Recently I began engaging my fellow citizens at a Facebook site "Independents" this site has 6,384 Fans - and as I look at the page where people post links and discuss them, I see roughly 13 people actually engaged in any dialogue - if that - and a few more on the discussions page (which is looking dead)... So out of over 6,000 people who are fed up with the status quo- in any given week maybe 20 of them are interested in interacting... Whew- it is little wonder that we are in the condition we are in- But respect, I know, the kids need fed- second jobs are being worked-American Idol needs its pound of flesh- And you know, while I hate to admit it - this site is right in line with my person experience- I would guesstimate that out of every 6,000 Americans I have met, maybe 20 give a shit/or have the time to give a shit, about whats happening with politics. -("If you don't do politics, politics will do you" Ralph Nader) But we are in trouble here folks -Did anyone notice that we have no more industrial base in this country? - How about the depression? I think we are all acutely aware of that.- And I'm sure we are all cognizant that the "Gulf of America" is dieing (credit to Stephen Colbert- We cant call it the Gulf of Mexico - we broke it - we bought it). . . I mean I don't want to be chicken little here - but .. umm... THE MUTHA FUCKIN SKY IS FALLIN! - Hello? Our country has gone full blow Fascist. I know I'm not the only one who saw the report on "Experiments in Torture: Medical Group Accuses CIA of Carrying Out Illegal Human Experimentation" This shit is right out of Schindler's list. How bad does it have to get before people start going to jail for justice (credit to Anne Feeney) ?
Do the math my friends -
Torture practiced on an administrative basis + Corporations being given unfettered access to our democratic institutions + Presidential power to order assassination of US citizens + Extra judicial detention with out charge or trial + 2 wars of aggression = FASCISM - Fascism is no longer on the march in this country it is not even at a full run- it has arrived and it has the most righteous liberal demeanor you could imagine.
Who got my bail? I mean I got room mates who count on my share of the rent- and a dog who needs some kibble. Like most of you I can't blow off my responsibilities, but I have had enough. And I know I ain't the only one. But ... The cost of my convictions is homelessness-Bahhh , or is it Moo. I am worker meet, here to insure the Rockefellers get their interest. BS folks - lets just try to do better. Is there an accountant in the house? One who could run a bail fund. So people with convictions can take the chance and go to jail without going homeless over their choice to resist tyranny. Because I guar-on-goddamn-tee you that those who have power now are not going to hand that power over at the ballot box. Non-violent resistance to unjust authority is requisite to meaningful change. Will we wait until we literally have NOTHING to loose? I'm saying we save the "authorities" time, money and space. Protests should be held at local jails - cut to the chase- let them make their arrests- pay the bail and come back next week to do it again. Choke this system off at the judicial root- after all it is the judiciary that has handed our country over to corporations with their recent decision to grant monsters (corporations) the same rights as citizens. We are being devoured by the profit motive. Does anyone want to resist? 'Cause I'm starting to feel like a punk - not a citizen of the most powerful nation the world has ever seen. . . Actually, I have been feeling that way for about 20yrs, only now, I'm beginning to get the impression that maybe, just maybe its not only me.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Friday, September 25, 2009
Going Out On A Limb
Human decency or the "should" factor, what is it all about? It seems to me...
1. All humans "should" have potable water.
2. All humans "should" have sufficent daily caloric intake.
3. All humans "should" have shelter.
4. All humans "should" have access to difinitive health care.
Only 4 simple things - that I believe - if they were at the top of the "social agenda", our entire species would benefit.
The recent health care debate is sour in my stomach. Arguments about coverage for "illegal" imigrants are insipid. If a human being needs medical attention- GIVE it to them! Don't ask them for their green card - for christs sake! Ya wanna call it socialism, ok fine, call it communism- hell call it terrorism if you goddamn well please but give people the medical attention they need. 4+ ... These 4 things, + a few more after we get these fundamenals. Things like- education, democracy-free speech- due process ect... But 1st we see to it everyone has water-food-shelter and health care. We can work out the details of other things that need put on the agenda as we go along, but until we prioritize thse 4 basics needs for all humans, we have fucked up priorties and they will come back to bite us in the ass. 1st things 1st.
1. All humans "should" have potable water.
2. All humans "should" have sufficent daily caloric intake.
3. All humans "should" have shelter.
4. All humans "should" have access to difinitive health care.
Only 4 simple things - that I believe - if they were at the top of the "social agenda", our entire species would benefit.
The recent health care debate is sour in my stomach. Arguments about coverage for "illegal" imigrants are insipid. If a human being needs medical attention- GIVE it to them! Don't ask them for their green card - for christs sake! Ya wanna call it socialism, ok fine, call it communism- hell call it terrorism if you goddamn well please but give people the medical attention they need. 4+ ... These 4 things, + a few more after we get these fundamenals. Things like- education, democracy-free speech- due process ect... But 1st we see to it everyone has water-food-shelter and health care. We can work out the details of other things that need put on the agenda as we go along, but until we prioritize thse 4 basics needs for all humans, we have fucked up priorties and they will come back to bite us in the ass. 1st things 1st.
Friday, September 18, 2009
No Such Thing As Rights
George Carlin was known to say that there is no such thing as "rights" ... He was right. There is no imaginary advocate in the sky. There is no "Right" or "Wrong" there is only what is, and the struggle for what can be. No, health care is not a right, but I damn sure believe everyone who needs it 'should' have it, no, there is no right to democracy or free speech or a right to bear arms. But there is something more powerful that imaginary "Rights", there is conscientious action. Don't let your vote be confined to the ballot box. " Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it. It is only expressing to men feebly your desire that it should prevail. A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority. There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men. "Henry David Thoreau... Was it Emma Goldman who said "If voting could change anything it would be illegal"? If we want a 'better' world we will have to work for it, voting is too damn easy to be effective, sometimes you actually have to do something.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Obama Should Come With A Barf Bag
The news of an investigation of CIA abuse of prisoners makes me sick! Of course the CIA abused prisoners. The commander and chief instructed them to do exactly that! But who is on trial "Zose who Ver Only Following Orders"... Not that some of those guys aren't mutha fuckas that deserve any punishment the just-is department can met out. But really when you have a President and Vice President who approve of war crimes and are willing to manipulate and cajole attorneys to write rationalizations for their abuses of power it is grotesquely insufficient to simply go after the CIA. Cut off the head and the body dies, give us Dick Cheney he is the evil genius behind this TERRORISM!
Ohh the "T" word, terrorism.. Yes, we are the terrorists now my friends, America elected Dick and George (which is proper billing) to the White House. It is said that in a democracy people get the government they deserve. Where is our decency! It is not in the hands of President Obama. That mutha fucka is babbling on about how we need to look ahead and not PROSECUTE WAR CRIMES!!!!!!!!! WTF when people commit crimes against humanity we should "look ahead" and not worry about prosecuting them? ? ? TELL IT TO THE VICTIMS and their families. Mr Obama, you sir, make me sick! You were elected on a mandate for "CHANGE" and ignoring war crimes is no change at all.
At least with Cheney and Bush you knew you were dealing with amoral pieces of shit. With Obama, people have this delusional sense that he is some bastion of liberal justice. Horse Shit my friends he is MORE OF THE SAME!
Ohh the "T" word, terrorism.. Yes, we are the terrorists now my friends, America elected Dick and George (which is proper billing) to the White House. It is said that in a democracy people get the government they deserve. Where is our decency! It is not in the hands of President Obama. That mutha fucka is babbling on about how we need to look ahead and not PROSECUTE WAR CRIMES!!!!!!!!! WTF when people commit crimes against humanity we should "look ahead" and not worry about prosecuting them? ? ? TELL IT TO THE VICTIMS and their families. Mr Obama, you sir, make me sick! You were elected on a mandate for "CHANGE" and ignoring war crimes is no change at all.
At least with Cheney and Bush you knew you were dealing with amoral pieces of shit. With Obama, people have this delusional sense that he is some bastion of liberal justice. Horse Shit my friends he is MORE OF THE SAME!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
National Security State Vaules
Today I woke to the news that the US military has been spying on our citizens and infiltrating organizations of peace activists in the Washington state area.The lack of surprise I feel about this news does little to temper my outrage.
*
The citizens of this country are not being served well by the legislative gangstas in D.C. I would go so far as to say that they are no longer leaders of our country but rulers. There is no accountability at the top levels of US government and responding to the will of the people is not an option if the will of the people is contrary to the interests of big business or the Military Industrial Complex.
*
The citizens of this country are not being served well by the legislative gangstas in D.C. I would go so far as to say that they are no longer leaders of our country but rulers. There is no accountability at the top levels of US government and responding to the will of the people is not an option if the will of the people is contrary to the interests of big business or the Military Industrial Complex.
*
This brings me to the National Security State, with the passing of the National Security Act of 1947 the foundation had been laid for the US to become a National Security State dominated by a Military Industrial Complex. This is not to say those in Washington D.C. were unfamiliar with the profitability of war or the utility of the military in securing US economic interests abroad. The difference being the Military Industrial Complex would provide the justification for never before seen exponential growth in weapons procurement.
*
Let's take a look at what makes a National Security State from the link above I will reproduce the 7 characteristics of such a state and lets see how the US holds up.
*
"The first characteristic of a National Security State is that the military is the highest authority. In a National Security State the military not only guarantees the security of the state against all internal and external enemies, it has enough power to determine the overall direction of the society. In a National Security State the military exerts important influence over political, economic, as well as military affairs."
*
US military leaders don't command civilian politicians directly, however spending on the military is not only out of control there is no option of reducing military budgets when there exists a perpetual state of war, which puts military considerations at the top of the political agenda. This begs the question is the dog walking its master?
*
"A second defining feature of a National Security State is that political democracy and democratic elections are viewed with suspicion, contempt, or in terms of political expediency. National Security States often maintain an appearance of democracy. However, ultimate power rests with the military or within a broader National Security Establishment."
*
Well I know I have considerable suspicion and contempt of our so called democratic elections. Note GWB and his 2 stolen elections or the amount of money lobbyists dump on our so called democratic leaders. While a majority of Americans support Single Payer Max Bauccus is #1 on the cash received from insurance companies and guess what he is point man on health care reform and Single Payer is being rejected out of hand and even trying to prevent any public option and proposing relieving business from the responsibility of insuring workers. Sounds like the appearance of democracy rather than the real thing.
*
"A third characteristic of a National Security State is that the military and related sectors wield substantial political and economic power. They do so in the context of an ideology which stresses that 'freedom" and "development" are possible only when capital is concentrated in the hands of elites. "
*
This is the neo-liberal agenda we have seen Washington pushing for more than 25yrs.
*
"A fourth feature of a National Security State is its obsession with enemies. There are enemies of the state everywhere. Defending against external and/or internal enemies becomes a leading preoccupation of the state, a distorting factor in the economy, and a major source of national identity and purpose."
*
Obsession with enemies...Choose your threat level, take off your slippers at the air port, watch the military spy on civilian peace activists.
*
"A fifth ideological foundation of a National Security State is that the enemies of the state are cunning and ruthless. Therefore, any means used to destroy or control these enemies is justified."
*
Torture, murder, sexual humiliation of prisoners by US "contractors" and soldiers approved at the highest levels of government. And no one from those top levels being prosecuted for the crimes.
*
"A sixth characteristic of a National Security State is that it restricts public debate and limits popular participation through secrecy or intimidation. Authentic democracy depends on participation of the people. National Security States limit such participation in a number of ways: They sow fear and thereby narrow the range of public debate; they restrict and distort information; and they define policies in secret and implement those policies through covert channels and clandestine activities. The state justifies such actions through rhetorical pleas of "higher purpose" and vague appeals to "national security."
*
Ok sowing fear; Iraq WMD's, color coded threat levels, spying on citizens, extra judicial detentions.
*
"Finally, the church is expected to mobilize its financial, ideological, and theological resources in service to the National Security State. "
*
The neo-con ranks are filled with Christian evangelicals both civilian and military. And try to get national office in this country with out stating you're a Christian.
When it comes to meeting the criteria of a National Security State the US is batting 1,000. Fascism is no longer a creeping menace it is swarming. As Obama appoints foxes to guard chickens, approves of indefinite extra-judicial detention, escalates the war in Afghanistan, subverts meaningful health care reform and continues to support the militaristic agenda of our corporate masters Americans find themselves faced with the worst economy in years multiple wars and a deteriorated industrial base. The empire is shaking and and the fall from this height is going to be painful.
*
Please forgive the run on paragraphs the editing software shows my paragraphs then when I post they disapear.
This brings me to the National Security State, with the passing of the National Security Act of 1947 the foundation had been laid for the US to become a National Security State dominated by a Military Industrial Complex. This is not to say those in Washington D.C. were unfamiliar with the profitability of war or the utility of the military in securing US economic interests abroad. The difference being the Military Industrial Complex would provide the justification for never before seen exponential growth in weapons procurement.
*
Let's take a look at what makes a National Security State from the link above I will reproduce the 7 characteristics of such a state and lets see how the US holds up.
*
"The first characteristic of a National Security State is that the military is the highest authority. In a National Security State the military not only guarantees the security of the state against all internal and external enemies, it has enough power to determine the overall direction of the society. In a National Security State the military exerts important influence over political, economic, as well as military affairs."
*
US military leaders don't command civilian politicians directly, however spending on the military is not only out of control there is no option of reducing military budgets when there exists a perpetual state of war, which puts military considerations at the top of the political agenda. This begs the question is the dog walking its master?
*
"A second defining feature of a National Security State is that political democracy and democratic elections are viewed with suspicion, contempt, or in terms of political expediency. National Security States often maintain an appearance of democracy. However, ultimate power rests with the military or within a broader National Security Establishment."
*
Well I know I have considerable suspicion and contempt of our so called democratic elections. Note GWB and his 2 stolen elections or the amount of money lobbyists dump on our so called democratic leaders. While a majority of Americans support Single Payer Max Bauccus is #1 on the cash received from insurance companies and guess what he is point man on health care reform and Single Payer is being rejected out of hand and even trying to prevent any public option and proposing relieving business from the responsibility of insuring workers. Sounds like the appearance of democracy rather than the real thing.
*
"A third characteristic of a National Security State is that the military and related sectors wield substantial political and economic power. They do so in the context of an ideology which stresses that 'freedom" and "development" are possible only when capital is concentrated in the hands of elites. "
*
This is the neo-liberal agenda we have seen Washington pushing for more than 25yrs.
*
"A fourth feature of a National Security State is its obsession with enemies. There are enemies of the state everywhere. Defending against external and/or internal enemies becomes a leading preoccupation of the state, a distorting factor in the economy, and a major source of national identity and purpose."
*
Obsession with enemies...Choose your threat level, take off your slippers at the air port, watch the military spy on civilian peace activists.
*
"A fifth ideological foundation of a National Security State is that the enemies of the state are cunning and ruthless. Therefore, any means used to destroy or control these enemies is justified."
*
Torture, murder, sexual humiliation of prisoners by US "contractors" and soldiers approved at the highest levels of government. And no one from those top levels being prosecuted for the crimes.
*
"A sixth characteristic of a National Security State is that it restricts public debate and limits popular participation through secrecy or intimidation. Authentic democracy depends on participation of the people. National Security States limit such participation in a number of ways: They sow fear and thereby narrow the range of public debate; they restrict and distort information; and they define policies in secret and implement those policies through covert channels and clandestine activities. The state justifies such actions through rhetorical pleas of "higher purpose" and vague appeals to "national security."
*
Ok sowing fear; Iraq WMD's, color coded threat levels, spying on citizens, extra judicial detentions.
*
"Finally, the church is expected to mobilize its financial, ideological, and theological resources in service to the National Security State. "
*
The neo-con ranks are filled with Christian evangelicals both civilian and military. And try to get national office in this country with out stating you're a Christian.
When it comes to meeting the criteria of a National Security State the US is batting 1,000. Fascism is no longer a creeping menace it is swarming. As Obama appoints foxes to guard chickens, approves of indefinite extra-judicial detention, escalates the war in Afghanistan, subverts meaningful health care reform and continues to support the militaristic agenda of our corporate masters Americans find themselves faced with the worst economy in years multiple wars and a deteriorated industrial base. The empire is shaking and and the fall from this height is going to be painful.
*
Please forgive the run on paragraphs the editing software shows my paragraphs then when I post they disapear.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Don't Go Quietly
Health care reform is taking center stage in Washington DC and we can not afford to remain quiet. Americans have waited long enough for a national health care system. Finally, Single Payer is on the table thanx to Dennis Kucinich, he has steeped up to the plate and a house committee recently approved his amendment that would allow states to adopt Single Payer.
Now that Single Payer has made it to the 'potential' legislative agenda Americans must speak up. Health care is worth a couple minutes to send an email to your Senators and Representatives . I would ask that you join with me in petitioning our "leaders" to deliver us a health care system that will protect Americans from medical bankruptcy's and insure the health and welfare of our citizens, we need Single Payer. Tonight I will email two friends asking them to not only contact their Senators and Representative asking them to support Single Payer, but also if they would ask two of their friends to do the same.
I would like to leave you with the words of Frederick Douglass;
"Let me give you a word of the philosophy of reforms. The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions, yet made to her august claims, have been born of earnest struggle. The conflict has been exciting, agitating, all-absorbing, and for the time being putting all other tumults to silence. It must do this or it does nothing. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.
This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what a people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."
Now that Single Payer has made it to the 'potential' legislative agenda Americans must speak up. Health care is worth a couple minutes to send an email to your Senators and Representatives . I would ask that you join with me in petitioning our "leaders" to deliver us a health care system that will protect Americans from medical bankruptcy's and insure the health and welfare of our citizens, we need Single Payer. Tonight I will email two friends asking them to not only contact their Senators and Representative asking them to support Single Payer, but also if they would ask two of their friends to do the same.
I would like to leave you with the words of Frederick Douglass;
"Let me give you a word of the philosophy of reforms. The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions, yet made to her august claims, have been born of earnest struggle. The conflict has been exciting, agitating, all-absorbing, and for the time being putting all other tumults to silence. It must do this or it does nothing. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.
This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what a people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."
Friday, July 17, 2009
Single Payer and Wall Street
The long debated concept of Single Payer Health Care in the US is beginning to boil. Recently Wendell Potter has spoken to Amy Goodman from Democracy Now and to Bill Moyers. Wendell Potter was head of corporate communications at CIGNA. He gives us some insight as to how insurance companies do business, and how what you hear from detractors of Single Payer are often slogans given birth to in insurance company board rooms. He explains how the industry and he personally crafted campaigns to scare the public away from a clear view of public health issues.
While Mr. Potters revelations will come as little surprise to the politically jaded, there is deeper substance to what he has told us. He speaks of the way the industry manages PR surrounding legislative reform, this is an insight into the workings of the machine. Capital interests control the political process. America has been sold to the highest bidder.
Note Max Bauccus point man on health care reform; who wont consider Single Payer an option, Max is a stellar example of the best government money can buy, Max is #1 when it comes to taking insurance company money.
Now lets take a look at the who's who of Obama contributors, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup ect ... Hmm Bank bailouts, insurance company bailouts, rising health care costs, insurance execs taking huge salary and bonuses, government officials taking large sums of money from insurance companies , Goldman Sachs backing an insurance firm. We are being taken to the cleaners by our government, insurance companies and Wall Street Bankers.
As Potter explains in his interview with Goodman " Back when Bill Clinton was president and he and Hillary Clinton were trying to reform the health care system, back in 1993, 95—on the average, 95 cents of every premium dollar was being spent to pay claims. Last year, it was down to just around 80 cents." Insurance companies know that the battle is on and they have been fighting hard to restrict the coming reforms to the industry. They are spending money in Washington to buy legislation and their executives are looting companies while they can, because they know the clock is ticking on their reign. Anything less than Single Payer is a fixed fight. There is a public mandate that is being ignored. Raise some hell.
While Mr. Potters revelations will come as little surprise to the politically jaded, there is deeper substance to what he has told us. He speaks of the way the industry manages PR surrounding legislative reform, this is an insight into the workings of the machine. Capital interests control the political process. America has been sold to the highest bidder.
Note Max Bauccus point man on health care reform; who wont consider Single Payer an option, Max is a stellar example of the best government money can buy, Max is #1 when it comes to taking insurance company money.
Now lets take a look at the who's who of Obama contributors, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup ect ... Hmm Bank bailouts, insurance company bailouts, rising health care costs, insurance execs taking huge salary and bonuses, government officials taking large sums of money from insurance companies , Goldman Sachs backing an insurance firm. We are being taken to the cleaners by our government, insurance companies and Wall Street Bankers.
As Potter explains in his interview with Goodman " Back when Bill Clinton was president and he and Hillary Clinton were trying to reform the health care system, back in 1993, 95—on the average, 95 cents of every premium dollar was being spent to pay claims. Last year, it was down to just around 80 cents." Insurance companies know that the battle is on and they have been fighting hard to restrict the coming reforms to the industry. They are spending money in Washington to buy legislation and their executives are looting companies while they can, because they know the clock is ticking on their reign. Anything less than Single Payer is a fixed fight. There is a public mandate that is being ignored. Raise some hell.
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