Thursday, December 13, 2007
No soup for lincoln
Is there true religious freedom if a U.S. president has to choose a religion?
"A recent Gallup poll reveals that Americans are much more likely to elect a black man or a woman president than a Mormon or an old man. More interestingly, they'd rather be governed by a homosexual than an atheist."
Black President More Likely than Mormon or Atheist
Given the rhetoric on television and seeing how homosexuality and gay marriage are used as wedge issues, I was a little surprised by this result. Since all presidents in my recent memory have been Christian (do correct me if I am wrong), I thought I would share a quote:
"The Bible is not my book nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma." -- Abraham Lincoln
Yeah, he's unqualified for sure ... or something.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Huckabee Needs Our Help And Support!!
Mike Huckabee Says God is Pushing His Poll Numbers Up
If you're talking to God, it's called prayer. If God talks back, it's called schizophrenia. This man needs to see a doctor. I assume he is very busy, and I am more than happy to provide him the URL of the Mental Health Services Locater.
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp
I wish him a long protracted safe recovery (post Nov 2008) and assure him of my help and support.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Seinfeld vs M*A*S*H
This is a letter I wrote to Buzzflash:
I belong to the Seinfeld generation, and frankly I am a huge fan of the show. I've watched just about every single episode several times over.
Recently, I started watching M*A*S*H. If I am not mistaken, a fair number of your readers are familiar with that show, and it may apply to those who control the content of this site.
What a contrast between your generation and mine. On one side we have the inherent decency of Hawkeye, as opposed to the selfishness of Seinfeld's character. Then there is Winchester, the pompous surgeon who despite his misgivings does care, unlike George who is neurotic. BJ, a.k.a Kramer, the kindly gentleman, eclectic, yet profound, serves as a
moral compass. Major Houlihan, the Eileen of the show, driven by her career, but her yardstick was the lives she helped save. As for Col. Potter, that would be Seinfeld's dad, only he was never obsessed with the "tip calculator."
I wonder what was lost in communication between a generation that was willing to sacrifice and my I-pod generation. Speaking for myself, I'd rather be in that mess tent than at the coffee shop!!
I belong to the Seinfeld generation, and frankly I am a huge fan of the show. I've watched just about every single episode several times over.
Recently, I started watching M*A*S*H. If I am not mistaken, a fair number of your readers are familiar with that show, and it may apply to those who control the content of this site.
What a contrast between your generation and mine. On one side we have the inherent decency of Hawkeye, as opposed to the selfishness of Seinfeld's character. Then there is Winchester, the pompous surgeon who despite his misgivings does care, unlike George who is neurotic. BJ, a.k.a Kramer, the kindly gentleman, eclectic, yet profound, serves as a
moral compass. Major Houlihan, the Eileen of the show, driven by her career, but her yardstick was the lives she helped save. As for Col. Potter, that would be Seinfeld's dad, only he was never obsessed with the "tip calculator."
I wonder what was lost in communication between a generation that was willing to sacrifice and my I-pod generation. Speaking for myself, I'd rather be in that mess tent than at the coffee shop!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Streets of war
Death is always distant
till you walk in the streets of war
lonely, yet alert
sniffing the blood on the sidewalk
no one wants to be a number
yet history reduces you to be one
how many pints of blood did you lose
before you closed your eyes
you will be missed dear soldier
you were a decent man
I shook your hand once
Wish I could do it again
till you walk in the streets of war
lonely, yet alert
sniffing the blood on the sidewalk
no one wants to be a number
yet history reduces you to be one
how many pints of blood did you lose
before you closed your eyes
you will be missed dear soldier
you were a decent man
I shook your hand once
Wish I could do it again
Monday, November 19, 2007
42. The meaning of life
I watched Ken Burns' excellent documentary regarding WW2. It prompted me to write the following regarding what is goin on in Iraq:
He was but a pawn
on a chess board
while the emperor was sitting miles away
leaning back on a cushion
sipping sherbet
detached
it was but an intellectual exercise
while his brothers bled
His majesty had a vision of what could be
not realizing what it was
he sacrifices those pawns
without a moment's thought
they are the backbone
of his presidency
but he gives a naught
tax cuts for the rich
and death for the poor
P.S: 42 is a reference to "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy."
He was but a pawn
on a chess board
while the emperor was sitting miles away
leaning back on a cushion
sipping sherbet
detached
it was but an intellectual exercise
while his brothers bled
His majesty had a vision of what could be
not realizing what it was
he sacrifices those pawns
without a moment's thought
they are the backbone
of his presidency
but he gives a naught
tax cuts for the rich
and death for the poor
P.S: 42 is a reference to "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy."
United States Of Stoopid
Georgia Governor Prays for Rain (AP/AOL)
What's your take on Gov. Perdue leading a prayer outside the state Capitol? Thumbs up 81% Thumbs down 19% Total Votes: 67,320
Do you think prayers can help ease the drought? Yes 75% No 25% Total Votes: 72,905
These poll results really surprised me. 81% of the folks who voted said thumbs up, and 75% actually think that praying will help!!
All right, as far as the 81% of the people are concerned, I suggest they pick up the Constitution and read up on a little thing called "separation of state and church." Chances are that these folks watch Fox, so some reading may actually revive some dying brain cells.
Coming to the 75% who believe that praying will help, the next time they fall sick, I expect them to pray instead of going to a doctor. Let them call their priest, assemble in a church or the safety of their home, let the neighbors know, even call the governor and then wait for a "miracle" to happen as they get cured.
I believe that there exists a second nation within the geographical boundaries of the US, and I hereby label it as the United States of Stoopid
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Lunatic Is In The Hall
The lunatic is in the hall
the lunatics are in the hall
the paper holds their folded faces to the floor
and every day the paper boy brings more
-- Brain Damage, Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
When is America going to wake up? Are we that dumb? Are we that ignorant? How long are we going to watch our freedoms bleed away? When are we going to realize that "the lunatics" is in the WH.
I'm too young to have experienced 'Nam, but even I can see the parallel. I happen to be in India, and in my conversations with Indians they make it clear that they think Iraq is a mess, and also the prospect of bombing Iran would, to say the least, be irresponsible. I'm talking about normal folks here.
China is a factor as well. Throw in the whole oil and gas situation, we're lookin at ... excuse my language, a clusterf**k. The lunatic is in the WH. Can we stop him
the lunatics are in the hall
the paper holds their folded faces to the floor
and every day the paper boy brings more
-- Brain Damage, Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
When is America going to wake up? Are we that dumb? Are we that ignorant? How long are we going to watch our freedoms bleed away? When are we going to realize that "the lunatics" is in the WH.
I'm too young to have experienced 'Nam, but even I can see the parallel. I happen to be in India, and in my conversations with Indians they make it clear that they think Iraq is a mess, and also the prospect of bombing Iran would, to say the least, be irresponsible. I'm talking about normal folks here.
China is a factor as well. Throw in the whole oil and gas situation, we're lookin at ... excuse my language, a clusterf**k. The lunatic is in the WH. Can we stop him
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Purposeless existence
Will we ever have the courage to face that?
Or will we for ever make up reasons
For propagating our lives
A circular concept at best
We persist to survive
For no reason
For that is an animal existence
We believe we are greater than other primates
Without reason
What other species has endangered themselves as we have now
War, religion, global warming to name a few
We are a disease that needs to be cured
A strange one though
We have the anecdote
But in our blind ignorance
we refuse to recognize that we need it.....
Will we ever have the courage to face that?
Or will we for ever make up reasons
For propagating our lives
A circular concept at best
We persist to survive
For no reason
For that is an animal existence
We believe we are greater than other primates
Without reason
What other species has endangered themselves as we have now
War, religion, global warming to name a few
We are a disease that needs to be cured
A strange one though
We have the anecdote
But in our blind ignorance
we refuse to recognize that we need it.....
Have you ever felt
that you are spiralling into the future
So fast that the strands to the past are breaking
And bleeding in this moment
Have you ever wanted to scream
but are afraid that the words that come out
will offend people you love
and so you pretend not to care
Have you ever wanted to be angry
But could not
So you pretended to be placid
while you were not
And what did you achieve
A standing amongst your peers
Yet you look to the distant horizon
But were you ever there
Maybe you felt the need
To bridge the gap between
Who you are
And who you want to be
But were to afraid to try..
that you are spiralling into the future
So fast that the strands to the past are breaking
And bleeding in this moment
Have you ever wanted to scream
but are afraid that the words that come out
will offend people you love
and so you pretend not to care
Have you ever wanted to be angry
But could not
So you pretended to be placid
while you were not
And what did you achieve
A standing amongst your peers
Yet you look to the distant horizon
But were you ever there
Maybe you felt the need
To bridge the gap between
Who you are
And who you want to be
But were to afraid to try..
A plea for Darfur
A plea for Darfur, a Green Day video
How many times are we going to let this kind of crap happen.....have we learned nothing....over and over again....are we really that blind...
Harmony
As the man stands outside
Wathing the rain come down on a dark night
Listening to the slightly discordant sound
Not caused by the imperfection of nature's rythem
But by the imperfection of mans creations
One has to wonder
If the only time that man and existence are one
Is during the infant's first laugh
and in the instance of his last breath
There are no answers
Only questions
Perhaps we can confront them some day...
Wathing the rain come down on a dark night
Listening to the slightly discordant sound
Not caused by the imperfection of nature's rythem
But by the imperfection of mans creations
One has to wonder
If the only time that man and existence are one
Is during the infant's first laugh
and in the instance of his last breath
There are no answers
Only questions
Perhaps we can confront them some day...
Monday, July 9, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Goodbye...
1.
As I sit here in the darkness
I wonder whence mans travesty will ever end
Death, murder, suicide, hunger, depravity, poverty
All ignored as we make this journey thru life
Fixated on a friend that does not exist
We think he sits there on his heavenly throne
Sexist as man is, assumes a male creator
While it is a woman who gives birth
We chant his name
And feel he has bestowed us the power to judge
While we would fail miserably in the entity’s eyes
Forgetting that the real entity is our fellow human
We run amok thru life
Unaware, numb, not even recognizing ourselves
For the monsters that we are
Warmongers, greedy, selfish
We’ve forgotten that the monster we are so scared of
Is us.
2.
Lost
Forgotten
He ploughs on alone
The lonely traveler, in search of something greater than himself
Not a believer
But he likes to observe
Distant
But there is some degree of passion
He cares
But cant explain
Why he cares about his fellow man
Who is an animal
Is it instinct
Is it hope
Is it love
Or a belief that man is more than the manifestation of a physical form
Is it death
And the fact that what happens cannot be explained
An innate fear that runs thru humans
Or is it that man is more than man
Man is a seed
An idea
That’s greater than himself
And that he will forever strive to achieve immortality
3
I would like to walk along the shores of life
Watching the quiet sunset that represents the end
Enjoying the beauty of the process
When the time comes
But can man achieve that
Can we distance ourselves from us
From the ego
From the self
I wonder
And I hope that I can master myself
To the point when the last ragged breath comes
I laugh inwardly
At the absurdity of existence…
4.
Fields of gold
That was his backyard
Where a child ran
Without a care
Now he is gone
Dreams shattered
Of meeting him again
The golfer that he was
He died on the course
Pursuing his passion
While his wife was unaware that he died
For hours
Dear uncle of mine
You died in a distant land
A land I wish I knew better
In a city they say dreams come true
I will forever cherish the first time you showed me how to putt
Because you did more than that
You showed me that life is not about being on the green
It’s about giving a damn about your fellow man
Soldier that you were sir
You live on in the hearts of your sons and family
Forever a part of us
Because you will always be a part of every breath we take…..
5
I remember the last time we met
And you put your arm around my shoulder
You offered me a drink
I declined
Promised you that I’d come visit you
I did not
Because I took for granted that I’d meet you the next time far far away
Busy as I was, with my career
Vacationing soon, a break after so many years
I had promised myself that I’d make it a point to visit you
But sir, you live half a world away
And I am headed there now,
In a month
And as I sit here
I wonder if my career is worth
Not being there for someone’s funeral who I care about so deeply
I apologize sir,
Though I realize that it is insufficient,
I just thought you would always be there
And I was wrong
6.
Why does a soldier’s death hurt so much
Is it because he is inherently noble
Or is it because he represents us at our best
A dream we strive to achieve
In the hope and belief that we have courage
To lay our lives down for an idea
What drives you soldier
And how are we to be as stoic as you
You never spoke about war
You laughed
But there was a tinge of sadness
In your eyes
I saw your hands shake
I saw your eyes blink
And I wondered what had changed
Did you know it was coming
I remember the pat on the cheek
A proud grin
Insolence
A wishful look
Because there was something that you did not believe in…
As I sit here in the darkness
I wonder whence mans travesty will ever end
Death, murder, suicide, hunger, depravity, poverty
All ignored as we make this journey thru life
Fixated on a friend that does not exist
We think he sits there on his heavenly throne
Sexist as man is, assumes a male creator
While it is a woman who gives birth
We chant his name
And feel he has bestowed us the power to judge
While we would fail miserably in the entity’s eyes
Forgetting that the real entity is our fellow human
We run amok thru life
Unaware, numb, not even recognizing ourselves
For the monsters that we are
Warmongers, greedy, selfish
We’ve forgotten that the monster we are so scared of
Is us.
2.
Lost
Forgotten
He ploughs on alone
The lonely traveler, in search of something greater than himself
Not a believer
But he likes to observe
Distant
But there is some degree of passion
He cares
But cant explain
Why he cares about his fellow man
Who is an animal
Is it instinct
Is it hope
Is it love
Or a belief that man is more than the manifestation of a physical form
Is it death
And the fact that what happens cannot be explained
An innate fear that runs thru humans
Or is it that man is more than man
Man is a seed
An idea
That’s greater than himself
And that he will forever strive to achieve immortality
3
I would like to walk along the shores of life
Watching the quiet sunset that represents the end
Enjoying the beauty of the process
When the time comes
But can man achieve that
Can we distance ourselves from us
From the ego
From the self
I wonder
And I hope that I can master myself
To the point when the last ragged breath comes
I laugh inwardly
At the absurdity of existence…
4.
Fields of gold
That was his backyard
Where a child ran
Without a care
Now he is gone
Dreams shattered
Of meeting him again
The golfer that he was
He died on the course
Pursuing his passion
While his wife was unaware that he died
For hours
Dear uncle of mine
You died in a distant land
A land I wish I knew better
In a city they say dreams come true
I will forever cherish the first time you showed me how to putt
Because you did more than that
You showed me that life is not about being on the green
It’s about giving a damn about your fellow man
Soldier that you were sir
You live on in the hearts of your sons and family
Forever a part of us
Because you will always be a part of every breath we take…..
5
I remember the last time we met
And you put your arm around my shoulder
You offered me a drink
I declined
Promised you that I’d come visit you
I did not
Because I took for granted that I’d meet you the next time far far away
Busy as I was, with my career
Vacationing soon, a break after so many years
I had promised myself that I’d make it a point to visit you
But sir, you live half a world away
And I am headed there now,
In a month
And as I sit here
I wonder if my career is worth
Not being there for someone’s funeral who I care about so deeply
I apologize sir,
Though I realize that it is insufficient,
I just thought you would always be there
And I was wrong
6.
Why does a soldier’s death hurt so much
Is it because he is inherently noble
Or is it because he represents us at our best
A dream we strive to achieve
In the hope and belief that we have courage
To lay our lives down for an idea
What drives you soldier
And how are we to be as stoic as you
You never spoke about war
You laughed
But there was a tinge of sadness
In your eyes
I saw your hands shake
I saw your eyes blink
And I wondered what had changed
Did you know it was coming
I remember the pat on the cheek
A proud grin
Insolence
A wishful look
Because there was something that you did not believe in…
Monday, July 2, 2007
Why legislate common courtesy?
Regarding:
On July 1, England joined the rest of the United Kingdom in making enclosed public areas smoke-free.
As a smoker, I'm not exactly for this. How about a partial ban on SUVs where the prospective buyer demonstrates actual need of a vehicle in that class? How about better emission and gas millage standards?
All or any of that would safeguard the health of the public better. And I never smoke around someone who has ever indicated discomfort. One does not need to legislate common courtesy.
Also want to mention that it's illegal to smoke in a closed private commercial establishment in Phoenix. Shouldn't the owners of bars and diners get to decide whether they want to allow smoking or not? It's starting to piss me off to have to stand in 100 degrees plus weather at night to smoke while sipping on a beer. Please don't say I am choosing to smoke in that heat. A lot of people enjoy a smoke with a drink. If people have decided to go out to an establishment, and smoking is permitted there, then they should not crib. There were plenty of non smoking bars where they can go.
P.S For those who think I am contradicting myself about not smoking around those who object, there is a difference between public and private places. And I am yet to meet a bar dweller who has objected to me smoking around them. If I do meet such a creature, I'll still probably walk a few feet in a different direction with my beer. I repeat, one does not have to legislate that.
On July 1, England joined the rest of the United Kingdom in making enclosed public areas smoke-free.
As a smoker, I'm not exactly for this. How about a partial ban on SUVs where the prospective buyer demonstrates actual need of a vehicle in that class? How about better emission and gas millage standards?
All or any of that would safeguard the health of the public better. And I never smoke around someone who has ever indicated discomfort. One does not need to legislate common courtesy.
Also want to mention that it's illegal to smoke in a closed private commercial establishment in Phoenix. Shouldn't the owners of bars and diners get to decide whether they want to allow smoking or not? It's starting to piss me off to have to stand in 100 degrees plus weather at night to smoke while sipping on a beer. Please don't say I am choosing to smoke in that heat. A lot of people enjoy a smoke with a drink. If people have decided to go out to an establishment, and smoking is permitted there, then they should not crib. There were plenty of non smoking bars where they can go.
P.S For those who think I am contradicting myself about not smoking around those who object, there is a difference between public and private places. And I am yet to meet a bar dweller who has objected to me smoking around them. If I do meet such a creature, I'll still probably walk a few feet in a different direction with my beer. I repeat, one does not have to legislate that.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
BS
This is a small excerpt from an article posted on the commondreams website:
"secular humanist God-haters ..." This is by some dude named Mike Evans. Ok.
sec·u·lar 1. of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/secular
hu·man·ist 1. a person having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/humanist
God haters. LOL. How can you hate something you don't believe in?
Typical BS.
"secular humanist God-haters ..." This is by some dude named Mike Evans. Ok.
sec·u·lar 1. of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/secular
hu·man·ist 1. a person having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/humanist
God haters. LOL. How can you hate something you don't believe in?
Typical BS.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Surge
This song just popped up on my Ipod and it just about sums up the surge for me.
The atrocities of war never change. It's a song by Pink Floyd. It's called "When the Tigers broke Free."
When the tigers broke free
The atrocities of war never change. It's a song by Pink Floyd. It's called "When the Tigers broke Free."
When the tigers broke free
Gore for President
The following was posted on C&L:
New York Times: Democrats Lag On Global Warming
Now there has been a lot of talk that India and China need to be brought on board despite the fact that they are nowhere near America when it comes to polluting the planet. Well, here is some good news:
Indians more worried about global warming: Survey (samachar.com)
Now some might wonder how or if that would translate into any action. Well, part of my extended family lives in India, and I am told that individual cities are coming up with solutions to cut carbon emissions. New Delhi (the capital of India with approx 16 million) passed a law a few years back which called for ALL public transportation (buses, public cabs, rickshaws, private taxis) vehicles to use CNG. There were strikes, the entire city was literally shut down, but it worked. And Delhi has much cleaner air now. Even I noticed the change when I was there visiting a few years back.
And if I recall correctly, India and China signed the Kyoto Protocol. The only 2 industrialized nations not to sign it were the U.S and Australia.
Additionally, one of my cousins mentioned that the mechanics of global warming are taught as facts in high school. And somehow this was still up for debate until folks watched Al Gore's movie.
I really hope that Al Gore runs for president. We have never needed him more than we need him today, because I think he is the only qualified candidate who can take on this issue and make an impact.
Oh, and FYI: The president of India is a rocket scientist, and the prime minister is consider to be one of the world's top economists. How come we get stuck with dumbass in the office?
P.S.: I also believe with Al Gore as president, we would be taken a lot more seriously.
New York Times: Democrats Lag On Global Warming
Now there has been a lot of talk that India and China need to be brought on board despite the fact that they are nowhere near America when it comes to polluting the planet. Well, here is some good news:
Indians more worried about global warming: Survey (samachar.com)
Now some might wonder how or if that would translate into any action. Well, part of my extended family lives in India, and I am told that individual cities are coming up with solutions to cut carbon emissions. New Delhi (the capital of India with approx 16 million) passed a law a few years back which called for ALL public transportation (buses, public cabs, rickshaws, private taxis) vehicles to use CNG. There were strikes, the entire city was literally shut down, but it worked. And Delhi has much cleaner air now. Even I noticed the change when I was there visiting a few years back.
And if I recall correctly, India and China signed the Kyoto Protocol. The only 2 industrialized nations not to sign it were the U.S and Australia.
Additionally, one of my cousins mentioned that the mechanics of global warming are taught as facts in high school. And somehow this was still up for debate until folks watched Al Gore's movie.
I really hope that Al Gore runs for president. We have never needed him more than we need him today, because I think he is the only qualified candidate who can take on this issue and make an impact.
Oh, and FYI: The president of India is a rocket scientist, and the prime minister is consider to be one of the world's top economists. How come we get stuck with dumbass in the office?
P.S.: I also believe with Al Gore as president, we would be taken a lot more seriously.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Wired Differently
Guns in Bars! Dumbass Texas 6/4
Wow. Now that's a great idea. Don't operate heavy machinery (an example would be your car), but a gun -- sure. I mean it's not like it can maim or kill anybody. It's not like one gets an exaggerated feeling of the self when drunk, who's ever heard of that?
What is it with the Right and their crazy love for guns? Are they trying to imitate reel life heroes? I thought they hated Hollywood. No wait, isn't that Freddy guy running? And they had Reagan, too. But I suppose that's par course for them.
They hate gays, but then so many of them turn out to be homosexuals. They claim to be strong on national security, when in fact their myopic policies are getting American troops in Iraq. They are more concerned about image than substance.
Hmmmmm. Maybe it's the way their brains are wired. Maybe if you believe in an alternate reality like every word in the Bible being literal, when you derive your life's lessons not from your own life but from a text written 2000 years ago, then you end up the way you are. Fucked up in the head!! I'll leave you with a quote:
To treat your facts with imagination is one thing, but to imagine your facts is another. ~ John Burroughs
Friday, June 1, 2007
Compelling argument to stay a Democrat
Dear Winston, the Supreme Court could suck even worse edition, and more -- from the author of the Last Chance Democracy Café
Not one of mine but do follow the link. A compelling argument to remain a democrat despite- well- everything.
Why do we like being slaves
Regarding:
Capitulating to the Party of Surrender: The Dems Help Bush Pull Domestic Political Victory From the Jaws of Defeat -- A BuzzFlash Editorial
"The politician has the political power; the priest has the religious power. The politician protects the priest, the priest blesses the politician -- and the masses are exploited, their blood is sucked by both.
Religions have made man's mind retarded by creating beliefs out of fictions. And politicians have destroyed man by creating as undignified a life as possible -- because their power depends on your slavery. These barriers should be removed."- Rajneesh
Keep shopping America. Because when we stop going to the mall, the terrorists have won. And the 50%+ of us (or whatever the exact percentage is) still waiting on rapture, y'all go ahead and mourn the death of Falwell. God will take care of this country - I mean this is God's chosen country or something like that. Watch CNN, listen to the punditry that speaks words of wisdom in the "Situation Room." Don't bother thinking for yourself, that's too much hard work.
Let your mind be enslaved, and if you do like to think dwell on the semantics of whether there is a civil war going on in Iraq or not. Then pat yourself on the back for being an intellectual and watching "the most trusted name in news" instead of Fox. And don't forget about the Memorial Day weekend sale at your neighborhood mall.
Good job fellas- just keep doing what you are doing and choose slavery over freedom. Bet it helps you sleep better at night.
Capitulating to the Party of Surrender: The Dems Help Bush Pull Domestic Political Victory From the Jaws of Defeat -- A BuzzFlash Editorial
"The politician has the political power; the priest has the religious power. The politician protects the priest, the priest blesses the politician -- and the masses are exploited, their blood is sucked by both.
Religions have made man's mind retarded by creating beliefs out of fictions. And politicians have destroyed man by creating as undignified a life as possible -- because their power depends on your slavery. These barriers should be removed."- Rajneesh
Keep shopping America. Because when we stop going to the mall, the terrorists have won. And the 50%+ of us (or whatever the exact percentage is) still waiting on rapture, y'all go ahead and mourn the death of Falwell. God will take care of this country - I mean this is God's chosen country or something like that. Watch CNN, listen to the punditry that speaks words of wisdom in the "Situation Room." Don't bother thinking for yourself, that's too much hard work.
Let your mind be enslaved, and if you do like to think dwell on the semantics of whether there is a civil war going on in Iraq or not. Then pat yourself on the back for being an intellectual and watching "the most trusted name in news" instead of Fox. And don't forget about the Memorial Day weekend sale at your neighborhood mall.
Good job fellas- just keep doing what you are doing and choose slavery over freedom. Bet it helps you sleep better at night.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Fuck you too!!
Neocons have been making a big deal about Falwell's death and what Hitchens had to say about him. Give the family some grieving time they say, show some decency they say, you are being mean they say.
This from the crowd who support the chimp who does not even care to estimate how many Iraqis have died as a result of the invasion. The same crowd had no problems in manipulating Tillman's death for political reasons and not allowing his family to get closure.
Yo, neocons -- Fuck you. Fuck you for the harm you have done to this country. Fuck you for the torture, wiretaps, the tax cuts, for letting New Orleans drown, for your photo-ops, for the poverty in this country, for the illegal invasion of Iraq, for the deaths of our soldiers, for corruption in politics, the abject greed of your leaders, for your homophobia, for your racism. F*** you for your stupid scared mind that is not open to change, that wants to "stay the course" and let our troops die for a lie.
And fuck you for not respecting the constitution of the United States -- and it's not called the Bible ...I'll leave it at that for now.And my apologies to any reader that may have been offended by my use of profane language, but I do believe sometimes it can be aptly used to characterize one's feelings.
This from the crowd who support the chimp who does not even care to estimate how many Iraqis have died as a result of the invasion. The same crowd had no problems in manipulating Tillman's death for political reasons and not allowing his family to get closure.
Yo, neocons -- Fuck you. Fuck you for the harm you have done to this country. Fuck you for the torture, wiretaps, the tax cuts, for letting New Orleans drown, for your photo-ops, for the poverty in this country, for the illegal invasion of Iraq, for the deaths of our soldiers, for corruption in politics, the abject greed of your leaders, for your homophobia, for your racism. F*** you for your stupid scared mind that is not open to change, that wants to "stay the course" and let our troops die for a lie.
And fuck you for not respecting the constitution of the United States -- and it's not called the Bible ...I'll leave it at that for now.And my apologies to any reader that may have been offended by my use of profane language, but I do believe sometimes it can be aptly used to characterize one's feelings.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Bill Moyers Talks With Jon Stewart
One of the best interviews that I have ever seen. The best fake news reporter (who has more integrity than real news reporters) interviewed by the best real journalist there is in America. This is a rare and provocative look at Jon. A must watch!!
Bill Moyers Talks With Jon Stewart
Bill Moyers Talks With Jon Stewart
Crazy Talk
Illegal aliens are in control of the media, and working in tandem with Democrats, are trying to “destroy Christian America” and replace it with “a godless new world order -- and that is not extremism, that is fact,” Larsen said.
Immigration is all Satan’s fault
Which is why these illegal aliens work for less than minimum wage and do jobs that most Americans would not do? Or something like that?
Immigration is all Satan’s fault
Which is why these illegal aliens work for less than minimum wage and do jobs that most Americans would not do? Or something like that?
What has this nation come to?
I read the following:
This dramatic ritual is intended to show that "you dedicate your church, family, and nation to God!" in commemoration of "April 29, 1607, [when] a young Anglican chaplain, Robert Hunt, planted a cross on what is now known as Cape Henry, dedicating the new land for the purposes of God."
Pat Robertson's Christian Nationalist Extravaganza
Really? So it took some fella to plant a cross on this land to dedicate it to God despite the fact that as far as the "believers" are concerned, this land was God's creation!! So if that cross had not ben planted, this land would have languished, or maybe Satan could have come along and taken over? Wait, isn't that what happened anyway? Katrina happened because America has no morals, and most Americans are sinners?
And yet the Assembly blurs that history: "We acknowledge that the Bible is itself the government of the People, by the People, and for the People" the organizers proclaim in their official document American Covenant.
Sounds an awful lot like the Taliban in Afghanistan. This would have been hilarious if it were not so tragic.
I read the article about Obama's conversion and the words he used to launch his campaign. I also watched him declare that all options are on the table when it comes to Iran. Sir, that is disappointing, not that you would care about my views. I fall into a demographic that no one running for president cares about. (I am an atheist.) I am not sure whether you were pandering to a certain base, or you really believe what you said. Either way, sir, you do not have my honest vote anymore.
This dramatic ritual is intended to show that "you dedicate your church, family, and nation to God!" in commemoration of "April 29, 1607, [when] a young Anglican chaplain, Robert Hunt, planted a cross on what is now known as Cape Henry, dedicating the new land for the purposes of God."
Pat Robertson's Christian Nationalist Extravaganza
Really? So it took some fella to plant a cross on this land to dedicate it to God despite the fact that as far as the "believers" are concerned, this land was God's creation!! So if that cross had not ben planted, this land would have languished, or maybe Satan could have come along and taken over? Wait, isn't that what happened anyway? Katrina happened because America has no morals, and most Americans are sinners?
And yet the Assembly blurs that history: "We acknowledge that the Bible is itself the government of the People, by the People, and for the People" the organizers proclaim in their official document American Covenant.
Sounds an awful lot like the Taliban in Afghanistan. This would have been hilarious if it were not so tragic.
I read the article about Obama's conversion and the words he used to launch his campaign. I also watched him declare that all options are on the table when it comes to Iran. Sir, that is disappointing, not that you would care about my views. I fall into a demographic that no one running for president cares about. (I am an atheist.) I am not sure whether you were pandering to a certain base, or you really believe what you said. Either way, sir, you do not have my honest vote anymore.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
On Being Worm Dirt
The following was posted on C&L:
Mary Tillman …
In an interview with ESPN.com, Kauzlarich said: "When you die, I mean, there is supposedly a better life, right? Well, if you are an atheist and you don't believe in anything, if you die, what is there to go to? Nothing. You are worm dirt. So for their son to die for nothing, and now he is no more — that is pretty hard to get your head around that. So I don't know how an atheist thinks. I can only imagine that that would be pretty tough."
I have a little something to say about this. Excuse my bluntness.
"When you die, I mean, there is supposedly a better life, right?"
I am not going to comment on the concept of "afterlife," but I will comment on life, and the kind of mind that makes this sort of statement. A mind that is scared, that is afraid to both live and die. A mind that thinks that there is a better life after death has not lived a fulfilled life, and is postponing what causes it misery till death, believing that after death everything will be hunky-dory while being scared to confront its source of discontent in this life. It is scared of the unknown and does not have the balls to confront that fear. It is the kind of mind that will make the body run through a dark alley even if the alley was empty and there was no real physical danger.
"Well, if you are an atheist and you don't believe in anything, if you die, what is there to go to?"
Wrong. I am an atheist, and I believe in myself. I am ultimately responsible to myself and understand my actions have consequences. I try not to judge other people, but sometimes I do, which is why I have a certain kind of persona. Actions have outcomes. As far as going somewhere, where do you want to go? I have arrived. We have arrived. We are in this moment, and the moment is now. Who you are in this moment defines who you will be in the next moment, so on and so forth. Stop waiting for death, or to be transported to a better place when you are about to die.
"You are worm dirt."
I agree. Thank you for the complement. I am a part of this universe. Dirt is just stuff, and I am simply a manifestation of stuff. A worm is a different kind of manifestation but it's still only stuff. And you, sir, if I may say, are a waste of stuff. Well, not really. I suppose I am grateful to you at some level for eliciting this response to your words.
"So for their son to die for nothing, and now he is no more -- that is pretty hard to get your head around that."
Not really. He died for a lie. He died so that W could strut around pretending to be a president. He died so that people like you could feed your ego. He died so corporations could make money. He died and you used him as a product. He was never a human being for you. He was a thing to you. To you he was a condom you put on before you mind-f***ed millions of Americans. To millions of us, he was a person. We would have just liked to shake his hand, and nod. Look at him square in the eye, and in that moment convey how grateful we are for his service, his sacrifice, and how sorry we are that we could not save his life, and for how he was used after he died. Words are inadequate, but sometimes that one nod of the head can be enough.
"So I don't know how an atheist thinks. I can only imagine that that would be pretty tough."
Now, sir, you know what this one atheist thinks. There are days when I wake up in the morning, I stare at a mirror and I blink. And there are days I don't. That's life. But at least I had the courage to look. (I am honestly not trying to feed my ego here.) You, sir- DON'T.
P.S. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Mary Tillman …
In an interview with ESPN.com, Kauzlarich said: "When you die, I mean, there is supposedly a better life, right? Well, if you are an atheist and you don't believe in anything, if you die, what is there to go to? Nothing. You are worm dirt. So for their son to die for nothing, and now he is no more — that is pretty hard to get your head around that. So I don't know how an atheist thinks. I can only imagine that that would be pretty tough."
I have a little something to say about this. Excuse my bluntness.
"When you die, I mean, there is supposedly a better life, right?"
I am not going to comment on the concept of "afterlife," but I will comment on life, and the kind of mind that makes this sort of statement. A mind that is scared, that is afraid to both live and die. A mind that thinks that there is a better life after death has not lived a fulfilled life, and is postponing what causes it misery till death, believing that after death everything will be hunky-dory while being scared to confront its source of discontent in this life. It is scared of the unknown and does not have the balls to confront that fear. It is the kind of mind that will make the body run through a dark alley even if the alley was empty and there was no real physical danger.
"Well, if you are an atheist and you don't believe in anything, if you die, what is there to go to?"
Wrong. I am an atheist, and I believe in myself. I am ultimately responsible to myself and understand my actions have consequences. I try not to judge other people, but sometimes I do, which is why I have a certain kind of persona. Actions have outcomes. As far as going somewhere, where do you want to go? I have arrived. We have arrived. We are in this moment, and the moment is now. Who you are in this moment defines who you will be in the next moment, so on and so forth. Stop waiting for death, or to be transported to a better place when you are about to die.
"You are worm dirt."
I agree. Thank you for the complement. I am a part of this universe. Dirt is just stuff, and I am simply a manifestation of stuff. A worm is a different kind of manifestation but it's still only stuff. And you, sir, if I may say, are a waste of stuff. Well, not really. I suppose I am grateful to you at some level for eliciting this response to your words.
"So for their son to die for nothing, and now he is no more -- that is pretty hard to get your head around that."
Not really. He died for a lie. He died so that W could strut around pretending to be a president. He died so that people like you could feed your ego. He died so corporations could make money. He died and you used him as a product. He was never a human being for you. He was a thing to you. To you he was a condom you put on before you mind-f***ed millions of Americans. To millions of us, he was a person. We would have just liked to shake his hand, and nod. Look at him square in the eye, and in that moment convey how grateful we are for his service, his sacrifice, and how sorry we are that we could not save his life, and for how he was used after he died. Words are inadequate, but sometimes that one nod of the head can be enough.
"So I don't know how an atheist thinks. I can only imagine that that would be pretty tough."
Now, sir, you know what this one atheist thinks. There are days when I wake up in the morning, I stare at a mirror and I blink. And there are days I don't. That's life. But at least I had the courage to look. (I am honestly not trying to feed my ego here.) You, sir- DON'T.
P.S. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Kurt Vonnegut Dead
Kurt Vonnegut Dead
So it goes.
Some selected quotes:
All this happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true.
I really wonder what gives us the right to wreck this poor planet of ours.
I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.
People don't come to church for preachments, of course, but to daydream about God.
This is a tale of a meeting of two lonesome, skinny, fairly old white men on a planet which was dying fast.
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say?
R.I.P
So it goes.
Some selected quotes:
All this happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true.
I really wonder what gives us the right to wreck this poor planet of ours.
I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.
People don't come to church for preachments, of course, but to daydream about God.
This is a tale of a meeting of two lonesome, skinny, fairly old white men on a planet which was dying fast.
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say?
R.I.P
Monday, April 9, 2007
Imus suspended for 2 weeks
CBS Radio and MSNBC both said they were suspending Imus’ morning talk show for two weeks following his reference last week to members of the Rutgers women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.”
Imus suspended for 2 weeks
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
-- The Friends of Voltaire, 1906,
Beatrice Hall
As an advocate for free speech, this is disappointing. Who decides what is offensive, and what is appropriate? In my view, a society is only as free as the discourse it allows. While what Imus said may have been appropriate, the demands to pull him of the air are not justified. Bill O'Riley and his likes have said far more inappropriate stuff, but where is the real outrage over that? As consumers, we can petition, boycott, but to demand that a voice be silenced is probably not the correct approach. Frankly, I would not want Bill O'Riley of the air- but as a consumer I do not watch his show except when clips are posted on C&L Outrage can be both imagined and real. To police speech based on the outcry of any single group is setting a dangerous precedent.
Imus suspended for 2 weeks
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
-- The Friends of Voltaire, 1906,
Beatrice Hall
As an advocate for free speech, this is disappointing. Who decides what is offensive, and what is appropriate? In my view, a society is only as free as the discourse it allows. While what Imus said may have been appropriate, the demands to pull him of the air are not justified. Bill O'Riley and his likes have said far more inappropriate stuff, but where is the real outrage over that? As consumers, we can petition, boycott, but to demand that a voice be silenced is probably not the correct approach. Frankly, I would not want Bill O'Riley of the air- but as a consumer I do not watch his show except when clips are posted on C&L Outrage can be both imagined and real. To police speech based on the outcry of any single group is setting a dangerous precedent.
Friday, March 30, 2007
The surreal life
Before Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, museum visitors are told, all of the dinosaurs were peaceable plant-eaters. The evidence is found in Genesis 1:30, where God gives "green herb" to every creature to eat. There were no predators. T-Rex had such big teeth, the museum explains, so it could open coconuts. Only after Adam and Eve sinned and were cast out of paradise did the dinosaurs start to eat flesh. And Adam's sin is a key component of the belief system, for in the eyes of many creationists, in order for Jesus' death to be meaningful it had to atone for Adam's first sin.
Creation "Science" Is the Christian Right's Trojan Horse Against Reason (Alternet)
The first part of the paragraph is just plain funny. I kept trying to conjure up the image of one of the deadliest predators to ever roam the planet using its teeth to open coconuts!! Maybe some folks were using the "green herb" when they formulated this theory.
The latter part of the paragraph, on the other hand is disturbing. It indicates a mindset of the religious right to dodge accountability for any wrongs committed. (I'd rather not use the word sin here because different religions have different sins, which may have been due to the unique cultural umbrellas under which they thrived). Logically speaking, if a person believes that Jesus has died for mankind's sins (imagined or real), then a believer is safe in the knowledge that his sins have already been atoned for. It would be hard to conceive of such a person who would actually be accountable for his life.
W serves as a prime example. The "decider" can do no wrong, he can commit no crime, and when he does, he is safe in the "knowledge" that he is one of the "chosen" ones and he is only responsible to the creator whose son has already died on the cross to pay for his sins.
Moreover, these people live in an imaginary world, one created by them, and they expect everyone else to inhabit it, too. Safe in their manufactured reality, cocooned by religion, they cast moral judgments on everyone else. Yet they have never paused to examine their own behavior, the immorality of their actions, the killings perpetrated in their name.
I believe there is a certain demographic that is actually watching the havoc in the ME with glee as it confirms to something that the Bible said. To allow such people to take control of what is arguably the most powerful country in the world is not only a recipe for disaster, it is a poor reflection on moderates and liberals
Creation "Science" Is the Christian Right's Trojan Horse Against Reason (Alternet)
The first part of the paragraph is just plain funny. I kept trying to conjure up the image of one of the deadliest predators to ever roam the planet using its teeth to open coconuts!! Maybe some folks were using the "green herb" when they formulated this theory.
The latter part of the paragraph, on the other hand is disturbing. It indicates a mindset of the religious right to dodge accountability for any wrongs committed. (I'd rather not use the word sin here because different religions have different sins, which may have been due to the unique cultural umbrellas under which they thrived). Logically speaking, if a person believes that Jesus has died for mankind's sins (imagined or real), then a believer is safe in the knowledge that his sins have already been atoned for. It would be hard to conceive of such a person who would actually be accountable for his life.
W serves as a prime example. The "decider" can do no wrong, he can commit no crime, and when he does, he is safe in the "knowledge" that he is one of the "chosen" ones and he is only responsible to the creator whose son has already died on the cross to pay for his sins.
Moreover, these people live in an imaginary world, one created by them, and they expect everyone else to inhabit it, too. Safe in their manufactured reality, cocooned by religion, they cast moral judgments on everyone else. Yet they have never paused to examine their own behavior, the immorality of their actions, the killings perpetrated in their name.
I believe there is a certain demographic that is actually watching the havoc in the ME with glee as it confirms to something that the Bible said. To allow such people to take control of what is arguably the most powerful country in the world is not only a recipe for disaster, it is a poor reflection on moderates and liberals
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The short proof of evolution
Before Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, museum visitors are told, all of the dinosaurs were peaceable plant-eaters. The evidence is found in Genesis 1:30, where God gives "green herb" to every creature to eat. There were no predators. T-Rex had such big teeth, the museum explains, so it could open coconuts. Only after Adam and Eve sinned and were cast out of paradise did the dinosaurs start to eat flesh. And Adam's sin is a key component of the belief system, for in the eyes of many creationists, in order for Jesus' death to be meaningful it had to atone for Adam's first sin.
See the links!
This is so funny!!Whats next- the theory of intelligent falling?? Wait, I think the Onion had a theory on that. Anyways, I am just going to post a link here that will take the interested reader to a short article titled "The short proof of evolution."
http://www.mala.bc.ca/~johnstoi/essays/courtenay1.htm
See the links!
This is so funny!!Whats next- the theory of intelligent falling?? Wait, I think the Onion had a theory on that. Anyways, I am just going to post a link here that will take the interested reader to a short article titled "The short proof of evolution."
http://www.mala.bc.ca/~johnstoi/essays/courtenay1.htm
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Inhofe - the hoe!!
Regarding:
Sen. Inhofe Trying to Freeze Out Al Gore's "Live Earth" Concert -- A BuzzFlash News
It's all about money," he told Fox News. "I mean, what would happen to the Weather Channel's ratings if all the sudden people weren't scared anymore?"
Now isn't that ironic- Inhofe telling the Faux noise machine that the Weather Channel is trying to scare people into believing that Global Warming is real. Perhaps he forgot that manipulating people's behaviors by scaring the crap out of them is Faux news forte!! Here are a couple of examples:
Fox's "Business" Anchors Try to Scare Their Audience: The Alberto Gonzales "Witch Hunt" Could Cause a Stock Market "Sell Off"
Cavuto turned to Buttner, Fox's "senior business correspondent," who elaborated:
Yeah, I think this could be a big problem. Look first there's the drama of Gonzales stays, or he goes. Whatever happens Bush will be painted as either weak or as intransigent. Next we have these hearings that could go on forever and just drag out everything. Bottom line, the Dems are not, are just not satisfied with the legislative body. They want to erode the presidential powers and I think that's a real danger and that's what Wall Street is focused on.
http://www.newshounds.us/2007/03/20/foxs_business_anchors_try_to_scare_their_audience_the_alberto_gonzales_witch_hunt_could_cause_a_stock_market_sell_off.php
and
FOX News rearranging weekend line-up to air terror film, scare jaded voters to polls
FOX News Channel has announced that it will air "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West,"
"(a) frightening new documentary by filmmaker Wayne Kopping ....
What he found, is something FOX News believes every American should know."
The film, which is actually a year old, will be shown four (4) times this weekend to help Republicans scare their base to the polls. Along with plenty of footage accusing Democrats of not getting it (an O'Reilly favorite) and Dick Morris' sickening new anti-Democrat smear commercial, FOX is pulling out all the stops to support their party.
http://www.newshounds.us/2006/11/02/fox_news_rearranging_weekend_lineup_to_air_terror_film_scare_jaded_voters_to_polls.php
Or how about this:
FOX News Scare: Terrorists Driving School Buses
Fox News continues their "scare Ameri... Fox News continues their "scare America" campaign with "news" of terrorists who drive school buses. (more) (less) ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Pr6r-m0WQ - 91k
The list is endless. And did someone mention money? Hmmm.
The BBC reported that Fox News saw its profits double during the Iraq conflict. By some reports, at the height of the conflict they enjoyed as much as a 300% increase in viewership, averaging 3.3 million viewers daily.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News
So it is about the moolah for Fox News. Interesting enough:
In August 2006 figures were released showing that in the period August 2005 - August 2006, Fox news lost 28% of its prime-time viewers and 7% of its total day viewers. This loss in viewers occurred during a time where rival networks CNN and MSNBC gained 35% and 26% respectively in their total day viewers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News
I guess there is only so much crap that people are willing to take. Now coming to Sen.Inhofe voting record:
Vote 42: H R 2: This bill would increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour over two years.- Did not vote
Vote 118: H R 4297: Extended the Bush tax cuts.- Yes
Vote 363: On the Motion: Cut nearly $40 billion from the federal budget by imposing substantial changes on welfare, child support and student lending programs.- Yes
Vote 213: H R 6: Offered tax breaks and incentives in what supporters said was an effort to spur oil and gas companies to provide innovative wasy to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil, conserve resources and reduce pollution.- Yes
Vote 44: S 256: Made it harder for people to erase debt by declaring bankruptcy.- Yes
Vote 9: S 5: Sought to curtail the ability of plaintiffs to file class-action lawsuits against corporations by making cases that were filed in multiple states the responsibility of federal courts.
Ok, he is obviously pro big business, but he doesn't seem to like the little guy. And he believes that despite record profits oil companies deserve tax breaks to reduce pollution, never mind the fact that the same companies fund scientists/ quacks who say global warming does not exist, and that humans have no hand in the climate change.
Vote 249: H R 2863: Supported a ban on cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of detainees held by U.S. forces and to requires the military to follow the Army field manual for interrogations.- No.
Vote 163: On the Cloture Motion: A Senate cloture vote on the gay marriage amendment failed, effectively killing the amendment.- Yes
I guess the Senator also believes in torture, and does not like gay people. Thats about par the course for most Republican senators.
Sen. Inhofe Trying to Freeze Out Al Gore's "Live Earth" Concert -- A BuzzFlash News
It's all about money," he told Fox News. "I mean, what would happen to the Weather Channel's ratings if all the sudden people weren't scared anymore?"
Now isn't that ironic- Inhofe telling the Faux noise machine that the Weather Channel is trying to scare people into believing that Global Warming is real. Perhaps he forgot that manipulating people's behaviors by scaring the crap out of them is Faux news forte!! Here are a couple of examples:
Fox's "Business" Anchors Try to Scare Their Audience: The Alberto Gonzales "Witch Hunt" Could Cause a Stock Market "Sell Off"
Cavuto turned to Buttner, Fox's "senior business correspondent," who elaborated:
Yeah, I think this could be a big problem. Look first there's the drama of Gonzales stays, or he goes. Whatever happens Bush will be painted as either weak or as intransigent. Next we have these hearings that could go on forever and just drag out everything. Bottom line, the Dems are not, are just not satisfied with the legislative body. They want to erode the presidential powers and I think that's a real danger and that's what Wall Street is focused on.
http://www.newshounds.us/2007/03/20/foxs_business_anchors_try_to_scare_their_audience_the_alberto_gonzales_witch_hunt_could_cause_a_stock_market_sell_off.php
and
FOX News rearranging weekend line-up to air terror film, scare jaded voters to polls
FOX News Channel has announced that it will air "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West,"
"(a) frightening new documentary by filmmaker Wayne Kopping ....
What he found, is something FOX News believes every American should know."
The film, which is actually a year old, will be shown four (4) times this weekend to help Republicans scare their base to the polls. Along with plenty of footage accusing Democrats of not getting it (an O'Reilly favorite) and Dick Morris' sickening new anti-Democrat smear commercial, FOX is pulling out all the stops to support their party.
http://www.newshounds.us/2006/11/02/fox_news_rearranging_weekend_lineup_to_air_terror_film_scare_jaded_voters_to_polls.php
Or how about this:
FOX News Scare: Terrorists Driving School Buses
Fox News continues their "scare Ameri... Fox News continues their "scare America" campaign with "news" of terrorists who drive school buses. (more) (less) ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Pr6r-m0WQ - 91k
The list is endless. And did someone mention money? Hmmm.
The BBC reported that Fox News saw its profits double during the Iraq conflict. By some reports, at the height of the conflict they enjoyed as much as a 300% increase in viewership, averaging 3.3 million viewers daily.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News
So it is about the moolah for Fox News. Interesting enough:
In August 2006 figures were released showing that in the period August 2005 - August 2006, Fox news lost 28% of its prime-time viewers and 7% of its total day viewers. This loss in viewers occurred during a time where rival networks CNN and MSNBC gained 35% and 26% respectively in their total day viewers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News
I guess there is only so much crap that people are willing to take. Now coming to Sen.Inhofe voting record:
Vote 42: H R 2: This bill would increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour over two years.- Did not vote
Vote 118: H R 4297: Extended the Bush tax cuts.- Yes
Vote 363: On the Motion: Cut nearly $40 billion from the federal budget by imposing substantial changes on welfare, child support and student lending programs.- Yes
Vote 213: H R 6: Offered tax breaks and incentives in what supporters said was an effort to spur oil and gas companies to provide innovative wasy to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil, conserve resources and reduce pollution.- Yes
Vote 44: S 256: Made it harder for people to erase debt by declaring bankruptcy.- Yes
Vote 9: S 5: Sought to curtail the ability of plaintiffs to file class-action lawsuits against corporations by making cases that were filed in multiple states the responsibility of federal courts.
Ok, he is obviously pro big business, but he doesn't seem to like the little guy. And he believes that despite record profits oil companies deserve tax breaks to reduce pollution, never mind the fact that the same companies fund scientists/ quacks who say global warming does not exist, and that humans have no hand in the climate change.
Vote 249: H R 2863: Supported a ban on cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of detainees held by U.S. forces and to requires the military to follow the Army field manual for interrogations.- No.
Vote 163: On the Cloture Motion: A Senate cloture vote on the gay marriage amendment failed, effectively killing the amendment.- Yes
I guess the Senator also believes in torture, and does not like gay people. Thats about par the course for most Republican senators.
Sen. Inhofe Trying to Freeze Out Al Gore's "Live Earth" Concert
"Then again, maybe Inhofe is right that global warming is all a vast conspiracy orchestrated by... the Weather Channel. "It's all about money," he told Fox News. "I mean, what would happen to the Weather Channel's ratings if all the sudden people weren't scared anymore?"
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/alerts/214
Isnt that ironic? I believe his last comment is applicable to the Faux noise channel. Faux has used fear to generate ratings and keep viewers in a zombie like fearful state. Here are a few examples:
FOX News Channel has announced that it will air "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West,"
"(a) frightening new documentary by filmmaker Wayne Kopping ....
What he found, is something FOX News believes every American should know."
The film, which is actually a year old, will be shown four (4) times this weekend to help Republicans scare their base to the polls. Along with plenty of footage accusing Democrats of not getting it (an O'Reilly favorite) and Dick Morris' sickening new anti-Democrat smear commercial, FOX is pulling out all the stops to support their party.
http://www.newshounds.us/2006/11/02/fox_news_rearranging_weekend_lineup_to_air_terror_film_scare_jaded_voters_to_polls.php
Cavuto turned to Buttner, Fox's "senior business correspondent," who elaborated:
Yeah, I think this could be a big problem. Look first there's the drama of Gonzales stays, or he goes. Whatever happens Bush will be painted as either weak or as intransigent. Next we have these hearings that could go on forever and just drag out everything. Bottom line, the Dems are not, are just not satisfied with the legislative body. They want to erode the presidential powers and I think that's a real danger and that's what Wall Street is focused on.
http://www.newshounds.us/2007/03/20/foxs_business_anchors_try_to_scare_their_audience_the_alberto_gonzales_witch_hunt_could_cause_a_stock_market_sell_off.php
I could go on, but there really is no point. Keep the voters scared, make sure they tune in to fox all the time, crank it up around the election cycle, support the republicans, spread lies and propaganda, parade closet conservatives as liberals to try and project an image of being balanced to the gullible. Sorry Fox, but I do believe your viewership is down and people are not buying the vitriol anymore!!
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/alerts/214
Isnt that ironic? I believe his last comment is applicable to the Faux noise channel. Faux has used fear to generate ratings and keep viewers in a zombie like fearful state. Here are a few examples:
FOX News Channel has announced that it will air "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West,"
"(a) frightening new documentary by filmmaker Wayne Kopping ....
What he found, is something FOX News believes every American should know."
The film, which is actually a year old, will be shown four (4) times this weekend to help Republicans scare their base to the polls. Along with plenty of footage accusing Democrats of not getting it (an O'Reilly favorite) and Dick Morris' sickening new anti-Democrat smear commercial, FOX is pulling out all the stops to support their party.
http://www.newshounds.us/2006/11/02/fox_news_rearranging_weekend_lineup_to_air_terror_film_scare_jaded_voters_to_polls.php
Cavuto turned to Buttner, Fox's "senior business correspondent," who elaborated:
Yeah, I think this could be a big problem. Look first there's the drama of Gonzales stays, or he goes. Whatever happens Bush will be painted as either weak or as intransigent. Next we have these hearings that could go on forever and just drag out everything. Bottom line, the Dems are not, are just not satisfied with the legislative body. They want to erode the presidential powers and I think that's a real danger and that's what Wall Street is focused on.
http://www.newshounds.us/2007/03/20/foxs_business_anchors_try_to_scare_their_audience_the_alberto_gonzales_witch_hunt_could_cause_a_stock_market_sell_off.php
I could go on, but there really is no point. Keep the voters scared, make sure they tune in to fox all the time, crank it up around the election cycle, support the republicans, spread lies and propaganda, parade closet conservatives as liberals to try and project an image of being balanced to the gullible. Sorry Fox, but I do believe your viewership is down and people are not buying the vitriol anymore!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The case for teaching the Bible- and effectively dumbing down public schools
After reading "The case for teaching the Bible" in the Time Magazine, I was reminded of the following quote:
"It is no measure of good health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society." -- Jiddu Krishnamurti
The author of the article says that the Bible is the most influential book ever written. I think it can be safely said that a couple of billion Muslims would reject that statement. He also mentions that it is not possible to be educated and have not read the Bible. That's easily refuted - I have a Masters degree, and I have never read the Bible. One could go on about the article, but I am short on time, so let's leave it at this.
"It is no measure of good health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society." -- Jiddu Krishnamurti
The author of the article says that the Bible is the most influential book ever written. I think it can be safely said that a couple of billion Muslims would reject that statement. He also mentions that it is not possible to be educated and have not read the Bible. That's easily refuted - I have a Masters degree, and I have never read the Bible. One could go on about the article, but I am short on time, so let's leave it at this.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
1984, Hillary Clinton
The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. . . . Power is not a means; it is an end . . . not power over things, but over men. . . . In our world there will be no emotions except fear, rage, triumph, and self-abasement. . . . There will be no loyalty, except loyalty toward the Party. There will be no love, except the love of Big Brother. . . . Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face forever.
George Orwell (1903 - 1950)
Source: 1984, 1948
The Real March Madness
The following quote was attributed to Sen. Kay Bailey on C&L:
"We are fighting for the freedom of our children more than any war we have ever been in."
Really? Assuming that the above is true, at what cost to the Iraqis?
"The number of deaths in Iraq since the start of the conflict could be as high as one million, according to new figures released on the war's fourth anniversary."
Iraq war dead 'could be as high as one million' (24dash.com)
and ...
Zina Abdulhameed Rajab, a Shiite doctor, is so alarmed by the children she has treated who were injured on their way to school that she is keeping her 2- and 4-year-old sons at home. Her mother has moved in to help babysit.
"Whenever I watch my kids laughing or playing, I can't be so happy from inside my heart because I don't know what the next day will bring," she said. "I really regret the birth of my kids here."
and ...
Even some of those whose sect suffered under Saddam recall that time fondly. "I miss those good old days," said Jasim Mahmood Rajab, 60, a Shiite businessman. "I had my work and my social life, and now -- nothing. I'm ready to pay everything I have to sit at Abo Nowas Street and eat fish at night."
Iraqis see hope drain away (USA Today)
So now Iraqis are not human? I suppose in her little world, they're just expendable roaches or something. Remember how they found roaches at Walter Reed? And how they keep saying that we are fighting them over there so that we don't have to fight them over here? Maybe those Iraqis morphed into roaches and are already here. F**king ridiculous!!
Oh, and don't forget that so far this invasion has cost us $409,691,941,404, and 3,216 soldiers, and more in tangible measures. W has made such a mess of there that people actually remember Saddam fondly. Now that's one hell of a feat to accomplish.
----------------------
I think it is fitting I come back to add this given her recent statement regarding staying in the race:
To invoke death
when someone's life
is about to blossom
reveals much
it goes beyond cynicism
a misunderstood reference
tiredness
or any other excuse
it is said in eastern mythology
that enlightenment
requires spiritual death
and rebirth
but that is not
what this woman had in mind
physical death
is an entirely different matter
is it not possible
that this person
is hanging on to a corpse
which may be referred to as status quo
and the price
to continue these games
would require the death
of an individual
who if successful
could lead to the spiritual rebirth
of politics
as we know it
but this rebirth
would cause the political death
of a woman
who places her ambition over all
this tangled web
staggers the mind
to her supporters
i ask
what is the endgame
when will the goal posts stop shifting
what outcome would you like
do you see not the rovian playbook
what blinds you
the hope for power
from one who is known not to share
and cries crocodile tears
what ideal are you fighting for
more death in the middle east
people of power staying entrenched
in their current position
do you not see
a lack of principle
do you not observe
depravity akin to a vulture's
or have you decided to be blind
the same way
those who support the incumbent are
sans logic, empathy, ethics and compassion
you're willing for the country to pay a price
any price
to ensure that you could look back
and say i told you so
to a nation
torn apart and ruined
by a third term
of a president
you claim to hate
"We are fighting for the freedom of our children more than any war we have ever been in."
Really? Assuming that the above is true, at what cost to the Iraqis?
"The number of deaths in Iraq since the start of the conflict could be as high as one million, according to new figures released on the war's fourth anniversary."
Iraq war dead 'could be as high as one million' (24dash.com)
and ...
Zina Abdulhameed Rajab, a Shiite doctor, is so alarmed by the children she has treated who were injured on their way to school that she is keeping her 2- and 4-year-old sons at home. Her mother has moved in to help babysit.
"Whenever I watch my kids laughing or playing, I can't be so happy from inside my heart because I don't know what the next day will bring," she said. "I really regret the birth of my kids here."
and ...
Even some of those whose sect suffered under Saddam recall that time fondly. "I miss those good old days," said Jasim Mahmood Rajab, 60, a Shiite businessman. "I had my work and my social life, and now -- nothing. I'm ready to pay everything I have to sit at Abo Nowas Street and eat fish at night."
Iraqis see hope drain away (USA Today)
So now Iraqis are not human? I suppose in her little world, they're just expendable roaches or something. Remember how they found roaches at Walter Reed? And how they keep saying that we are fighting them over there so that we don't have to fight them over here? Maybe those Iraqis morphed into roaches and are already here. F**king ridiculous!!
Oh, and don't forget that so far this invasion has cost us $409,691,941,404, and 3,216 soldiers, and more in tangible measures. W has made such a mess of there that people actually remember Saddam fondly. Now that's one hell of a feat to accomplish.
----------------------
I think it is fitting I come back to add this given her recent statement regarding staying in the race:
To invoke death
when someone's life
is about to blossom
reveals much
it goes beyond cynicism
a misunderstood reference
tiredness
or any other excuse
it is said in eastern mythology
that enlightenment
requires spiritual death
and rebirth
but that is not
what this woman had in mind
physical death
is an entirely different matter
is it not possible
that this person
is hanging on to a corpse
which may be referred to as status quo
and the price
to continue these games
would require the death
of an individual
who if successful
could lead to the spiritual rebirth
of politics
as we know it
but this rebirth
would cause the political death
of a woman
who places her ambition over all
this tangled web
staggers the mind
to her supporters
i ask
what is the endgame
when will the goal posts stop shifting
what outcome would you like
do you see not the rovian playbook
what blinds you
the hope for power
from one who is known not to share
and cries crocodile tears
what ideal are you fighting for
more death in the middle east
people of power staying entrenched
in their current position
do you not see
a lack of principle
do you not observe
depravity akin to a vulture's
or have you decided to be blind
the same way
those who support the incumbent are
sans logic, empathy, ethics and compassion
you're willing for the country to pay a price
any price
to ensure that you could look back
and say i told you so
to a nation
torn apart and ruined
by a third term
of a president
you claim to hate
Liberal Intolerance - An Oxymoron- There They Go Again!! Reframing the Debate
I came across the following when I was reading an article on Romney, his faith, and Fox News posted at Media Matters.
"But going back to the Mormon question," Barnes said, "his [Romney's] problem is liberal intolerance which has a great deal in this country. It's not bigotry on the part of conservatives."
Liberal Intolerance...hmmm.
Also mentioned in the same article is Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network test for a cult:
"One test of a cult is that it often does not strictly teach that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God who Himself is God manifested in the flesh."
Now who is intolerant? Liberals? As for the conjugation of the word liberal with intolerance seems to be an oxymoron. The word liberal by its very definition means open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc. Unfortunately, the same word has almost become synonomus with flaky, pseudo, shallow, wimpy, unpatriotic etc., and that is due to the fact that liberals have allowed conservatives to literally hijack the meaning of the word itself. Instead of meaning something positive, cons use it to ridicule people who identify themselves to be the same. S**t, if it were up them, we would still be in the dark ages. Those morons would probably mandate going to church, or do something equally or even more insipid. And yet, for most part, they get away with it because we let them. Let's not forget that we communicate using words, and when a word has been hijacked, demonized to such an extent that it is used in the exact opposite context of its meaning, then we have a problem. A serious problem.
I think it's time that we start reframing the manner in which we address issues. Take slogans like "cut and run", "stay the course", "stay and pay" (good job there Dems, you may just have won the stupidity contest, which is not a small feat, considering that the "leader" of the other group is W - a man whose IQ is probably lower than the boiling point of water in degrees centigrade) - they are nothing but an empty concatenation of words, but have a certain picture, an image associated with them. Now just because W is a retard, and unable to speak coherent English, does not mean that we have to dumb down our discussions to ensure that he and his band of merry men grasp what we are talking about. I mean if English is really to be made the national language of the United States, how about learning it first!
By reframing I mean the first thing that Democrats need to do is the next time some pundit utters something like "we are fighting them there so we don't have to fight them here", call it like it is - stupid, retarded. It may not be the nicest thing to do, and maybe it trivializes the next person, but I think that's far better than letting our soldiers getting blown up in Iraq. Next, speak the truth about the war. Every aspect of this illegal, immoral occupation is so devastating that there is no need to spin any part of it. Finally, play the blame game, because it is not a game - it's called accountability. Assign blame exactly where it lies - at the doorstep of every individual who was for this war. I understand that there are millions of people who have reversed themselves on this, and now are against the war, but they are not our elected representatives, and ultimately are only responsible to themselves. Everyone who was a part of the propaganda machine responsible for this war needs to have their feet held to the fire. Expect and offer solutions. Viable ones. Let's talk timetables - they do not embolden the enemy. As long as American soldiers are in Iraq, they will be targets. If the discourse of this country can be changed, if the debate can be framed the way it should be, we would have taken the first step in bringing our troops back home.
I'll leave you with something I came across on the net. Readers should keep in mind that the following is not directed at them, and if I may suggest, direct it towards those who still support George:
"I cannot believe how incredibly stupid you are. I mean rock-hard stupid. Dehydrated-rock-hard stupid. Stupid so stupid that it goes way beyond the stupid we know into a whole different dimension of stupid. You are trans-stupid stupid. Meta-stupid. Stupid collapsed on itself so far that even the neutrons have collapsed. Stupid gotten so dense that no intellect can escape. Singularity stupid. Blazing hot mid-day sun on Mercury stupid. You emit more stupid in one second than our entire galaxy emits in a year. Quasar stupid. Your writing has to be a troll. Nothing in our universe can really be this stupid. Perhaps this is some primordial fragment from the original big bang of stupid. Some pure essence of a stupid so uncontaminated by anything else as to be beyond the laws of physics that we know. I'm sorry. I can't go on. This is an epiphany of stupid for me. After this, you may not hear from me again for a while. I don't have enough strength left to deride your ignorant questions and half baked comments about unimportant trivia, or any of the rest of this drivel. Duh."
http://www.richardlowe.com/ultimateflame/
"But going back to the Mormon question," Barnes said, "his [Romney's] problem is liberal intolerance which has a great deal in this country. It's not bigotry on the part of conservatives."
Liberal Intolerance...hmmm.
Also mentioned in the same article is Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network test for a cult:
"One test of a cult is that it often does not strictly teach that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God who Himself is God manifested in the flesh."
Now who is intolerant? Liberals? As for the conjugation of the word liberal with intolerance seems to be an oxymoron. The word liberal by its very definition means open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc. Unfortunately, the same word has almost become synonomus with flaky, pseudo, shallow, wimpy, unpatriotic etc., and that is due to the fact that liberals have allowed conservatives to literally hijack the meaning of the word itself. Instead of meaning something positive, cons use it to ridicule people who identify themselves to be the same. S**t, if it were up them, we would still be in the dark ages. Those morons would probably mandate going to church, or do something equally or even more insipid. And yet, for most part, they get away with it because we let them. Let's not forget that we communicate using words, and when a word has been hijacked, demonized to such an extent that it is used in the exact opposite context of its meaning, then we have a problem. A serious problem.
I think it's time that we start reframing the manner in which we address issues. Take slogans like "cut and run", "stay the course", "stay and pay" (good job there Dems, you may just have won the stupidity contest, which is not a small feat, considering that the "leader" of the other group is W - a man whose IQ is probably lower than the boiling point of water in degrees centigrade) - they are nothing but an empty concatenation of words, but have a certain picture, an image associated with them. Now just because W is a retard, and unable to speak coherent English, does not mean that we have to dumb down our discussions to ensure that he and his band of merry men grasp what we are talking about. I mean if English is really to be made the national language of the United States, how about learning it first!
By reframing I mean the first thing that Democrats need to do is the next time some pundit utters something like "we are fighting them there so we don't have to fight them here", call it like it is - stupid, retarded. It may not be the nicest thing to do, and maybe it trivializes the next person, but I think that's far better than letting our soldiers getting blown up in Iraq. Next, speak the truth about the war. Every aspect of this illegal, immoral occupation is so devastating that there is no need to spin any part of it. Finally, play the blame game, because it is not a game - it's called accountability. Assign blame exactly where it lies - at the doorstep of every individual who was for this war. I understand that there are millions of people who have reversed themselves on this, and now are against the war, but they are not our elected representatives, and ultimately are only responsible to themselves. Everyone who was a part of the propaganda machine responsible for this war needs to have their feet held to the fire. Expect and offer solutions. Viable ones. Let's talk timetables - they do not embolden the enemy. As long as American soldiers are in Iraq, they will be targets. If the discourse of this country can be changed, if the debate can be framed the way it should be, we would have taken the first step in bringing our troops back home.
I'll leave you with something I came across on the net. Readers should keep in mind that the following is not directed at them, and if I may suggest, direct it towards those who still support George:
"I cannot believe how incredibly stupid you are. I mean rock-hard stupid. Dehydrated-rock-hard stupid. Stupid so stupid that it goes way beyond the stupid we know into a whole different dimension of stupid. You are trans-stupid stupid. Meta-stupid. Stupid collapsed on itself so far that even the neutrons have collapsed. Stupid gotten so dense that no intellect can escape. Singularity stupid. Blazing hot mid-day sun on Mercury stupid. You emit more stupid in one second than our entire galaxy emits in a year. Quasar stupid. Your writing has to be a troll. Nothing in our universe can really be this stupid. Perhaps this is some primordial fragment from the original big bang of stupid. Some pure essence of a stupid so uncontaminated by anything else as to be beyond the laws of physics that we know. I'm sorry. I can't go on. This is an epiphany of stupid for me. After this, you may not hear from me again for a while. I don't have enough strength left to deride your ignorant questions and half baked comments about unimportant trivia, or any of the rest of this drivel. Duh."
http://www.richardlowe.com/ultimateflame/
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