever hydrocodone. The problem is that the Drug Enforcement Administration wants to list kratom as a schedule one controlled substance and ban its sale in the United States.
While the battle between citizens and the government over the legalization of marijuana is making headlines, another lesser publicized fight over the natural plant-produced effects of kratom is also raging. Kratom is made from the leaves of an Asian grown tree known as Mitragyna speciose, a relative of the coffee plant. Natives have been chewing the leaves for energy and pain relief for centuries. It has recently been found to be an effective and safe replacement for opium and opium products like the pain reliever hydrocodone. The problem is that the Drug Enforcement Administration wants to list kratom as a schedule one controlled substance and ban its sale in the United States.
About That Twenty-Eighth Amendment
Because of the shenanigans going on in Washington there has been talk about a proposed Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. There presently are 27 ratified Constitutional Amendments in existence. Another five have been proposed, but all have failed to pass the state ratification process established in Article V in the Constitution. It requires approval by three-fourths of the states before an amendment can become Constitutional law.
Because of the shenanigans going on in Washington there has been talk about a proposed Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. There presently are 27 ratified Constitutional Amendments in existence. Another five have been proposed, but all have failed to pass the state ratification process established in Article V in the Constitution. It requires approval by three-fourths of the states before an amendment can become Constitutional law.
Gerrymandering - Trickery At The Polls
Gerrymandering has become a major political issue as candidates line up for 2018 local, state and federal district elections. A ruling in the Pennsylvania Federal District court against Republican manipulation of state election district boundaries has put the word gerrymandering in the spotlight. But do many people understand what it is?
Gerrymandering has become a major political issue as candidates line up for 2018 local, state and federal district elections. A ruling in the Pennsylvania Federal District court against Republican manipulation of state election district boundaries has put the word gerrymandering in the spotlight. But do many people understand what it is?
A House Divided . . .
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. He went on to win the Presidency against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858.
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. He went on to win the Presidency against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858.
Mark Zuckerberg
The Zuckerberg Vision For A Grand Future
Mark Zuckerberg, the boy genius who dropped out of Harvard 12 years ago to invent Facebook, outlined an imaginary futuristic world hinging on a Democratic-Socialistic theme during a Harvard Commencement address in May, 2017. In his 30-minute speech, the 33-year-old Zuckerberg called for a “modern democracy” offering universal basic income, better health care, criminal-justice reform, educational opportunities for all, dealing with climate change and several other politically charged topics designed to build a dynamic new world.
Mark Zuckerberg, the boy genius who dropped out of Harvard 12 years ago to invent Facebook, outlined an imaginary futuristic world hinging on a Democratic-Socialistic theme during a Harvard Commencement address in May, 2017. In his 30-minute speech, the 33-year-old Zuckerberg called for a “modern democracy” offering universal basic income, better health care, criminal-justice reform, educational opportunities for all, dealing with climate change and several other politically charged topics designed to build a dynamic new world.
A Better Government for All
As the Trump disaster slams home to all but the die-hard conservative thinking voters there is a growing movement among the nation’s working class that there must be a major change in not only the failed election process, but also in the way our government does its business. The words Republican and Democrat have both become symbols of sold-out leadership. The people are calling for change . . . but to what? We offer some thoughts.
As the Trump disaster slams home to all but the die-hard conservative thinking voters there is a growing movement among the nation’s working class that there must be a major change in not only the failed election process, but also in the way our government does its business. The words Republican and Democrat have both become symbols of sold-out leadership. The people are calling for change . . . but to what? We offer some thoughts.
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The Frightening Face of Zionism
While the media doesn’t explain it and most of the world is somewhat ignorant of the fact, there exists today two basic types of Jew. There are the normal Jewish people (with their various forms of religious practices) and there are the Zionists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a Zionist. The people who practice Judaism are not necessarily Zionists. They are people who, through faith, study and follow the Divine commandments of the Torah. The Zionists are followers of a political movement that was launched in 1897 by Theodor Herzl, an Austro-Hungarian journalist and political activist. Herzl promoted a philosophy among some leaders that the Jews are a chosen people and that God awarded them the land of Palestine. Herzl formed the World Zionist Organization and promoted Jewish migration to Palestine with the idea of seizing the land and forming a Jewish state.
While the media doesn’t explain it and most of the world is somewhat ignorant of the fact, there exists today two basic types of Jew. There are the normal Jewish people (with their various forms of religious practices) and there are the Zionists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a Zionist. The people who practice Judaism are not necessarily Zionists. They are people who, through faith, study and follow the Divine commandments of the Torah. The Zionists are followers of a political movement that was launched in 1897 by Theodor Herzl, an Austro-Hungarian journalist and political activist. Herzl promoted a philosophy among some leaders that the Jews are a chosen people and that God awarded them the land of Palestine. Herzl formed the World Zionist Organization and promoted Jewish migration to Palestine with the idea of seizing the land and forming a Jewish state.
When Mexican Migrants Picked Our Fruit
The Mexican migrant issue was never always a problem. There was a day, not too many years ago, when entire migrant families freely drove across the border into farmlands all over the United States to help harvest fruit and vegetables. After the harvest, they drove back to their homes in Mexico, their pockets jingling with more cash than they could ever have earned in their home towns. Everything changed after the Michigan legislature began passing laws forcing farmers to improve temporary living conditions for the workers
The Mexican migrant issue was never always a problem. There was a day, not too many years ago, when entire migrant families freely drove across the border into farmlands all over the United States to help harvest fruit and vegetables. After the harvest, they drove back to their homes in Mexico, their pockets jingling with more cash than they could ever have earned in their home towns. Everything changed after the Michigan legislature began passing laws forcing farmers to improve temporary living conditions for the workers
The Big Republican Social Security Rip-off
With the ultra-conservative right-wing gang of Tea party Republicans and Donald Trump controlling things in Washington, there is a huge threat of totally dismantling Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and all of the other well-designed social programs designed to assist the poor and low-income people in the U.S. Few seniors are expecting any more financial help for the next few years. We are hearing the cry that if we want to eat, “go get a job!” Those words remind us of the infamous quote "Let them eat cake" allegedly muttered by French Princess Marie-Antoninette when told of the disgruntled populous. And we all know what happened in France and to Marie-Antoninette's head after that.
With the ultra-conservative right-wing gang of Tea party Republicans and Donald Trump controlling things in Washington, there is a huge threat of totally dismantling Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and all of the other well-designed social programs designed to assist the poor and low-income people in the U.S. Few seniors are expecting any more financial help for the next few years. We are hearing the cry that if we want to eat, “go get a job!” Those words remind us of the infamous quote "Let them eat cake" allegedly muttered by French Princess Marie-Antoninette when told of the disgruntled populous. And we all know what happened in France and to Marie-Antoninette's head after that.
Trump’s Dangerous Anti-Media Threat
Throughout the campaign and especially during the inauguration event the media portrayed Donald Trump as a clown and buffoon. It was easy to do because Mr. Trump remained in constant conflict with himself and the world around him. Now that he is in power, however, it appears that Trump is in the process of getting even. He has ordered a block on news, threatened to move the Press Corps out of the White House and Press Secretary Sean Spicer is issuing Trump created "alternative facts" that account for the incorrect information coming from the president's office.
Throughout the campaign and especially during the inauguration event the media portrayed Donald Trump as a clown and buffoon. It was easy to do because Mr. Trump remained in constant conflict with himself and the world around him. Now that he is in power, however, it appears that Trump is in the process of getting even. He has ordered a block on news, threatened to move the Press Corps out of the White House and Press Secretary Sean Spicer is issuing Trump created "alternative facts" that account for the incorrect information coming from the president's office.
Thoughts on Inauguration Day 2017
In all of my years that I have covered local and national elections as a newspaper reporter I have never experienced a presidential inauguration quite like the one that is about to occur today. Inauguration Day is always treated somewhat like a national holiday. There are speeches, parties, music and the newly elected President and First Lady are special guests at elaborate parties and dances going on all over Washington. The inauguration of Donald Trump, however, is not stirring this kind of fervor.
In all of my years that I have covered local and national elections as a newspaper reporter I have never experienced a presidential inauguration quite like the one that is about to occur today. Inauguration Day is always treated somewhat like a national holiday. There are speeches, parties, music and the newly elected President and First Lady are special guests at elaborate parties and dances going on all over Washington. The inauguration of Donald Trump, however, is not stirring this kind of fervor.
Cut The Deficit – Break Down The Department Of Homeland Security
After the attacks of 9-11, President George W. Bush declared a War on Terror, launched two wars in the Middle East, and created the complex and costly bureaucracy called the Department of Homeland Security. That department, which involves a cabinet position, absorbed a long list of new and existing government agencies. It now functions with over 240,000 employees and sucks up an annual budget of $41.2 billion.
After the attacks of 9-11, President George W. Bush declared a War on Terror, launched two wars in the Middle East, and created the complex and costly bureaucracy called the Department of Homeland Security. That department, which involves a cabinet position, absorbed a long list of new and existing government agencies. It now functions with over 240,000 employees and sucks up an annual budget of $41.2 billion.
Cut The Deficit – Stop The Big Business Of Running America’s Prisons
Largely because of the nation’s failed drug war and national “get tough on crime” policies initiated into state and federal law in the 1980s, there are more Americans currently under incarceration per capita in the U. S. than in any other nation in the world. Long prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenders are shown to be the single greatest multiplying factor behind the problem of prison overcrowding.
Largely because of the nation’s failed drug war and national “get tough on crime” policies initiated into state and federal law in the 1980s, there are more Americans currently under incarceration per capita in the U. S. than in any other nation in the world. Long prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenders are shown to be the single greatest multiplying factor behind the problem of prison overcrowding.
Cut The Deficit – Start With The Military
Before he left office, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a five-star general who served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, left Americans with a warning that the military industrial complex constructed for this war had a “potential for a disastrous rise of misplaced power.” It seems we were not listening. The United States has since established and maintained a massive global military presence that rivals anything ever dreamed of by the old Roman Empire. And we flex our military muscle in every corner of the world and at taxpayer expense.
Before he left office, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a five-star general who served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, left Americans with a warning that the military industrial complex constructed for this war had a “potential for a disastrous rise of misplaced power.” It seems we were not listening. The United States has since established and maintained a massive global military presence that rivals anything ever dreamed of by the old Roman Empire. And we flex our military muscle in every corner of the world and at taxpayer expense.
Looming Year of More Trump Ahead
I don’t know a lot about Donald Trump. He was such an uninteresting character that I failed to give him much attention even after he announced his candidacy for the presidency. I reasoned with the academics that he was such a clown and so disconnected with the political world that voters would never give him the job.
Needless to say, we were all shocked and surprised.
I don’t know a lot about Donald Trump. He was such an uninteresting character that I failed to give him much attention even after he announced his candidacy for the presidency. I reasoned with the academics that he was such a clown and so disconnected with the political world that voters would never give him the job.
Needless to say, we were all shocked and surprised.
Behold the New Pirate Political Party!
As political oppression grows not only in the United States but in nations throughout the world, there has been a movement to control Internet communications. And this has sparked an uprising among the people who literally live and thrive on this amazing new electronics tool. They perhaps justifiably call themselves “Pirates” and it should not be surprising that they have formed a new political movement by that very name.
As political oppression grows not only in the United States but in nations throughout the world, there has been a movement to control Internet communications. And this has sparked an uprising among the people who literally live and thrive on this amazing new electronics tool. They perhaps justifiably call themselves “Pirates” and it should not be surprising that they have formed a new political movement by that very name.
The Implications of a Trump Presidency
Our friend Mark Rummel offered the following words of wisdom Tuesday night to Facebook readers:
"Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will have to sit on their blisters!" -- Abraham Lincoln
Our friend Mark Rummel offered the following words of wisdom Tuesday night to Facebook readers:
"Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will have to sit on their blisters!" -- Abraham Lincoln
Experienced Journalists Hanging Their Heads In Shame
This year with all of the sensational media hype surrounding the Clinton/Trump presidential campaign, the news reports have been so staggering there is a general agreement among most Americans that people can no longer trust the media for news. We have all seen how major U.S. newspapers and television networks have been bought up by a few powerful corporations. After the Supreme Court's disastrous Citizen's United ruling, laws prohibiting the pouring of large amounts of money into specific campaigns are being by-passed.
This year with all of the sensational media hype surrounding the Clinton/Trump presidential campaign, the news reports have been so staggering there is a general agreement among most Americans that people can no longer trust the media for news. We have all seen how major U.S. newspapers and television networks have been bought up by a few powerful corporations. After the Supreme Court's disastrous Citizen's United ruling, laws prohibiting the pouring of large amounts of money into specific campaigns are being by-passed.
Nixon's Secret Psychic Adviser
There is a story that President Richard M. Nixon secretly consulted with noted American psychic Jeane Dixon not only during his term as president but during his years in the legislature. Historian Timothy Naftali reveals the link between Nixon and Dixon in his book “Blind Spot: The Secret History of American Counterterrorism.” He told how Dixon warned Nixon of terrorist plots in the United States and Europe even during that period of American history.
There is a story that President Richard M. Nixon secretly consulted with noted American psychic Jeane Dixon not only during his term as president but during his years in the legislature. Historian Timothy Naftali reveals the link between Nixon and Dixon in his book “Blind Spot: The Secret History of American Counterterrorism.” He told how Dixon warned Nixon of terrorist plots in the United States and Europe even during that period of American history.
The Terrible Trump Platform
Angry Americans feel enamored by Donald Trump because he is an outspoken voice of rebellion against a failed system. His big bully commentary has caught the ears of people who desperately want change and they are jumping on his bandwagon in hopes that at long last they have a presidential candidate with the charisma to shake up the Washington establishment. But the people who think they like Mr. Trump should take a moment and listen carefully to what he has been saying of late. His plan, as it has rolled from his spit-flying lips, is really scary.
Angry Americans feel enamored by Donald Trump because he is an outspoken voice of rebellion against a failed system. His big bully commentary has caught the ears of people who desperately want change and they are jumping on his bandwagon in hopes that at long last they have a presidential candidate with the charisma to shake up the Washington establishment. But the people who think they like Mr. Trump should take a moment and listen carefully to what he has been saying of late. His plan, as it has rolled from his spit-flying lips, is really scary.
A Writer Sick of Politics
I gave up cable television over a year ago in an effort to get away from media misinformation and the looming barrage of political propaganda that was going to dominate any programming we might choose to watch. But getting news via the Internet has not provided much relief.
I gave up cable television over a year ago in an effort to get away from media misinformation and the looming barrage of political propaganda that was going to dominate any programming we might choose to watch. But getting news via the Internet has not provided much relief.
High Speed Technology Vs. Slow Wheels Of Government
A report that U.S. intelligence agencies are lagging behind in updated electronics used in keeping up with potential terrorist threats should not come as a surprise. After years of working as a county and city government reporter this writer understands how slow the wheels of decision-making turn within a democratic system. Every request for purchasing new equipment with tax dollars goes through various committees for recommendations before a final decision is made by the full governing board. Sometimes the process can take weeks, sometimes months.
A report that U.S. intelligence agencies are lagging behind in updated electronics used in keeping up with potential terrorist threats should not come as a surprise. After years of working as a county and city government reporter this writer understands how slow the wheels of decision-making turn within a democratic system. Every request for purchasing new equipment with tax dollars goes through various committees for recommendations before a final decision is made by the full governing board. Sometimes the process can take weeks, sometimes months.
America Is Facing a Terrible Threat
It is hard for us to imagine what could happen to our nation if Donald Trump slips into the presidency and a corrupt league of Republican legislators ride on Trump’s coattails back for new terms. If it happens we can be assured that the stalemate in Washington will be over. And we can be assured that anything Trump asks for will probably be handed to him without debate. But will Trump act in the best interests of the people . . . or follow the route he has always taken in his business practices? If the latter is the case, we can expect the things we currently hate about the way our government is working to get much worse.
It is hard for us to imagine what could happen to our nation if Donald Trump slips into the presidency and a corrupt league of Republican legislators ride on Trump’s coattails back for new terms. If it happens we can be assured that the stalemate in Washington will be over. And we can be assured that anything Trump asks for will probably be handed to him without debate. But will Trump act in the best interests of the people . . . or follow the route he has always taken in his business practices? If the latter is the case, we can expect the things we currently hate about the way our government is working to get much worse.
Is It Time For Another American Revolution?
As American’s enter another celebration of Independence Day there seems to be a shallow understanding of just why the day is marked as a special holiday. Yes, we all know that July 4, 1776 marked the day the New England colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, thus declaring the 13 colonies independent from British rule. What few people know is that the Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783, started with British troops attempting to get the 13 American Colonies in line, but ended up expanding to a world war between Britain and not only the new United States but France, the Netherlands and Spain.
As American’s enter another celebration of Independence Day there seems to be a shallow understanding of just why the day is marked as a special holiday. Yes, we all know that July 4, 1776 marked the day the New England colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, thus declaring the 13 colonies independent from British rule. What few people know is that the Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783, started with British troops attempting to get the 13 American Colonies in line, but ended up expanding to a world war between Britain and not only the new United States but France, the Netherlands and Spain.
The Cruel Politics of Immigration
We could almost see the smirks on the Congressional Republican faces as they received the news that the U.S. Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 on President Obama’s Immigration relief plan. It is unfathomable that the nation’s elected “leadership” should react with such cruelty to an issue so important to millions of our country. A large number of these so-called “illegal immigrants” are people from Mexico who risked everything to crash our border and seek a better life for themselves and their families.
We could almost see the smirks on the Congressional Republican faces as they received the news that the U.S. Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 on President Obama’s Immigration relief plan. It is unfathomable that the nation’s elected “leadership” should react with such cruelty to an issue so important to millions of our country. A large number of these so-called “illegal immigrants” are people from Mexico who risked everything to crash our border and seek a better life for themselves and their families.
The Campaign “What If” Scenarios
Throughout the current high-profile race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for their party nominations for the November presidential election there has been a very large and troublesome elephant in the room. While most media outlets are ignoring the problem, it has become well-known that the FBI has been conducting an extensive investigation of possibly criminal wrong-doing by Clinton and her aides during her term as Secretary of State. What happens if she is indicted?
Throughout the current high-profile race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for their party nominations for the November presidential election there has been a very large and troublesome elephant in the room. While most media outlets are ignoring the problem, it has become well-known that the FBI has been conducting an extensive investigation of possibly criminal wrong-doing by Clinton and her aides during her term as Secretary of State. What happens if she is indicted?
A Dangerous Nation Under Trump
Donald Trump has been attracting a lot of attention among U.S. voters who are fed up with the system the way it has become. They are so frustrated they appear to like the idea of putting a loud-mouth bully in the White House who promises to “make America Great” again. What they don’t know is just how dangerous Trump’s ideas are, and how unprepared this man is for running the world's most powerful military nation in the world. He posts a frightening agenda that threatens to thrust the nation back into the Dark Ages.
Donald Trump has been attracting a lot of attention among U.S. voters who are fed up with the system the way it has become. They are so frustrated they appear to like the idea of putting a loud-mouth bully in the White House who promises to “make America Great” again. What they don’t know is just how dangerous Trump’s ideas are, and how unprepared this man is for running the world's most powerful military nation in the world. He posts a frightening agenda that threatens to thrust the nation back into the Dark Ages.
Corporate Media Corrupting Political Climate
We have tired of the long and drawn-out presidential campaign. It seems that the corporate-controlled media offers a constant barrage of top stories about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The man can't blow his nose without us having to read about it. Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who is exciting large crowds where ever he goes, is being ignored by the press.
We have tired of the long and drawn-out presidential campaign. It seems that the corporate-controlled media offers a constant barrage of top stories about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The man can't blow his nose without us having to read about it. Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who is exciting large crowds where ever he goes, is being ignored by the press.
America’s Scary Presidential Race
If we can believe the corporate-controlled media in the United States, voters are poised to choose between two extremely unpopular candidates to fill the looming presidential vacancy in Washington. The candidates that appear to be rolling off the top of the garbage Heep are: Donald Trump, who literally bullied his way through state primary elections and caucuses to seize enough committed ultra conservative and angry delegates to win the Republican nomination during the looming national G.O.P. convention in Cleveland during the week of July 18-21. Hillary Clinton, former First Lady, former Secretary of State and Senator, who has been staying one-step ahead of Democratic Party challenger Senator Bernie Sanders to almost (but not quite) secure enough electoral votes to win her party’s nomination. The Democratic Party Convention will be held the week of July 25 in Philadelphia.
If we can believe the corporate-controlled media in the United States, voters are poised to choose between two extremely unpopular candidates to fill the looming presidential vacancy in Washington. The candidates that appear to be rolling off the top of the garbage Heep are: Donald Trump, who literally bullied his way through state primary elections and caucuses to seize enough committed ultra conservative and angry delegates to win the Republican nomination during the looming national G.O.P. convention in Cleveland during the week of July 18-21. Hillary Clinton, former First Lady, former Secretary of State and Senator, who has been staying one-step ahead of Democratic Party challenger Senator Bernie Sanders to almost (but not quite) secure enough electoral votes to win her party’s nomination. The Democratic Party Convention will be held the week of July 25 in Philadelphia.
Seeking Union Salvation in America
There has been a silent war going on in the courts and U. S. work places over a worker’s right to be represented by a union. The unions won their place at the wage bargaining table after nearly 100 years of bitter and sometimes bloody in-fighting between workers and employers. Now that right is being usurped by "right-to-work" laws and international trade agreements that permit employers to by-pass labor agreements and obtain cheap labor. The issue is now heading for the Supreme Court.
There has been a silent war going on in the courts and U. S. work places over a worker’s right to be represented by a union. The unions won their place at the wage bargaining table after nearly 100 years of bitter and sometimes bloody in-fighting between workers and employers. Now that right is being usurped by "right-to-work" laws and international trade agreements that permit employers to by-pass labor agreements and obtain cheap labor. The issue is now heading for the Supreme Court.
West Virginia Almost Had A Jesus Law
This issue of same sex marriage has so rattled the southern Bible thumpers that a bunch of Senate Republicans in West Virginia introduced a proposed bill that would have given folks the right to violate any law if they could prove that the action was based on religious conviction. It was introduced as Senate Bill 11, the Freedom of Conscience Protection Act, and designed primarily to give state businesses the right to deny services to same sex couples and trans-gender people. As one writer explained: “it would essentially be a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card for all bigots, racists, misogynists, religious zealots across the State of West Virginia.”
This issue of same sex marriage has so rattled the southern Bible thumpers that a bunch of Senate Republicans in West Virginia introduced a proposed bill that would have given folks the right to violate any law if they could prove that the action was based on religious conviction. It was introduced as Senate Bill 11, the Freedom of Conscience Protection Act, and designed primarily to give state businesses the right to deny services to same sex couples and trans-gender people. As one writer explained: “it would essentially be a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card for all bigots, racists, misogynists, religious zealots across the State of West Virginia.”
Why Ted Cruz Is So Dangerous
State Republican voters are coming dangerously close to posting Texas Senator Ted Cruz up for nomination as their candidate for the presidency. And if you are listening to what Cruz is preaching, this ought to scare the pants off of everybody. In a recent speech in South Carolina Cruz told his audience: “Our nation is a Christian nation and when I’m president I’ll make sure of it, because the Bible will be the Constitution.”
State Republican voters are coming dangerously close to posting Texas Senator Ted Cruz up for nomination as their candidate for the presidency. And if you are listening to what Cruz is preaching, this ought to scare the pants off of everybody. In a recent speech in South Carolina Cruz told his audience: “Our nation is a Christian nation and when I’m president I’ll make sure of it, because the Bible will be the Constitution.”
Why They Killed Jesus
The Bible story of the trial and murder of Jesus is strangely lame when you think about it. The criminal accusation against Jesus is so vague it does not appear to be a serious enough offense to have caused Pilot to deliver a death sentence. An interesting theory once presented on the website Prison Planet probably makes about as much sense as any we have heard. They murdered Jesus because he attacked the money changers. The article quotes the Rev. Howard Bess, a retired Baptist minister and frequent columnist for various Internet publications, as pointing out that the entire movement to kill Jesus stemmed from his assault on the bankers operating in the temple.
The Bible story of the trial and murder of Jesus is strangely lame when you think about it. The criminal accusation against Jesus is so vague it does not appear to be a serious enough offense to have caused Pilot to deliver a death sentence. An interesting theory once presented on the website Prison Planet probably makes about as much sense as any we have heard. They murdered Jesus because he attacked the money changers. The article quotes the Rev. Howard Bess, a retired Baptist minister and frequent columnist for various Internet publications, as pointing out that the entire movement to kill Jesus stemmed from his assault on the bankers operating in the temple.
Bernie Sanders
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Jill Stein
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There Is A Third Candidate
When interviewed by CBS News last week, a focus group of Republican and Democratic voters in Florida let it be known they are opposed to supporting either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump as our next president. The CBS anchor, like those in the other major news networks, are ignoring the fact that Democrat Bernie Sanders and Green Party candidate Jill Stein are in the running. Both are offering far better platforms for the nation but unfair media coverage is setting the stage of a national disaster.
When interviewed by CBS News last week, a focus group of Republican and Democratic voters in Florida let it be known they are opposed to supporting either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump as our next president. The CBS anchor, like those in the other major news networks, are ignoring the fact that Democrat Bernie Sanders and Green Party candidate Jill Stein are in the running. Both are offering far better platforms for the nation but unfair media coverage is setting the stage of a national disaster.
Warren Wants to Give Seniors a Raise
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts knows GOP legislators twisted the books to take away a badly needed hike in Social Security benefits for seniors this year. And she has introduced a bill designed to do something about it. Warren’s bill, dubbed the Save Act, would give an estimated 65 million seniors, veterans and millions of people receiving benefits from other programs a one-time cost-of-living adjustment of $581 per person.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts knows GOP legislators twisted the books to take away a badly needed hike in Social Security benefits for seniors this year. And she has introduced a bill designed to do something about it. Warren’s bill, dubbed the Save Act, would give an estimated 65 million seniors, veterans and millions of people receiving benefits from other programs a one-time cost-of-living adjustment of $581 per person.
That Student Loan Debt Crisis
The issue of student loan debt has reached crisis levels in the United States. The problem is that federal legislation in 1998 turned the U.S. Department of Education into a predatory lender. By law student loan debt is the only kind of commercial deficit that cannot be it excused through bankruptcy. Also America’s collapsed job market since 1998 has made it impossible for many college graduates to find jobs that pay enough for them to earn a living and make student loan payments.
The issue of student loan debt has reached crisis levels in the United States. The problem is that federal legislation in 1998 turned the U.S. Department of Education into a predatory lender. By law student loan debt is the only kind of commercial deficit that cannot be it excused through bankruptcy. Also America’s collapsed job market since 1998 has made it impossible for many college graduates to find jobs that pay enough for them to earn a living and make student loan payments.
How Candidate’s Names Impact The Way People Vote
Some years back I met a man who liked to study numbers and statistics. He pointed out that there is an unusual phenomenon among winners in American presidential elections. It seems that candidates with double letters . . . Roosevelt, Hoover, Kennedy, “Bill” Clinton and “Jimmy” Carter . . . always win office because voters appear to like these names. The formula seems to always work.
Some years back I met a man who liked to study numbers and statistics. He pointed out that there is an unusual phenomenon among winners in American presidential elections. It seems that candidates with double letters . . . Roosevelt, Hoover, Kennedy, “Bill” Clinton and “Jimmy” Carter . . . always win office because voters appear to like these names. The formula seems to always work.
Judge Humetewa A Perfect Fit For High Court
March 1, 2016
Federal District Judge Diane Hujmetewa of Arizona would be a perfect replacement for the vacant seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Not only would she help balance a too-long unbalanced bench, but she would be a candidate the Republican dominated Washington legislators would have a hard time rejecting.
March 1, 2016
Federal District Judge Diane Hujmetewa of Arizona would be a perfect replacement for the vacant seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Not only would she help balance a too-long unbalanced bench, but she would be a candidate the Republican dominated Washington legislators would have a hard time rejecting.
Returning Federal Land To The Natives?
There is a satirical story floating the web these days that claims President Barack Obama has signed an executive order that returns about 300 million acres of federal land, including the national parks, worth an estimated $450 billion, to the Native American tribes. That story is a farce. But Mr. Obama has indicated that he is willing to settle a century old Black Hills claim dispute involving the Lakota and Sioux tribes in South Dakota and Wyoming. A case filed in the early 1920s claimed that the United States never made a legitimate purchase of the land that now includes six national parks including Mount Rushmore.
There is a satirical story floating the web these days that claims President Barack Obama has signed an executive order that returns about 300 million acres of federal land, including the national parks, worth an estimated $450 billion, to the Native American tribes. That story is a farce. But Mr. Obama has indicated that he is willing to settle a century old Black Hills claim dispute involving the Lakota and Sioux tribes in South Dakota and Wyoming. A case filed in the early 1920s claimed that the United States never made a legitimate purchase of the land that now includes six national parks including Mount Rushmore.
Does Plea Bargaining Belong In Our Justice System?
The practice of bargaining with alleged felons to persuade them to accept a "reduced" charge in exchange for a promise of a lighter punishment has been a major part of the court criminal proceedings for as long as I can remember. The concept was originally designed to speed accused criminals through the judicial process, reduce the backlog of criminal trials and consequently reduce the cost of processing court criminal cases. It seems like a good idea at first glance. But when you put yourself in the shoes of the defendants who stumble blindly into the frightening unfamiliar world of judicial canon, the practice of due process and the Sixth Amendment right to a fair and speedy trial quickly gets lost in the fog of legal jargon and clever manipulation amid the cluster of lawyers fluttering like vultures through the halls of every courthouse.
The practice of bargaining with alleged felons to persuade them to accept a "reduced" charge in exchange for a promise of a lighter punishment has been a major part of the court criminal proceedings for as long as I can remember. The concept was originally designed to speed accused criminals through the judicial process, reduce the backlog of criminal trials and consequently reduce the cost of processing court criminal cases. It seems like a good idea at first glance. But when you put yourself in the shoes of the defendants who stumble blindly into the frightening unfamiliar world of judicial canon, the practice of due process and the Sixth Amendment right to a fair and speedy trial quickly gets lost in the fog of legal jargon and clever manipulation amid the cluster of lawyers fluttering like vultures through the halls of every courthouse.
California Voters May Force Donor Logos
It’s a simple idea and one that voters in California will probably have no trouble approving. Wealthy San Diego lawyer John Cox is sponsoring a state-wide campaign to put a simple issue on the November ballot: force state politicians to hang logos of their top ten financial donors on their clothes when doing official business. Using the slogan “California Isn’t For Sale,” Cox says he is spending a million dollars for paid canvassers to gather enough names on petitions to put the issue on the ballot.
It’s a simple idea and one that voters in California will probably have no trouble approving. Wealthy San Diego lawyer John Cox is sponsoring a state-wide campaign to put a simple issue on the November ballot: force state politicians to hang logos of their top ten financial donors on their clothes when doing official business. Using the slogan “California Isn’t For Sale,” Cox says he is spending a million dollars for paid canvassers to gather enough names on petitions to put the issue on the ballot.
President’s Day – How Did That Happen?
Federal, state and some county employees are celebrating another holiday today that most other Americans hardly notice…except when they realize the Post Office is shut down and people at the courthouse probably aren’t answering their telephones. It is called President’s Day. The day supposedly honors the birthdays of four U.S. presidents, George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan who were all born in February.
Federal, state and some county employees are celebrating another holiday today that most other Americans hardly notice…except when they realize the Post Office is shut down and people at the courthouse probably aren’t answering their telephones. It is called President’s Day. The day supposedly honors the birthdays of four U.S. presidents, George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan who were all born in February.
The Brainwashing Of The Masses
Author and video producer Steven Jacobson said: "Television is the most powerful weapon of psychological warfare in history. The programming that we are constantly assaulted by throughout our lives conditions us. It programs us to a particular worldview. Now, we may consider it normal because we were born into this system of lies and deception. And because we were born into this situation and our parents were born into it and have suffered from it, we don’t know any better."
Author and video producer Steven Jacobson said: "Television is the most powerful weapon of psychological warfare in history. The programming that we are constantly assaulted by throughout our lives conditions us. It programs us to a particular worldview. Now, we may consider it normal because we were born into this system of lies and deception. And because we were born into this situation and our parents were born into it and have suffered from it, we don’t know any better."
A Nationalistic-Socialistic Revolt Looms!
There are exciting international changes brewing this year because of two elderly men who are shaking the foundations of religion and government. It appears that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, 73, is exciting mass crowds as he stumps for the presidential nomination in U. S. 2016 elections, and Pope Francis, 78, is exciting followers in his call for world-wide social revolt. News columnists are beginning to notice the phenomenon. They are dubbing what is happening as a social revolt against the failing American capitalistic system that is utilizing an ill-gained wealth to control governments and consequently enslave the masses.
There are exciting international changes brewing this year because of two elderly men who are shaking the foundations of religion and government. It appears that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, 73, is exciting mass crowds as he stumps for the presidential nomination in U. S. 2016 elections, and Pope Francis, 78, is exciting followers in his call for world-wide social revolt. News columnists are beginning to notice the phenomenon. They are dubbing what is happening as a social revolt against the failing American capitalistic system that is utilizing an ill-gained wealth to control governments and consequently enslave the masses.
Fixing The Woes Of Our Nation
It seems that we are reading and hearing more and more scare stories about the out-of-control national debt and the probability of the "too-big-to-fail" banks going into bankruptcy and bringing on another world depression. More and more people are out of work or living in poverty. Our infrastrurcture is crumbling. Fixing this mess would be simple if we could briefly put a benevolent dictator into office with the power to override Congress, the Supreme Court and all of the other power figures hiding behind the velvet drapes behind the king’s throne.
It seems that we are reading and hearing more and more scare stories about the out-of-control national debt and the probability of the "too-big-to-fail" banks going into bankruptcy and bringing on another world depression. More and more people are out of work or living in poverty. Our infrastrurcture is crumbling. Fixing this mess would be simple if we could briefly put a benevolent dictator into office with the power to override Congress, the Supreme Court and all of the other power figures hiding behind the velvet drapes behind the king’s throne.
Why The Candidate Hoopla Now?
If there is anything American’s could care less about at this early date it is the growing list of presidential candidates and what they are saying publically about one another. The first state primary elections are months away. The national primary is still more than a year away. The final presidential election is not going to be big news until November, 2016. The political dribble is so nauseating that it is small wonder that people are abandoning television programming and newspapers by the droves. Click For More
If there is anything American’s could care less about at this early date it is the growing list of presidential candidates and what they are saying publically about one another. The first state primary elections are months away. The national primary is still more than a year away. The final presidential election is not going to be big news until November, 2016. The political dribble is so nauseating that it is small wonder that people are abandoning television programming and newspapers by the droves. Click For More
Another Appalling Political Year Looms
As if the presidential race hasn’t already been slapping us in the face on our daily news feeds almost since the midterm elections concluded last November. Now the candidates for the 2016 presidential race are making their declarations. First came Ted, then Hillary and Marco. By the time this story hit publication the list will have grown even larger. With Barack Obama finishing his second and final term in office, the field is wide open. And candidates are coming out of the cracks like cockroaches. Thoughts
As if the presidential race hasn’t already been slapping us in the face on our daily news feeds almost since the midterm elections concluded last November. Now the candidates for the 2016 presidential race are making their declarations. First came Ted, then Hillary and Marco. By the time this story hit publication the list will have grown even larger. With Barack Obama finishing his second and final term in office, the field is wide open. And candidates are coming out of the cracks like cockroaches. Thoughts
A House Divided . . .
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858. Full Text
Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he gave his famous "house divided" speech before the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, on June 16, 1858. Lincoln’s speech was controversial when he said it. Yet it was clearly prophetic because of the looming Civil War that was to literally tear the nation apart during his term in office. That war was fought over the issue of state’s rights and slavery. Today, a century and a half later, America is once again a house divided, and the rift may be even more severe than it was in 1858. Full Text
The Insane Impact Of Teabag Sequestering
The City of Santa Cruz, California, has for years been known for its street artists, writers and historic charm. It was common to hear music as young starving artists performed on city streets with their hats out for donations from passers-by. Off-beat writers like Robert Anton Wilson dined in some of the town’s quaint little restaurants. Everywhere you looked there was something interesting occurring. That was then. Now, thanks to major cuts in government assistance programs to states, Santa Cruz, like cities all over America, have lost their charm. People are staying at home behind locked doors rather than deal with what awaits them on the open streets. Click For More
The City of Santa Cruz, California, has for years been known for its street artists, writers and historic charm. It was common to hear music as young starving artists performed on city streets with their hats out for donations from passers-by. Off-beat writers like Robert Anton Wilson dined in some of the town’s quaint little restaurants. Everywhere you looked there was something interesting occurring. That was then. Now, thanks to major cuts in government assistance programs to states, Santa Cruz, like cities all over America, have lost their charm. People are staying at home behind locked doors rather than deal with what awaits them on the open streets. Click For More
Supreme Gang of 5 Needs To Be Reined In
When I was a youngster growing up in Harbor Beach, Michigan, everybody in town revered one older house that was maintained as a special place of honor. It was the former home of the late Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy, who was perhaps the most admired person to ever have lived in that community. We looked upon that house was awe. On special occasions the house was open to the public for view, although it was never considered a museum. That was how much we admired people who sat on that hallowed bench. We don't think that way anymore. Click For Story
When I was a youngster growing up in Harbor Beach, Michigan, everybody in town revered one older house that was maintained as a special place of honor. It was the former home of the late Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy, who was perhaps the most admired person to ever have lived in that community. We looked upon that house was awe. On special occasions the house was open to the public for view, although it was never considered a museum. That was how much we admired people who sat on that hallowed bench. We don't think that way anymore. Click For Story
Agriculture "Gag-Laws" Covering Up Factory Farm Horrors
After getting caught with their pants down by investigative reporters posing as workers on corporate-owned factory farms, big business interests are striking back. Legislators in at least six states have caved to corporate pressure and passed laws making it illegal to take entry-level jobs to document the food safety and animal welfare abuses that are going on. Click For More
After getting caught with their pants down by investigative reporters posing as workers on corporate-owned factory farms, big business interests are striking back. Legislators in at least six states have caved to corporate pressure and passed laws making it illegal to take entry-level jobs to document the food safety and animal welfare abuses that are going on. Click For More
The Aggressive Campaign For Another Bush
The last thing this country needs is another member of the Bush family in the White House. Yet it appears that the corporate-owned media is bent on promoting Jeb Bush, the guy who helped George W. Bush steal the presidency when Jeb served as Florida’s governor in 2000. There is hardly a day that goes by that we don’t see Jeb’s image and some kind of story about something he said, did or something somebody else did that might affect his bid for the presidency posted at the top of the news. More If You Are Interested
The last thing this country needs is another member of the Bush family in the White House. Yet it appears that the corporate-owned media is bent on promoting Jeb Bush, the guy who helped George W. Bush steal the presidency when Jeb served as Florida’s governor in 2000. There is hardly a day that goes by that we don’t see Jeb’s image and some kind of story about something he said, did or something somebody else did that might affect his bid for the presidency posted at the top of the news. More If You Are Interested
We Are Being Programmed To Fear Fictitious "Enemies"
I don't know if you have noticed how we are being fed propaganda via our nightly television news programs about some evil guy, somewhere in the world, who is plotting to destroy us with weapons of mass destruction. Are we in an Orwellian world designed to generate perpetual war? Click For Story
I don't know if you have noticed how we are being fed propaganda via our nightly television news programs about some evil guy, somewhere in the world, who is plotting to destroy us with weapons of mass destruction. Are we in an Orwellian world designed to generate perpetual war? Click For Story
Obama Puts "Tea-Bag" GOP On Notice
In his State of the Union address President Barack Obama made a very smart move. He addressed a predominately hostile Republican dominated House and Senate . . . legislators strongly committed to slashing government spending nearly everywhere but in the military . . . by outlining the kind of government action the majority of Americans support but Republicans refuse to grant. Click For Story
The Insanity Of The Manipulated Masses
During the weeks after 9-11 and during a time when President George W. Bush was talking about aggressively attacking the invisible enemy he called "world terrorism," something very strange happened to a lot of Americans. I think just about everybody went crazy. America was like a hive of disturbed bees, buzzing about wildly, prepared to sting anything that looked threatening, and sacrificing their all to do it. Nobody was thinking. Everybody was going to war even though nobody knew who the enemy was. What we were told later may not have been the truth. Click For Story
During the weeks after 9-11 and during a time when President George W. Bush was talking about aggressively attacking the invisible enemy he called "world terrorism," something very strange happened to a lot of Americans. I think just about everybody went crazy. America was like a hive of disturbed bees, buzzing about wildly, prepared to sting anything that looked threatening, and sacrificing their all to do it. Nobody was thinking. Everybody was going to war even though nobody knew who the enemy was. What we were told later may not have been the truth. Click For Story
That Suspicious Drop In The Price Of Oil
As an unexpected holiday gift, travelers everywhere have been happily filling up their gas tanks with low priced fuel. Gas prices in some parts of the United States have dropped from around $4 to under $2 a gallon. But is anybody concerned about the reason for this sudden change? We take a look. Click For Story
As an unexpected holiday gift, travelers everywhere have been happily filling up their gas tanks with low priced fuel. Gas prices in some parts of the United States have dropped from around $4 to under $2 a gallon. But is anybody concerned about the reason for this sudden change? We take a look. Click For Story
What In Hell Is The Tea Party?
Understanding the politics behind various movements throughout the United States gets somewhat confusing midst all of the propaganda, paid political advertising and twisted journalistic reporting. And one of the strangest movements has been the sudden rise of the Tea Party. We have all seen images of Tea Party meetings. Most memorable are the people with silly straw hats on their heads with teabag tags dangling down from around the brim. So who are these guys and what is their agenda? Click For Story
Understanding the politics behind various movements throughout the United States gets somewhat confusing midst all of the propaganda, paid political advertising and twisted journalistic reporting. And one of the strangest movements has been the sudden rise of the Tea Party. We have all seen images of Tea Party meetings. Most memorable are the people with silly straw hats on their heads with teabag tags dangling down from around the brim. So who are these guys and what is their agenda? Click For Story
Flirting With Disaster On The Electric Grid
As we were during the days of cheap oil, Americans appear blindly unaware of a potential looming disaster that looms on the nation’s electric grid. Yet when the lights go out for even a few hours, all life as we know it grinds to a halt. Consider how cities clogged with millions of people might deal with a black-out lasting weeks or even years. Click For Story
As we were during the days of cheap oil, Americans appear blindly unaware of a potential looming disaster that looms on the nation’s electric grid. Yet when the lights go out for even a few hours, all life as we know it grinds to a halt. Consider how cities clogged with millions of people might deal with a black-out lasting weeks or even years. Click For Story