tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288961352024-03-09T21:47:18.541-05:00The Musical PatriotIN EXIGENCY. Welcome to THE MUSICAL PATRIOT (In Exigency), a web log of information and inspiration. Also included are events of interest in my own life. Now in its eighteenth year. (Comments to any post may be made by clicking on the "COMMENTS" link. Commenting is moderated.) To get the most out of this blog, a free subscription is recommended; see "Subscribe To" in the column to the right. The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.comBlogger2340125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-46877102099164600682024-02-28T19:36:00.001-05:002024-02-28T19:36:26.563-05:00G.O.P.: A lack of quality control<p> I have just watched a video on the YouTube channel called Blanco Lirio on the crash of the Pakistani International Airlines plane in Karachi in 2020. The host of the channel, Juan Brown, goes through the entire sequence of events which led to a crash which killed 91 people. He reports on the written analysis of the causes of the crash, which was made by the authorities.</p><p>There were a number of cascading events which were recorded. These eventually led to what is called an unstabilized approach, damage to both engines resulting in loss of power, which then caused the plane to descend and crash into a building.</p><p>There are people now who believe that one of the two major parties in the United States is on a dangerous glide path to disaster. One of the causes for the situation is – – to borrow from airline safety jargon — a lack of quality control. We have had another example of this today, according to the New York Times. It seems that the Senate GOP leader, Mitch McConnell, will not continue in his role after the end of 2024. The New York Times says that a part of the reasoning of McConnell is that he knows he is out of step in his foreign-policy views with the presumed Presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Putting aside for a moment the major questions about the ability of Trump to run for office under the 14th amendment, this demonstrates that the GOP is putting the needs of one man ahead of all other considerations, including the needs of the American people. What do I mean by this? This indicates, in effect, that the grand old party cares more about power than it does ethics, or even the safety of the country.</p><p>How this plays out, is yet to be seen. But it is clear that the party, and thus the country is in danger of putting into the leadership role of President a man who has openly declared his opposition to the constitution. This opposition would lead to autocratic government under Trump very soon. I will have one or two recommendations about actions which can be taken based on many years of following American politics, plus considerable study, reading, and thought. You are cordially invited to return here and check out these recommendations in the near future . </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-55964148691441537762024-02-23T22:15:00.002-05:002024-02-23T22:15:46.586-05:001932: Year of Decision Has Important Lessons for Today<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil36vgU7noSMzvN4owTFePr-nvQCDOTBSDi0fZ0AiHCobTuPmSI5twU_PRfjiC09Db4PIJ4L1KfNEImRySeMgkTKbyUm6l7srVIWKQKARLM7r2YbNM5NV-ayt6kDAB9gt-1Mh1ec3eB1_e4DW-C9Y87bN2SR9nQb2BpoPK-NmWAtcbI8G1BmWq/s310/1932.%20Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil36vgU7noSMzvN4owTFePr-nvQCDOTBSDi0fZ0AiHCobTuPmSI5twU_PRfjiC09Db4PIJ4L1KfNEImRySeMgkTKbyUm6l7srVIWKQKARLM7r2YbNM5NV-ayt6kDAB9gt-1Mh1ec3eB1_e4DW-C9Y87bN2SR9nQb2BpoPK-NmWAtcbI8G1BmWq/w422-h221/1932.%20Book.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>The rise of Hitler was so different from the rise of Franklin Roosevelt as to call into question the very title of this book. And yet the juxtaposing of these two figures from World War II in their year of ascendancy is taking.<p></p><p>The book alternates chapters between Hitler and Roosevelt. In this way both figures exist together, yet separately. The choice two different countries made is apparent. But in America, the United States already had a long history of democracy, whereas Germany's democratic history was short indeed. Thus, Germany was susceptible to fascism in a way American fascists could only dream of. </p><p>Now, in 2024, we have an ill-informed American public, most persons of which are insufficiently schooled in the the history of the rise of Hitler. This book helps remedy that lack. </p><p>But even with books like <i>1932</i>, the right-leaning capitalist media of America with its emphasis on the trivial and superficial, presents American patriots with the task of overcoming the intellectual torpor, and simple ignorance of a very wide swath of the public. We can only hope and pray that the ground-level efforts of the people will overcome the propaganda front of smoke, and clouds, and mirrors. <br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-46999628064950845002024-02-01T18:19:00.005-05:002024-02-01T18:19:34.124-05:00Journal Suspects AI Used to Generate Post<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(136, 153, 166); color: #8899a6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: nowrap;"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Republican victory in 2024 depends on their being able to do this. <a href="https://t.co/uyiyVKsHzK">pic.twitter.com/uyiyVKsHzK</a></p>&mdash; Patrick Ruffini (@PatrickRuffini) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickRuffini/status/1752773165044891904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></span></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-69420452777639646692024-01-25T14:43:00.003-05:002024-01-25T14:44:49.681-05:00Cases of Marijuana-induced Illness Have Skyrocketed. <p><br /></p><p>An increase in an unappetizing-sounding illness known as “scromitting” has arisen in certain areas in the wake of legalization of marijuana. This is according to reports. There is more on this phenomenon at the link below. </p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://youtu.be/Rx-urUi0mnA?si=m3ti3Eo4I7CQemSV">https://youtu.be/Rx-urUi0mnA?si=m3ti3Eo4I7CQemSV</a></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-16103702215732255122023-11-30T11:23:00.000-05:002023-11-30T11:23:14.478-05:00A Corporations Is Not a Person<p> The statement above proclaims a truth. And yet to say it can engender confusion. Still it is no prevarication.</p><p>At the link below you will find a most useful article about corporate hijacking of the Constitution. It may well be one of the most important modern articles on the Constitution, The idea that a corporation is not a person, but rather a collection of individuals seems straight-forward, most obvious. </p><p>But beyond this, it is a construct clever on the surface, but awkward and nonsensical underneath. It is a false artifice built upon wishful thinking and opportunism. </p><p>The damage done by this single mirage is truly beyond measure. As you will see in the article the idea has its logic, but is in reality a skewed idea which absolutely skewers the true meaning of a self-governing people. </p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://poclad.org/BWA/2019/BWA_2019_Oct.html">The Constituion Is Not a Person</a><br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-90006229885578648202023-11-21T16:01:00.002-05:002023-11-21T16:01:31.774-05:00TV News Guest Verifies Cracks in the House of Capitalism <p> <b>Quickly --</b></p><p>A knowledgeable guest on one of the right-thinking cable news channels last night spoke about the fissures in the OpenAI organization. He summarized by saying he had never seen anything like this, and further, the concepts of service mankind (Open AI) v. the goals of capitalism (Microsoft) are in conflict to such a degree that capitalism itself is being threatened. A most interesting interview.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #990000;">More details later. </span><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-27288028685306813492023-10-31T22:09:00.001-04:002023-10-31T22:09:18.029-04:00Changing Times<p> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">F</span>or the observant to say, the times they are a-changin', is an understatement. To your author here, the statement is cataclysmic -- for real.</p><p>For people all around the world there is a palpable undercurrent of uncertainty, even hostility. This simmering pot is experienced in ever so many ways and places -- Ukraine, Gaza, Africa, the streets of America, and other places. </p><p>As for me, the events of the past weeks and months with their felony charges directed at high-level former officials, wars and rumors of wars, democracies threatened -- mostly from organized right-wing groups -- have meant a pause had to be taken in posting here. For both the quantity and the quality of such events have verily overwhelmed the ability to keep up. And, also, a blog sometimes seems hardly an adequate medium for such tumultuous happenings. So, a re-evaluation is occurring in this office. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this evaluation. Stay in touch here for the outcome. <br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-10066411129168908732023-10-31T21:57:00.001-04:002023-10-31T21:57:35.550-04:00The Profit System: Denouement<p> <b><i>Coming Soon:</i></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial;">A new series of articles on the decline and fall of the profit system<br /></span></b></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-23951451741910134822023-09-20T14:48:00.001-04:002023-09-20T14:48:32.024-04:00Operation Saving Democracy: the newest large pro-democracy organization in the United States<p> <b>Former military officers and others form new group to defeat Trumpism</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>A new group of 500 former U.S. officials have banded together to form what looks to be a powerful group fighting to save democracy and essentially defeat fascism. Members of the new group <a href="https://www.operationsavingdemocracy.org/">Operation Saving Democracy</a> spoke on MSNBC yesterday. If this trio of highly credentialed speakers is any indication, this new organization is sure to be quite helpful in the effort to stop Trumpism.</p><p>Even with such powerful voices, I believe more is needed. First, without in any way excusing the far-right, we need to recognize that the pain and suffering of many Americans has deep roots in historic racism, economic and financial systems which suffocate individuals, as well as the diminution of the authority of major institutions, especially the church.</p><p>Let us wish Operation Saving Democracy all the best in their patriotic mission. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.operationsavingdemocracy.org/">Operation Saving Democracy</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-16641977112995710272023-09-06T20:39:00.000-04:002023-09-06T20:39:00.219-04:00This Is Your Pilot, Bob Reich<p>In the video linked to below, former Secretary of Labor, Bob Reich, succinctly and brilliantly explains why airplane travel has become unpleasant — and expensive. The cost of add-ons for services which were formerly included at no extra charge, has led to higher prices, and frustration. Yet, Secretary Reich says, the airline companies are flush with cash.</p><p><br /></p><p>Informative and entertaining:</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/eTzaMXXelew?si=Kzj71vLcxiXbzopB">https://youtu.be/eTzaMXXelew?si=Kzj71vLcxiXbzopB</a></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-72836377843623324342023-08-17T23:13:00.000-04:002023-08-17T23:13:00.377-04:00Back to the Basics of Good Behavior<p>The land of the free has become in many instances The Land of the Free-Wheeling. At this point, your Musical Patriot is reduced to a review of some "rules" of common courtesy. Since the American culture doesn't seem to care much for "rules," let us call these guidelines. Here, then, is a short excerpt from a respected book on simple -- but important -- manners.</p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i> <span style="font-size: large;">A Gentleman Says the Right Thing</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">______________</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">A gentleman does not brag.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">_______________</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">A gentleman does not whine. </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">_______________</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>How to Be a Gentleman. A Timely Guide to Timeless Manners, by John Bridges. Harper Horizon, 2022, p. 95.<br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>N. B. Any similarity to any living person is not necessarily coincidental. </i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-57021454935065173312023-08-04T23:35:00.001-04:002023-08-04T23:35:38.815-04:00From the Autocrats' Playbook<p> As described in the book <i>Strongmen</i> by Ghiat, the autocrat attempts to set up a political climate in which citizens are afraid to criticize the would-be dictator for fear of what will happen to them if the dictator comes to power. This hideous tactic used by Hitler, Mussolini, and others, is intimidating and insidious. All the more reason to openly and strongly oppose the presumptuous tyrant. <br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-57773104646949524782023-07-22T11:08:00.006-04:002023-07-22T11:12:28.955-04:00Saturday Morning Cartoon<p><a href="https://youtu.be/8tKK2ebdj78">Popeye for President</a> </p><p><br /></p><p>Surprise special. Guess who Bluto represents; and Popeye.</p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><br /></p><p>Item is listed as in the public domain.</p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-13788426249287831162023-07-13T09:49:00.004-04:002023-07-13T09:49:33.571-04:00Department of Justice Preparing Wider Legal Case in Alleged Trump Conspiracy According to Report<p>Salon says Department is clearing the way for a conspiracy charge in January 6 matter.</p><p><br /></p><p>Read more here:</p><p><a href="https://www.salon.com/2023/06/27/legal-scholar-report-suggests-doj-about-to-indict-trumps-whole-criminal-gang-for-conspiracy/">https://www.salon.com/2023/06/27/legal-scholar-report-suggests-doj-about-to-indict-trumps-whole-criminal-gang-for-conspiracy/</a> </p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-5016247371343039252023-06-28T23:22:00.000-04:002023-06-28T23:22:03.642-04:00Franklin Roosevelt's words are important (and much needed) now. <p></p><blockquote> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>If American democracy ceases to move forward as a living force, seeking day and night by peaceful means to better the lot of our citizens, fascism will grow in strength in our land.</b></i></span></blockquote><p> <span style="color: #cc0000;"> -- Franklin Roosevelt, November 4, 1938</span><br /></p><p> Let us begin this task of ceaseless work of vigilance and opposition to intolerance. <br /></p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><p></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-37785438099916620652023-06-16T12:57:00.001-04:002023-06-16T12:57:44.036-04:00Give ‘Em Hell Harry<p> President Truman electrifies the 1948 Democratic Convention with powerful and progressive speech.</p><p>(Truman went on to win the election, and the Congress returned to Democratic rule.)</p><p><br /></p><p>Watch this important and inspiring speech here:</p><p><a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=k-7kpqhnXHE&feature=share">https://youtube.com/watch?v=k-7kpqhnXHE&feature=share</a></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-47094036661180089182023-06-16T00:42:00.002-04:002023-06-16T00:42:37.839-04:00The Profit System Is Killing Us<p> Coming soon</p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-61642748943806515982023-05-24T22:08:00.000-04:002023-05-24T22:08:14.072-04:00Department of Homeland Security Advises on Domestic Terrorism Threat <p> At the link below you will find a press release containing a link to today's report on the threat of domestic terrorism in the United States leading up to and perhaps beyond the national election occurring in November 2024. </p><p>Everyone should be very concerned about this threat. </p><p> <br /></p><p> <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/05/24/dhs-issues-national-terrorism-advisory-system-ntas-bulletin">Department of Homeland Security Advisory on U.S. Domestic Terrorism</a></p><p> </p><p><i>More later</i> <br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-87375166204956231852023-05-01T20:00:00.000-04:002023-05-01T20:00:30.604-04:00Time to Abolish "Corporate Personhood"<p> <b><i>Beginning --</i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A concept whose time has come and gone</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Some time ago I related here the fact that in 1886, a Supreme Court clerk inserted language into a Court opinion's introduction indicating that a corporation has rights under the Constitution. The idea that a corporation -- which after all is a legal fiction -- has the same rights as a living, breathing human being is preposterous on its face. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">And yet, this notion came to be accepted doctrine over a period of years and now hangs like a legal albatross around the necks of every American. Details about this quite hideous warping of our jurisprudence can be found in this blog's archives, and elsewhere on the Internet. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"> Surely the time has come to send this so-called principle to the political and legal grave where it so richly belongs. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>I shall return to this subject in the future. -- </b></i><b>TMP</b></span> </span><br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-25138651802651122692023-03-27T23:58:00.000-04:002023-03-27T23:58:46.304-04:00Ten Years Ago on The Musical Patriot<p> Re-publishing from 2013 —</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">Book Is a Serious Indictment of the Official Story of 9/11/01</h3><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2463713192402497085" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 509px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">It has been relatively clear to me for about seven years that the events of September 11, 2001, were brought about at least partly through collusion with elements of the U.S. government. Now in reading <em>The New Pearl Harbor Revisited </em>by David Ray Griffin, the evidence has been gathered for me in a volume up-dating the original <em>The New Pearl Harbor</em>. <br /><br />Thirty pages into this book it was clear to me the facts were that building 7 had been brought down through a controlled demolition. It did not fall due to fires caused by collateral damage from debris from the Twin Towers, as had been claimed. <br /><br />Now, sixty more pages into the book, the official story of a Boeing 757 slamming into the Pentagon is likewise being challenged by numerous eyewitnesses and the forensic evidence.<br /><br />I will keep you informed about my reading. However, it is clear a terrible crime occured on September 11, 2001 -- just not the kind of crime we were told. The real crime involves treason. </div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1.5em 0px 0px;"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><span class="post-author vcard" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="post-timestamp" style="margin-left: -1em; margin-right: 1em;">at <a class="timestamp-link" href="https://musicalpatriot.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-is-serious-indictment-of-official.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" itemprop="datePublished" style="border: none;" title="2013-03-28T12:29:00-04:00">March 28, 2013</abbr></a> </span><span class="post-comment-link" style="margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="post-icons" style="margin-right: 1em;"><span class="item-action"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=28896135&postID=2463713192402497085" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" title="Email Post"><img alt="" class="icon-action" height="13" src="https://resources.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif" style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5em !important; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;" width="18" /> </a></span></span></div></div>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-48443917037398217592023-03-27T23:52:00.000-04:002023-03-27T23:52:09.139-04:00Status of the Musical Patriot<p> I have been away from this blog recently due to personal business. I will return and resume posting soon.</p><p><br /></p><p><i>May God bless all the dear children, and may the memory of souls whose lives have been taken too soon be eternal. </i></p><p><br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-50718226275781329022023-03-14T15:25:00.001-04:002023-03-14T15:25:10.923-04:00Breaking News:<p> Carl Icahn has just said this on CNBC: “The system is breaking down”. He further stated that we have poor corporate leadership in this country.</p><p>“You say, ‘So what?’ I’ll tell you why so what.” There is a moral component, he said, then referenced the corporate leaders who are out partying and giving themselves bonuses.</p><p>He further stated that there are people running these companies who shouldn’t be there. “Illumina is a good example of what’s wrong with corporate America.”</p><p><br /></p><p>More later</p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-66860739421761615822023-02-18T13:12:00.000-05:002023-02-18T13:12:08.695-05:00Democracy in Death Watch Some Say<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPS6qC3IkBIRoxqy7ROCnr_5IIRHbwAqZq3pB-WXcZaXX7h14IiTYMvS5CdVUuEilcCo825DMAp5oYGPlKCch6TnKUYYuvNn1I4V1gqH0C_YQENTRrXMVbeanT4McDTNZqW-ONtiG_D-IQ0ocPkxzm0JtWs2zxPn8kYhQMlyRNamBEZxDKA/s450/How%20Democracies%20Die%20book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPS6qC3IkBIRoxqy7ROCnr_5IIRHbwAqZq3pB-WXcZaXX7h14IiTYMvS5CdVUuEilcCo825DMAp5oYGPlKCch6TnKUYYuvNn1I4V1gqH0C_YQENTRrXMVbeanT4McDTNZqW-ONtiG_D-IQ0ocPkxzm0JtWs2zxPn8kYhQMlyRNamBEZxDKA/s320/How%20Democracies%20Die%20book.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>Although not particularly numerous, there are those who believe democracy in America is under threat. The book shown here, <i>How Democracies Die, </i>details the specific events leading to the current crisis in our country. <p></p><p>I am grateful that under President Biden, the threat is less. However, the threat remains, and seemingly every inch of ground now has to be fought for. The details of this can be seen right here on this blog. But a more detailed, complete, and nuanced guide is given in this tome. </p><p>Not only should every government official read this book, but every citizen should be familiar with it. Democracies don't just happen, and they do not survive without watchfulness. </p><p> </p><p><i>Highly, highly recommended</i> <br /></p><p><br /> </p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-79335953253873027892023-01-06T22:18:00.001-05:002023-01-06T22:18:48.763-05:00HOUSE ON FIRE<p> <b>House on Fire: GOP Split Stalls Speaker's Vote</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>All eyes have been focused on the U.S. House of Representatives this week as a rump group of Republican lawmakers effectively blocked the election of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker. In a country controlled by big-money forces, the democratic process in the House, at least, ground to a practical halt as Republicans failed to agree on a choice for Speaker this week.</p><p><br /></p><p>As Democrats ate popcorn and sent out smiley emoticons over the Internet, the House struggled to get underway in the new session as it carried the weight of a divided GOP.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is the result of an election which went to the Republicans in the face of an electorate which cannot find a Republican legislative agenda to support. As Republicans have failed to present any real policy program there is no real reason to support the party. Thus, a tepid quagmire has engulfed the flailing Republicans as Democrats watch powerless and concerned from the near-by shore. <br /></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28896135.post-40729222801942001442022-12-15T21:19:00.004-05:002022-12-15T21:32:06.144-05:00"Record turn-out in Georgia?": Not So Fast<p> <i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Quick Link --<br /></span></b></i></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: small;">Award-winning reporter Greg Palast reports that there was a <i>fall-off</i> of a million votes in Georgia's Senate run-off last month compared with two years ago.. That is an astounding discrepancy between the claim that it was a record turn-out. Jim Crow is not only unjust; he lies. But figures don't. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/record-turnout-in-georgia-my-a/">The mixed-up reporting of Georgia Vote Numbers</a></p>The Musical Patriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480725438773270922noreply@blogger.com0