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

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.

Democracy wasn't intended to scare you... Honest.

Required viewing

No limit to the shame...

Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) and Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) just released the following joint statement:

"Just two days ago, CIA Director Michael Hayden appeared before our Committee to address the CIA's destruction of videotapes. In that hearing, he committed to providing materials relevant to our investigation. Earlier today, our staff was notified that the Department of Justice has advised CIA not cooperate with our investigation."

"We are stunned that the Justice Department would move to block our investigation. Parallel investigations occur all of the time, and there is no basis upon which the Attorney General can stand in the way of our work."

"We strongly urge General Hayden to comply with our Committee's bipartisan request to produce documents and to make available John Rizzo and Jose Rodriguez for testimony next week. We will use all the tools available to Congress, including subpoenas, to obtain this information and this testimony."

"It's clear that there's more to this story than we have been told, and it is unfortunate that we are being prevented from learning the facts. The Executive Branch can't be trusted to oversee itself. Congress must conduct its own investigation."

Remember the "Protect America Act"? The bill which gives Bush-boy the power to determine his own powers under the 2nd Amendment? - and allows him to dictate to the Department of Justice what 'law' is, and requires that the DOJ support his determinations?

Foreign Policy

Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi, at 27 years old, overthrew the King of the United Kingdom of Libya on September 1, 1969. He quickly moved to align himself with the worlds most treacherous leaders, and promoted anti-Western terrorism. His ordered acts of terrorism and death are long and well documented. In 1968 then President Ronald Reagan ordered approximately 66 U.S. aircraft to attack Libya in response to a Libyan supported bombing in Berlin. Since that attack the Colonel, and Libya as a whole, has been virtually ignored, and isolated, by/from most of the world.

In 2003 the Libyan leader stepped back onto the world stage announcing that he would cease pursuit of nuclear weapons and WMD’s and, as an act of good faith, turned over his supply of dated and dried ‘yellow cake’. (2003, it should be noted, is the same year the Colonel ordered the assassination of the head of the Saudi Royal family. The attempt failed.)

So, one might wonder, what’s up with this man that most Western leaders had referred to, and proclaimed, a mad man in the past? A change of heart? An epiphany of sorts that has now transformed him from terrorist to saint? This is the same man who sent agents to blow up Pan Am Flight 103 which killed 270 - Americans, British, and others.

Let’s consider a few things. The UK, in it’s wisdom, immediately decided (with U.S. approval) to reward the former mad man by agreeing to sell him the latest in conventional arms and armament (complete with training by the UK’s own military trainers). Exactly what every former mad man should have; a modern, well-equipped, well-trained Army. In addition, France (again with U.S. approval) has negotiated to build a nuclear power plant in Libya. What more could a former mad man want? Credibility? The U.S. gave that by removing Libya from the list of countries deemed as terrorist or terrorist-supporting.

Of course, Libya’s order of roughly $10 billion in new AirBus aircraft probably went a long way in calming the last few fears any Western leader may have had about his sincerity. And the possible $6.4 billion dollars Westinghouse may receive for its nuclear reactor didn’t hurt either. Ok, his oil (which is plentiful) probably had a bit of influence as well.

But what the heck, let bygones be bygones, after all the Colonel himself said that the government in Libya (which is him) is the truest form of democracy being practiced in the world today. Western leaders apparently agree.

Western foreign policy truly is foreign, isn’t it?

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

Go straight to Abu Ghraib. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.00.

Renewed complaints concerning treatment of detainees/prisoners in U.S. detention facilities have surfaced which allege brutality far worse (and perverted) than previously reported. Still, the administration chooses to remain secretive, and data and documents are not forthcoming. Allegations of rape, torture, and death have been met with stonewalling, denials, and silence.

Congressional leadership – either unwilling or simply due to incompetence – has failed to hold this administration accountable and certainly seems ineffective in securing further information/documentation (including photo’s and video) known to exist.

The ACLU has continued to push for the evidence under the ‘Freedom of Information Act’ but the government remains distant and does not seem willing to cooperate fully.

Eye witnesses have sworn to what can only be considered as barbaric treatment of detainees (some children) including the rape of a young boy.

Controlled or limited access to the detainees by members of the Red Cross – itself an unconscionable and abhorrent act – leads one to assume the government has much to conceal. After all, aren’t they the ones who keep telling us ‘If you have nothing to hide, why worry?’ as they continue to strip away our civil liberties?

In a recent Republican Presidential Candidates debate one of the gentleman refuted John Edwards contention that there are two Americas in existence. He claimed, rather patriotically and with practiced conviction, that there exists only one America. He is wrong. There are indeed two Americas: The America we think exists, and the America that actually does exist.

'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.

What real patriotism sounds like.

George Bush is a mistake

Rep. Dennis Kucinich

In the audio recording below (dtd 2006) Congressman Dennis Kucinich refers to George Bush’s plan to permanently base U.S. Troops in Iraq. Last week the so-called leaders of the U.S. and Iraq agreed (in principle) to just such an action.

It is now more than obvious that Mr. Bush’s war was not to liberate the Iraqi people from a brutal dictatorship, but to invade and occupy a nation for control of their natural resources. In the agreement signed last Monday, 50,000 U.S. Troops will be based in Iraq for the long term, and the United States will retain a large degree of control over the ‘democratically elected’ Iraqi government.

Is there any other conclusion to be drawn but that this action is no more than colonial-style control of one nation over another for the purpose of exploitation? In less ambiguous words: It's all about the oil.

Liberation, or the war on terror, can no longer be used as the reason for our invasion.

In 1961 then President John Kennedy challenged the American people to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. In February of 1962 John Glenn orbited the earth three times and just seven years later Neil Armstrong stepped down onto the surface of the moon. The challenge was met. It was a testament to what American determination can accomplish. So why is it that now, in our fifth year of the occupation of Iraq, the Iraqi people are still without running water, reliable electrical power, or adequate medical aid and supplies? Because, sadly, that is not where George Bush’s interests lie. Let’s not deceive ourselves any longer. Freedom for the people of Iraq was never Mr. Bush’s goal. Granted, it was what we were told, but it just doesn’t hold true.

I cannot remember a time in the history of America when the government so blatantly defied the will of the people, and with such arrogance. Make no mistake, these are sad days for America and every American. Our core values and beliefs, our Constitution and civil liberties, our principles and ideals, are being trampled right before our eyes. And all the while, the citizens of Iraq suffer. And they suffer in ways we cannot begin to fathom. These are the people we supposedly went to liberate. These are the people whose freedom, we were told, we went to secure. Yet in real, tangible, practical terms, they are, seemingly, the last concern of those controlling their land.

Before the money brokers, investors, oil sellers and resellers, commodity brokers, policy makers, and governments consider the disposition and control of Iraqi oil, they should look long and hard at the suffering Iraqi people. That is where they will see the real cost of each barrel of the oil they value so much.

War.

War is a terrible thing. Monstrous. It is what happens when mankind sinks to its lowest level. Some are convinced that wars are inevitable; a necessary evil at times. But that is usually the voice of those who have not seen war close up, or the devastation that it causes. War is, in reality, a futile effort. There are no victors really, only the dead and the survivors and those who mourn; and the sad realization that mankind has not progressed nearly as much as we’d hoped.

Some proclaim war as a noble venture. They lie. It’s not. It is the collapse of reason and civility, and the loss of our humanity. It is usually driven by greed and avarice, by stupid men with small minds; men who lack the intelligence and the will to resolve matters fairly and equitably and are, more likely than not, politicians.

Just a reminder.

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

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.

Why? Why? Why?

When children are young and inquisitive they learn much by asking the simple question: “Why?”. And, as many exasperated parents can attest, their follow up questions (same as the original question) can go on and on and on and on and on.

As cute (or infuriating) as the question can be, the simple “Why?” is, undoubtedly, the single most powerful question one can ask concerning anything; and everything.

“Why is the sky blue?”

“Why can’t I stay up late?”

“Why are we still in Iraq?”

Even if one buys into the lies, misinformation, and false understandings which led to war, the question of why we’re still there needs to be answered.

Is it to establish democracy? Not really, but let’s pretend so. The Iraq Government – elected by the people of Iraq – has repeatedly asked us to leave. They have stated that the fighting will not stop until American forces are gone. American military Commanders have stated repeatedly that the situation in Iraq cannot be resolved militarily. So, the question is, “Why are we still there?” Another question one might ask is, “What good is a democracy in Iraq if we do not allow that democracy to self-govern?”

And, what has happened to democracy in America when, clearly, the vast majority of Americans want us out of Iraq yet our Government ignores the ‘will of the people’ and pursues it’s own agenda? ‘…of the People, by the People, and for the People…’ are words not to be dismissed nor ignored no matter what any ‘Decider’ may think. Either America (and Americans) is (are) free, or it (and we) are not. Emperor George has failed his oath of office. He has done so intentionally, and with great vigor. Why, why, why, is he still President? Why is Dick Cheney still Vice-President? Both swore an oath to defend the Constitution, but both failed to do so; and, in fact, have worked to weaken and subvert the Constitution.

I just wanted to say that outright before the Senate and the Emperor sign off on H.R. 1955 which will make it illegal to advocate such things.

Oh, in case you’re wondering why we are still in Iraq, consider the following possibility:

(A sticker of this artwork has been circulating around the Bay Area in California. I will research and credit the Artist as soon as I determine who he/she is. Incredible piece of work.)