In yesterday's New York Times, authors Michael Lewis and David Einhorn described with unusual clarity and detail what went wrong in the financial world over the last several years. The article, starting on page nine of the Week in Review section, is really extremely good -- a rarity in The Times. Their writing would be prescient if it had come in 2005. Instead, what we have is a post mortem of a financial system gone berserk. One has to ask the question the authors do not ask: Where was The Times when we needed it? As the authors make clear, common sense indicated there were troubles afoot.
Of course, this is the same New York Times which, along with the rest of the media, refused to honestly report on what happened in Florida in 2000 and at the Supreme Court on December 12, 2000, installing G.W. Bush as President against the will of the people. This was the same Times and the same media who buried the truth about what happened with the vote in Ohio and New Mexico and other places in 2004, denying the Presidency to John Kerry, and again thwarting the will of the people.
No one knows what would have happened with the economy had Al Gore gone into the White House in 2000. But almost definitely there would not have been an invasion of Iraq and very likely no attack of 9/11/01. But with a John Kerry in the White House it seems very unlikely there would have been such lax oversight of the financial industry as happened with Bush the Lesser. So we have a situation in which the major media must accept part of the blame for this fiasco.
Still, better late than never, as they say. And one is grateful for such a clear and fulsome accounting of the warnings of one Harry Markopolos about Bernard Madoff to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lewis' and Einhorn's lucid article helps set the record straight.
If, at any point, Bush and Cheney had been impeached, as Congress was repeatedly urged to do by figures as respected as Bruce Fein, John Dean, and John Nichols, we likewise would probably not be in this position. But taking into account the long-term it seems quite possible that Bush has made it clear what has truly been going on in this country. So we are likely farther ahead in the long run. By having an economy which is so obviously and truly awful, we can deal with things more easily as compared to an economy which is merely "recessed" or "slowed." At least this is what the optimist in me sees. And today I am in a mood to encourage that inner optimist. It is the only way to live.
FACTS NOT FASCISM
Say “No” to Fascism
Monday, January 05, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
Which Way, America?
A couple of days ago I picked up once again the book Nemesis by Chalmers Johnson. I read about events which occured in Japan in 2004. You may recall the U.S. soldiers who were accused of assaults on Japanese citizens.
I won't give the details here, but the stories in Johnson's book are set in the context of the U.S. military dominance of the world. Chalmers Johnson's great contribution is in giving such a clear picture of the depth and breadth of what is in effect a U.S. world Empire. Now I hesitate to equate this empire precisely with the Roman Empire of old. Clearly there are differences. Yet the mentality of the so-called neocons has been right in line with the attitude which fostered the empires of old, including the British.
As the new year dawns it is critical to ask what kind of country the United States is to be. Will we take our place as a true leader among other great nations? Or will we continue to insist on world military domination? Haven't the people of America been sold a bill of goods? Have certain powerful forces engineered a climate of fear in which we feel compelled to maintain a huge military presence in the world? What would our Founding Fathers think? Surely we know they would highly disapprove. And what of the peace dividend promised after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the break-up of the Soviet Union? Whatever happened to the millions or billions of dollars that were to be diverted into an unnecessary military and arrive back home to help and assist our country?
What we have instead is a failing infrastructure. Responsible people have been warning about this for years. But it has taken a major economic crisis to bring action. And still there is no serious talk of reducing our military commitments abroad. Why? Why must we wait? Must we wait for the 22nd century before we have a rational world? Or is an irrational world more in the interests of the oligarchs?
So we have a choice. Americans can attempt to persist in this insanity or we can begin to open up an intelligent discussion about how we can create and maintain a peaceful and prosperous world. If we do not have this discussion -- and it must come quickly -- we are doomed to horrors the likes of which we have never seen. I realize this is language I don't usually use on this blog. But it is important to set the choice in stark terms so the alternatives may be seen clearly. Where we go from there -- the "how" of the change is something that can be talked about. I plan to have more to say about this subject in a near time.
I won't give the details here, but the stories in Johnson's book are set in the context of the U.S. military dominance of the world. Chalmers Johnson's great contribution is in giving such a clear picture of the depth and breadth of what is in effect a U.S. world Empire. Now I hesitate to equate this empire precisely with the Roman Empire of old. Clearly there are differences. Yet the mentality of the so-called neocons has been right in line with the attitude which fostered the empires of old, including the British.
As the new year dawns it is critical to ask what kind of country the United States is to be. Will we take our place as a true leader among other great nations? Or will we continue to insist on world military domination? Haven't the people of America been sold a bill of goods? Have certain powerful forces engineered a climate of fear in which we feel compelled to maintain a huge military presence in the world? What would our Founding Fathers think? Surely we know they would highly disapprove. And what of the peace dividend promised after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the break-up of the Soviet Union? Whatever happened to the millions or billions of dollars that were to be diverted into an unnecessary military and arrive back home to help and assist our country?
What we have instead is a failing infrastructure. Responsible people have been warning about this for years. But it has taken a major economic crisis to bring action. And still there is no serious talk of reducing our military commitments abroad. Why? Why must we wait? Must we wait for the 22nd century before we have a rational world? Or is an irrational world more in the interests of the oligarchs?
So we have a choice. Americans can attempt to persist in this insanity or we can begin to open up an intelligent discussion about how we can create and maintain a peaceful and prosperous world. If we do not have this discussion -- and it must come quickly -- we are doomed to horrors the likes of which we have never seen. I realize this is language I don't usually use on this blog. But it is important to set the choice in stark terms so the alternatives may be seen clearly. Where we go from there -- the "how" of the change is something that can be talked about. I plan to have more to say about this subject in a near time.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.”
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.)
(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
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
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
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/
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/
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