Which Way We Going?

(NASA Photo of our sun)

It is the center of our Solar system. And, not surprisingly, it looks nothing like you.

Priorities. Prioritizing. It's critical to the successful management of any undertaking. It assigns an order of importance to things. It requires decision, which operates on a perception of importance. It's not a difficult thing to do.

Fifteen years ago one in every fifteen hundred children born in America would suffer some form of Autism. 1 in 1,500. Today the statistic is one in every one hundred and ten. 1 in 110.

Let's prioritize. How important is this?

$300 Million Dollars. That's how important it is. That's the money our Government gave (in total) to deal with the matter of Autism. $300 Million.

$300 Million dollars is a lot of money, but then so is $100.00. Don't believe me? Next time you're broke imagine what you could do with a hundred bucks. $300 Million is a lot of money. It's also an insufficient amount of money. 1 in 110 children. In my view the increase in Autism is a national crisis. And by crisis I mean CRISIS. A plague. A national disaster.

Research and care and support are necessary. $300 Million . Inadequate. Superficial. Pathetic.

$300 Million. What was the amount our Government gave to Wall Street? Anyone remember? What was the amount spent - in real money and in borrowed funds - to wage war? Anyone remember? What was the amount spent on the last Presidential Campains? Anyone remember?

$300 Million. 1 out of every 110 new Americans.

I really don't need a calculater to figure out that $300 Million is woefully inadequate. Do you?

Priorities.

Hmm.

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.

Bush finally admits he is a liar

*************************************************
From the Desk of Caroline Fredrickson
Director, ACLU Washington Legislative Office *************************************************
Dear ACLU Supporter, On Friday night, in a national television interview, President Bush directly admitted what we have suspected all along: The White House was deeply and intimately involved in decisions about the CIA's use of torture.

For the first time, George W. Bush acknowledged that he knew his top national security advisers discussed and approved specific details of the CIA's use of torture. "I'm aware that our national security team met on this issue and I approved," he said. He also defended the use of waterboarding -- simulated drowning where the victim feels like they are about to die. Congress should long ago have gotten to the bottom of which top officials approved, condoned and authorized U.S. involvement in torture. But, now that the President has admitted to a policy of top-down torture, the ACLU is calling on Congress to demand an independent prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the War Crimes Act, the federal Anti-Torture Act and federal assault laws.

Time for real change and action.

Amar Bakshi, Washington Post Reporter, took a year to travel the world in an attempt to determine the world's 'Youth Opinion' of America. It was a rather daring project, and the information gained was rather startling. C-SPAN aired a pesentation by Mr. Bakshi followed by a Q&A period. A video can be seen at NewAmerica.com and/or WashingtonPost.com/America.

As a young reporter, Mr. Bakshi showed remarkable insight into todays youths concerns, politics, and opinions. And his analysis of these was quite insightful and in-depth as well. At the core of Mr. Bakshi's findings was a perceived threat from America against Islam. Many Islamic youth around the world see at least some validity to the notion that America is out to destroy Islam - and on a worldwide scale.

Bobby Kennedy, during a speech in South Africa, once said: "Governments oppress their people." It's a truth that has existed for quite a long time. America is not the only nation to 'slant the news' or manipulate the facts surrounding a particular event or movement - it's a worldwide practice and a dilemma for all. Each nation has their own political agenda and those that manipulate their populace in accordance with that agenda. A young Muslim in the U.K. may perceive the detainment of Muslim's by the U.S. one way, a young Muslim in Pakistan may view the matter in an entirely different way. A great deal is dependent upon the local issues and concerns these youth may be dealing with, and the political agendas active in his/her neighborhood.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the view of America held by most young Muslims is overwhelmingly negative. There is a perceived threat from America against Islam and, therefore, against them personally. American politico's are aware of this and are desperate to find ways to improve America's image around the world - as are American business leaders. To date, they have failed miserably. It's difficult, and in this case impossible, to convince someone of America's 'goodness' when all they see and hear and experience scream otherwise.

The Bush Regime may claim we are 'establishing democracy' in the Middle East, but that is not the perception held by the youth throughout the Middle East. It may be what what was 'sold' to Americans, but it's not being 'bought' by young Muslims elsewhere in the world.

During Mr. Bakshi's presentation, a number of disturbing trends were brought to light that, I'm sure, most Americans are completely unaware of. One was that most of the world is not intimidated by America's 'Super Power' status. Another is that Americas intervention anywhere, regardless of its purpose or intent, is overwhelmingly viewed as bad. But, the most startling revelation - at least to me - was that the Muslim youth of the world now tend to view America as 'evil' - not just bad, or self-serving, or corrupt, but 'evil'. Additionally, they also no longer perceive a difference between the American government and the American people - to them, it's one in the same. It doesn't matter that two thirds of the American people oppose the war in Iraq - America is there, waging war, occupying - and promises to continue to do so. Afterall, we are a democracy, 'of the people, by the people, and for the people', aren't we? Doesn't a democratic nation reflect the will of the people? Maybe not according to the Bush family, or Dick Cheney's group, but the rest of the world thinks so.

This is an issue of concern which ranks right up there with global warming, poverty and hunger, and any other global concern you may have. It's an issue which needs to be addressed immediately - and slick, Madison Avenue-type sales pitches won't suffice. There needs to be genuine concern, genuine effort, and fair and equitable actions taken. American interests must be viewed on a global scale and recognize the interests of other nations and peoples as well.

Arundhati Roy, the Indian writer/activist once said that change will not occur until "America recognizes that a world exists beyond its borders". There's a great truth in these words that we must recognize before we, as a nation, can hope to effectively turn the tide of anti-Americanism which is growing at an alarming rate all over the globe. We cannot just wave our flag, pound a drum, and arbitrarily proclaim America is 'right'. We, as a nation and a people, must really examine the facts and seek the truth of what our government and multi-national corporations have done (and are doing) throughout the world - and the results of such actions. We must demand accountability from those in charge, and we must be willing to not only recognize, but admit, errors we may have made.

The Muslim youth of the world perceive America as a personal threat. It's a perception we must recognize and deal with. We must do so honestly and fairly, and in genuine good faith. A good start might be to quit trying to tell Muslims what the Koran says, or explain its meaning to them. It's an arrogant and condescending and stupid thing to do.

Muslims know what 'extremists' are. They also know what is and isn't correct interpretations of the Koran. Christianity has extremists too. It has narrow-minded, bigotted, racist members as well. True Christians recognize those who misinterpret scripture or manipulate scripture for personal gain - or control of political groups. And, before it's voiced that 'Christian extremists' don't blow things up, remember back to the days when abortion clinics, and Doctors and Nurses, were reduced to dust and rubble. There are extremists in every group. We cannot demonize an entire faith due to the actions of a few - otherwise, we, personally, must assume responsibility for the actions of Bush and Cheney, and their cronies, who have manipulated and perverted our Constitution, lied, tortured, killed, and completely ignored the will of the American people.

It is time for real change in America.

I suggest we begin with a truthful, honest, examination of our actions around the globe.

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.]

America' security threatened - by Bush

George Walker Bush – Number 43 - is:

(a) a moron
(b) stupid
(c) insane
(d) just doesn’t care
(e) all of the above

The correct answer, of course, is: (e)all of the above.

In nearly the same breath the Bush boy extolled the necessity of renewing the FISA bill then promised to veto the very same bill if it did not provide retroactive immunity for the Telecoms which acted illegally [as did the government] in spying on American citizens.

America’s security, which the idiot claimed would be threatened without FISA, is now being threatened by the Bush Regime. Immunity for the Telecoms or increased risk of attack by terrorists? Is that really what the Commander in Chief has threatened? Yes, it is.

The Congress approved a fifteen day extension of FISA, to allow for further discussion, consideration, and debate. ??? They’ve had a year to digest the contents of this legislation.

I would suggest the Congress allow the legislation to lapse. If they don’t, then they should extend the bill without the demanded immunity for the Telecoms. Then the Bush boy will have to decide what is more important – America’s security or the Telecoms immunity. He has already threatened the veto so we know where his interest lies, but forcing the insane man to go on record with his choice will preserve for posterity the fact that the fascist Bush boy is, in fact, the single greatest threat to America and its security.

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.

Justice

Attorney General Michael Mukasey’s remarks – rather his lack of concise, succinct responses - regarding ‘water boarding’ (which he previously stated he felt was repugnant) was a display of Washington-style BS at its best. His verbiage set a new standard in excess. Never before have I heard so many pontificate endlessly and say absolutely nothing.

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee found a very frustrating participant in the Attorney General, who appeared to be no more than yet one more Bush-backing, doublespeak supporter and protector of the current administration; more intent on ‘winning’ than seeking truth or justice.

When asked the simple question, “Has there been any communication between your office and the Whitehouse regarding the destruction of the (CIA) tapes?” he answered, “I don’t understand the question.” What a brilliant legal mind.

Stonewalling, half-truths, and outright lies have been the status quo of this administration and its appointees. And, even at this late stage of the administrations term, it continues. At the heart of the issue is torture; and the possibility of war crime charges and charges of crimes against humanity. Michael Mukasey suggested that ‘certification of authorization’ was a crucial issue, however, the excuse that ‘one was only following orders’ was dismissed years ago – decades ago – as unacceptable at Nuremberg.

Basic standards concerning human rights do not change with circumstance. Nor do they require renewed approval of a particular government or government leader. They are basic rights.

http://geekmetv.blogspot.com/2007/11/who-we-are-is-choice.html

The back-story here – and there always is a back-story – is whether our Justice Department is a department of justice or simply another tool of the White House to mislead, misinform, and protect violators. Can our government investigate itself? I don’t think so. A Special Prosecutor is needed, but won’t be appointed. Deception, secret activities, and blatant disregard for the rule of law will continue – at least while Mukasey is Attorney General – but it will not prevail. Eventually, the truth will come out.

“How far from our moorings we’ve strayed.” remarked Senator Leahy near the close of the meeting. Indeed.

See video: http://geekmetv2.blogspot.com/2008/01/mukasey.html

War Crimes

U.S. Soldiers admit to witnessing and/or commiting war crimes which, they say, they were encouraged to do by senior Officers.

"It was Unit Policy. Army Policy - Unofficial Policy, but Policy nonetheless."

The statements leave no doubt that the illegal occupation of Iraq has no hope of establishing a free and independent, democratic Iraq - nor was it ever intended to.

These young men - undoubtedly torn and damaged - will have to live with what they've done. Unfortunately, those they 'did it to' will not have that option. Iraq, as a nation and a people, are being destroyed, and the destruction, it seems, is systematic and intentional.

This insanity must stop. This genocide must end. And those who encouraged and condoned these actions must be held accountable - including this administration.

Click below to view video.

http://news10now.com/Video/video_pop.aspx?vids=65836&sid=1083&rid=1013

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.

Broken Government

For some time now I’ve said that the Government is broken; broken and, possibly, beyond repair. This morning the House of Representatives passed an economic stimulus package and were quick to proclaim that it proved the government was not broken. Rep. John Boehner was front and center on CNN proclaiming just that. Ridiculous. What the quick action proves is that our Representatives can act when they want to – or are pressured to – which is, among other things, a rare occurrence.

Whether the economic stimulus package is a viable action or not is not the issue. The issue is that our ineffective, do-nothing Congress, gets no accolades for getting off their collective, self-serving asses, and finally doing (once) their job. It’s what they’re paid (well) to do. Do the citizens of this country pat themselves on the back and grin and postulate – have a photo-op - and applaud themselves for doing their jobs? No. And the average American does his job every day. What’s the real lesson learned here? Elected officials can function when necessary; when pressured? No. It underscores the fact that the Congress (which should have seen the economic mess coming months ago) is a knee-jerk, too little too late, out-of-touch group of elitists idiots. They’re ‘band-aid providers’ in an economy that is beginning to hemorrhage – an economy they created by the way.

Leading economists have expressed serious doubt as to the long-term effectiveness of this stimulus package, and I tend to agree with them. But Pelosi and Boehner, with big smiles and pat’s to their own backs, act as if they accomplished a great thing. I suppose, after crawling on their knees behind Emperor Bush for so long, they’re just excited to realize they actually have feet to stand on.

And the catch phrase of the day – “Right or wrong, at least give us credit for doing ‘something’” – is as stupid and revealing a statement as I’ve ever heard.

Our government is broken – and remains broken. Can we fix it? Yes. This November send everyone in Washington DC home – permanently. It’s time to take back our government, and our country.