Money, Money, Money, Money.

Having survived the Bush-Cheney regime, I watched (with great hope and expectation) President O'Bama's administration move into 1600 PA. Avenue and begin a new chapter of American history. My expectations were high, to say the least. But, like many others, I find myself growing somewhat anxious and skeptical as each day passes.

"Yes we can!" It was a battle cry for change. Sadly, the words seem more and more just another hollow political campagn slogan, designed to ignite the voters support and to offer the promise of hope - but little else.

Change - real change - seems a distant, and somewhat impossible, dream. At least if one thinks government will effect the change. It won't.

Foreclosures continue at unprecedented rates, unemployment continues to rise, and continued economic collapse looms on the horizon in the form of (collapsing) Commercial Properties and budget shortfalls. Hard times.

We have not seen the worst, even though we're told we're on the rebound. Little has changed. The big banks continue giving outlandish bonuses to themselves (this time the average is $700,000.00) while the residents of 'Main Street America' struggle even more. They continue to lobby effectively in Washington D.C., thwarting any real chance of reform. And, our elected officials seemingly find no difficulty in accepting the millions offered in campaign contributions ($209+ Million so far in 2009).

Is there any hope - real hope - that change can happen? You betcha! And it is coming. Not from government, however. It never does. It's coming from where it always comes: the people. Our government is fractured; broken and ineffective. Our people, however, are not. Granted, they've been used and abused - and many are battered and bruised - but we have always risen to the occasion when required to do so. And we will now. Watch for it. It's coming.

I have great faith in America. And by 'America', I mean Americans. We the People.

Like a breath of fresh air...

I received the following e-mail today - which I wanted to share.

Statement From Anthony D. Romero
ACLU Executive Director

There are times in this country when we find ourselves at a crossroads-- where the path we choose has the potential to define us as a nation for generations to come. No doubt we've been at a critical juncture since September 11. How we respond to the atrocities thrust upon us after that terrible day says everything about who we are as Americans -- what values we defend, how the world sees us, and how history will remember us.

The manner in which we seek justice against those accused of harming us will determine whether the United States will be seen at home and abroad as a nation of laws. We must decide whether we live the values of justice that make us proud to be Americans, or whether we will forsake those values and continue down a path of arbitrary rules andprocedures more befitting those who are our enemies. Because we are agreat nation, true to our founders' vision, we must uphold our core values even in the toughest of times. The right to a speedy trialin a court of law before an objective arbiter; the right to dueprocess; the right to rebut the evidence against you; the right not to be tortured or waterboarded, or convicted on the basis of hearsat evidence are what truly define America and our commitment to the ruleof law and our founders' aspirations.

The military commissions set up by the Bush administration for the men imprisoned at Guantánamo Bay -- including those it suspects were involved in the September 11 attacks -- are not true American justice. These trials should represent who we are, what America stands for, and our commitment to due process. They are not about how civilized the accused are, but how civilized we are.

America does not stand for trials that rely on torture to gain confessions, or on secret evidence that a defendant cannot rebut, or on hearsay evidence. For these reasons, the ACLU and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers have taken on the task of assembling defense teams tobe available to assist in the representation of those Guantánamo detainees who have been charged under the Military Commissions Act, subject to the detainees' consent. We take this step because we simply cannot stand by and allow the Bush administration's military commissions to make a mockery of our Constitution and our values. We believe in the American justice system-- despite its imperfections and distortions by pundits, politicians and ideologues -- and we believe we can make the system stronger by engaging it and fighting for what is right, fighting for fair trials and for America's reputation.

It is when the stakes are the highest and when tempers run the hottest that we must work doubly hard to keep a check on our government and prevent it from trading in our values for visceral and political motives -- no matter what the motivation. It is during the most challenging situations that our country's values are most intensely tested, and along with them, the ACLU's commitment to its core principles. We are determined, as we have always been, to meet this challenge.

Full Speed Ahead?

[Photo coutesy U.S. Navy]

With Admiral Fallon (CENTCOM Commander) out of the way and off to retirement George Bush has, seemingly, an open field to go ahead with his desire to invade Iran. Certainly those he has chosen to surround him are unlikely to voice any opposition; 'Yes men' never do.

Admiral Fallon opposed invading Iran openly, stating it would "never happen on his watch". Voices of reason, and opposition, do not fair well with the Bush Regime. Apparently you are either with him or against him. Fully two-thirds of Americans (and the number is growing) are clearly against him when it comes to the war in Iraq; even more oppose the invasion of Iran. This, of course, matters very little to Emperor George. It's his way or his way, and that's all there is to it.

In recent speeches and press releases he has already equated Iran with the terrorists, sprinkled in a few spoonfuls of WMD's, and stated that Bin Laden's crew would get 'our oil' in Iraq. Fear tactics abound and promise to increase.

While the majority of Americans sigh a sigh of relief realizing that Georgie-boy will soon be out of office, it is a nervous sigh. There are still quite a few days between now and his departure and a great deal of damage can still be done.

Would Congress allow such an action? At their own peril I would suppose. Would Georgie-boy even ask their approval or (as he's done so many times already) would he 'assume more power and authority' and simply circumvent Congress and the Constitution?

For those of you who pray, I suggest you start. For those of you who don't, I suggest you learn.

[A sincere 'Thank you' to Admiral Fallon not only for his service, but for his courage and valor as well. Our Armed Forces and our Nation are sure to miss him.]

My Country

“Even today, there is little value in ensuring the survival of our nation if its traditions do not survive with it.” - President John F. Kennedy –

What America is, has been, and is becoming, warrants serious consideration.

The words of John Kennedy, although they may make us uncomfortable, require that Americans consider what type of society we are, and are going to be. Our traditions of freedom, honor, and justice for all are the cornerstone of our nation. The loss of these basic values strips America of all that it stands for and all that it has stood for. Without these basic truths in operation, and vigorously defended, America ceases to be America.

I am an American. I believe in the ideals and values of America, but I cannot subscribe to the concept that America deserves blind support of its citizenry when it strays from our core beliefs. ‘America, right or wrong’ is as un-American a sentiment as George Bush senior’s words – “I will never apologize for America. No matter what the facts are.”

This type of blind allegiance, this cheap patriotism, is wholly un-American. It is the type of rhetoric most often heard when our government undertakes actions to circumvent our freedoms and protections, our rights and liberties, and our Constitution. America is more than the beating of a drum and the waving of a flag. America is more than idle words, insincere rhetoric, and false patriotism.

In 1931 we adopted the Star Spangled Banner as our National Anthem. The words of the Anthem speak for us to some degree, just as our flag represents us. The words proclaim not only who we are, but what we are as a society and nation. They recount our initial struggle for freedom and each stanza ends with the familiar words: “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

It is interesting to note that in the first stanza, unlike the other three, the line is a question : “Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” It’s a question we might consider today. Our flag flies proudly not only at home, but at places all over the world. It is a symbol not only of our nation, but of freedom – or, at least it has been. Today, many see it as a symbol of dominance and imperialism, and aggression. Some see it as a symbol of tyranny; the very thing we fought against when our nation was formed.

These are trying times in our history. These are times that, truly, test men’s souls. It is not an easy thing to criticize America. It is not easy to recognize and admit our wrong doing. But one must ask if our actions of late have been in the highest tradition of our country; have our actions been just? And, we must also ask, “Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” If not, then John Kennedy’s words have sounded the death toll of this grand experiment in democracy that we call America.

'And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!'

As a nation we have always invoked God, and God’s blessings. We have proclaimed our nation as a nation ‘trusting in God’. We use the words ‘one nation under God’ in our pledge of Allegiance. Yet, sadly, we have, of late, acted ungodly.

Micah 6:8 - He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

We have allowed the actions of a militant few to to cause us to throw off the very liberties we cherish for a false sense of safety. We have allowed a militant few to cause us to demonize an entire faith of others. We have, in fear, acquiesced to a government which views our most cherished Constitution as ‘just a goddamned piece of paper’ and has circumvented its proclamations at a whim. We have allowed a government, hell-bent on winning at all costs, to usurp all that we hold dear.

What is America without freedom? What is America without justice? What is America without truth? Sadly, it is nothing.

The boy who cried Wolf (Blitzer)

A few days ago Mr. Blitzer announced on the ‘most trusted name’ newscast that al-Qaida was now possibly as strong, or stronger, than pre 9/11 strength. The words caught my attention and I paused, waiting for further information. I got a commercial break instead. When Mr. Blitzer returned to the screen he continued with his previous story – periodically repeating the announcement about the terrorist group's new found strength.

Another ‘stay afraid America’ scare tactic? I wondered, as Mr. Blitzer hyped the story yet again. Hmm... this was a potentially shocking bit of news, if true. If not true then...

How could we know this particular terrorist group's strength? How would that be verified? I didn’t know. What I did know, however, was this: If the statement was, in fact, true then this administration’s War on Terror has been an absolute and utter failure. After five years of weakening the Constitution, waging war, killing and maiming so many, destroying Iraq, weakening our Forces, trillions of dollars in debt, massive Corporate earnings, a hemorrhaging economy, and countless lies by our government – we had not made an inch of progress in combating al-Qaida? Not a single inch of progress in five years? Whoa! And again, Whoa!

What about it Mr. Bush? Hello?

It turns out that there was no big, in-depth story. Just the statements and the announcement that two (possibly three) suicide bombers had allegedly been dispatched from Pakistan to Spain ‘fresh from al-Qaida training camps’. They had, according to Court records, everything needed to accomplish their mission - except lethal explosive charges.

A link to the actual story is provided here: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/01/24/newton.uk.al.qaeda.reloads.cnn?iref=videosearch

Lesson learned? Wolf Blitzer could sell ice to Eskimos. He really could. The man has talent in hyping things. (Remember how excited he was to announce the results of his earth shaking poll about what potential Presidential candidate people would most like to have dinner with? (Jack Anderson must be spinning in his grave.)

But what about this ‘re-armed’ al-Qaida? Georgie? Yo, Georgie?

What happened to real, honest news? It died a long time ago. What we get now from mainstream media is nothing more than hype and propoganda - no more than a platform to distribute commercial advertisement and derisive, manipulative, misinformation.

Who would have ever thought that the Comedy Channel would be the place Americans would have to turn for objectivity and truth?

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Stewart_slams_media_for_provoking_campaign_0125.html

Funny? Not so much. As a reminder of what the Press should be, and what its responsibilities are, I offer the following:

http://geekmetv.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2007-12-14T08%3A01%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7

Conflicted Faith

I recently spent some time perusing a few of the leading 'Christian' magazines and on-line 'zines. I saw a lot on politics, happiness, paths to take to ensure God's blessings, and reasons why 'Christian ministries' should not have to be transparent regarding their financial records.

I saw very little with regard to the war, injustice, hunger, missions which required service to others, or the central message of Jesus - "Love one another as I have loved you."

Before you think otherwise, I am not bashing Christianity, nor Jesus. I'm just wondering why the western world's concept of Christianity is so contradictory and self-serving.

Depending on what poll you choose to accept, between 71% to 83% of adult Americans claim to be Christian - to have a personal relationship with the Creator. Amazing when you think about it (and even when you don't).

One would think they would see some sort of indication (in tangible ways) of this prevailing faith in a country when so many profess such faith. Sadly, one doesn't.

I recently had occasion to hear a popular minister in America discuss 'American Christianity' and the motivations behind the faith. I found it interesting that he used the term 'American Christianity'. American as opposed to what? Non-American Christianity? Strange. Well, on second thought, maybe not. Is it possible that there is a unique brand of Christianity that is strictly 'American'? After some reflection I must concur that there is. Where else can we have such contradictions between what is professed and what is practiced but here in the good old USA.

I am by no means a scholar when it comes to scripture, but I can read. And I recognize the significance, and influence, professions of faith have in this country. (Could a professed athiest have a hope of winning a political seat at the national level in America? How about an agnostic? Or a Jewish President? A Muslim President? Doubtful. Seriously doubtful.) Professions of a personal faith are almost mandatory now for anyone seeking public office. (I suppose that's to reassure those they represent that they won't do anything remotely beneficial for 'them hom'sexual types'.)

Our President is a Christian. He's also a liar. Apparently that's an acceptable mix in America. As are Ministers who preach happiness and personal growth, and wealth and prosperity (and amass great wealth and political influence in the process) but make no mention of 'denying oneself' and following Jesus in a ministry of 'service to others'. It's a perplexing thing this contradictory faith. But, then again we are a contradictory society. We're Christian, but believe in capitalism (even though Jesus said "You cannot serve God and money both"). We say we love peace but wage (or support) more war than any other nation. We claim freedom but submit to near dictatorial control for safety. We claim to support human rights, but we torture others. What is one to think of this?

Could it be that some of those 71% to 83% of Americans are deceived? Or, like our President, are they just lying?

Jesus once said that 'you will know His followers by their fruits'. Just as apple trees don't produce oranges, Christians (regardless of what they 'say') do not pursue wealth over justice, nor war over peace. And they certainly don't torture.

"If any man says he loves God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. And the truth is not in him."

Aah! It just dawned on me... Perhaps, just perhaps, the term 'American Christian' is used to differentiate between them and real Christians. What do you think?

"Narrow is the way, and few there are that find it."

See: http://geekmetv.blogspot.com/2008/01/martin.html

America's Shame

I recently commented on the efforts of the ACLU to secure documentation regarding the treatment of detainees held by the American government. During my research I discovered that children were also being held in confinement, and that allegations of abuse (including rape) had been leveled against those in charge of the detainees. The thought of children being used and abused in order to force information from their parents was not only startling, but nauseating as well.

I admit that I didn’t want to believe the allegations, but – as the old adage goes – a picture is worth a thousand words. Here then are three thousand words to consider:

With the News focusing on the economy and the upcoming election it is important that we do not allow other issues to fall by the wayside. This issue is of paramount concern and must be addressed. Emperor Bush may ‘say’ we do not torture, but he lies. We have, shamefully; and we do. But children? Children? What sick minds can even think to defend this barbarism?

For those (and sadly I find the number growing) who say they’re tired of hearing about the war in Iraq, I would suggest you take another look at these pictures. And consider how tired those depicted are of the war. And of us.

This is Democracy in action? This is what America does? And we wonder why they call us ‘the great Satan’?

It is time for Americans to take back our government and our country from the sicko’s who have usurped it. It is time to restore our civil liberties, quit living in fear, and (above all else) hold our government accountable for these crimes against humanity.

2008

Man of peace?

Georgie-porgie recently acknowledged that he knows many consider him to be a war monger, but – he considers himself a man of peace; a peacemaker. That, of course, explains the $20 Billion arms deal he took to the Saudi’s recently in order to help negotiate lower oil prices. Nothing screams peace like cluster bombs and missile systems.

The advent of 2008, like most new years, offers a chance (a hope, a wish, a prayer) of change. And though a fresh start may be the wish, new beginnings rarely prove fruitful when governed by old tactics and desires.

As the celebration of the new year fades I wonder just how much change will be realized. Can America do the right thing? Will it? We live in a society that is motivated by financial markets and financial gain. The saddest thing about that is that most see no problem in that belief. Capitalism, it is thought, is the ideal. But is it?

(Recommended reading: Capitalism and Schizophrenia is a two-volume theoretical work by the French authors Deleuze and Guattari. Bloodthirsty Bitches and Pious Pimps of Power by Jerry Spence.)

I suppose it’s a matter of how much more we deem our value over the value of others. And make no mistake, we do – as a society – view ourselves as ‘more valuable’. It doesn’t sound nice, but it’s true. And I find that interesting considering we view ourselves to be a Christian nation. Doesn’t the Scripture tell us to ‘esteem others over ourselves’? It’s the classic ‘do as I say, not as I do’ syndrome. Something Americans have refined to a fine art. We proclaim high ideals, however, in practice we deceive ourselves. In short, we choose to believe the lie. Why? We do not torture. It’s a lie, but we continue to perpetuate that lie. Again, why? Mr. Huckabee promotes a Constitutional Amendment ‘more in line with God’s will’ (according to him) which completely sets aside the great theological issue of grace vs. works, showing himself to be a very poor biblical scholar but a good polarizing politician. And some accept his proposal as good and moral. Why?

I recently looked through a widely used history textbook used in American public schools. I found it interesting to note that not once was there cited any occasion in which America made a mistake. Interesting. Not once since our inception as a free nation have we erred or done a wrong thing. Believable? No. But each year we continue to teach our children the same (ridiculous) stories. Why? Because the stories are more palatable than the truth. If we taught our children the truth, we might find a generation of Americans standing up in unison screaming “Stop. Wait. Unfair”. That, of course, would be unacceptable.

I know many might claim I’m off on another diatribe of America-bashing, but that would be simplistic and untrue. What I am doing is calling for Americans to be honest, to tell the truth. Didn’t Jesus tell us that the truth would set us free? (Us and a great many others around the world who are currently suffering under the weight of American intervention.) Oh, in case you didn’t know, He also said “You cannot serve God and money both.” Was he lying? Or just a poor capitalist?

Required viewing

'Protect America Act' - Protect who?

This link will let you know exactly how bad things have become. If this surprises you, then pay better attention to what's going on around you, and in your government.

http://Whitehouse.senate.gov/video/120707.ram

Eyes to see and ears to hear.

In 1953 Iran, then a free and democratic nation, was introduced to the ‘Shah’, courtesy of the United States and the CIA. Today, thanks to America’s failed and foolish intervention, Iran is what it is. The Iranian people suffered greatly under the American imposed and supported ‘Shah of Iran’, and for many years. When the people of Iran finally revolted (as people usually do when oppressed by rulers that hold no interest in their welfare) America had once again ‘created’ a new worst enemy.

A half a century later America is in the midst of repeating the same mistake and creating yet another new worst enemy. The government of Iraq, like their U.S. backers, has invested little toward the welfare of the Iraqi people; corruption abounds. Millions upon millions of dollars, and control of untold millions more, has most Iraqi officials at each others throats. Shiite officials now contend with other Shiite officials for control and governance of certain Iraqi assets, and positions of control and influence in certain Ministries. The battle for power (and its accompanying wealth) has permeated this U.S. governed government. Does something smell a little fishy here? No, not fishy, oily.

The bottom line is that the Iraqi people have been left to fend for themselves. With little help from either the U.S. or Iraqi governments, many Iraqi’s have fled to Syria. There, many woman have been forced into prostitution in order to feed their families. The exploitation of the displaced Iraqi’s by the Syrians has been atrocious, but even more atrocious is the complete and total lack of provisions and protections for the Iraqi’s by either their own government or the Coalition leaders.

Fast-forward a few years from now and wonder why the Iraqi people might not view America very favorably.

Are we forever doomed to repeat our failures and continue to create our own worst enemies? The myopic view our government has of the world will prove quite costly in the future, yet again.

Our so-called leaders have said 'they hate us because of our freedoms'. How sanctimonious, and stupid. We have a long history in the Middle East, and it's not a good history.

I remember...

When I was younger, Senator Robert Francis Kennedy was one of the men I most admired. He seemed to be all that a man should be. His commitment and dedication were only exceeded, it seemed, by his passion. He was an idealist.

He not only called people to action, he instilled in them a desire to be involved; a desire to strive to make the world a better place, and not just for ourselves, but for others.

He was truly a remarkable man.

The world at the time of Robert F. Kennedy was turbulent to say the least. Even so, he remained true to his beliefs and worked to effect change. When he, like his brother John, was assassinated the country once more fell into mourning. Men, women and children wept openly in the streets. The country lined the railroad tracks in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the casket, carried by train from Los Angeles back east, and to pay their respect. So many good men had been taken from us, violently, during those days; John Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, and ‘Bobbie’ (as most referred to Senator Kennedy). Their deaths left the country in despair, and though many continued to ‘fight the good fight’, it was painfully obvious that a unique era in American history was coming to an end.

Would we ever find men such as these again? Could we?

It’s been some time since men like Dr. King and Senator Kennedy stirred the hearts and minds of this nation. It’s been some time since words such as ‘equality and truth and justice and integrity’ have been used by those that seek public office. Fiscal responsibility has replaced social responsibility – or so it would seem. In truth, our so called leaders today are not fiscally responsible, nor socially concerned. Partisanship and personal gain, corporate influences and favoritism, are the mode of today. And, what’s most shocking, is that it is known and accepted, and without shame.

For those who are old enough to remember, these words, spoken by Bobbie’s brother Ted Kennedy, may spark something long dormant in your heart. For those too young to remember the Senator, the words may give you a glimpse of who the man was, and what he stood for. And, hopefully, give insight into a time when Americans truly believed in a society which sought to live up to the ideals it professed.

Consider this...

"...we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude. If we run into such debt, as that we must be taxed in our meat and in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and our amusements, for our calling and our creeds...we [will] have no time to think, no means of calling our miss-managers to account but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow-sufferers. And this is the tendency of all human governments. A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent ...till the bulk of society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery. And the foreshores of this frightful team is public debt. Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression.

President Thomas Jefferson

Who we are is a choice.

When good men, in the face of evil, stoop to the level of their foe, they have ceased to engage in a battle of good versus evil and joined with their enemy, conceding the defeat of their values and ideals.

In 1947 Soldiers who had engaged in the use of ‘water boarding’ when interrogating Allied prisoners were convicted of war crimes. There was no hesitation, nor question, in condemning the practice as torture – until now.

I have been amazed (shocked and amazed) by the willingness of some to resort to actions – abhorrent and inhumane – that would be (and have been) quickly condemned when done by others. The relative ease with which values, long held dear, are put aside, replaced by acts universally recognized as barbaric, causes me pause.

King George has said, “We do not torture”. It is a lie. We do torture.

Torture is no less evil, no less abhorrent, and no less a despicable act when we – America - engage in the practice, than when any other nation does. It should be condemned, and those that practice or condone its use should be prosecuted.

Arundhati Roy, the author of “The God of Small Things”, said “once you’ve seen something, you cannot un-see it”. One can pretend they didn’t see, or profess they didn’t know, or deny they had any complicity, but that too is a lie. Silence is as political an act as any other, albeit the most cowardly.

The ideals and values Americans have long espoused hang in the balance. They will be confirmed or denied by our actions or inactions, and we will bear the burden of living with our choices for many years to come. Virtues and values cannot be claimed only when convenient. We, individually and collectively, either hold dear the rights of human beings or we don’t. And our decision regarding human rights will be known, not by our words or proclamations, but by our actions and practices. We cannot claim to be humane while acting inhumane, nor just while acting unjustly. And, we cannot claim to be lovers of freedom while denying others their basic human rights.

Love it or leave it?

To those who have conveyed to me the sentiment “America, love it or leave it.” I say, “I agree” and “I do”. It’s my country. I love it. I love the ideals of America. I love the hope and promise of America. I love America.

I love America so much that I refuse to sit idly by and watch as some – professing a perverse patriotism – attempt to dismantle the very foundations of America. I love the America that was formed to promote ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’; the America that was formed ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people’; land of the free and home of the brave.

I love the America that prompted men to rise up and say, with sincerity and conviction, ‘Give me liberty or give me death’. I love the America that stood, proudly, for justice and equality, and freedom; freedom to speak your mind, and freedom to act.

I love America.

I resent those that would pervert America for their own personal gain or benefit, or partisan interest. I resent those that would try to weaken America through fear or manipulation or dictate. I resent those that would attempt labeling those that dissent – not only a right but a duty of all citizens – as un-American or unpatriotic. I resent those that, through apathy or indifference or sheer laziness or ignorance, allow others to minimize, subvert, or destroy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to each citizen – regardless of race, creed, color, or anything else - under the Constitution; the Constitution that so many of our forefathers have fought and died to defend.

I love America.

When I look at our flag I cannot help but feel a sense of pride. Within that cloth of stars and stripes I see my Uncle who was in the second wave of troops to land on Omaha Beach; I see my Father who, at 17 years of age, sailed off to war; I see my Brothers who continued that tradition of military service, enlisting during a time of war; I see those that served with me as well, young men from across America who willingly took an oath to ‘defend the Constitution against enemies both foreign and domestic’. And I see those who did not serve militarily but at home, ensuring that America continued to function. In short, I see Americans; men and women who come from strong stock, from ancestors who cherished freedom and justice and would never bow their heads to any dictatorship, whether at home or abroad. What I do not see when I look at our flag is buildings and offices and bureaucracies and committees. I do not see political parties, secret agendas, corporate interests, political action groups, or politicians. Nor do I see those that violate and betray the decency of our country and its citizenry by abusing others.

America, love it or leave it? I’m here for the duration. Let King George know.

H.R. 1955

Congresswoman Jane Harman and Co-Sponsors [see below] have succeeded in getting H.R. 1955 passed. The bill, which is titled “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007” is in direct conflict with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. Nonetheless, 404 members of Congress voted for the Resolution [only 6 members voting against, and 22 abstaining] and sent it off to the Senate.

A breakdown of those votes can be viewed at:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2007-993

The Resolution can be read in its entirety by simply Google-searching ‘HR 1955’. I encourage you to do exactly that.

The Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence July 4th, 1776. In the Declaration it is established that ‘the People’ have not only the right, but the duty, to throw off any Government which seeks to exert rule over – instead of for – the People.

It is the Constitution which establishes a ‘government of the People, by the People, and for the People’. The same Constitution which the noted Representatives took a solemn oath to defend, they now willingly seek to undermine. In case they’ve forgotten, I offer a simple reminder:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

America is not a land of Rulers lording it over the populace. It is a land where the will of ‘the People’ reigns supreme and ‘Representatives serve’ that will. Otherwise, it is not America at all.

[A personal note of Thanks to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-California, for being the sole dissenting vote from the State of California.]

Cosponsors of H.R. 1955

[as of 2007-10-24]
Rep. Christopher Carney [D-PA]
Del. Donna Christensen [D-VI]
Rep. Yvette Clarke [D-NY]
Rep. Charles Dent [R-PA]
Rep. Norman Dicks [D-WA]
Rep. Al Green [D-TX]
Rep. James Langevin [D-RI]
Rep. Zoe Lofgren [D-CA]
Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY]
Rep. Daniel Lungren [R-CA]
Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D-CO]
Rep. Ted Poe [R-TX]
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]

For too long our voices have been ignored. And for too long our elected Representatives have forgotten that they work for us, the People. Perhaps it is time that we exercise our right to be heard, to dissent, and to be truly served by simply firing those Representatives who act contrary to the will of the people. Elections are coming.

LTG Ricardo Sanchez

Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez has joined the ranks of the retired who have now found their courage and their voice. Convenient. Where was his voice when it would have counted, when it might have made a difference? It was silent. Was the hope of a fourth star pinned to his shoulder worth his silence regarding the situation(s) in Iraq? No.

America - in review

We torture but - we don’t torture. How far will this administration go in trying to defend its indefensible self? Apparently, there is no limit. Even more shocking – and equally shameful – is how much the citizens of America will tolerate from this barbaric and shameless government.
Our social conscious is gone. Period. We have no defense, and there is no rationale that can – in any way, shape, or form – justify our actions and our inactions. History is replete with unacceptable excuses offered by societies in vain attempts to justify atrocities committed. They just don’t fly. They never have, and they never will.
Do we think we’re the exception? Apparently so, but it’s not true. We aren’t exempt. Human decency is not a uniquely American virtue. And, even if it were, it would no longer be, given this perverse administration’s actions. Lies, deceptions, half truths - It’s enough already. Enough!
No American who has read a newspaper or watched a television newscast can excuse themselves. We are, one and all, without excuse. And each day that passes by that we don’t demand accountability, is another day of complicity. How will history recount our society’s behavior? How will history record what we have done? – and haven’t done?
Every virtuous or noble ideal that we once held dear now serves to condemn us. We have traded our values, our beliefs, and in many ways, our souls, for a false sense of security. What does that say of us? What will history say of us? We are not the only ones who record and document events. Historians world-wide will write – as they always do – of the events that occurred during this period. And they will do so without a politically partisan perspective. Facts will be documented, occurrences noted, and actions recorded. What picture of America will that paint? A land which claims such high ideals yet acts in ways so contrary to those ideals that it defies logic? What other picture can be portrayed?
Anybody?
Anybody?