Supreme Court Re-establishes Rule of Law

In a ruling this week, the Supreme Court dealt George W. Bush a major set-back in ruling that his administration must abide by the Constitution and U.S. law in its dealings with prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It also specifically said that the President must abide by the Geneva Convention. This is good news for America and for the world.

Further, there is a little-known section in U.S. Code which makes it a federal crime to violate the Geneva Convention. This means that senior administration officials may be guilty of crimes. It also means they have possibly committed impeachable offenses.

This is a very important subject and time prevents me from writing more at this time. However, it is extremely important that the American people demand that investigations be opened by the Justice Department and that if there are violations of the law, that these persons are prosecuted. If Alberto Gonzales is not up to the task he must remove himself from the process or resign.

I urge you to contact first your friends and then your Congressional representatives and demand a free and fair inquiry of any alleged illegal acts. The link below will take you to a much longer airing of this topic.

We must restore the rule of law in this country and justice must have its way!

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20050718/holtzman

Theologians Under Hitler

Recently, I became aware of a new DVD which looks to be extremely interesting and valuable. You will find a description below. My local librarian is telling me the book of the same title is widely available at libraries throughout the United States. Otherwise, a web search should bring up ways you can order the book and video.

This is clearly an essentially unknown part of history. It is pertinent for these days. My own research has shown that successors to the financial empires which helped finance Hitler still exist and that they have worked to subvert the American democracy. News of this nature may be shocking and unbelievable to some. Nevertheless, this is what the evidence points to. I plan to show some of this evidence at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way in days to come.

In the meantime, I hope the following resource will prove useful.

++++++++++++++++++
Description:
A 64-minute film by Steven D. Martin (DVD format)
Product Detail:
In the days after World War II, a convenient story was told of church leaders and ordinary Christians that defied the Nazis from the beginning. Recent research has uncovered a very different story. Rather than resisting, the greater part of the German church saw Hitler's rise in 1933 as an act of God's blessing, a new chapter in the story of God among the German people. This film, based upon groundbreaking research, introduces the viewer to three of the greatest Christian scholars of the twentieth century: Paul Althaus, Emanuel Hirsch, and Gerhard Kittel, men who were also outspoken supporters of Hitler and the Nazi party. In 1933 Althaus spoke of Hitler's rise as "a gift and miracle of God." Hirsch saw 1933 as a "sunrise of divine goodness." And Kittel, the editor of the standard reference work on the Jewish background of the New Testament, began working for the Nazis to find a "moral" rationale for the destruction of European Jewry. This provocative film asks: how? It also forces us to ask “Can it happen again?”

Eisenhower's Famous Warning

In a Farewell Address of January 17, 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave Americans a warning about the "military-industrial complex". This famous warning bears repeating today. The question can be asked, Is there any connection between a "war on terrorism" which is said to have no definite end, and the need of armaments companies to offer ever-increasing returns to shareholders and owners? If so, what is that connection? Below I am reprinting President Eisenhower's warning. I cannot say I see the Eisenhower Presidency as one of the great administrations in U.S. history. Also, I do not happen to agree with everything in the statement (made amidst the Cold War), but Eisenhower's words about the potential collusion between politicians and the military-industrial complex are important, now more than ever.

As you read, you may say to yourself, It's a great statement but what can I do? In the future, I hope to say more about this, but for now, please consider contacting your relevant representatives in Washington and indicate to them you do not approve of the huge expenditure of money, especially on no-bid contracts. You can also contact media outlets in your area and let them know of your vital interest in this matter. You may want to quote from the Eisenhower statement below.

Here, then, without any further delay, is the Eisenhower missive.

A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction.

Our military organization today bears little relation to that known by any of my predecessors in peacetime, or indeed by the fighting men of World War II or Korea.

Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every Statehouse, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources, and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

+++++++++++

By way of commenting, and has been said by others, with the end of the Cold War, the arms makers had to find a new reason to justify their existence. Almost immediately after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the break-up of the Soviet Union and before any peace dividend (remember that?), we were being told the world was full of new enemies which we must prepare for. Thus was born "pin-point bombing" which could now turn the old military into the "military of the 21st Century." The question must be asked, Do we really need the huge military of the Cold War with the fall of the Soviet Union? This is a question which has dropped out of daily discourse due to the corporate media (which has ties to the military industrial complex).

So, President Eisenhower's warning still stands. Let us heed it. Let us be on watch. Let us take the appropriate action to protect our democratic processes as Eisenhower advised.

Doubts About Bush 2004 "Win" Begin to Go Mainstream

This post will be a quick telling of a statement by a United States Representative regarding the stolen election of 2004. The web address is below. Once you arrive there, please scroll down to view the article about Congresswoman Schakowsky's speech to the Take Back America conference. (Please note that some of the advertising on the site, while certainly not explicit, may nevertheless be offensive to some readers.)

This speech by a United States Representative is welcome news and most heartening.

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=2963

Tale of a Modern American Man

Said a modern American man,

" First they went after the poor and I didn't speak up because I wasn't poor.

Then they went after the factory workers, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a factory worker.

Then they went after the hurricane victims, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a hurricane victim.

Then they went after the immigrants, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't an immigrant.

Then they went after the mainstream Protestants, and I didn't speak up because I was a Mega Church member.

Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."

++++++++++++++++

Perhaps you recognize this as being based on the following:

"First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."

-- Pastor Martin Niemoeller,
survivor of Nazi concentration camp

May this be a lesson for us all. May this be a wake-up call. It is long past time to speak up. May you find your voice, dear reader, and may it have strength, and may you persevere in telling the truth at this time and tomorrow.

A Man Named Don

This evening while leaving the public library I was accosted by an ordinary man, about 45-50 years in age. Don, as he introduced himself, was stranded with no way to make a 54-mile trip home. Don was very polite, did not lay on any heavy guilt, but stated his dilemma simply and pleasantly. He asked for help. As it was already 9 o'clock, perhaps you can guess what my decision was.

I was truly sorry I was not able to help Don on this particular occasion, although I did give him my business card. Although Don was not homeless, there was the chance he would end up without a place to stay for the night.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless an estimated 3.5 million people or 1% of the population are homeless at some point in any given year. Needless to say this is an astonishing number. Having experienced homelessness myself, I know what a difficult circumstance it truly is.

That there should be homelessness in a country as rich and beautiful as this is deeply shameful and simply should not be at all. I hope to give more information about this problem soon. For now, may we remember those who are homeless on this and every night until the problem is resolved.

A Dark Dawn in New Orleans

As summer dawns in the northern hemisphere, cities near the southern coast of the U.S. wonder what is in store for them this year as the tropical storm season is already underway.

In New Orleans it is a dark dawn for many as government and commercial interests work to destroy the public infrastructure of the city. Teachers are being fired, the criminal court system is not functioning, the public health system is lacking, and -- incredibly -- useable public housing is being destroyed. And it is all unnecessary.

Last evening I heard part of a radio interview with Bill Quigley, professor at Loyola University and also head of the Law Clinic and the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center at Loyola. I was horrified to learn what is actually happening in New Orleans. Big money interests supported by racially-biased whites are working to tamp down the numbers of African-Americans who are able to return to the city. This is unconscionable.
I invite you to listen and learn.

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/06/20/142210

The Vice-President of Torture

This is the moniker given by many to the man who twice took the oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States as Vice-President. That he is now known by such a nickname casts a shameful pall over the United States.

Now, however, it appears that Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald may be zeroing in on Richard Cheney's actions in the Plame affair. As I read the latest report from Truthout, it appears Karl Rove may have been persuaded to turn state's evidence in the case. Of course, we can only speculate at this point. But is it possible -- just barely possible -- that Cheney has become a target of the Fitzgerald investigation? There is no way of knowing for sure due to the high level of secrecy of the Fitzgerald investigation. In any event, with approval ratings below twenty per cent, R. Cheney's days would seem to be numbered as Vice-President.

One of my most challenging tasks as a citizen and as a friend over the last several years has been to encourage people to see that the future of our country is in our hands. I mean this in a very real way. What we have been lacking is information due to the cowardice of the press, especially after September 11, 2001. Without information, it has been virtually impossible for busy American citizens, worried about not only the price of gas, but also about bearded middle-Eastern men who may be using the job at the local convenience store to plan blowing up your beautiful local city hall -- to have a real sense that things can change.

Now, however, I am aware of rather intensive behind-the-scenes efforts to deal appropriately (and non-violently, of course) with the cancer which does indeed surely attend this current administration. I hope to say more about this in the future.

For now, I invite your prayers (if you are at all religious), and your concern. Soon, even more clearly than today, we will all be called upon to make a personal choice about what kind of country we want this to be: one ruled by large corporations -- that is, the wealthy few -- or the many citizens of this country who do indeed work hard and play by the rules. Again, this is a subject I hope to return to in future days.

As Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth, makes clear, there is not much time before major damage is done to this very earth. Corporations run amuck are in one sense a very major cause of this environmental endangerment. These are the same corporations, such as Enron, which have funded and propped up through the corporate media this White House administration with its attendant Cheney operation.

Let us be rid of these usurpers, these bringers of gloom, these imposters, these men worse than traitors.

In coming days I intend to offer evidence to support such sharp language. Our Republic, this great nation, is in danger. We can and must decide to save her, our dear America.

http://forum.truthout.org/blog/

A Prairie Home Companion

Having a friend who is a theater manager is a great convenience when there are films one truly wants to see. So, it was my pleasure to see a second major film in two days.

The movie of the day was the new Robert Altman film starring real-world radio host Garrison Keillor named after his American Public Media program "A Prairie Home Companion." Also starring were Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, and Kevin Kline.

The picture includes a great deal of music and is thus most fitting for this web log. The Johnson girls as portrayed by Streep and Tomlin are nearly worth the price of admission all by themselves. The emotions of pride and regret, of audacity, tenacity, and resignation are all present along with a complex intertwining of loyalty and slightly jaded fatalism between the sisters themselves.

Other familiar characters from the radio program make their appearance in one way or another, including Dusty and Lefty, the Lonesome Cowboys, Guy Noir, and the actors Tim Russell and Sue Scott who are surprisingly good in their character roles. Real-world performers Linda and Robin Williams are in fine form as they portray themselves.

All music is backed up by Rich Dworski and the members of the radio show band. Dworski also wrote and arranged much of the music.

The story is set in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the last night of a long-running live radio broadcast. The show is broadcast weekly in a historic theater. The building's owner has sold out to a Texas corporation which will soon demolish the landmark and create a parking lot.

There are morals here, lessons learned in one's dim dark past and played out in a present where cell phones and computers are more seen than heard. The soundtrack here is one of bluegrass music, mountain music, and gospel music, not the whir of electronic printers. Headsets get a send-up in one comic scene.

For those of a certain generation the film is a nostalgic bath, a bath filled with warmish water into which has been added bath beads of unidentifiable aroma, not unpleasant, but faintly annoying in their slightly stale anonymity.

For younger viewers there is music, energy, and finally -- a cell phone.

For viewers of all ages there is a sense of what life lived long and hard is like for performers on the road. There is also the message that these good-hearted troopers would do it all again in a heart-beat.

See this film if you can. It will do your heart some good.

(c) 2006 by The Musical Patriot

"An Inconvenient Truth"

This evening, at the local civilized movie theater, I was witness to An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore's new movie based on his famous slide show. The movie has been reviewed elsewhere and I do not wish to post a review per se.

However, I will underscore for my readers here the huge importance of this film. It is a must-see for every citizen of the U.S. and the world. No matter what one may think of Al Gore the person (who comes off very well as a naturally intelligent and truly funny person contrary to his former stiff persona), the film contains essentially unassailable truth about what is known about the state of the earth at this time, specifically regarding the phenomenon of global warming.

As for Mr. Gore's presentation, to call it a slide show is inaccurate and a bit demeaning as the graphics are state of the art. They are clear, winsome, even entertaining while at the same time they shock and ultimately stir the soul to seek action.

As Gore makes clear in the film, of nearly one thousand scientific articles written over the last several years, the number of articles casting doubt on global warming is: zero.

I strongly recommend this film. You will respect yourself for seeing it.

The Beginning Continues

I believe history will show the beginning of the end of the U.S. invasion of Iraq has already occurred. Whether we may mark it as late in 2005 when rumors of Pentagon "exit strategies" began to circulate, or earlier, at the time of the revelations of the torture at the Abu Ghraib prison -- it is now clear the pressure is mounting for a clearly-defined plan to end U.S. military involvement in Iraq. At the very least, the American public is demanding clearly-defined goals, the reaching of which would signal a withdrawal of forces.

Now, a church in Washington (state) has declared itself a sanctuary for U.S. military personnel who wish to resist being sent to Iraq. I applaud the church for its brave stand. May many others follow. You will find more information at this link: < http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/061606B.shtml >.

Illness

So far today, I am a bit under the weather. I will try to post something later. Thanks for your patience.

The Pledge of Allegiance

Few Americans know the history of the writing of the Pledge of Allegiance. For instance, did you know that the writer was a Christian socialist? I am amused when people on the far right agitate for mandatory recitation of the pledge oblivious to the political inclinations of its author, the Reverend Francis Bellamy. It also must be noted that Rev. Bellamy did not include the phrase "under God" and likely would have objected to the phrase. Inclusion of such a phrase does fly in the face of the American tradition of toleration of both religion and the lack thereof.

As I write, it is Flag Day in the United States. It is a time to display the flag and reflect on what it represents. The pledge is nearly as good as any declaration of the American credo. Under normal circumstances I have no problem reciting it, although I typically fall silent for the "under God" phrase out of respect for the pledge's author, as noted above. To mandate the pledge as some would do, while providing unity, would seem to be antithetical to the spirit of self-realization which we have known under our system of laws.

Having said all that, I must say I like the pledge, as settled upon by Francis Bellamy, a good deal. May we do all we can to live up to the ideals expressed in its powerful words.


http://history.vineyard.net/pledge.htm

Outrageous Claim by an Outrageous Administration

In arguments in court yesterday, the G. W. Bush administration essentially argued that its program of spying on American citizens is beyond judicial review. The link below will take you to a pertinent New York Times article. (Registration may be required.)

This program, along with the vast increase in George Bush ("Jr.") signing statements, indicates an un-Constitutional administration. The time to be rid of this regime is now. This must be done non-violently. The way to do it is by convincing the American people that this administration is against its best interests. Then we must exert political pressure on elected officials and demand that the media report fairly and honestly on what is going on in this regard.

With global warming already a serious problem, and with huge spikes in energy and materials costs, the time for inaction is gone. Let us not be like deer with their eyes transfixed by the car headlights. I encourage everyone to become informed, then join with others to organize for a just and sustainable world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/12/washington/12cnd-nsa.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Doubts About Bush Win Grow

"Who are you going to believe?" That would seem to be the question, as published doubts about the announced "win" of the state of Ohio for
G. W. Bush in the 2004 election mount. The latest doubter is columnist Bob Herbert of The New York Times in today's edition. I make reference to the introduction to the article printed on the web site Raw Story:
< http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/NYT_Bob_Herbert_Kerry_almost_certainly_0612.html >.

Recently, Robert F. Kennedy stirred interest in the subject by writing a well-documented essay on the subject. The Kennedy article and the Herbert column give wide circulation to what statistical experts have long known: the odds of the exit polls in Ohio and other states being in error as dramatically as they were later announced to be are so high as to be virtually impossible.

The question now is since we have the evidence before us, what should a good citizen do? First, I suggest any good citizen would want to tell all his or her friends the news. Second, we should begin a holy agitation to make it clear such shananigans will not be tolerated by the American people. For such stealth can rightly be said to be deviltry. This we must not tolerate.

Music in the Morning

This morning I was treated to a demonstration of a theater organ by nationally-famous organist, Stan Kann. You may know Mr. Kann from one or more of his seventy-seven appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, or other television shows, in which he demonstrated vacuum cleaners which invariably broke down on camera.

Just why this was so funny is still somewhat of a mystery, except that Stan Kann always seemed genuinely befuddled and surprised, even while refusing to stop trying to make the machines work.

His sense of humor was on display today as he demonstrated and gave instant critical reviews of the specialty sounds of the organ such as the train whistle, the fog horn, and the machine gun.

At the end he performed his own medley of selections from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the entire presentation.

This event showed how needed music is in these times. Music is genuinely patriotic in purpose and usefulness.

Your Freedom on the Internet Under Attack

This evening while enjoying a wonderful custard concrete, I listened to a report on the radio program Democracy Now! about the approval by the United States House of Representatives of a bill which would end the concept known as net neutrality. Net neutrality is the concept and policy which guarantees a free and open Internet, the Internet we have all come to know and rely on. Here is what Free Press has to say about the matter:

The Threat to the Internet is Real
by Savetheinternet -- May 31, 2006

Congress is pushing a law that would abandon the Internet's First Amendment -- a principle called Network Neutrality that prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you -- based on what site pays them the most. If the public doesn't speak up now, our elected officials will cave to a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign.

I will post the URL to their web site below.

One of the things which could be blocked by the major telephone companies would be this very web log. The bill now moves to the Senate and a major campaign is being launched by a wide variety of groups from across the political spectrum to preserve the Internet as a free and open domain for the use of all. Please consider calling your Senators about this issue. This is an urgent matter.

http://www.freepress.org/doit.php?strFunc=display&strID=243&strYear=2006

Characteristics of Fascism

Here are fourteen characteristics of fascism as articulated by Lawrence Britt in Free Inquiry Magazine, Spring 2003. See how many of these characteristics are true of the United States today.

1. Powerful and continuing nationalism

2. Disdain for the recognition of human rights

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause

4. Supremacy of the military

5. Rampant sexism

6. Controlled mass media

7. Obsession with national security

8. Religion and government are intertwined

9. Corporate power is protected

10. Labor power is suppressed

11. Disdain for intellectuals and the arts

12. Obsession with crime and punishment

13. Rampant cronyism and corruption

14. Fraudulent elections

*********

In my opinion, not all of these conditions need to be met for there to be fascism. Also, another definition of fascism is the intertwining of business and government, which is another way of stating number 9: "Corporate power is protected." This is the state of affairs currently in the United States between the federal government and big business. Let us reflect on the meaning of fascism, whether we have it now in the U.S. and, if so, what we can do to oppose it.

The End of Suburbia

This evening I saw an important newer film entitled The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream (2004). While the title may seem unnecessarily provocative to some and hysterical to others, the content of the film supports the scary-sounding title. Numerous experts, obviously well-informed, explain why the world is near peak oil production and what that means for people, particularly those in the so-called advanced countries. It makes clear how vulnerable we really are and how important it is to be ready for major change in the way we live.

While I would not call this an up-lifting film it is oddly reassuring in the sense that one feels at least one now has the facts. Though a bit skimpy on possible solutions, the film does explain something about the New Urbanism of the last several years and how this can begin to provide some solutions to the coming oil crisis.

Perhaps most telling is the testimony of Matthew Simmons, an established figure in financial circles who yet speaks convincingly of the downturn in oil production and the huge effects this will have on the major nations of the world.

Those who are aware of gender issues will perhaps be disappointed in the paucity of women's voices in this film. (Even I noticed this.) Also omitted are persons of color.

However, the film's lacks are made up for in its excellent science and clear and compelling speakers and overall presentation. Not only do I highly recommend this film, I urge you to see it at your earliest convenience as your future safety and productivity are at stake.

Below is a link to an online review page on the film.


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446320/

The Sweet Life

Your writer has been away for a couple of days for performance followed by a bit of relaxation.

On Sunday I performed at The Sweet Life Winery in a near-by town. As a performer, with electronic keyboard in tow, I arrive and give a one-man-band show. The audience at Sunday's event, though small, was gracious and several people "really got into it" as they say. One woman was both fan and heckler. There was nothing malicious and the alcohol didn't necessarily bring out the best in this particular person. However, everyone was essentially well-behaved and appeared to have a good time, including this performer.

It is quite amazing the effect music can have in such a situation. I am grateful for the gift of music and the effect it can have on others.

Week-end Inspiration

It is the policy of the Musical Patriot to take Saturdays off from the computer. However, since today is an exception, here is a bit of inspiration for your week-end.

++++++++++

Often when Luther was at work in his study, Satan perturbed him in many ways. Once he had been locked inside for some time, not even demanding food, when Lucas Edenberger, preceptor of Duke Ernst of Saxony, arrived with some musicians to visit him. When he did not answer their knocking on the door, Edenberger peered through the keyhole and saw Luther lying on the floor unconscious, his arms outstretched. He broke open the door, lifted Luther up in his arms and, together with his companions, began to sing. Dr. Luther regained consciousness slowly, his melancholy departed and before long he began to sing with them. He then implored Lucas and his companions to visit him often and never to let themselves be turned away no matter what he was doing; for he believed that the Satanic visitations and sadness left him as soon as he heard music.

-- The Book of Musical Anecdotes by Norman Lebrecht

The Big Buy

Today begins brilliantly and with coolness here.

I wanted to share with you an e-mail I sent a little while ago to a local friend. Perhaps you have heard of the new movie, The Big Buy: Tom Delay's Stolen Congress. While I have not yet seen the movie I am sure it is very valuable and am interested in seeing it. In responding to a recent invitation to see the movie, I took the opportunity to express my opinion on certain progressive groups who are now focusing on the November elections. The book Hidden Power: What You Need to Know to Save Our Democracy by Charles Derber makes clear the importance of avoiding the election trap. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it. It is a must read for everyone who cares about our democracy. I have copied the main body of my e-mail below.

+++++++++++

Hi, Felicia*,

Thanks very much for the invitation to see the movie [The Big Buy: Tom Delay's Stolen Congress]. I did want to reply to you because of the RSVP. Just now, my plans are a bit uncertain for next week, as I am going on summer break from school teaching. However, if I end up being in town I will be interested in seeing the movie. Do you have a deadline for making a reservation?

Quite a bit is going on with me. I have a new web log for one thing. It is being well-received so far. After much thought and study, I have decided to only monitor elective politics for the time being. Over the summer, if I get extra time I hope to be involved in politics, though it seems doubtful I will be involved in elective politics. It does seem inappropriate to me to be involved in a system which put a G.W. Bush in the Oval Office, not once but twice. That is a sign that the system is broken and needs fixing. So we should be concentrating on fixing the system first, then on electing good people to office. Instead, what people are doing is the same old thing -- trying to elect people without fixing the core problem. I think you probably know from your reading what I mean about the core problems with our elections. I mean, people should be out on the streets in droves protesting what happened in 2004. But first, they need the facts. The media in this country are complicit in keeping the truth from the American people. I regard them as criminals for this. We should be focused on bringing the media to account. We must get our priorities straight. I am saying all this because of the continuing appeals which I receive to support this or that candidate for office. Unfortunately, I am helplessly unable to assist for the reasons described above.

Certainly, I am interested in knowing what is going on. But will the Democrats, even if they take charge, know what to do to turn this country around? Or will they, as before, cater to the needs of big business, simply putting some restrictions on big corporations in order to take the edges off of the pain for the majority of working people, leaving a substantial minority out in the cold? Such a situation is not acceptable.

So I will close here. I don't want this to be a tirade. And please don't misunderstand me; I am all for people doing whatever they can to improve things. I just want us to be big and large in what we do, not all caught up in things of lesser importance. I hope you understand.Please do keep me informed....

++++++++++++

*The name of my correspondent has been changed.

"Christian journalists"

Last evening, I heard a useful but disturbing radio report about an organized effort by certain religionists to plant so-called Christian journalists in major media outlets. The report was broadcast on Reality Now, a program broadcast locally and sponsored by the journalism department of St. Louis' Webster University.

According to the report, far-right wing persons claiming to be Christian are demanding the placement of like-minded persons on the staffs of media organizations. The effect of this is already apparent at Fox News Channel. Apparently, the effort extends beyond Fox News. The movement has strong ties to those who believe in the goofy idea that the book of Revelation says the world of 2006 is in the "end times."

Such a kooky view leads to all kinds of other conclusions. One conclusion these people have made is that for the sake of the salvation of the world, they must begin a take-over of the media.

To most of us, this sounds crazy. But the movement is real. It must be taken seriously. I will post more as I found out more.