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FACTS NOT FASCISM

FACTS NOT FASCISM

Monday, December 29, 2008

Dan Rather Suit Going Forward

The London Guardian yesterday published a story up-dating the situation with the Dan Rather lawsuit against CBS. I recommend you read it. (You may access the article by clicking on the title to this post.) Also, I am referencing an article from 2007 on < Salon.com > which gives a true and fairly complete picture of events regarding the firing of Dan Rather.

While no particular fan of Dan Rather, he has every right to sue CBS and I believe his case clearly has merit. The story of G. W. Bush being AWOL from National Guard duty was dealt with at some length on "60 Minutes II" some eight weeks before the 2004 election. Immediately after the broadcast right-wing bloggers began a ferocious attack on Rather and CBS. However, the basic facts in the story have never been refuted. Whatever one's feelings about Dan Rather, it is critical for the truth to come out. The progress of Rather's lawsuit brings that day closer.



http://www.salon.com/opinion/blumenthal/2007/09/27/dan_rather_suit/print.html

Sunday, December 28, 2008

One of the Most Credible Threats of Mass Demonstrations Yet

One of the authors of a recent letter to Barack Obama, Leo Gerard, president of the United Steel Workers, has threatened street demonstrations if Congress fails to act to stimulate the economy (actually in the case Republicans block action). This is refreshing news as it indicates a new spirit of bravado on the part of workers which is very much justified by current circumstances. We can only hope that the leaders of our government will take action, not only to stimulate the economy, but to prevent outrageous speculators from hijacking our economy in the future. This should start with bringing to justice the thieves who brought this on us to begin with.

Here is the quote of Leo Gerard as given on Truthout:



"There are a whole bunch of anxious and angry workers wondering why we keep throwing money at the people who have created the mess," said Leo Gerard, president of the United Steel Workers, who also signed the letter.

"We're going to take to the streets if Republicans try to block this," Gerard told reporters.

"We have 850,000 members in two countries. Any Democrat or Republican that tries to put a stick in the spokes of this wheel is going to have problems in the next election," Gerard said.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

"Christmas" Reading

During Christmas break I am making progress in my reading of Vincent Bugliosi's Reclaiming History. This mammoth book , 1,510 pages in length, deals with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It is said to be the product of twenty years of research by its author who was the prosecutor of Charles Manson. I have made it all the way to page 932. I find the book fascinating, well-written in an inimitable, lucid style. In coming weeks I hope to have more to say about this book here. In the meantime, if you are at all curious about the murder of President Kennedy, I do recommend you check it out.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Where We Stand Now

One of these days I hope these various posts will add up to something like a record of politics over the last few years. Because this is a blog and not a book, and not even a complete web site onto itself, it is not possible to present a fully researched presentation each time the way I might like to.

Nevertheless, I feel it important as 2008 winds down to review what was surely one of the most important events -- the Articles of Impeachment introduced by Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio. Below is a link to the complete articles. I am now going through these articles and urge you to read them. It is clear to any rational mind that G. W. Bush should indeed have been impeached long ago. His Vice-President should have joined him as one of the accused. Contrary to the belief of some, it is not too late to impeach both. Even after leaving office they can still be impeached which would prevent either from ever again holding public office, a fate minimally punitive under the circumstances.

Without some kind of accounting, the reputation and I might even say self-respect of the United States will remain seriously impaired. History will be the ultimate judge, but as such it will judge us as well as those most culpable. And what will the verdict of us the citizens be? Will we be able to say we did all we could to make things right, or did we too much go along for the sake of our jobs and our own security with an abomination, a travesty of justice?

As I say, it is still not too late. But if nothing is done, the United States as a nation will be farther from its possibilities as that famous light on a hill. And that will be a terrific -- and avoidable -- tragedy.



http://chun.afterdowningstreet.org/amomentoftruth.pdf

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Allegation: U.S. Election System Still Being Undermined

Professor and author Marc Crispin Miller describes in the article referenced here how tactics of voter suppression continued in 2008. Thus, even though a clear winner apparently emerged, there was still vote tampering.

And regular readers will be reminded that the claims of Barack Obama's illegitimate citizenship are still outstanding at the Supreme Court.

In any event, Miller is right that we have much work to do to secure a right to vote in the United States. Surely this is a goal worth fighting for.


http://www.truthout.org/122408J

Sunday, December 21, 2008

I have written here before regarding a certain militarization of American life. And, of course, our military is deployed around the world in ways that would have astonished our Founders.

There is so much wrong with all of this, from the cost to the purpose, to the questionable efficacy. So, to the import of the article linked below I had this question: Are we to maintain what is, in effect, an empire? Chalmers Johnson in his valuable book, Nemesis, has detailed how America has established a permanent system of world-wide military bases, not to "spread democracy" but to protect America's (business) interests. Empire doesn't work. Just look at what happened to the Seleucids, the Assyrians, and the Romans. A number of years ago the British decided to divest themselves of most of their various colonies. Of course, the tentacles of the London-controlled financial Empire have continued to bedevil us. But, at least, the outright ownership of foreign lands has mostly ceased.

Our question, then, is To the extent America is maintaining a financial and economic Empire, is this in our best interest? Can we afford it? What is it doing to our moral fiber?

I think these are good questions for the lead-up to Christmas.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121902748.html

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Case Against Blagojavich May Not Be Air-tight

According to today's New York Times, the case against Illinois Governor Rod Blagojavich may not be as clear-cut as initial reports indicated. The gist of the article is that merely talking as Blagojavich did does not necessarily mean he actually committed a crime. To read the article, click on the title above. (Registration may be required.)

American Freedom Campaign Denounces Mukasey

The web site of the American Freedom Campaign has an excellent statement on the refusal of Attorney General Michael Mukasey to prosecute lawyers who mangled words in order to justify illegal actions regarding the Bush administration's "anti-terrorism" drive. An excerpt is below. The entire statement can be found at the web site of the American Freedom Campaign: < http://www.americanfreedomcampaign.org///index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=41 >.



On December 3, Mukasey demonstrated in the clearest manner yet that our fears were entirely justified. At a time when an attorney general concerned about the rule of law should be appointing an independent prosecutor to determine whether any laws were broken during the development and implementation of the administration’s counterterrorism policies, Mukasey has unilaterally dismissed the notion that anyone should be prosecuted based on the fact that “the lawyers who authorized the surveillance and interrogation programs had done so in the belief that they were following the law.”

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Seasonal Music Fun

We interrupt this web log to bring you a moment of musical levity. The video speaks for itself. I hope you enjoy it.







(This is the 300th post of The Musical Patriot.)

Monday, December 15, 2008

Mores v. Law

Below, I have included a quote from a comment to an article found today on Truthout on the web. The writer's comments echo those of the author of the current quote here on The Musical Patriot. Of course, the rule of law must be restored. (The original writer, Marc Ash, is writing about the need to restore the rule of law after the Bush administration. Those of us who have supported the impeachment of Bush and Cheney thought it was vital to restore the rule of law as soon as possible.) It is worth pointing out that values, or what is sometimes called natural law are the underpinning of any great society. Indeed, the western world is struggling to hold on to a minimal set of values. Those values are still reflected in our Constitution and our great Declaration of Independence. The more we hold up these values, the more we secure our future both for ourselves and, as an exemplar, for the whole world.

The article by Mr. Marc Ash can be found at the URL below the quote.

From < truthout.org >

Mon, 12/15/2008 - 21:32 — Herman Rottinghuis (not verified)
Dear Sir, That is an inspiring article. However, I beg to differ with you on one point. Where you say "Nothing could be more critical to the restoration of American democracy than the restoration of the rule of law.", I would rather believe the end of that phrase should read: ".... the restoration of Mores". As a lawyer I know that falling back on the rule of law is the ultimate remedy when Morality and Mores have sorrily failed.



http://www.truthout.org/121508J

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Federal Reserve Stonewalls. Abolish the Federal Reserve

Bloomberg News reports that the Federal Reserve is refusing to disclose how $2 trillion of taxpayer money is being used under provisions of a recent bill bailing out financial institutions, specifically banks. The article linked here tells the story.

It is outrageous that we are not being told how our money is being used! Of course there have long been parts of the Pentagon's budget which are secret, and that is outrageous enough. But this is an affront to democracy. As one commenter said, We fought a revolution over this sort of thing.

The Federal Reserve was established essentially to protect the private banking system. So what it is doing is in line with its original purpose. That, of course, does not justify its secrecy in this case. It is time to establish a national bank, not for the purpose of replacing private banks but to help regulate the system and prevent crashes. This new national bank must operate with appropriate transparency and over-sight. It must be part of a far-reaching reform of our entire banking and financial system.

http://www.truthout.org/121408A

Friday, December 12, 2008

Resuming

For the last week I have been preparing for and then completing jury duty. In the end, all prospective jurors ended up being dismissed. However, the experience was enough to limit -- seemingly -- my mental powers to the matter at hand.

At this point I am free and clear to resume posting. For today's post I choose to refer you to an article by former White House aide, Charles Colson. Below is a link to the commentary on the situation with Gov. Blagojevich. While I can't say I have always agreed with Chuck Colson's "religianity" (to coin a word), this commentary is refreshing. It might not be a bad idea to pray for Gov. Blagojevich. And, yes, under our system all are innocent until proven guilty.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/10/colson.corruption/index.html#cnnSTCText

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Berg before the Supreme Court -- An Update

Astute readers may remember that yesterday, December 1, was the deadline for a response from Barack Obama and the DNC to a writ filed by Philip Berg, the former Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania, concerning questions over Mr. Obama's citizenship. Mr. Obama and the DNC have so far refused to respond though they apparently have a couple of extra days to account for late mail.

There was no up-date on the Berg web site today or yesterday, but I have found an article with some up-dated information at the link supplied. There are other lawsuits now going forward as well. This story has to be one of the biggest untold stories of 2008. As Mr. Obama announces his "defense and security team," peppered with Bush administration hold-overs, America gets a clearer picture that Mr. Obama does not truly represent the change he promised to bring -- at least not in terms of the defense industry.

If the press had done its job from the beginning we would not have this sticky little mess, wrought by questions of citizenship. Nevertheless, the Constitution must still be fought for -- now more than ever.



http://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/philip-j-berg-lawsuit-us-supreme-court-update-december-2-2008-emergency-injunction-writ-of-certiorari-deadline-obama-and-dnc-have-not-responded/

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Robert Gates' Hidden History

There are some unanswered questions in Robert Gates' past, as the article linked to here shows. The questions are important enough that Robert Gates should not be retained in his current Defense Department role.


Coming Soon: More about Naomi Wolf's Give Me Liberty.

http://www.truthout.org/113008A

Friday, November 28, 2008

Reality Impinges

The reality of the world economic crisis has still to fully hit home in one sense. Even now, after all the turmoil, the government acts as if the system can be saved. This is a colossal error. Paul Krugman in today's New York Times offers supporting facts for this view. The U.S. government, and other government officials around the world, prefer to believe that with enough money "injected" into the system all will be well and the speculative markets can continue without interruption.

However, nothing could be further from the truth. Again, the Krugman article is instructive in mentioning the crisis of 1997-98, and the "dot-com" crisis. Even the "sub-prime loan crisis" failed to trigger the kind of response which really was needed. Home loans should have been put into bankruptcy with the government acting as guarantor under new terms which the average home-owner could more easily handle. Indeed, the entire financial system should have been put in bankruptcy re-organization with the government acting as guarantor as others have recommended.

Continuing with the theme of reform, the Federal Reserve System has shown itself to be inadequate to the task. Something like a national bank (but not a monopoly national bank) should instead be established to regulate and protect all banks. Experts have been working on this mostly outside of government.

So hope is far from lost. But we must be willing to truly look to the future. We must prepare for a future in which the average person gets his due, even as big dealers are either brought in line, or -- as in the case of derivative and other swindles -- put out of business.


http://www.truthout.org/112808D

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

If Ever There Was a Musical Patriot

If ever there was a musical patriot, it is Pete Seeger. Seeger, now 89, has recently released a new CD entitled "At 89." This is a man who was essentially black-listed for seventeen years from almost all television. What a crime and a shame that this important voice was kept from people. This gentle giant of patriotism has long stood for the rights of working men and women, people of color -- basically anyone who calls America home.

To watch Pete Seeger sing his new song about Martin Luther King click on the title above or copy and paste the information below. You are in for a treat!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFdOIZE5xg4

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Supposed Obama Birth Certificate

Special Statement

In the interest of the need of the public to learn the truth about all important topics I have continued to present to readers of this web log information regarding the qualifications of Sen. Barack Obama to serve as the President of the United States. There are important principles at work here. Not only does the public have a right to know the truth as such, but in this case, it is important that any person meet the simple qualifications for the Presidency as set forth in the Constitution. If there is any important confusion about these qualifications, said confusion must be cleared up, ultimately to the satisfaction of the U.S. Congress which has final say over whether the Electoral votes are to be accepted as valid. If the Constitution is not upheld in a case of this kind it really cannot be safely upheld in any case.

In the video here you will be presented with expert testimony about the certificate of live birth which was posted on Daily Kos and other places. I regret the presenter has felt he had to conceal his identity, but I do support his decision in this case. It seems to me you the reader have the right to this information so you can make up your own mind. I encourage you to be critical and not accept this video without further study. At the same time, if I did not believe the video had a certain credibility because it was posted on the web site of Philip Berg, Esquire, I would not have included it here.

It is not my intention to harp on arcane matters or to waste valuable time and space on trivia. By posting this video, you can assume I feel this video is neither arcane or a waste of time.







Monday, November 24, 2008

The Waiting Time

Our country is in a state of agitated anticipation, as it awaits the beginning of a new administration in Washington amidst the greatest economic turmoil since the Great Depression. It is a time for bloggers to be thoughtful. So I have continued to gather information these past few days. (The Supreme Court awaits a response from Barack Obama regarding the status of his citizenship.)

Meanwhile, events rush on and Americans do the best they can, often under very trying circumstances. I feel grateful for what I do have -- a roof over my head and enough food to eat. This is more than much of the world can say. Let us remember those less fortunate and pray for their sustenance.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Another Lawsuit against Barack Obama

The link below will direct you to up-dated information regarding another lawsuit against Barack Obama. Also appearing on the page is a video about Sen. Obama's nationality.

While many may regard this issue as arcane I do not. As Philip Berg explains in a video on the main page, there are three ways Sen. Obama is in danger of being disqualified for the Presidency based on problems with his citizenship.

As Mr. Berg states, if we will not uphold the Constitution in this regard, what other parts of the Constitution will we also fail to uphold -- freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to trial by jury? Surely it is not too much to ask of Sen. Obama to produce a vault copy of his birth certificate, something many Americans are asked to do every day.

It is obvious that failure to validate the citizenship of an up-coming President has dire consequence for the legitimacy of such a person. Failure to validate citizenship raises questions as to the true loyalties of such a person. Thus, guaranteeing that any candidate for President is a natural-born citizen as the Constitution requires, is vitally important to the interests of every citizen of the U.S.


http://obamacrimes.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19:full-page-ad-in-washington-times-weekly-november-17-2008&catid=3:news&Itemid=2

Monday, November 17, 2008

The Importance of Impeachment -- Will Bush Pardon Himself?

As has become normal, the election of two weeks ago is still being dissected and analyzed days afterward. Just before the election I warned of more vote stealing. It appears that did in fact go on, just not in sufficient numbers to upset at least the Presidential election result. It appears it nearly derailed other races, however.

But while the dust settles on the election there is another important matter awaiting disposition -- the impeachment of Bush and Cheney. Whether it is launching an illegal wire-tapping program, lying to Congress and the American people about supposed threats from Iraq, or exposing a covert C.I.A. agent, and so much more, George W. Bush and Richard Cheney deserve to be held to account. So certainly this is a great time to contact your Congressman or -woman in support of this worthy action. And now come credible fears G. W. Bush may pardon all sorts of potential criminals, including himself. Failure to demand impeachment now is an abdication of responsibility as a citizen. Below is a link which will take you to more information. I strongly urge you to check it out now.

http://www.democrats.com/pardon

Monday, November 10, 2008

Another Historic Press Boycott

As the article at the following link makes clear, the major press and media of this country appear to be engaged in another boycott of important news. Readers of this blog are well-acquainted with the law suit of Philip J. Berg demanding Barack Obama clear up questions about his status as a natural-born citizen. And almost certainly the media know of these questions. Yet they are failing to report on them.

This matter is not a reflection on the talent and ability of Sen. Obama. But it does have to do with his Constitutional ability to be President of the United States.

I know from personal experience this is not the first time the press has refused to report on a story uncomfortable to them. Nevertheless the facts are real. The article here is a good one.


http://www.thebulletin.us/site/index.cfm?newsid=20193200&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=8

Friday, November 07, 2008

Barack Obama Not Elected President -- Say What?!

That's right. Barack Obama has not been elected President -- yet. Even though Sen. Obama is being addressed as Mr. President-Elect, astute learners will remember that only the Electoral College has the power to elect the President -- with the approval of the Congress. (This latter is the most-commonly forgotten fact of our Presidential election process.) What America did on Tuesday was to select the Electors who would do the actual electing.

While this may seem arcane or only a formality, there were good reasons why the Founding Fathers decided against direct popular election of the President. After big money through the burgeoning power of corporations began to almost buy the Presidency, nineteenth century reformers sought to restore a democratic process to the selection of the President. What they came up with was, in effect, an end-run around the Constitution. Now, the letter of the Constitution is fulfilled, but the citizenry has been given the power by the various state legislatures of selecting electors who run pledged to a particular candidate. Since 1952 only the name of the candidate they are pledged to appears on the ballot.

Soon mathematicians from M.I.T. and other places will hold a conference attempting to bring mathematics to bear on the question of whether the Electoral College should be abolished. This is an interesting proposal.

As for my own view, while the Electoral College does have its drawbacks, since Congress is the final arbiter of the results of the Electoral College I find the process laid out in the Constitution to be in keeping with a representative democracy. It shields the republic from mob rule, and from an ill-informed citizenry. Let's not throw out the Electoral College until we are absolutely sure we have thought at least as carefully about the issue as the Framers did.


More about the conference on the Electoral College:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/math-whizzes-scrutinize-electoral-college/

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Barack Obama Is Winner of Popular Vote

Most of the world now knows that Barack Obama has been declared the President-Elect of the United States. In a gracious and surprisingly serious speech, Sen. Obama pledged his strength to a new day of hope in America.

The best thing about the Obama election is the way it brings the races together. Let's hope this has a permanent effect.

As for the Berg v. Obama suit, only time will tell what happens and whether Barack Obama ever produces the documents which have been demanded of him. (See earlier posts here.)

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Obama on Track to Win Election

At this hour, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois is doing very well in his fight to win the White House. By winning Ohio and New Mexico, plus a number of other states, Sen. Obama is on the fast track to winning this Presidential election.

No matter the outcome of the election I pray for the success of our country in battling an economic and financial crisis.

Breaking News: Berg v. Obama Still Alive

From < Obamacrimes.com >



Justice Souter's Clerk has informed Mr. Berg that Mr. Berg's application for an injunction to stay the November 4th election has been denied....

The defendants are required to respond to the Writ of Certiorari by December first, after which Mr. Berg will have an opportunity to respond.


This means Barack Obama must make a response by December 1. As I understand it the main matter has not been dismissed.

Blogging the Election!

Today, as time permits, I will be posting important news about Election Day in the United States. I start by telling you about a web site which is giving good current information about voting problems as the day goes along.

http://www.nomorestolenelections.org/reports

Monday, November 03, 2008

More Information on Vote Stealing, Plus Recommendations

Several notable authors write on the Truthout website about recent information on vote stealing tactics. Especially newsworthy is the recent court action taken in regards to an information technology specialist connected with the McCain for President campaign.


http://www.truthout.org/110308R

Friday, October 31, 2008

America in a Whirl

The United States is in a swirl of political and economic theater unlike anything in a very long time. Citizens here have a sense that something must in fact change in order for people to survive and the country prosper. We are groping for a new stance, a new perspective on justice. And we seem to be making progress against all odds. If we honor history we can make a choice not to repeat the mistakes of the citizens of ancient Rome which ruined itself upon the rocks of hubris born of Empire. Rather, we can work to fulfill that dream of so long ago, the dream of the Founding Fathers of a nation in which the common man (and we may expand to include women) is sovereign, not the emperor or the king or the captain of finance or industry. This is what our fight is about now. What kind of country will it be and who shall own it? On the occasion of the death of Studs Terkel, that patriarch of the politics and life of the average person, we can best honor his memory by embracing the politics of inclusion, the politics of hope, and even the politics of joy. This in large measure is the antidote to fear, to terror, to discouragement. May we welcome its nostrum, glory in its ameliorating power, and turn -- faces newly lit -- toward the light of a better tomorrow.

**************

For excellent resources on what to do to protect your vote next Tuesday I recommend Greg Palast's fine web site:

http://www.gregpalast.com/

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Today's Rally at the Supreme Court

At the link below you will find information about today's rally in support of Philip Berg at the Supreme Court. This is a fairly amazing show of support on short notice, but represents democracy at work. (You may also click on the title above.)

Note: I make no claims for or against the web site linked and cannot vouch for all posts contained thereon.

http://pub10.bravenet.com/forum/839764659/fetch/1183432/

Press Statement of Philip J. Berg

Here is the statement of Philip J. Berg regarding the Supreme Court. A program which reads a "pdf" file is required.



http://www.obamacrimes.com/attachments/049_Press%20Release%2010%2030%202008%20Berg%20Filing%20Injunction%20to%20Stay%20Presidential%20Election.pdf

Philip Berg to File Injunction to Stop Presidential Election

Former Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania, Pilip J. Berg, is set to file a motion before the United States Supreme Court today to stop the Presidential election. (See earlier posts here for further information on this matter.) It is to be hoped the Supreme Court will act responsibly.

It seems obvious that Mr. Berg is filing this injunction because of the damage which would be done if an illegible person is selected in an election. He likely wants to stop this from happening as it would be quite difficult to undo.

Let us wish Mr. Berg, and these dear united States (the original capitalization) the best in these trying times.


http://www.obamacrimes.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-news/49-press-release-10-30-2008-berg-filing-injunction-to-stay-presidential-election

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Best and Most Complete Explanation of the Obama Citizenship Controversy

On a matter this important, Americans will demand that, before its authenticity is accepted, any supposed documentary evidence of that sort be subjected to reproducible forensic analyses conducted by reputable, independent investigators and laboratories above any suspicion of being influenced by or colluding with any public official, bureaucracy, political party, or other special-interest organization whatsoever.

Berg v. Obama may very well end up in the Supreme Court. Yet that ought to be unnecessary. For Obama’s moral duty is to produce the evidence of his citizenship sua sponte et instanter. Otherwise, he will be personally responsible for all the consequences of his refusal to do so.



This fine article by Edwin Vieira, J.D., explains in great detail why the question of Barack Obama's citizenship is so important. I cannot overestimate the importance of this article. Of course the greatest injury to our country would only be in the event Obama is found out to be not, in fact, a natural-born citizen of the United States as the Constitution requires. Yet, I posit an injury has already occurred in that Obama is refusing to produce simple documents such as a vault birth certificate and his college records. Clearly, the Constitution requires any future or actual President to be a natural-born citizen. Proving this shouldn't be difficult, if said person is truly a natural-born citizen. Thus, by refusing to produce simple documents, Obama has created the appearance of guilt.

Whatever you do, be sure to read Mr. Vieira's outstanding and crucially important article. Then, why not pass it along to sympathetic friends, including members of the jurisprudence system in the U.S.?


http://newswithviews.com/Vieira/edwin84.htm


************

A Statement: I categorically condemn any and all threats of violence against any candidate for President or Vice-President of the United States. While this goes without saying, no one should construe anything on this web log as wishing harm to any person. Such threats of violence have absolutely no place in our democracy and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I hereby so condemn them. (Naturally, the Constitution protects free speech, including criticism and the right of peaceful assembly, including peaceful demonstrations. Threats of physical harm are an entirely different matter, however.)

A Day Off

On a personal note, yesterday was something of a day off for me. That is, I did not take a job and I stayed off the computer to rest my hands. (I am a professional musician and must be careful.)

American wants greater justice now and is looking for it. There must be greater justice for workers, for the sick, for the elderly, for children, for all. Then the pledge of allegiance to the flag will make sense; there truly will be "justice for all."

Note: Patricia, a reader, has requested some of my more pertinent points about the current scene to be posted here. So I will plan to get those thoughts together and put them here soon.

Best wishes to all my readers.


The Musical Patriot

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Greg Palast on CNN Headline News

Although this interview leaves much to be desired and the representative from Judicial Watch is incomplete to the point of being clueless in his comments, at least we have Greg Palast on a major cable news outlet. Greg Palast has spent untold hours investigating and reporting on Republican (and occasionally Democratic) voter suppression tactics. I regard his work as essentially unassailable. Watch this video, then go to his web site for information on his voters warning guide.


Friday, October 24, 2008

Bill Moyers Journal Brings Hope

By clicking on the title of this blog you can go to this week's broadcast of Bill Moyers Journal, containing as it does an informative interview with economist James K. Galbraith, as well as a moving piece on a new film called "Playing for Change. Peace Through Music." In the case of the second, I must comment that we see so few news items about the true power and beauty of music and the dignity of the great musicians who make it possible. This piece does that.


http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/index-flash.html

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Video of Protest at the Mortgage Bankers Association Meeting in San Francisco

News sources report the Mortgage Bankers Association of America has thrown itself a lavish party in San Francisco in conjunction with their yearly meeting. For the first time in history, however, association members have been met with protesters voicing their loud concerns over home foreclosures. For excellent video coverage from the media in San Francisco, simply click on the title above or cut and paste the link below.

Through pain and agony, it is a new day in America where a more ethical and just economic system is struggling to be born.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFh-AcEe3LA

Sunday, October 19, 2008

San Francisco Examiner Author Asks Good Questions

The author linked here asks very pertinent questions of Barack Obama regarding the Philip Berg suit over his citizenship. Specifically, he asks, if Sen. Obama can post a so-called birth certificate on his web site, why can he not simply present it in court?

(Note: I, the Musical Patriot, feel it is crucial that the McCain/Palin ticket not win due to authoritarian elements within the Republican Party and the Palin campaign. Thus it is vital that any opponent be a qualified candidate under the Constitution.)



http://www.examiner.com/x-268-Right-Side-Politics-Examiner~y2008m10d12-Wheres-Obamas-proof-of-citizenship

Friday, October 17, 2008

Victory for Voters in Ohio

National Public Radio is this afternoon reporting a victory for voters in Ohio in the face of a challenge from the state Republican Party regarding alleged fraudulent registrations. An excerpt from the NPR on-line story appears below. For the full statement, go to < www.npr.org >.


*******


Supreme Court Decision Favors Ohio Democrats

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday sided with Ohio's top elections official in a dispute with the state Republican Party over voter registrations.

The justices overruled a federal appeals court that had ordered Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat, to do more to help counties verify voter eligibility.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Important New Video on John McCain's Temperament

A person's temperament is, of course, very much a part of his fitness for public office. In the case of John McCain, serious questions are being raised by responsible people who have worked with him in party politics and in the Senate. Some of these concerns are documented in the video referenced here. (Either click on the title above or cut and paste the URL below.) After watching I urge you to pass this along to friends as it is most germane to the coming federal election.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAyK-enrF1g

Monday, October 13, 2008

New Video on Obama Citizenship Suit

In this video you will watch Philip J. Berg, former Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania speaking about the reasons for his lawsuit. The fact that at least twenty million persons have visited his web site, < obamacrimes.com >, indicates the high level of interest in this matter.

What a shame if Mr. Berg is right and the American people have been deceived. Yet, a bigger tragedy would be continuing to keep the truth from the American people.


Friday, October 10, 2008

Ralph Nader on Financial Crisis

Note: this post is not an endorsement of Ralph Nader for President.

As usual, Ralph Nader has a way of succinctly and accurately summing up a vexing problem -- this time the financial crisis. In the on-line article referenced below Mr. Nader offers a quick overview of the history of the derivatives market. (You may also click on the title above.) Ralph Nader is right that the current crisis was foreseeable and was foreseen.

My only real point of disagreement with Nader is that instead of regulating the derivatives market, the market should be shut down. (For an explanation of derivatives follow the second link below. I will continue to work to get a good definition of derivatives.) My research indicates that the amount of money involved in these highly speculative financial "instruments" is more than is available to the governments of the world to "buy them out." The derivatives market, as others including Ralph Nader have said, is a legalized casino. As such it is a parasite on the world body politic. Any efforts to stem the tide of this financial disaster without dealing with this sophisticated form of gambling will fail. Mr. Nader says it all very well.

(The author does not endorse Ralph Nader for President by making this post.)



http://www.votenader.org/blog/2008/10/10/in-public-interest-derivatives-casino/

Derivatives explained:
http://www.leomelamed.com/essays/08-DerivativesDefinedPekingUniversity.htm

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

F.B.I. Agents to Be Allowed to Operate Under Disguise

According to the Oct. 4, Washington Post, the Justice Department has issued a set of new FBI guidelines which

"allows investigators to recruit informants, employ physical surveillance and conduct interviews in which agents disguise their identities in an effort to assess national security threats. FBI agents could pursue each of those steps without any single fact indicating a person has ties to a terrorist organization."

Of course, true criminals should be rooted out and brought to justice. But, evidence is mounting that the Bush administration, in its waning months, continues to implement police-state policies in virtually all areas of law enforcement. Can you imagine an F.B.I. which allows agents to disguise themselves and go out and investigate a citizen with no evidence that person has any ties to a "terrorist" organization? This has nothing to do with investigating terrorism. This is a tactic of authoritarian regimes the world over. "Going undercover" is a long-standing habit of law enforcement, though not without controversy. But going under-cover with no factual suspicion of a crime? That is not law enforcement. That is intimidation.

This is what the Bush administration is about: trying to tamp down dissent and to close an open society. (See earlier posts here on the work of Naomi Wolf.) We now have an army unit assigned to the United States. Much, much more can be said. Americans need to be aware and take appropriate action to oppose un-Constitutional and un-American activities by the government.

Saturday, October 04, 2008

A Dramatic Week

Things have been a bit busy in my life, but, oh, what a week in the nation's life! The proposed Wall Street bail-out bill, now a law, lead the nation on a roller coaster of emotions. What emerged was a budget-busting $850 billion pork barrel extravaganza. No one seemed truly satisfied with the bill, except perhaps Wall Street. And it had been clear for some time that this bill was really about Wall Street, though certainly the politicians were worried about the overall economy, as well.

In future posts I hope to lay out what I regard as the appropriate role for government now. First, it is not inconsequential that I have long called for the impeachment of G. W. Bush for all the reasons others have spoken of. (See earlier posts here or the web site of Rep. Robert Wexler.) If Bush and Cheney had been removed from office by impeachment as I and others had advocated we would not be in quite the same position we are now, with no effective leadership in the White House.

Returning to the matter of the Bail-out Law. No one seems even to be claiming that this law will solve the financial mess we are in. So, quickly, let me offer some suggestions. The Glass-Steagall Act, abandoned in 1999, must be revived immediately.
This act did a great deal to curb speculative abuses on Wall Street. Next,in many cases companies must be allowed to go into bankruptcy the normal way, but with strengthened protections for workers and every-day investors. Most importantly, homeowners must be allowed to keep their homes while working out a more permanent solution to their problems. This will begin to restore stable value to homes.

Long-term, we must return jobs to America. This can be done by re-envisioning the corporation not as a person under the law, but as an entity under the authority of the people. It must be stated flat-out that the profit system is no good for us and must be abandoned -- gracefully, but quickly. In its place will come an economy based on good will, even love, one for the other. As lofty and unpractical as this may seem, I have seen it is the only way.

Monday, September 29, 2008

"Braking" News: House Defeats Giant Bail-out Plan

Note: The title includes a play on the term "Breaking News" so beloved by TV news programs with too much time to fill and too little talent to fill it intelligently.

In a vote which stunned the major media and Wall Street, but was somewhat less stunning to the average American, the House of Representatives did the right thing today and put the brakes on the outrageous Wall Street bail-out plan put forward by former Wall Street executive, Henry Paulson. Really, this vote was the only thing the Representatatives could, in good conscience, do.

But we must not think that the oligarchs will be satisfied. They will come at this again in some form or other. We the citizens must be watchful and wary of their tactics. I advise calls of thanks to Congressmen and -women who voted against this bill.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

My Research Into Environmental Front Groups

One of the functions of this web log is to present to the public little-known yet intriguing research being done by others. Recently I have become aware of allegations of hidden forces behind several well-known environmental groups. To whet your appetite a bit, the allegations have to do with the revival of the eugenics movement by Julian Huxley and others in the years following World War II. Because eugenics, or race purification, was such a toxic idea following the Nazi regime, Huxley knew such a movement would have to take a circuitous, hidden route. Thus was born the idea of appropriating the energies of the nascent environmental movement to promote the idea of first limiting, then reducing world population as a means of solving certain problems.

As I say, this is not the first time I am hearing of this movement. But tonight I have found an interesting post on another web log which I now bring to your attention. I am not prepared to vouch for every assertion made here. (For instance, having read a large amount of the research of V. Bugliosi into the assassination of J. F. Kennedy, I remain a skeptic of conspiracy theories in regard to that tragic event.) Yet, in the interest of promoting knowledge and discussion I am pleased to refer you to the article linked here. Or you may simply click on the title above for more information.


http://windfarms.wordpress.com/2008/03/30/earth-hour-scam-world-wild-life-fund-scam/

Friday, September 26, 2008

Turmoil in Washington

The turmoil in financial markets has turned into turmoil in Washington. In a remarkable turn of events, what looked like a "done deal" to the mainstream media, turned into a broken deal lying scattered in the moonlight on the White House floor. Books will probably be written called either Two Weeks in September or Black September or some other catchy thing.

No matter what I write here news will undoubtedly develop beyond my ability to keep up. That is of no particular worry as this is a web log, not a breaking news web site.

For now, I will close by saying the events in Washington bring forth emotions of both dismay and amusement. The main emotion today is one of relief knowing we will at least have another few hours without some hideous government giveaway to the thieves of Wall Street.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Bail-out a Huge Swindle

Is there anyone alive in America who has not heard that the Bush administration wants the American people to fork over at least $700 billion to the very Wall Street firms who brought us this financial mess? Zogby polling service says only 46% of Americans support some sort of bail-out, and an equal number oppose a bail-out. It is indeed infuriating that the Bush administration is more worried about Wall Street bankers, financiers, and crooks, than about the average person who is the victim of Wall Street greed. And who says we need these people, anyway? We can do just fine without them. With direct help to homeowners and a shoring up of traditional banks, plus an emergency re-instatement of the Glass-Steagall Act, much could be done immediately to begin to restore American and world confidence.

But this is not the Bush agenda. The Bush agenda is to put the greed of huge corporate donors ahead of the America people! The average person knows this and resents it. It is time to break the strangle-hold of corporate dominance of American economic, cultural and political life by removing the rights of personhood under the law -- a phony concept -- which corporations have enjoyed for over one hundred years. It is time to return American government to being a government of, by and for the American people. We can do this! Let us rise to the occasion!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Naomi Wolf Speaks About Saving Democracy

It was my pleasure and honor to hear celebrated author, Naomi Wolf, speak about her new book, Give Me Liberty, on Monday evening. This important new book gives an inspiring history of the founders of the American republic, then goes on to offer a large amount of information on how to re-energize and reclaim our democracy on behalf of the people. I plan to say more about this book in future posts.

For now, I will comment briefly on Ms. Wolf's dynamic talk on Monday. "Speaking from the heart," as she said, Ms. Wolf spoke about the fascist shift in America which she documented in her last book, The End of Ameria. Already in the midst of research when her book came out, I was startled nevertheless to see the evidence laid out so clearly: America had already drifted into fascism. As Wolf points out, this is not the fascism of the later years of Nazi Germany. This is the fascism of the beginning years, from 1930-1933, a time when a democratic and civil society still flourished. But Hitler had studied Mussolini and had a plan. Little by little the brown-shirts began to close down a free and open society, through intimidation -- often physical. Because the intimidation was aimed at those deemed undesirable -- thieves, homosexuals, and gypsies, for instance, there was no large public outcry. Then came the arrests of mainstream citizens -- journalists, and outspoken clergy among others. This caused the population to stop criticizing the Nazi movement. And the long night of fascism had begun in earnest.

In America, unused to coups and dictators, the population, kept ignorant by a compliant press, looked the other way as George W. Bush was installed in the White House by a nefarious and specious legal pronouncement on December 12, 2000.

Now the American people stand on the precipice. Below us is the abyss of economic collapse. Above us is an incompetent, ill-informed President who is subject to virtual manipulation by powerful economic forces controlled by Wall Street, such as former Goldman Sachs head, Henry Paulson.

Wolf's new book, Give Me Liberty, offers a way out, if we take it. Where Wolf fails is in any kind of deeper psychological analysis. Such an analysis would prove most helpful in taking the energy out of those who would send hundreds of billions of dollars into the pockets of those who have brought us this crisis. It would help us understand how people were willing to look the other way as an unsustainable bubble gurggled into existence, then grew up to be an unmanageable adolescent.

In spite of this criticism, this book is extremely valuable. I urge you to get this book and be informed, enlightened, and inspired into action.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Last Day for Poll

Today is the last day to participate in my poll entitled "Which Way Forward?" This poll, originally put together in the summer, seeks to measure citizen sentiment in several areas such as the importance of impeaching Bush and Cheney, the importance of politics in general, and the rise of fascism in America. If you have not already participated in this poll, please do so today!

Financial Melt-Down

With financial markets in a virtual state of collapse this week, the Bush administration "rose" to the occasion with a proposal to bail out corrupt and essentially bankrupt Wall Street firms to the tune of $700 billion, an astonishing figure. Criticism was instantaneous, with even John McCain deriding the plan.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, by proposing a New Deal-style plan seeking to protect home-owners, came closest to something which made sense. I have been saying for years that what we needed in this country was a revival of FDR's program for protecting citizens and reviving the economy. What we most certainly do not need is a bail-out of Wall Street firms who have already been gobbling up "liquidity" (money) at hyper-speed, probably illegally.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Latest on Lawsuit regarding Obama Citizenship

By clicking on the title above or using the link below you can read the request for expedited discovery filed by Philip J. Berg in connection with his lawsuit against Barack Obama, et. al. This important lawsuit seeks to determine Sen. Obama's status as a natural-born citizen of the United States, a requirement of the Constitution for holding office as President.

This is a matter which definitely merits close watching.


http://www.obamacrimes.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-main/15-philip-j-berg-requests-epedited-discovery-and-special-master

Friday, September 05, 2008

Sen. Barack Obama and Democratic National Committee Served with Papers

The referenced on-line article gives news that Sen. Obama and the Democratic National Committee were served with papers notifying them they are being sued by Philip Berg, Esquire. Mr. Berg contends Sen. Obama is not illegible under the Constitution to serve as President of the United States. Click on the title above for more information.

It is appalling that citizen bloggers must be the ones to promulgate this information. But the information must go out.

And -- not to leave any doubt: I support Mr. Berg in his efforts to reveal the truth.


http://www.obamacrimes.com/attachments/011_ObamaCrimes.com%20Press%20Release%2009%2004%202008%20-%20Parties%20Served.pdf

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Pundit Mediocrity

The so-called punditocracy has been in full swing, we might say, over the last few days. Yet, as poor as the media has been in this election year, I have rarely seen more incompetence than in the last several days. Time does not permit me to mention everything which could be mentioned. But for now I make the following points.

The mendacity of the press falls into two categories: errors of commission and errors of omission. In the first instance, we have a press and media which have been laudatory to an unprecedented degree of both Barack Obama and John McCain. Sen. Obama has been hailed as a fresh voice, a charismatic figure, and the bringer of a new kind of politics. John McCain has been a maverick, a courageous fighter, willing to take on members of his own party, and -- a bringer of a new kind of politics. The flip side of this laudation is the lack of any kind of acceptable vetting of either man.

Thus, today we are confronted with two major problems. First is the screening process used by John McCain in choosing Sarah Palin as his recommended Vice-Presidential nominee. The second is the likelihood of problems with Barack Obama's citizenship (see elsewhere on this blog). Also part of the sins of the media are egregious errors regarding process. For instance if you notice my wording above I did not call Sarah Palin John McCain's running mate. This is because it is up to the convention to choose a vice-presidential nominee. And with the torrent of revelations cascading from the Palin campaign who can say for sure what is going to happen now or down the road in this regard?

With all the revelations, one consideration has gotten lost: Is this person fit to be a heart-beat away from the Oval Office? And not only am I thinking of character issues. (Palin, it seems, has been more than a little disingenuous regarding her positions on some issues.) But this is a person with essentially no foreign policy experience whatever. How would she deal with a Vladimir Putin? What would she do in Iraq? On the economy she seems to be far to the right, not the kind of leader we need now.

As to the Obama situation, I strongly recommend readers consult my earlier posts on the subject of his citizenship. The suit of Philip Berg, former Deputy Attorney General of the State of Pennsylvania, is a must-read. I had the honor of hearing Mr. Berg on Internet radio last evening. He makes a compelling case for the need for expedited discovery in this matter. As he says, if he's wrong all Sen. Obama has to do is produce the documents.

Given all the uncertainties it is possible neither candidate will make it to November. Or if they do, there is a strong possibility their legitimacy as serious candidates will be greatly compromised.

So, in short, We can do better! The press, by failing to properly vet these candidates has left America open to inexperienced, incompetent, and -- at least in the case of Sen. McCain -- even flaky leadership. Unless one or both of these candidates is dropped by their parties, America is in for a period of ineptness not seen in the White House since Ulysses S. Grant. And that is saying something.

Monday, September 01, 2008

Evidence of Federal Infiltration of Advocacy Groups

There is evidence of federal involvement in the infiltration of legal advocacy groups in St. Paul, Minnesota, associated with the Republican National Convention. While all the facts are not known, the burden of proof must be on the government in a case such as this. You may read more at the link below or by clicking on the title above.


http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/08/31/raids/index.html

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Suit on Obama Citizenship Goes Forward

For the Story:

Click above or cut and paste this link:

http://www.timesherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20095084&BRD=1672&PAG=461&dept_id=33380&rfi=6

Archive of Featured Quotes

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retired on August 28, 2014 --


In this world of ours in other lands, there are some people, who, in times past, have lived and fought for freedom, and seem to have grown too weary to carry on the fight. They have sold their heritage of freedom for the illusion of a living. They have yielded their democracy.

-- President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1936



Retired on May 5, 2014 --


Human freedom is not a gift of man. It is an achievement by man and, as it was gained by vigilance and struggle, so it may be lost in indifference and supineness.


-- Harry F. Byrd


Retired on May 13, 2011 --

And thou, America,
Thy offspring towering e'er so high,
yet higher Thee above all towering,
With Victory on thy left,
and at thy right hand Law;
How Union holding all, fusing,
absorbing, tolerating all,
Thee, ever thee, I sing.

-- Walt Whitman




Retired on November 14, 2010 --

“There is...an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents.... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government, and provisions should be made to prevent its ascendancy.” -- Thomas Jefferson


Retired on July 4, 2009 --

In a land varied in climate, abounding in wealth, all nature smiling upon it, with willing hands, we yet see hundreds of thousands of our fellow human beings anxious to fashion and produce wealth, the necessaries and the luxuries of life, yet unable to find an opportunity of being so employed.


-- Samuel Gompers


*******


Retired on August 31, 2008 --

But where says some is the King of America? I'll tell you Friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain. Yet that we may not appear to be defective even in earthly honors, let a day be solemnly set apart for proclaiming the charter; let it be brought forth placed on the divine law, the word of God; let a crown be placed thereon, by which the world may know, that so far as we approve of monarchy, that in America THE LAW IS KING.

-- Thomas Paine, Common Sense

*******

Retired on October 29, 2008

As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such a twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air -- however slight -- lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness.


-- Justice William O. Douglas


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


Retired on February 8, 2009 --

"It is their mores, then, that make the Americans of the United States...capable of maintaining the rule of democracy....Too much importance is attached to laws and too little to mores....I am convinced that the luckiest of geographical circumstances and the best of laws cannot maintain a constitution in spite of mores, whereas the latter can turn even the most unfavorable circumstances...to advantage....If, in the course of this book, I have not succeeded in making the reader feel the importance I attach to the practical experience of the Americans, to their habits, laws, and, in a word, their mores, I have failed in the main object of my work."


-- Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
 
 
*****************
 
Retired February 8, 2021
 
Harry Truman quote at Bonham, Texas  

Friday, August 22, 2008

Suit Filed Against Barack Obama in U.S. District Court

Important News

Philip J. Berg, former Deputy Attorney General for the State of Pennsylvania, yesterday filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking an injunction to immediately halt the campaign of Barack Obama to be President of the United States. Mr. Berg stated his belief there was a high likelihood of success of the main petition which alleges that Barack Obama, a.k.a., Barry Soetero, etc., is not a natural born citizen of the United States.

I have been looking at this issue off and on for the last two weeks. I have consulted the government records office of the State Library of Virginia, < Snopes.com >, and have read the entire petition of Mr. Berg, as well as his supporting document, among other sources.

It is clear to me there are, in fact, unresolved issues regarding the birth of Barack Obama in light of his need to pass Constitutional muster regarding his citizenship. Whether these matters can and should be decided in a court of law is for the court to decide at this time. There are several aspects to this case which need to be discussed. Because I am rushing to post this, I will not be able to wade through all considerations.

For now, I will take up the matter of Sen. Obama's supposedly fabricated birth certificate. After consulting the web site of the Annenburg Foundation, it is not clear to me this document is actually a forgery as claimed by many. However, it is also not clear to me this document proves incontrovertibly that Barack Obama was actually born in Hawaii, or whether upon returning from Kenya after Obama's birth there, his mother simply sought a U.S. registry of his birth.

As for < Snopes.com >, unfortunately, I find their posted explanation to be incomplete and thus unsatisfying. They evidently attempted to pass judgment before getting all the facts, as presented in Mr. Berg's suit.

Again, I am giving a very brief summary here. Because of the importance of the Presidency and the importance of this election I urge everyone to at least read the complaint of Mr. Berg in full and his supporting document.

I hope to re-visit this issue soon.

http://www.obamacrimes.com/attachments/001_ObamaComplaint.pdf

http://www.obamacrimes.com/attachments/001_ObamaMemSupportTRO082108.pdf

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Clinton Delegate Contacted by Obama Supporter -- Audio Record

At the URL below you can watch an amazing audio and video record of a phone call of an Obama-for-President volunteer to a Hillary Clinton delegate.

The video speaks for itself.

It is an honor to bring this to you.


http://www.youtube.com/user/kimfrederi?&session=IMZeMtrUX0y-BVxVFj0A24uuvQwRWDQ_M5LSYNq5g9YOpz6mkTn5EGMTTFLbPWOSjBOnORF2rPmLsLIAVVMn8JxYD4XXfSEkJLqUCecsVKi7BhnKtOgNetNx53ZovFIi2gAUhg2jRtA2aviZ-2eRg_ttR6vjmxYIeekWFN8CFVNWhMZBWamgsOBg_FsrBsmOGBpCkW2-rOVNIxi5Vv9LnvHHeBNFHfPKS_X8M7HsR4-hJbKMgM2KIPQwRb6A9-do1xMNC4PEr-yaPT4symEEGFL9W7sj0rdh

What Really Happened in Georgia

Thanks to the webmaster at "whatreallyhappened.com" for the following information on the situation in the nation of Georgia.

Remember that what started this conflict was that a still-unidentified artillery unit shelled a Russian camp killing ten men and wounding thirty more.

Such an act is a provocation that was guaranteed to produce a reaction from Russia.

Now, ask yourself why Georgia would do something that stupid.

Then ask yourself who else in the area had artillery.


I don't have answers to those questions. The main thing to remember is that under its constitution Russia was forced to act when its citizens were killed.

But the larger question is Why would Georgia create a crisis? What would be the purpose? And was any foreign power backing Georgia?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

A Clear Picture of the Political Landscape Now

Many thanks to the web log named "londonamerican01" for a most incisive commentary on the current political situation leading into the Democratic Convention (see link below or click on title above). Democrats are beginning to wake up to the realization that Barack Obama has quite possibly peaked in popularity and will never return to his previous heights. He simply is not succeeding in the battle with a semi-senile Republican near-nominee.

The newest thinking is that Barack Obama must pick Hillary Clinton for Vice-President in order to win. This would be a little like Catherine the Great marrying the King of Prussia. Who would be the true leader?

Thus, why don't the Democrats go ahead and nominate the person who would truly be the stronger candidate for President -- Hillary Clinton? Is there some other person? Joe Biden? Bill Richardson? Christopher Dodd, Jimmy Carter?! How about Dennis Kucinich, my choice in the Democratic primary?

It should be plain the only alternative to a weak Barack Obama is Hillary Clinton. I have several criticisms of Sen. Clinton, foremost of which was her support of welfare "reform" in 1996, a plan which lead to great suffering among the poor. But the Hillary Clinton of 2008 seems wiser, smarter, and more capable. Is the real reason she is not the nominee her willingness to take on big business interests, especially big oil? Is her opposition to big oil the reason for foreign money flowing to Barack Obama?

Floor gendarmes are not going to discourage members of PUMA and the Just Say No Deal coalition, who have the power of the Internet at their disposal. With new television commercials by The Denver Group set to air this week-end, it seems clear the true nomination battle is only just now beginning to heat up.

Long live American democracy!

http://londonamerican01.blogspot.com/2008/08/free-falling.html

Clinton Floor Whips -- Developing Story

So far, I see no reference on my favorite pro-Clinton web logs regarding this fairly amazing story of Clinton floor whips at next week's Democratic convention (see earlier posts).

I do feel certain that any attempt to "control" certain Clinton delegates will likely fail, though I never did take too seriously the possibility of raucous behavior in the first place. And I am quite certain that the PUMA movement will not be brow-beaten into changing their stance that Hillary Clinton should be the nominee for President. (In an effort to be complete, there are members of the PUMA coalition who claim not to be fighting for this goal, but a more general one of voter empowerment and keeping the Democratic Party democratic. Also, a minority of PUMA members claims they will vote for John McCain in November.)

When a person wins the popular vote and enough delegates to deny any other candidate the nomination outright, it is clear that candidate deserves to be treated with respect. The same is true of the delegates pledged to that candidate. Through a certain process of struggle, those delegates are slowly earning more respect and a measure of decency at this planned convention.

A certain beautiful turmoil is now roiling the Democratic Party as a result of an attempt by party leaders to squelch any remaining embers of the Clinton candidacy. That this effort has failed should be as plain as the nose on your face.

Update on Clinton Floor Whips

The report regarding Clinton floor whips (see post below) is from The Politico. You may click on the title above or cut and paste the URL below.


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/20/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4368675.shtml

Hillary Clinton Floor Whips to Whip Supporters Into Line

Web reports say Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have agreed to the establishment of floor whips for Hillary Clinton at next week's Democratic convention. The rather confused report I read at Yahoo News said the floor whips would make sure Clinton delegates do not go too far in their demonstrations and upset a unified front coming out of the convention. The report also seemed to indicate the floor whips would pass out Hillary Clinton signs to supporters.

I will post more when the matter becomes clearer.

Coming soon: Democratic Convention Planning Confused

Monday, August 18, 2008

Participate in the Survey -- A Reminder

Please be sure to look at my survey and participate if you wish. This timely survey helps us all think about America's options now. You may wish to look over this web log first to get some ideas about what others (including the author) think about current issues.

In any event, all conscientious citizens are warmly encouraged to participate. Simply click on the title above or cut and paste the link information shown below.


http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/350239

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

I think each of these words applies to our summer here in America. Your blog author has been on vacation and is now beginning to catch up here. Please check back for more postings soon!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Hail, Caesar?

There is a growing perception -- and in some cases there are facts to back up the perception -- that Barack Obama has something of a superiority complex. The decision to plan for a stadium rally apart from the convention for his acceptance speech, and the imperial nature of his recent foreign tour, have raised questions. (Further details can be given.) Thinking people have known for some time that our democracy is under attack. Imperial tendencies are strong in both John McCain and Barack Obama has shown by their statements and actions. (Consider, for example, their policies toward Iran.) Such tendencies must be proscribed and eliminated from our political process without delay!
 blog it

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti

People eating mudcakes for supper. This is the reality in today's Haiti where half the population is said to be facing starvation. In a world with so many resources this is more than a travesty, it is a horrible tragedy. When mega millionaires are greater in number than ever before, innocent children go to bed uncertain whether they will survive another day. This cannot be accepted by civilized nations. This situation is all the more reason for a new economic model, one in which corporations no longer run the world, and specifically huge food agribusinesses no longer have the power to stop the free flow of food.



http://www.truthout.org/article/half-haitians-face-starvation

Monday, July 28, 2008

Hillary Clinton for President

At the link below you should find a video of Sen. Clinton on the floor of the Senate recently speaking passionately and articulately about the energy situation in our country. (You may also click on the title above.) I ask this question: Can anyone honestly watch this video and not be impressed by the high quality of this person's mind? Can anyone doubt her sincerity? The passion, reasoned though it is, is unmistakable. Would we not want a person such as this in the White House?

Careful readers of my blog and e-mail will recall I have pointed out Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign but did not end it. Other observers of the political season have compared the current situation to the summer of 1932 in which FDR went to the Democratic convention without the requisite number of votes to earn the nomination. It was only on the fourth ballot he became the nominee. Today, neither Barack Obama or Sen. Clinton has garnered the required number of pledged delegates to win the nomination. Super delegates are not bound to any candidate and may change their minds up to the moment of voting. Thus there has been the effort by Just Say No Deal and the Denver Group to ensure Hillary Clinton is duly nominated at the Denver convention and that a fair vote is held.

In the last two months, the economy has continued to seriously sour. Major banks are failing. Gas prices are soaring. Consumer confidence has sunk. It is clear circumstances are much different than they were a year ago when the primary season was beginning. The kind of candidate who was acceptable then is not acceptable now. That is, we need experience and smarts -- and leadership. I believe Hillary Clinton has these requirements and must be assured of a fair nomination and vote at the Convention. I believe Super Delegates must reconsider their stance in light of new information. We must not fall victim to locked-in thinking. Let the conventioneers do their job. Let them hear the speeches on behalf of the candidates. And let them make their choice based on what is truly best for the welfare of this wonderful American country, the United States.



http://ohmyvalve.blogspot.com/2008/07/become-clinton-lobbyist.html

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Please take time to participate in my new survey. This is my own survey of attitudes and opinions about politics in America in the summer of 2008. The poll should only take five to ten minutes. I will be posting the results here and sharing them with others.

Questions survey attitudes on civic life, types of government, and political avenues to follow in the America of now.

You may learn more at the link below, or by clicking on the title above. Please participate today -- and let your voice be heard!

http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/350239

Friday, July 25, 2008

House Judiciary Committee Holds Strong Hearing

I was so privileged today to listen to a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the so-called Imperial Presidency. There were several wonderful speakers including Dennis Kucinich, Elizabeth Holtzman, Bruce Fein, and Vincent Bugliosi. All four gave ringing calls for impeaching George Bush. Bugliosi was particularly fiery in calling for Bush to be prosecuted for murder in the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Contrast my report with what I just read at the National Public Radio web site:

...The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Friday from Democrats who would like to see Congress impeach President Bush, even though there is no chance that will happen.

This sentence would be laughable if it weren't coming from such a source. Who knew NPR had a crystal ball? If such a sentence were true it would only be because, unlike in the era of Watergate, the major media in this country have so abdicated their responsibilities as to be accessories to a rising authoritarian state. (For evidence see elsewhere on this blog.)

We must not be dissuaded by the nerveless media. They would have predicted a hearing such as today would never have happened yet it did. I hope whoever wrote this sentence at NPR will be able to look himself or herself in the mirror because this person is a traitor to the cause of the rule of law in this country. Support for this statement is the hearing itself. (You should be able to watch an archive presentation at < CSPAN.org >.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Summer Hope Still Springing

Recipients of my personal e-mail list know of my keen interest in the organized effort to make sure Sen. Clinton's name is placed in nomination and duly voted on at the Denver Convention. The reasons are elucidated in the excellent blog post referred to here.

Please read the post and let its import sink in. You are not going to have the corporatized media agreeing this is important. (However, The New York Times has printed a short article about the movement today.)

But with the print ads which have already appeared in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, and an expected ad on C.N.N. in the offing, public awareness of the campaign is bound to increase.

For now, I am pleased to link to this fine article by Heidi Li Feldman.

Viva democracy!



http://heidilipotpourri.blogspot.com/2008/07/why-being-on-ballot-is-not-enough.html

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Impeachment Campaign Still Gaining Strength

You may have heard that an impeachment hearing has finally been scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee. The chairman, John Conyers, has reportedly said that "we don't do impeachment", but that Rep. Dennis Kucinich will be allowed to talk about impeachment. The article linked below tells all about the work of several impeachment lobbyists now at work in Washington, D.C. (You may also click on the title above.)

You have probably also heard about the claims why Bush and Cheney should not be impeached: not enough time, a distraction, and so on. However, the fact is impeachment is long, long over-due and it is not too late. In fact every day that goes by makes impeachment more urgent: relentless violence in Iraq predicated on Presidential (and Vice-Presidential) lies, outing a C.I.A. agent, conducting an un-Constitutional and illegal wiretap program, illegally detaining U.S. citizens in military brigs. If this President is not held accountable the next President will see it as a green light to continue to violate the Constitution. As Naomi Wolf has pointed out in her best-selling work, The End of America, our country is in the midst of a Fascist shift, with all the attributes of that earlier Fascist shift in Nazi Germany. This is serious business!

Fortunately, our Founding Fathers foresaw just such a circumstance and provided the mechanism of impeachment. If the media in this country were doing its job, every American would understand why it is crucial that this person be impeached. And you will recall that impeachment is like a bill of allegations. Only the Senate can convict leading to a President's removal from office. Thus, a good, strong case will have to be made before the President is legally removed from office.

I harbor no personal animosity to anyone. But I do put our country's needs ahead of the need of any one individual to have a particular job. So I hope you will join me in supporting impeachment. And if you are an American citizen, you can start by calling the Judiciary Committee to offer your support (phone no. 202/225-3951).

http://www.democrats.com/node/17173

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Grassroots Movement to Nominate Hillary Clinton Anyway!

It was my pleasure and privilege to listen in moments ago on a conference-call "radio show" about the movement to have Hillary Clinton nominated for President by the Democratic Party in 2008! Though this may seem fantastic, we must remember the very unusual times in which we are living.

We are in a situation in which the national media is several months behind reality in their reporting, and grossly underestimating the painful economic difficulties many honest and hard-working Americans find themselves in now. Into this void, a grassroots movement, born of anger over the patronizing of the national Democratic committee under the leadership of Howard Dean, has arisen to try to represent the New Deal core of the Democratic Party.

This movement has begun to get some media coverage with Fox News somewhat leading the way (albeit with ulterior motives as many ex-Clinton supporters initially said they were voting for John McCain.) As I have read about this movement and watched their representatives on television, I find the people involved to be capable and credible. Though the effort is in its infancy, it is telling that after thirty days of the corporate media treating Sen. Obama as if he were already the nominee, millions (apparently) of people, both women and men, have -- with varying amounts of vehemence -- refused to acknowledge Barack Obama as the true candidate of the Democratic Party.

Much organizing is going on with caravans to Denver planned, letter-writing campaigns in full swing, and a call-in "radio program" up and running on a regular basis. (For more on the "radio" program see the link below.)

Never in my life have I seen the people of this country take unto themselves so directly the task of challenging a supposed nominee. I do believe there is a chance they could actually succeed, although the task is a difficult one. However, with Sen. Obama tacking hard to the right and millions of his supporters disillusioned, it almost seems he would have to change his positions again in order to stop the loss of his more left-leaning supporters.

So there are many unknowns here. But the fact that this movement exists at all is interesting, if nothing else. And, in the best case, there may actually be a chance for success if it becomes widely apparent among Democrats, including the superdelegates, that the Obama campaign is not solidly based and thus doomed to failure.

Do visit < puma08.com > and see for yourself.


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/show.aspx?userurl=NO-WE-WONT&year=2008&month=07&day=07&url=No-We-Wont

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Total Information Awareness is Creeping Back and It IS Creepy!

You may remember the Total Information Awareness program which sought to enlist utility workers and others in spying on ordinary Americans. This program, when discovered, became very controversial and Americans were told it had been shelved.

Now comes word of a state-by-state revival of the domestic spying program. Six states have already activated the program and many more are set to follow suit. This is what happened in Hitler's Germany and has happened in many societies. It is a technique of control on the part of the government and has little if anything to do with stopping "terrorists." The employing of lay persons to engage in law enforcement activities is particularly dangerous.

I once again recommend The End of America by Naomi Wolf as being the best explanation of creeping fascism in America. My friend, this is real. I strongly and urgently recommend you get this book and learn what is happening in America now!




http://www.truthout.org/article/federal-terror-watch-program-uses-local-law-enforcement-eyes

Rampant Ignorance in America

Today I have looked over an interesting article on the state of knowledge of the average American, particularly regarding basic civics facts. The point of the author, Rick Shenkman, is we cannot have a democracy with a citizenry so woefully ignorant about basic information.

To read the essay click on the title above. Also there you can click through to a great clip of Mr. Shenkman on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. There are also links to other articles and web sites.


http://www.truthout.org/article/how-ignorant-are-we

Friday, June 27, 2008

Senator Feingold Statement on FISA Delay

You may click on the title above or the link below to see the statement of the Honorable Senator from Wisconsin, Russ Feingold, on the successful effort to delay a Senate vote on the proposed new FISA bill.

Numerous Democrats in the House reversed their earlier opposition to telecom immunity and supported a bill championed by the Bush White House.

The efforts of Sen. Feingold have paid off in at least a temporary victory. We, the people, must use this time to respectfully work to persuade our Senators to vote against this heinous bill.

For further information on this bill, see elsewhere on this web log.


http://feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/statements/08/06/20080626f.htm

Thursday, June 26, 2008

"Revolution" Song and Video

Watch this video for an informative and entertaining look at a growing movement within the United States*. There are currently reportedly some eighty groups organized around the general premise that Sen. Hillary Clinton was treated poorly and unjustly in the primaries, and thus her main opponent, Barack Obama, does not deserve support in November.

Although I am still gathering information about this movement, I do have my own views on the situation. John McCain, with his strong (though hidden) authoritarian propensities, would try to continue and expand the "security state" in the U.S., keep us mired in Iraq, and make sure his administration did nothing to seriously challenge corporate control of the government and our society. The only answer is to demand an open convention in Denver in August. By opening the convention, it would also challenge the corporate and media control of this near-farcical nomination process in 2008.

As I say, much more can be said. Come back here soon for further news and views.
____________
*Note: video contains one instance of mildly-offensive language.



Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Sen. Bernie Sanders Speaks Passionately

The Honorable Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, has just finished speaking passionately about the illegalities of the Bush administration. He also spoke about the importance of protecting America from terrorism, yes, but within the law.

What can also be said is that if America ceases to be a nation of laws and not of men, then the terrorists have truly won, because the United States as we have known her and loved her will cease to be.

The Alleged Senator Saxby Chambliss Speaks

The illegitimate Senator from George, Mr. Saxby Chambliss spoke after Sen. Feinstein. Because of the vicious campaign in Georgia in 2002, I did not watch Sen. Chambliss.

Sen. Feinstein on FISA bill

A short time ago, Sen Dianne Feinstein of California spoke in favor of the new FISA bill. She pointed to several improvements in the new FISA bill compared with the 1978 law. She also says the new bill claims "exclusivity": that only this bill authorizes any wire-tapping. She claims this will stop any future President from trying to do what G. W. Bush has done.

Blogging the FISA Debate

This afternoon, it is my privilege and pleasure to blog the Senate debate on the new FISA bill. Watch here for the first post shortly.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Former White House Officials Accused of Committing Crimes

In the video below you will see an interview with reporter and author Greg Palast by Amy Goodman of the Democracy Now program. The subject is participation in a program of illegal voter suppression by two members of the White House staff, Tim Griffin and Karl Rove.

I was one of the first people in America to raise the alarm about the 2004 election hijinks of Republican operatives. Through e-mails and phone calls I tried to spread the word that all was not as it seemed. My concern was based on my own research amounting to about forty-five hours. Similar concerns prompted a rare contest of the election in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The major media of the U.S., of course, have mostly ignored this issue. What does this say about their respect or lack of for the average voter?

It should be obvious that major reform is needed. We need free air time for qualified candidates for office. We need to return the airwaves to the people. And we must bring all the miscreants of this errant administration to the bar of justice to answer their accusers.


Monday, June 16, 2008

A Swirl of Events

Events in the U.S. and beyond have been in a swirl of late. Over the last several days, besides being busy with work, I have been reading and trying to sort through the latest news. There is much to write about. Instead of focusing on one thing in depth I will mention a few items I am working on.

But first, regarding media criticism: We have been "treated" these last few days to a level of coverage over the death of one of the media's own which rivals the coverage given to the death of Ronald Reagan. While Tim Russert was undoubtedly a commendable person in many ways, with a fairly keen mind, it does seem that had he not been a member of the media but had remained a Congressional aide he would not have warranted such a quantity of air time. Nevertheless, with all due respect, God rest his soul.

My research in Armed Madhouse by Greg Palast indicates almost no one is telling the truth about the oil and gas situation. And unfortunately I do not have the time to go into it all here, but must refer persons to the book. However, Palast makes clear that the purpose of the oil companies has been to keep Americans away from Iraq's oil. (Again, the details can be found in the book.) Thus, although much more oil could be put on the market, it will not as long as someone like G. W. Bush, John McCain, or (sad to say) Barack Obama is in power. (Of course one can hope that a President Obama would have a change of heart. But his comments now are not indicating anything other than an acceptance of high gas prices for a long time to come!) This unconscionable situation is also unnecessary. In the long run any politician who accepts it is asking for political trouble.

This leads to a discussion of Sen. Hillary Clinton. I am going to make some brief comments here and plan to follow up soon. Although the attempt is being made to quash the feelings of people, there is considerable anger among Hillary Clinton's supporters. This is made evident by the web site by some rather desperate individuals who have put up a web site of Hillary supporters for McCain (not the way to go!). The last anyone heard, Sen. Clinton was claiming to have bested Sen. Obama in the popular vote. In fact, she was claiming to have received more votes than any Presidential candidate in history. If this is the case, why, then, is she not the expected nominee? We have a situation in which -- as feared -- the superdelegates are making a decision which runs counter to the will of the people. Down the line this spells trouble. As my research continues I hope to say more about this matter.


Regards,

The Musical Patriot

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Articles of Impeachment Against G. W. Bush Introduced

In a speech on the House floor, the Hon. Dennis Kucinich introduced thirty-five articles of impeachment against George W. Bush. The long-overdue action sends impeachment of Bush to the House Judiciary Committee which already has received proposed articles of impeachment against Richard Cheney.

The link below will take you to a YouTube video of the first part of Rep. Kucinich's speech. (As with any such link I cannot vouch for all material on the page.)

A huge debt of gratitude is owed Dennis Kucinich and Robert Wexler for working so hard to achieve the Constitutional remedy for an executive out of control. Every patriotic American should get behind this impeachment drive just as we did in the case of Richard Nixon. The fate of our country may very well depend on it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdxymWZ6MUE&feature=related

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Beginning to Tell the Truth About John McCain

In the face of a media white-wash of John McCain, tonight I begin presenting the truth about this authoritarian Presidential candidate. The following is taken from a web site called MyDD or My Direct Democracy. In coming months I will present information about John McCain so prudent voters may have the best possible information about this conflicted and confusing candidate.


In a recent tour across America, [w]hile ostensibly reaching out to people in "forgotten places," McCain was also trying to solidify the Republican base. His speech on Supreme Court judges, in particular, was a dangerous bit of pandering. Many on the left and in the media missed the significance of that speech and the cases McCain referenced, but Jeffrey Toobin of the New Yorker caught it:

The giveaway here was that McCain did not reveal the subject matter of this supposed judicial outrage. The case was Roper v. Simmons, in which a seventeen-year-old boy murdered a woman after breaking into her home, and was sentenced to death. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy's opinion overturned the sentence and held that the Constitution forbids the death penalty for juvenile offenders. McCain's reference to the Court's "discourse" on the law of "other nations" refers to Kennedy's observation of the "stark reality that the United States is the only country in the world that continues to give official sanction to the juvenile death penalty." Likewise, Kennedy noted that the only other countries to execute juvenile offenders since 1990 have been China, Congo, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. According to McCain, the United States apparently belongs on this dismal list.

Nor were his references to penumbras and emanations accidental. Those words come from Justice William O. Douglas's 1965 opinion for the Court in Griswold v. Connecticut, in which the Justices recognized for the first time a constitutional right to privacy, and ruled that a state could not deny married couples access to birth control. The "meaning of life" was a specific reference, too. It comes from the Court's 1992 opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed the central holding of Roe v. Wade, and forbade the states from banning abortion. In short, this one passage in McCain's speech amounted to a dog whistle for the right--an implicit promise that he will appoint Justices who will eliminate the right to privacy, permit states to ban abortion, and allow the execution of teen-agers.

Bill Moyers' Powerful Address on June 7

Below, you can watch a powerful speech which Bill Moyers gave yesterday at the Media Reform Conference of Free Press. This address, part sermon, part political speech, part call to action is a ringing endorsement of democracy and a strong denunciation of the greed-mongers of today's corporate media world.

It gives evidence for what I and a few others have been saying for years: without reform of the media, there will be no political reform. May we heed Bill Moyers' call to involvement. May we all work for the kind of press and media we need to secure a more just and more prosperous United States of America.




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