Passing it On: Obama... Holding Bush and Cheney Responsible... You Tube Videos

[Photo by NS]

One of my all-time favorite songs:

["Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas"; as submitted to You Tube by hinomiko16 on 4/19/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkV-of_eN2w]

Justice pending?

"If Obama Doesn't Investigate Bush War Crimes, He Becomes An Accessory"; as submitted to You Tube by VOTERSTHINKdotORG on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKOHzu6v3dI]

Some information [passing it on] from my email file...

"We are already making great progress in moving forward on President Obama's agenda — but the memory remains of a president and vice president whose disregard for our founding principles will be their true historical legacy.

On January 6th, House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers introduced House Resolution 104, "to establish a national commission on presidential war powers and civil liberties."

The bill would impanel a Blue Ribbon Commission to investigate potential crimes and Constitutional violations committed by the Bush Administration under the seemingly impenetrable curtain of "unreviewable war powers." The commission would be comprised of non-governmental experts on the relevant subject matter, and it would have the subpoena powers necessary to do their important work.

We have progressive majorities in both houses of Congress and a progressive in the White House. So why is H.R. 104 buried in committee?

This is a critically important piece of legislation — without it, we may never know the breadth of crimes committed by Bush Administration officials, what lengths they went to in order to dupe the public into a war that has cost thousands of lives, or how many innocent men and women have been kidnapped and tortured and denied due process in violation of both the Geneva Convention and our own Constitution. Additionally, the legislation would only cost $3 million — pocket change in the world of Congressional appropriations.

Americans deserve to know the truth about the Bush Administration's alleged crimes — and we need to make sure no president ever repeats them. We are hopeful about the future, but that does not mean we can afford not to be vigilant about our past...

Thank you for working to build a better world."

Kate Stayman-London, Campaign Manager
CREDO Action from Working Assets

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What does America... What does the world... Hold in store (collectively) for our children and grandchildren?

["Youth For Human Rights - We Are All Born Free & Equal"; as submitted to You Tube by nyfael on
9/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixjACBvv2mE]

Some information [passing it on] from my email file [A sample letter, for those that want to contact their local representatives; link (there are more in the sidebar) provided]:

"Dear .....

The work has begun to help to pass President Obama's progressive agenda. However, our nation still has some unfinished business to attend to. On January 20th, President Barack Obama stood before millions of Americans and swore to uphold the constitution. But the memory remains of a president and vice president whose disregard for our founding principles will be their true historical legacy.

On January 6th, House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers introduced House Resolution 104, "to establish a national commission on presidential war powers and civil liberties."

The bill would impanel a Blue Ribbon Commission to investigate potential crimes and Constitutional violations committed by the Bush Administration under the seemingly impenetrable curtain of "unreviewable war powers." The commission would be comprised of non-governmental experts on the relevant subject matter, and it would have the subpoena powers necessary to do their important work.

I just signed a petition asking my member of Congress to sign on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 104 -- I hope you will too.

Please have a look and take action.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/accountability_commission/?r_by=-1835068-oNzHxpx&rc=confemail

Thanks!" [The Credo Action Team (This link will be made available in the sidebar>>>)]

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Signing Off on a Happy Note!

"There's Got to be a Morning After"; as submitted to You Tube by justbernard on 6/26/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK3remdEFlc]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS
June 26, 2007

JFK on Faith and Politics You Tube... National News... Health News... Personal Commentary on Separation of Church and State

This video is dated; and thus, does not cover all issues associated with this topic, including the status (or lack of) other religious bodies, agnostics, atheists, etc. However, the general content of the video is still pertinent!



["JFK on the Separation of Church and State"; as submitted to You Tube by JFKLF on 8/1/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAvHHTt2czU]

Washington Reports / National Politics / News:

1. "Without a single Republican vote, President Obama won House approval on Wednesday for an $819 billion economic recovery plan as Congressional Democrats sought to temper their own differences over the enormous package of tax cuts and spending..."

"Some Democrats seemed surprised that no Republicans voted for the measure..."

“Not one person felt his or her district needed to have any of this assistance?” Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut, asked of the Republicans. “That can’t be.”

"Brad Woodhouse, president of the union-supported, pro-Democratic group Americans United for Change, e-mailed a statement condemning the Republicans’ opposition under the subject line “Political Suicide”

["House Passes Stimulus Plan With No G.O.P. Votes"; Jackie Calmes; "New York Times" (NYT) Online; 1/28/09; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html?_r=2&partner=msnbcpolitics&emc=rss (An alternative print version (NYS) of this article was published in the NYT on 1/29/2009; P. A1)].

2. "President Barack Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Bill for equal pay for equal work Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, in a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington" [Associated Press (AP); 2009].

"... Lilly Ledbetter, the Alabama woman whose story was the impetus behind the new law, stood alongside Obama as he signed the first bill of his presidency. Also in the East Room of the White House were labor, women's, civil rights advocates and members of Congress for whom the bill was a priority... The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act effectively nullifies a 2007 Supreme Court decision that denied Ledbetter an opportunity for redress..."

"First lady Michelle Obama held a separate reception with Ledbetter in the State Dining Room just down the red-carpeted hallway from the earlier event. "She knew unfairness when she saw it, and was willing to do something about it because it was the right thing to do — plain and simple," Mrs. Obama said..."

"Ledbetter, who won't benefit from the legislation, said the richest reward is that the nation's daughters and granddaughters will have a better deal..."

"That's what makes this fight worth fighting," Ledbetter said. "That's what made this fight one we had to win..."

"Obama cited Census Bureau figures that show women still earn about 78 cents for every dollar men get for doing equivalent jobs, and it's even less for women of color. He said Ledbetter lost more than $200,000 in salary, and even more in pension and Social Security benefits..."

"The bill, which amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act, also applies to discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, national origin, disability or age..."

[Information on the bill, S.181, can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov; More information on the above article can be accessed at NPR.org: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99995431&sc=nl&cc=bh-20090129]

3. The "Religious Right Forum" has published an online article / profile [originally from the "Wall Street Journal" (WSJ)] on President Obama's pick (Joshua DuBois) for his "faith-based outreach" (and potential funding) program.

According to this article, Joshua is an "evangelical Christian" who is [or has been] associated with the "Calvary Praise and Worship Center, a small African-American Pentecostal congregation in Cambridge. He became an associate pastor at age 18..."

According to the online article, and the original article (WSJ), the "Christian political action committee Matthew 25 Network" put out a TV advertisement, in August 2008, that was scheduled to "coincide with Rev. Warren's [another Christian evangelist?] faith-based forum" in Lake Forest, California.

[For more on this, go to: http://www.religiousrightwatch.com/2008/08/wsj-profile-of.html]

4. According to a blurb by Wally Edge (PoliticerNJ.com) and the "Boston Globe," Joshua DuBois formerly served as an aid to Rep. Rush Holt..."

[You can email Wally Edge at politicsnj@aol.com or go to: http://www.politickernj.com/wallye/21435/remember-joshua-dubois - for additional information]

5. For more on the following...

"President Barack Obama issued a withering critique Thursday of Wall Street corporate behavior, calling it "the height of irresponsibility" for employees to be paid more than $18 billion in bonuses last year while their crumbling financial sector received a bailout from taxpayers..."

"It is shameful," Obama said from the Oval Office. "And part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint, and show some discipline, and show some sense of responsibility..."

"The House just approved an economic stimulus plan that would cost taxpayers more than $800 billion; the Senate is considering its own version..."

"Separately, Congress also passed a $700 billion plan last year to shore up the financial sector, one that drew howls of criticism about a lack of transparency..."

"We're going to be having conversations as this process moves forward directly with these folks on Wall Street to underscore that they have to start acting in a more responsible fashion if we are to, together, get this economy rolling again," Obama said..."

"There will be time for them to make profits, and there will be time for them to get bonuses," Obama said. "Now is not that time..." ["Obama calls $18B in Wall Street bonuses 'shameful'"; Ben Feller, AP; 1/29/09]

Go to: http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/1151/6710787/Obama_calls_18B_in_Wall_Street_bonuses_shameful

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Health Related News:

1. According to a report issued yesterday, from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "529 persons from 43 states... and one person from Canada had been reported infected with the outbreak [current salmonella issue associated with some peanut butter products] strain". This is especially important [in my opinion], because some brands of peanut butter crackers [often given to children as snacks] seem to be of especially high risk - and the risk seems to be associated, primarily, with some products that "contain" [sometimes ambiguous] peanut butter, including some brands of energy bars, some brands of pet food, etc. NY State appears to have had at least 20 cases; some products [as identified] have reputedly been voluntarily pulled off the shelves. For more on this, please go to... http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm58e0129a1.htm?s_cid=mm58e0129a1_echeck and/or click on the FDA link provided in the sidebar for more specific information.

2. According to a report issued by the Federal Government on 1/22/09 [go to www.fsis.usda.gov], folks should follow some guidelines if holding a party for "Super Bowl XLIII", which is cited as being "[s]econd only to Thanksgiving" in regards to being the "highest day of food consumption in the United States."

Folks therefore need to be savvy to avoid "footborne" illnesses:

a. "Clean - Avoid penalties for Illegal Use of Hands." [Clean food preparation and other surface areas often.]

b. "Separate - Avoid Encroachment and do not jump offside." [Separate cooked food and vegetables from raw meet and poultry (use separate cutting boards, or wash board between uses, as necessary.)]

c. "Cook - Ensure your foods are in The Red Zone by using a food thermometer... Meat and poultry including chicken wings, sausages and hamburgers, should be cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7... Steaks should be cooked to 145 °F, ground beef should be cooked to 160 °F and all poultry should be cooked to 165 °F. Once your foods have reached The Red Zone of food safety, protect your team from the Danger Zone. Do not leave foods sitting out for more than two hours at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F."

d "Chill - Your defense for good Pass Protection." [Refrigerate food items after utilizing; keep food items cool when not in use.] "Your pass protection will block offensive bacteria from multiplying and running up the score. The same rules of the Danger Zone apply for hot foods, too. If food has been sitting out for more than two hours, do not eat it."

e. "Make the Right Call. In football, referees may rely on the feature of instant replay to review their rulings. One of the best resources available before kickoff is USDA's virtual representative, Ask Karen, a feature that also allows you to ask food safety-related questions 24 hours a day. Visit Ask Karen at AskKaren.gov. If you prefer to review your strategy via phone, you may contact a food safety specialist with the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). Recorded messages are available 24 hours a day and the Hotline is staffed with food safety experts, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time" (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_012209_01/index.asp}

3. According to a U.S. National Report (2007) issued by the CDC, women aged 18 through 44 years were more apt to be tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), than males in the same age (especially from age 18 - age 24) categories. For more information, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhis/released200806.htm.

4. Some recent headlines ["National Partnership for Women and Families"; "National Politics & Policy"] regarding women's health issues include:

a. "Senate Rejects Amendment Reinstating 'Global Gag Rule' During SCHIP Debate" [1/29/09]

b. "Stimulus Bill Includes STI Prevention Funding; Removal of Family Planning Provision Criticized" (1/29/09).

c. "Provision To Increase Access to Medicaid Family Planning Services Cut From Stimulus Package" (1/28/09).

For more updates and/or information regarding the above, go to: http://www.nationalpartnership.org/site/PageServer?pagename=daily2_welcome

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Personal Opinion on Faith and Politics:

I personally feel that the Whited House Office of Faith-Based Funding, which was established, via Executive Order, by former President George Bush Jr., should be dismantled and disempowered in order to keep the boundaries between church and state more clearly drawn - and to make sure no particular religious ideology or body takes precedence over / has more power than /or receives more funding than any other.

The influx of evangelical Christians (in particular) into the White House began quite some time ago... (during previous presidential administrations) --- and this was done (at least in some instances) in a rather "sneaky" ('tis my opinion, based on my research) manner.

One only has to look at the controversies that have already erupted when Reverend Wright, Reverend Warren and some other religious leaders (by design and/or invite) stepped into the political picture --- to see that the combination of "church and state" (unconstitutional, in my opinion, to begin with) is NOT in this countries best interest.

Yes, we have "freedom of religion."

Yes, theoretically - at least, we have the freedom to not engage in any form of religion - and to take this stance without fear of discrimination / unequal treatment...

Yes, I have respect for all bodies of faith (whilst being very disappointed with some of their leaders)...

And yes, I have developed a faith-life of my own - that is not reflected (this came more recently) in the books that I wrote...

However, my views on the necessity of the "separation of church and state" - in order to have a "more fair and equal" country / citizenship - have NOT changed...

And my belief is that "IF" there is to be an equality-based / non-discriminatory "Office of Faith-Based Services" in the White House --- this office should be run by a board or committee with at least one representative of every faith and non-faith in America sitting in and having a voice on all policy and funding decisions...

And more stringent regulations (these organizations (generally alleged or in facto non-profits) should be held just as accountable as businesses are in regard to book-keeping, outside objective oversight, public disclosure, etc.)

[If you note any factual errors in this report, please let me know and I will make (based on research) the appropriate corrections. Links will be made available in the sidebar>>>]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights" You Tube... Updates Regarding the Obama Administration... A Few Things to Think About...

["The Universal Declaration of Human Rights"; as Submitted to You Tube on 10/7/08 by HumanRightsActionCtr; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlrSYbCbHE]

For more on:

"President Barack Obama is signing into law an equal-pay bill that is popular with labor and women's groups and is expected to make it easier for workers to sue for decades-old discrimination..."

"This bill will be a big step forward not just for women, but for families," the White House said in a statement announcing the bill signing. "It is not only a measure of fairness, but can be the difference for families struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times..." ["Obama set to sign equal-pay bill"; Philip Elliott, Associated Press (AP); 1/29/09]

Go to: http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/6704217/Obama_set_to_sign_equal-pay_bill

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For More On:

"... Without a single Republican vote, President Obama won House approval on Wednesday for an $819 billion economic recovery plan as Congressional Democrats sought to temper their own differences over the enormous package of tax cuts and spending..."

"While the House and Senate measures are similar, they are most likely to differ in ways that could snarl negotiations between Democrats from the two chambers, and delay getting a measure to the president. In particular, House and Senate Democrats are split over how to divide $87 billion in relief to the states for Medicaid, with senators favoring a formula more beneficial to less-populous states..." [For a Print Version of this Article, see "House Passes Stimulus Plan Despite G.O.P. Opposition" in the "New York Times" (NYT), 1/29/09; P. A1]

Otherwise Check Out the Article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html?_r=2&partner=msnbcpolitics&emc=rss

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For More On (This is an area where I have some questions / concerns; bold emphasis mine...):

"President Obama plans to name Joshua DuBois, a 26-year-old Pentecostal pastor and political strategist who handled religious outreach for the Obama campaign, to direct a revamped office of faith-based initiatives, according to religious leaders who have been informed about the choice.

The office, created by President George W. Bush by executive order at the start of his first term, is likely to have an even broader mandate in the Obama White House, said the religious leaders, who requested anonymity because the appointment has yet to be announced...

Renamed the Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the office will not merely oversee the distribution of grants to religious and community groups, but will also look for other ways to involve those groups in working on pressing social problems..."

"...The most contentious issue that Mr. DuBois will have to help resolve is whether Mr. Obama should rescind a Bush administration legal memorandum that allows religious groups that receive government money to hire only those who share their faith.

Mr. Obama said in a campaign speech last June, “If you get a federal grant, you can’t use that grant money to proselytize to the people you help and you can’t discriminate against them — or against the people you hire — on the basis of their religion.”

Mr. DuBois led an effort during the transition to consult with dozens of religious and charity groups about the work of the faith-based office, including what to do about the hiring question, and whether the faith-based centers that Mr. Bush inserted into 12 federal agencies should all be preserved" [For a Print Version of "Leaders Say Obama Has Tapped Pastor for Outreach Office", See Laurie Goodstein's article in the NYT, 1/29/09", P. A16]

Otherwise check out the Article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29faith.html?partner=msnbcpolitics&emc=rss

[You can copy and paste these links into your browser and they will be made available in the sidebar>>>]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Activism in Action... Passing It On... Family Planning Funding... Letter to Representatives and Local News Editors....

[Photo by NS]

Passing It On:

"This week, family planning opponents in Congress used lies and distortions to eliminate an important provision in the economic stimulus package that would have allowed states to expand access to family planning services to low-income families through the Medicaid program.

This provision would have enabled many low-income women and families to access vital family planning services — basic health care that includes contraceptives and breast and cervical cancer screening. At the same time, it would have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in much-needed savings to both states and the federal government.

Opponents laid waste to this common sense policy.

Americans overwhelmingly use and support family planning services that allow couples to plan and space their pregnancies. These services are always a priority in women’s lives.

Given the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of these services, policies such as the Medicaid family planning option are even more important in these challenging economic times.

Don’t let family planning services be sacrificed to partisan politics.

Urge your elected officials to waste no time in expanding access to family planning services.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Keefe
Director of Reproductive Health Programs"

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Copy of a (slightly revised for inclusion here) letter I sent to Editor of the Kingston "Daily Freeman"; "Kingston Times"; and "Ulster County Press"

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"As a woman that had no information, access to information or ability to access health and family planning services in my younger years - resulting in three teenage pregnancies - multiple medical issues - and ongoing social and economic distress - I am urging you to lend your support to any efforts geared towards expanding eligibility for family planning services to America's economically distressed population.

Along with a number of others, I am disappointed to hear that this "cost-effective" and "common sense initiative" (expanded access to Family Planning Services) has come under political attack - and I would like to join the other "voices" urging our political representatives to "act quickly" in support of the expansion - via the Medicaid Program and applicable grants - of such services.

Unplanned pregnancies, particularly teen pregnancies, too often hurt the family, the child and (socially and economically) the system. This is not - and should not be - an ideologically battle! We are talking about an urgent socio-economic problem (with a prevention focus) that begs (for everyone's sake) solutions NOW

Please join me in urging President Obama, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Representative M. Hinchey to support the funding of and expansion of Family Planning services.

Nancy S. Smith, Kingston, NY
Former Teen Parent Former Teen Parent Case Manager (YWCA of Ulster County)
Former Coordinator of the Ulster County Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Program [YWCA of Ulster County]
Member: MoveOn.org Civic Action
Member: Mid-Hudson Valley League of Women Voters
Community Blogger / Activist: http://www.spreadingourwings.blogspot.com

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There are links provided in the sidebar through which you (if you so choose) can access information on how to contact (whether pro or con) you local representives on this issue.

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Thank you,

NS

NPR Newsflash... League of Women Voters... Moving On...

[Photo by BF]

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"BREAKING NEWS..."

The "Senate Committee" (with "bipartisan support") has reputedly "approved Eric Holder's nomination as the first African-American attorney general..." (NPR.org:http://n.npr.org/NPRI/jN11850174_31377.htm)

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Personal / Local Note:

I attended a meeting held by the League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson Valley last night, and I found them to be a very friendly, warm, welcoming group of activist women...

The League is open for membership - and seeking volunteers (guess who signed on?) to serve as nonpartisan "observers" [my blog is my blog; my role there (non-partisan factual coverage for the League's Newsletter) will be different] at some of the Mid-Hudson Valley Government meetings...

Please see the links, regarding all of this and more, in the sidebar...

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Peace, Love and Humane Justice,

NS

"One Hope~ We Are Earth" You Tube

[as Submitted to You Tube by AnnieCanada on 12/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLDDSPMqeEM]

"Schoolhouse Rock - Three-Ring Government" You Tube

To Lighten Things Up a Bit...

["Schoolhouse Rock - Three-Ring Government"; as submitted to You Tube by creatively210 on 9/4/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5I2KFENjS8]

Advisory: The video below contains graphic and violent images. View at your own discretion.

NS

Everything Is Broken... You Tube... Temper Tantrum By a Pacifist... I AM NOT a HAPPY CAMPER...

["Everything Is Broken"; as posted on You Tube by reyrey2204 on 11/3/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHnMv3Ihycc]

I was advised not to post this video...

I held off pursing information about my books - or any serious promotion of same - until I felt SAFER...

I AM a pasifist!

But I hope someone goes after these folks for all the harm they've done via the deregulation of various industries, etc., etc., etc...

'Cause "EVERYTHING IS BROKEN" --- and I personally don't think any of this happened (I'm entitled my opinions...) by accident!

On a personal note...

I can NOT believe what I am finding "out there" re my (one in particular) books...

AND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S BOOKS, AS WELL!

IYIYI!

Talk about getting RIPPED OFF!

NS

"Sen. Schumer says prosecute the Bush administration" You Tube

["Sen. Schumer says prosecute the Bush administration"; as submitted to You Tube by joshuabaca on 1/25/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TutsrSGoGJg]

This video does not say explicitly that Senator Schumer is "for" prosecuting members of the former Bush Jr. Administration...

But the video does not negate the possibility --- which Nancy Pelosi "has" put her energies behind, either.

Perhaps there is something in a name (Nancy...) --- because I have to say I'm with Nancy Pelosi --- all the way...

Why?

A few pertinent article and book titles --- and/or --- quotes (Note, Though I appreciate the sentiments expressed below, I am not always familiar with the author "of" the quote...):

1. "The question is: are the people to be awakened or to be used?" (Jacques Maritain; "Man and the State"; 1951)

2. "The Worst Criminals Aren't On Trial" (Title of an article by Asim Beslija; "Transitions Online"; Commentary in "The Week", 12/17/04; P. 15)

3. "All repressed truths become poisonous" (Friedrich Nietzsche; "Of Self-Overcoming"; "Thus Spoke Zarathustra; 1892; Translated by R.J. Hollingdale in 1961)

4. "What I revolt against is the greed of men who squeeze other men as if they were squeezing oranges" (Carolina Maria de Jesus; In "Child of the Dark: The Diary..."; Translated by David St. Clair in 1962)

5. "The darkness of history... conceals a light. Beyond the mystery is meaning. And the meaning is destined to be disclosed" (Abraham J. Heschel; "The Prophets"; 1962)

6. "The Bush Court: Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid" (Randall Kennedy; "American Prospect"; 11/23/1999; P. 54]

7. "It does not do to leave a dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him" (J.R.R. Tolkien; Author of "The Hobbit", "Lord of the Rings", etc.)

8. "Who will answer [if things were to go wrong again...] for tomorrow?" [Charles Peguy; "The Modern World: The Future"; "Basic Verities..."; Translated by Julian Green and Ann Green in 1943; Bracketed insert mine...]

I AM a very big believer in the Obama-Biden Administration, but the office of the president "HAS" been empowered (via Bush Jr.) --- beyond reason [and beyond the scope of the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" - and "could" potentially set us ("We the People") up for the same sort of problems (who wants to dis empower oneself, after all?) at some point in the future...

If we want to hold "the people" accountable --- and are asking them to "step up to the plate" (as is being done)...

I believe (this is my opinion!) that we need to start at the TOP!

Why have a legal system if we aren't going to use it? OR - if we are going to use it "selectively" --- with some folks almost guaranteed a "get out of jail" (and/or financial restitution) card?

Come on folks...

Bush and Co. "sold us down the river" --- across the global landscape --- inside and out!!!!!!!!!!! And our children and grandchildren have paid an especially heavy price!!!!!!!!!

Remember Molly Ivins?

Here are the titles (She was one of the best reporters going, as far as I'm concerned!) of some of her WELL RESEARCHED articles:

"Administration Creates Climate of Secrecy, Fear" [Creators Syndicate (CS); 1/3/06).

"Bush's Position on 'Torture Bill' is Outrageous" (CS; 10/14/05)

"Enron Case: Monstrous Fraud Connected to Government" (CS; 6/6/06)

"Press Under Full Attack By Bush Administration" (CS; 8/9/2006)

"The Party Never Ends With The Bush Administration" (CS; 6/30/06)

Or... does it? [Where would Molly Ivins, now deceased, stand on this?]

Food for Thought...

Peace, Love and Humane Justice,

NS

Video Clip... Homemade... of Time Warner Channel Six Coverage of Inaugural Party at Kingston MuddyCup

["One Word Says It All"; Photo by NS]



My first successful uploaded video-clip; taken, I'm afraid, with a low budget video-camera - which actually operated a lot easier (even if not as high grade) than a more expensive video-camera I tried to work with in the past!

Certainly, Time Warner Channel Six did a LOT better at capturing this (lol) party than I (trying to capture "their" capture) did...

But, as I've said before, I am on an accelerated technological learning curve (pretty much teaching myself) --- and I'm climbing this mountain (geesh!) as fast as I can!

I hope everyone had a wonderful time at the party! Which was the end result of a lot of [FUN] work - and took a lot of individual and group (MoveOn.org Civic Action / Affiliates / attendees / etc.) ENERGY!

["Thank You Obama-Biden"; Photo by NS]

I hope everyone had a wonderful day!

Peace, Love and Humane Justice,

NS

"The Beatles - Let it be Lyrics" You Tube

["The Beatles - Let it be Lyrics"; You Tube as submitted by rubyhartlove on 8/29/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRCPQFVWrRE]

Peace, Love and Humane Justice,

NS