Creative Writing; Photography; Political Tidbits; Humor for the Heart; HOPE for the Soul; and MORE!
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"tears of justice served are prisms of perspective unnerved where the tiny lachrymal crystals cleanse our souls and baptize our brains out of attempted brainwashing basins to the ether of eternity in the uppermost mindful section where the Almighty was conceived in either of our respective images whether we got the message from our Creator and were endowed with sacred or inalienable rights
or if we invented this entire anthropomorphic notion
in created likenesses or icons or legends
in graven myths or in some misbegotten reality-- we as a nation not of sheep on the compost heap but as sentient thinking humans must right the wrongs left on our bloodstained hearts by Bush by bringing him to court and letting the people decide
whether what he did was just or just another genocide.
So I say to our father who art an artist in heaven
hallowed be thy brush and please
relegate the former commander-in-cheek
to places where he’s only clearing brush
banished in another world in a spot where it’s
as de facto as it gets
and without him thinking he’s a factotum
this ex-commander-in-sheik in crony clothes
with no visions of a burning bush
or of him hanging Saddam-like
none of this will suffice for what he’s done
as we and the little children suffer right ahead
by each and every child left behind
as Iraqi, or Afghani or American orphans
who suffer endlessly needlessly
or as the widows on the streets internally displaced
are wandering through their nation’s occupation
without an occupation without a home in the world
predisposed to grief and sorrow and hunger
with thanks again to Bush—
so may all the shoes that fit the print in your crime scenes
leave their footprint-- their mark on your forehead
to distinguish you amongst your peers
as the worst of the worst
in the shadow of the best which is yet to come
because no one else could ever sink
to the depths where you’ve managed to crater
by thinking you were the administrator—
better as a caricature for the animator
or the bone yard obituary illustrator and on and on...."
["Abba - I Have A Dream"; as submitted by You Tube by bosanac76 on 6/23/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFHbwikzNds]
1. The League of Women Voter's of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region is hosting a "brunch meeting" at 15-21 Franklin Street {Everette Hodge Center} TODAY (2/21/09) from 10am -Noon. If you would like more information about the League, or would like to volunteer for the League's "observer corps" --- see the local League website at http://midhudson.ny.lwvnet.org/
This is a non-partisan group. At today's meeting, the pros and cons of the Electoral College and direct voting will be discussed.
["Puppet Master Extraordinair New Orleans St. Performer Part 1"; "New Orleans Spring of 2004-Excellent Music & Puppet Show--Captures New Orleans flavor before Katrina...."; as submitted by JohnnyMcPhail on 1/25/07;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_9LT0Atd_0]
2. There is a Mardi Gras Celebration at the Maritime Museum today. Please see the "Daily Freeman" and/or your Ward Group to get more (updated) information!
If the festival is adhering (sans parade, I believe) to the original schedule, it will start around noon and continue into the evening - via some of the businesses and/or restaurants in the Roundout area.
["ABBA - Estoy Soñando" ("I Had a Dream"); as submitted to You Tube by amigosdx on 10/4/06]
3. TONIGHT --- at Keegan Ales --- from 7PM until ? --- the Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA; channel 23) Commissioners are hosting a fundraiser (Put on your dancing shoes!) and awards ceremony.
There will be food, music, dancing, FUN, good company, a raffle and more!
Tickets (This is a VERY IMPORTANT CAUSE!) are $40.
Please support YOUR Public Access station --- which allows you to get YOUR voice, YOUR views, YOUR questions, YOUR idea, YOUR local calender listings, and YOUR shows --- should you choose to be interactive --- on the local airwaves!
You can contact the KAPA Commissioners for tickets and/or additional info.
And, I also believe (I could be wrong, so please contact the appropriate people!) some tickets will be available at the door.
["Let the People Sing - The Malleys"; as submitted to You Tube by dmiuist on 8/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhkdy0AOpaM]
FREEDOM ----- OF SPEECH
FREEDOM ---------- OF THE PRESS
FREEDOM --------------- TO GATHER PEACEFULLY and ADDRESS GRIEVANCES
FREEDOM -------------------- FROM POTENTIAL TYRANNY
FREEDOM (This is just a partial list, with add ons...) -------------------------------------------------------- TO SING!
I think I might have posted this before, but right about now I need to have it upfront and center (where I can try to draw some courage, strength and faith from it) again...
["VISION QUEST SONG"; as posted by hawktana on 7/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ougBGt_k0Sc]
I wish I understood the Native American (I believe that is what it is) language.
["Countdown: Bush Dissolves The U.S. Constitution Today"; as submitted to You Tube by cmdrgmh on 9/17/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibpdwFjPMWE]
From Jan 9/09:
["Much Of The World See Bush & Cheney As War Criminals!"; as submitted to You Tube by VOTERSTHINKdotORG on 1/9/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mVeWjW4JU]
From Jan 26/09:
["The U.S. Is Required To Bring George W Bush & Donald Rumsfeld Before A Court! U.N. War Crimes"; as submitted to You Tube by VOTERSTHINKdotORG on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRAlqkPbjP0]
["CNN: Wall Street 'Better Watch Out' for Michael Moore"; as submitted to You Tube by mmflint on 2/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7FfPrf-X_Q]
Letter to the Editor - sent out (one never knows who will actually publish it) to a number of different papers today [I also sent another one out, but I won't zap you with two :)
Bottom line, if I can do this stuff, You probably can (check out the links in the sidebar!) too!
Letter:
"Enough of this greed on Wall Street! Enough of this pathetic whining that banks need more bailout money! Enough of me having to go pawn old jewelry to TRY to pay MY taxes! I think the Vampires have sucked up quite enough of the people's labor, trust and blood - don't you? Let the big banks that have been exploiting (in my opinion) the American people (via unjust usury and all sorts of trickery) "go bust." Help out the smaller banks, if you must, but with serious accountability and low CEO incomes as part of the package! And - consider the people too! Because, as far as I'm concerned I'm (along with a whole lot of other people) owed some money by at least some of the big guys on Wall Street, simply because their unethical (at best) and corrupt (at worst) practices have been such an absolute and total (America is better than this!) disgrace...
If I want to donate blood, I'll go to the local blood-bank, thank you very much! At least they pass it on (as is expected) to others that are in need!
Come on folks! Get a grip! This is about humane principals, accountability, justice and the future of the United States of America! And there aren't any intelligent people that I know of - with the true facts in hand (and no greedy self-serving agenda up their sleeve...) that would support anymore big-bank bailouts!
In fact, I keep hearing from the wise and the weary (we are becoming anemic, I fear...) that it is the low to mid-income American people (just take a good look around!) that really need bailouts! That it is, in fact, the American family (Don't we deserve a break?) that represents the only TRUE "not-for-profit" institution in America - and that as this mystery of sad history continues to unfold... the Government might want to consider sending some of the monies exploited via the all-too-often abused not-for-profit industry (check their books too, will ya? Especially the "religious" non-profits...) on to the American people, as well!
Signing off... I have to go take my folic acid pill...
Anyone else having trouble just staying ALIVE?
[Perhaps vampires, like tics, tend to burst after gorging themselves like this?]
["Sex Offender"; as submitted to You Tube by drewsmithvideo on 2/26/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HXaJYlo3bg]
The children and/or parents become the reporters and/or enforcers? [Perhaps, as someone on the panel at a 2007 City Hall meeting on this issue, parents should have to keep their children inside? (I guess the pervs get to use the playgrounds, in that case; so do you still want to fund them?)
["Angry Neighbors Meet About (Convicted) Sex Offender"; as submitted to You Tube by wisn on 11/21/07; November 21, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POOkRMB0mm8]
This statistic, that most sex offenders know their victims, is a "duh." After all, the perpetrator has been able - in many, if not most cases - to move next door, "befriend" the family, play with the kids at playgrounds - teach (sometimes) the children in school - and even (sometimes) serve the children wafers in church!
["Child Abuse, We need to fight it..."; as submitted to You Tube by moretea on 4/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM5lQWFb1nQ]
Local Issue:
In yesterday's "Daily Freeman" (2/18/09) there was an article titled, "Sex Offender Residency Rule Off the Table" (Patricia Doxey; PP. A1 and A6) - that I think folks should be concerned about.
I have immense respect for U.C. Legislature Chairman Donald Donaldson, based on my limited exposure to him; but I think (strictly my opinion) - in this instance - his legal counsel gave him some bad advice...
The issue is about restricting where registered sex offenders are allowed to set up residence. The "tabled" issue had to do with a proposal to hold a public meeting on the topic / a "proposed local law" - that would restrict "registered sex offenders" from setting up residence (This makes perfectly good sense to me!) within 1,000 feet of a day-care center, school or church.
Chairman Donaldson, apparently based on the advise of his legal counsel, has used a Rockland County case - that was reputedly declared unconstitutional - to table any public discussion of (and/or further action upon?) this proposed law...
Potentially placing (in my opinion) perpetrator rights (we are talking registered offenders!) ahead of child safety needs (We call this justice?) once again!
In the Rockland County case cited [which was reputedly similar to the one being discussed (at least amongst the "powers that be")] locally - it appears as if the law (initially passed) was subsequently declared unconstitutional - at least in part - because a lawsuit was pursued by a convicted sex offender that claimed he had to set up residence near a synagogue (within walking distance) - because he was an "orthodox jew."
Which makes about as much sense to me, as saying that because (this is hypothetical...) I am a drunk - and I lost my license due to a drunk driving conviction - I must be allowed to set up residence in walking distance of a liqueur store (and perhaps... to my church of choice, as well?)...
The article also addresses a rather worn-out weary (but apparently still getting a "bang for its buck") theory that if we don't allow registered sex offenders to live exactly where they choose ('tis a big world out there!) - they will (at least according to some mental health professionals and law enforcement officers) - "choose not to register" - go underground - disappear - making it more difficult to monitor them, etc....
But this makes NO sense to me either!
1. Why is it so important to registered sex offenders that they be able to live within 1,000 feet of a day-care, school or church - when LOADS of people (young, old, able, disabled...) have to get rides, take buses, take taxi's, etc. - to get where they need to go?
2. Isn't it the job of the parole board, probation officers, mental health professionals (when intricately involved) and law enforcement personnel to MAKE SURE that sex offenders who are placed back into society - FOLLOW THE RULES - OR - BE PLACED IN VERY STRUCTURED SETTINGS WHERE THEY CAN BE MONITORED - AND/OR (AS APPLICABLE AND CALLED FOR) BE SENT BACK TO JAIL AND/OR PRISON?
What good is the sex offender registry if the associated conditions are not enforced?
What exactly are we paying all of these people (parole officers, etc.) to do, anyhow? Practice (at the potential expense of our children's health, well being and future potentialities) "unconditional love" for sexual deviants?
Give me a break!
Maybe the law enforcement (et. al.) personnel that don't track their "clients" well enough should face penalties?
How about that?
According to this article, U.C. Legislature Minority Leader Glenn Noonan (who reputedly re-introduced this law in January 09) stands in favor of having a public discussion on this matter - AND in favor of placing restrictions (as noted above) on where (in regards to child safety) registered sex offenders are allowed to live.
And THAT is the boat upon which I float...!
Because I know, from personal experience (and extensive research) - that one sex offender can potentially damage tens or hundreds or thousands of young lives...
Because I know - based on simple LOGIC - that these folks CAN FIND another solution [on the tracking / enforcement end of the spectrum) for their perceived (selfishly?) monitoring problems!
According to this article - and the New York State Sex Offender Registry - there are currently 118 Level Three Offenders (considered the highest risk for re-offending) and Level Two Offenders (one step down / still known to have a considerable risk of re-offending) in Ulster County - many of whom are likely (This is a guess...) living in the City of Kingston, the Town of Ulster, the Town of Ellenville, etc.
118 Registered...
How many ('tis often very difficult to win a conviction in these cases to begin with) unknowns?
Pretty darn scary, I'd say - considering the number of children one sex offender can harm... much less the number of children that over a hundred sex offenders might harm (might we be talking thousands - or more - of potential child victims here?)
I mean really...
If the registered sex offender / Orthodox Jew needed a ride to his religious services, perhaps his parole officer, probation officer - or some such person - should pick him up and take him...
Rather than put - for one person - thousands and thousands and thousands of children (this issue is coming up all across the states) at a heightened risk of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or worse!
Please folks, contact your U.C. legislatures and state your views on this matter!
ALL of them, if need be; and particularly, Chairman Donaldson and U.C. Legislature Minority Leader Glenn Noonan...
Write letters to your local newspaper editors...
Discuss this amongst your own Wards / groups / etc.
Put together a petition...
And/or otherwise put the pressure (Protect our Children!!!!!) on!
"To all of you that have shared your stories, I send you my best wishes. Things can be hard, but don't lose yourself in what you cannot control. I've been through it all, I know how you feel. And I ... [This caption was posted with the following video...]
["Family Portrait - Pink {Lyrics}"; as submitted to You Tube by laylasdarkside on 11/26/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9c63tMU1qk]
Some things [although I don't like the word "stupid"] to think about...
["Stupid Girls - Pink (Lyrics)"; as submitted to You Tube by klkammiller on 12/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCgHEQuVtmw]
Outdated [PINK addressing President George Bush Jr.] --- but still pertinent ---
["Pink - Dear Mr. President (live)"; as submitted to You Tube by homann29 on 8/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKt81sbXYrI]
Interestingly, KAPA Commissioner Bob Smith just received a phone call from Arlene at Kingston City Hall that the Finance Committee meeting that was scheduled for tonight has been CANCELLED - with no rescheduled date (ahem) settled upon yet...
This, immediately after my having posted notices about it (coincidence?) on this blog, the Kingston Citizen's blog and the Kingston Citizens Ward group (Wards 1-9) sites.
Please do call City Hall [334-3955] though, just to confirm this... and, if you are so inclined, perhaps (re the rescheduling...) your city Alderman, the Alderman at Large and/or Mayor Sottile, as well.
And please do check out the photos, videos, etc. below...
Who is claiming (Just one out of many such examples...) bankruptcy?????
"Trump casinos file for bankruptcy a third time - Road Runner" --- http://www.rr.com/news/economy/article/9004/6895842/Trump_casinos_file_for_bankruptcy_a_third_time
"Organizing for America Economic Crisis Your Stories" --- http://www.barackobama.com/displayer/pages/econ-stories.php
"Obama signs stimulus bill readies homeowner plan - Road Runner" --- http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/9008/6894016/Obama_signs_stimulus_bill_readies_homeowner_plan
"Nadia of the 411 Show interviews Mike Trujillo of quote-unquote.org, Channel 27 in Albuquerque New Mexico, on the importance of public access television across the U.S. as a tool to help Youth lear...
["The Importance of Public Access Across America"; as submitted by 411show on 4/24/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO8Cf_YAquE]
"Hear commentary at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Patsy Robles, producer for the 411 Show, which airs on public access television and as a videoblog, about how public...
"The Fight for Public Access Television Part 4"; as submitted by 411show on 8/17/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbbPhPxPpr0]
A Reprint of a Local Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) Commissioner's "Letter to the Editor" of the "Kingston Times" (Friday Jan 23 2009) [A similar version was printed in the Kingston "Daily Freeman" close to that same date]
Congratulations to Channel 20, the new educational channel on Time Warner. I wish you every success!
Our long suffering Public Access Channel 23 remains a steady snowy screen into the new year, with little hope for change - barring a Federal bailout or a presidential pardon.
Figuratively, my bald head and fat neck swivel on my torso, like a special effect in a horror movie whenever I reflect on the latest state of our Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) station. Let me state clearly that what is written here is not the opinion of the KAPA Commission, but merely the uncensored reflections of one of the Commissioners.
It is not so much a chicken and egg discussion (give us quality TV, and we'll give you funding). The dilemma appears to me to be more of a case of what I refer to as voodoo vision. It is a theory that the channel is either in a corpse or a zombie state. The mayor and city council seem most gleeful with the corpse when it is off the air. The regular rebels and loyal opposition, on the other hand, are elated when the zombie is up and running.
Poetic images aside, KAPA needs a minimum of $40,000 annually to function properly and serve the public interest. Unfortunately, the public interest in our community is not always what interests the public. Rosendale, the Town of Ulster and a few dedicated benefactors have kept KAPA on life support for the last few years. Thank you for that. The commission needs to be aware of the quote, from Eric Hoffer, "It is not in our best interest to bite the hand that feeds you, nor is it wise to lick the boot that kicks you."
The city will receive, in the 10-year Time Warner contract, over $3.6 million dollars in franchise fees - paid by 7,400 subscribers. However, in that period, certain city council members bring out their trademark objection that the city had to pay $4, 7, 10, 19,000 (depending on the source, this always seems to vary) for legal fees - and $2,644 in a misunderstood grant. So, at the maximum, for a $21,644 investment, $3.6 million in benefits accrued to the city. Would any investor turn that bonanza down? To put it in layman's terms, if someone offered you $365 for a $2.16 investment, would you be complaining? Yet there are about five politicians on the local power grid who are opposed to public access funding - denying about 40,000 local residents their public access station. This goes beyond being unreal to becoming anti-real.
To those few politicians and their tender egos, let me quote the famous Yogi Berra, who said, "Everybody knows that people who are popular are bound to be disliked." Along with that paradox, most fair-minded fans and reasonable people are able to appreciate the talents and skills of both teams on the field, no matter what the "uniform" - be it Democrat or Republican.
In conclusion, in late November I attended a talent show sponsored by the Pointe of Praise Church and Kings Kids that was a great community event, and would have been a tremendous show to put on Public Access - "if" I lived in Woodstock, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, New Paltz or any of the other 11,000 communities nationwide that offer support and funding to their local public access station. So, to the general public, please remember - when elections take place in November - the words of that old Motown song by the Undisputed Truth called "Smiling Faces." The verse that applies is, "Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya, take my advice, they are only trying to rule ya."
With humor and hope for the future of Kingston Public Access,
A referral to "A Need for Newspapers" at the "Kingston Citizens Blog" --- http://kingstonnavigator.wordpress.com/ [There is also a link in the sidebar >>>] for some important information on the shut-down of Newspapers - and (if my post there gets published) - more...
A reminder that KAPA funding issues are scheduled to come up (yet again) at tonight's City of Kingston Finance Committee Meeting [See sidebar for more info]
And... a note to remind you that you can contact Kevin Cahill, M. Hinchey, Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Cuomo, a host of others - and even the President of the United States (upload your stories!) via the links provided in the sidebar!
"My Hometown (Live) Rockefeller Plaza Center 2007 NYC...
["Bruce Springsteen - My Hometown live (Today Show 28.9.2007)"; as submitted to You Tube by Darulezz on 11/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLSFcF8SOiw]
A Drive Around Town...
Just starting out... across the way... the MuddyCup... where I hosted (in alliance with MoveOn.org Civic Action) Barack Obama's Inauguration party... now closed down!
Joining the multitude of other business enterprises that have shut their doors (which appears to be happening at a faster and faster clip) over the course of time...
And, oh yeah... whatever did happen with the Kings Inn (also shut down at last notice) on Broadway? [I was approached on that corner by a woman that was apparently (since I don't look like a "John!") looking for some money... I told her I was sorry, that I didn't (I had just left a "pawn" shop of sorts...) have any money either...
She apologized (tragedy piles on tragedy; heartache on heartache) to me...
My husband used to work at Majestic Autos (it was a good sized car dealership at one point!)... which also shut down...
Apparently someone moved into that spot (I'm not up on all specifics) and left this one empty...
"Who do" (a line from one of my books...) "the Voodoo?"
It isn't just Broadway folks... And it isn't just the City of Kingston...
Another car dealership gone bust...
And increasingly slimmer pickings for keeping that old beast of a car on the road as well...
I'd say "creepy" [more photos pending] --- wouldn't you?
And potentially dangerous (as appears to be true here, there and everywhere?) - as well?
Please see the activist opportunities and links to your representatives in the sidebar>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
[City of Kingston and Town of Ulster (New York State) - Feb. 2009 - Photos (copyrighted) by N.S.]
["President Obama Addresses Economic Crisis"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/9/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eg1-64tVTs]
Letters to the editors of your local newspapers = activism.
Blogging = activism.
Participating (for City of Kingston residents) in Kingston Citizens.Org = activism.
Supporting (in whatever way you can) Public Access television, radio stations, news stations and your local newspapers (we need ALL of these resources!) = activism.
Attending City Council meetings and other local government and community meetings = activism.
Supporting your local food banks and other resources for the needy = activism.
Contacting your political representatives = activism.
And - on those really tough days?
Staying alive, lighting a candle, playing some music, having a laugh (sometimes you have to go looking for it!) and honoring yourself = activism.
Now... Just for Fun!
["New Funny Flashdance Remix - 'What a feeling'"; as submitted to You Tube by evaqueenfan on 4/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc_Zfejggs8]
["Campaign Financing: New Twist On Old Problem"; as submitted to You Tube by the AmericanNewsProject on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F2pdBqLrtE]
["Where Are The Bankers, Barney Frank?"; as submitted to You Tube by AmericanNewsProject on 1/1/09;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifOkLnUaeDU]
[Toilet funny candid camera Just For Laughs"; as submitted to You Tube by elnismogr on 8/9/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSjRjaq6PuQ]
Real tough day (or couple of days...) in the blogging sector / realm of political activism for this grandma... so if you aren't up for some more serious stuff [my intent is to raise awareness, not offend anyone!] stop here.
"The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA),[3] is a sectarian guerrilla army operating mainly in northern Uganda and parts of Sudan.[4] It is designated a terrorist organization by The United States Department of State.[5]... The group was formed in 1987 and is engaged in an armed rebellion against the Ugandan government in what is now one of Africa's longest-running conflicts. It is led by Joseph Kony, who proclaims himself the "spokesperson" of God and a spirit medium, primarily of the Holy Spirit, which the Acholi believe can represent itself in many manifestations.[6] The group claims to be establishing a theocratic state based on the Ten Commandments and Acholi tradition.[6][7] The LRA is accused of widespread human rights violations, including murder, abduction, mutilation, sexual enslavement of women and children, and forcing children to participate in hostilities.[8] ["Lord's Resistance Army"; From "Wikipedia", the free encyclopedia (go to site for additional references and information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Resistance_Army...)]
Think it Couldn't Happen Here?
["Bill Maher, Real Time season premeire Fri. Feb. 20th"; as submitted to You Tube by GhostOfThe92503 on 2/11/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R4N3Yz_3MA]
Have you seen this article?
"Religious police crack down on Saudi valentines... Holiday celebration is banned..." (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29164011/)
Quote from Above:
"As Feb. 14 approaches, the police begin inspecting gift shops for items that are red or are intended as gifts to mark the holiday — a celebration of St. Valentine, a third-century Christian martyr — which is banned in Saudi Arabia. Such items are legal at other times of the year, but as Valentine's Day nears they become contraband..."
Think it couldn't happen here?
["Bill Maher On The Ten Commandments"; as submitted to You Tube by DaveRosenman on 4/30/2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTcsCGcwhho]
Have you seen this article?
"Chavez wins vote to scrap term limits in Venezuela" (Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/1102/6855952/Chavez_wins_vote_to_scrap_term_limits_in_Venezuela)
Quote from the Above: "President Hugo Chavez says a referendum victory that removed limits on his re-election is a mandate to intensify his socialist agenda for decades to come. Opponents warn of an impending dictatorship..."
Think it couldn't happen here?
["Larry King Live: Bill Maher on the Economy, the Obamas, Palin and Biden"; as submitted to You Tube by heathr456 on 2/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CM2TocnqPs]
Have you seen this article?
"In Tibet, it’s just the facts, ma’am" ("World Blog"; mssnbc.com";http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/12/1792407.aspx)
Quote from the Article Above:
"At Drepung Monastery, Ngawang said his monks had also been studying the legal system. "We have legal knowledge sessions for all the monks," he said, in order to ensure order in the monastery... We study the laws and the constitution so we understand the laws better and do not break them," he added. "The monks are also Chinese citizens."
Hmmmmm...
["Bill Maher's 'Religulous'"; as submitted to You Tube by CBS on 11/29/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHH2JItePlc]
Have you heard this headline?
President Barack Obama [told] "... the National Prayer Breakfast that even though faith too often has been used 'as a tool to divide us from one another,' there is no religion in the world that is based on hatred..."
"Obama, in prepared remarks, said, "There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being" ["President Obama’s Remarks at National Prayer Breakfast"; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05text-prayer.html?_r=2]
But...
Hasn't religion been utilized by far too many to incite the hatred of one group against another?
Does prayer (other than private prayers and/or family prayers) - or the "Office of Faith Based Initiatives (under any name or guise) - belong in - or around - the Inaugural Oath, our US Government institutions or the White House --- at all?
Doesn't the U.S. Government and President Barack Obama whom I still support and admire tremendously (along with Reverend Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Mother Theresa and a whole host of other such folks...) --- owe the American people some "things" that might (over the long haul) be even more important [such as a strict allegiance to the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" (yes, this will take some time...)] than money?
And what about "that guy" (former President George W. Bush Jr.) who [allegedly...] violated the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" --- and [allegedly] set in motion some unethical, unconstitutional and/or even inhumane (according to quite a few folks, both religious and non) policies - that President Obama is left to deal with?
"Newdow Seeks 1000 New Plaintiffs in Inaugural Lawsuit [--] Seeks to Add an Additional 1,000 Plaintiffs in Challenge of Inaugural Prayers & Religious Oath Federal Lawsuit... Feb. 22 Deadline Requires Declaration to be Mailed in Timely Fashion; Get Sign Up Sheet at... http://1000plaintiffsformikenewdow.blogspot.com/
[A link will be provided in the sidebar >]
Please know that we may be required to provide your name and address (due to the local rules of the D.C. District Court)" [Freedom From Religion Foundation; news@ ffrf.org]
Sample letter (mine; revised and resubmitted since yesterday) [And yes, I still (and will always) love (in the best sense of the word!) President Barack Obama; my Christian mother, sisters and daughter; my Christian and Catholic grandchildren --- and all of my other friends and relatives - who are actually a very diverse crew as far as their religious and/or non-religious leanings!!!!!]
V V V
I, Nancy S. Smith, declare as follows:
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New York. I am a member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. I consider myself a spiritual person and a humanist.
I do not recall watching earlier inaugurations (except at a later date, via the Internet); but I did watch (also via the Internet, but shortly after it occurred) the 2009 inauguration of President Obama - and I have since reviewed his taking (before Supreme Court Justice Roberts) of the Inaugural Oath.
I did not view President Obama's inauguration, as it occurred; because I was, in fact, hosting a local Inaugural party that day. And although my feelings, upon a recent review of this event, are not notably strong - one way or another (President Obama appeared comfortable and at ease...) - my concerns about the conclusion (as a generalist ending) of the Inaugural Oath [a mandated dictate to add "so help me God" (?)] remain.
Being 50 years old, I expect to witness 3 to 4 more inaugurations during my lifetime. My children (five / representing a variety of secular and/or relgious beliefs) and grandchildren [ten thus far, ranging from infancy to their early teens; all of them having been exposed to a variety of secular beliefs and/or religious teachings] will witness and be affected (will future Inaugural Oaths be administered in a secular manner?) by many more.
I ask that the court make sure that Inaugural Oaths of the future be just and equitable, representing a true multi-faith (including non-believers, Atheists, Agnostics, Secularists, Christians, Catholics, Muslims, etc.) Democracy - where each new president's unique style and character (what hopefully got them elected) is represented without the need for any type of spiritual or religious testimonial.
I have signed on this case because I believe a one-faith dictatorial Theocracy would destroy the very foundation and future of our great country - and because I would like to see a pragmatic application of "Separation of Church and State" - an honoring of the "U.S. Constitution" - at all levels of government.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
I'm out on a limb here, and I know it... But if anyone wants to join me, hop aboard.
Links will be made available in the sidebar >>>
In closing, I want you to know that I love this lady...
[(Mother) "Theresa"; "A video compiled of various clips about Mother Teresa..."; Words and music by Seth Ward; Copyright 2005; as submitted to You Tube by fivecentstand on 5/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzIPBRnYHQk]
... as much or more (as it applies) than you do; and I was horrified to learn that some folks chose to give her an exorcism (HUH?) before she died... [References on this to be provided - this was in the material gathered for my books - upon request] [These have since been posted in the comment section.]
BTW, I think one of the Maher videos above makes some very good points about Government funding going to the arts community (such as UPAC?????) - as well!
["A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains"; as submitted to You Tube by ChrisAppProj on 2/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8ZfIYAYsgA]
I was just going to take a breather today and take care of some other things...
But earlier, on the car radio, I heard that "they" [ambiguous] were encouraging folks in rural areas to purchase washers and dryers...
And I couldn't help but think, "maybe you better make sure they have running water [think of what it is like for a family of seven, living in a small two bedroom house, with no running water...] first!"
Then tonight, I remembered that Obama has addressed this issue (somewhat of a "miracle" in my book!) - and I decided to do a blip (this topic is very close to my heart, having come from similar circumstances in UPSTATE NEW YORK) - on this topic...
And this video clip (I did see part of this show the other night) was (on You Tube) "front and center"...
I always cry : ( when I get anywhere near this topic...
I cried again when I watched this...
Silly sad me, being vulnerable...
Feeling some of that old anger that never totally (despite having turned out to be one of the luckier "survivors" of generational rural poverty) goes away.
Enough said.
Except for the fact that some folks need to be made aware that a whole lot of families exist - in similar conditions - right around here...
And these conditions certainly still exist (my older siblings still cry and/or have nightmares about this stuff too...) - in the rural upstate community that I grew up in!
Senator Moynahan, now deceased, was aware of this; and tried, in his time and way, to help...
Leonard Pitts, a syndicated writer whom I admire a great deal, has addressed the topic with compassion and insight...
I wrote a paper once, titled (I think) "White Out in American Statistics" - about the fact that the problem of severe poverty amongst the White poor (rural and otherwise) is severe; and rarely, by the mainstream media, addressed...
And it is a problem area where a whole lot more needs to be DONE - because a whole lot of children (of all races / ethnicity's) are suffering (here and now) extreme hardship, as a result of (too often ignored and/or denied) rural poverty...
See, if we don't deal "straight up" and constructively with these sorts of problems - "they (the problems) will" - as the saying goes - "deal with us" [generation after generation of pain and heartache / generation after generation of stunted social, economical, political (and sometimes, even physical) growth -- shattered lives all too often inclusive of high rates of drug and alcohol abuse, children birthing and raising children, domestic violence and other types of traumatic events..., etc.]
Yeah, 45+ years later, it still hurts!
And although Appalachia (I studied up on this whilst in college) is certainly the "poster child" of rural poverty...
I could / a whole bunch of people could (from right here in New York State) - tell you a lot of horror stories of my / our own.
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Hope: One Word Says It All... Obama-Biden 2009" [Click Photo to Link to "One Hope.." / You Tube]
Photo / Copyright by NS
To My "Sisters": I received this on MySpace and it was so beautiful I wanted to pass it on...
"... The lady reading this is beautiful, classy and strong... Help her live [] life to the fullest [] Promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations [] Help her shine in the darkest places [] Protect her at all times..."
My Inaugural [Barack Obama 2009] Poem (Copyright, NS)
My New Year's oath To you and me Was to become All I can be
To live my muse Pursue my dreams With every drop Of energy...
And courage Drawn up from My toes...
The fear I've known... The fear I've known...
Handcuffed and chained To walls of pain This year, I say, "No more."
And, as I stand Before you now A poet, dreamer, Silly clown...
To celebrate Obamas day...
I have to say... I have to say...
Though I am white My oath is true
My commitment firm I've much to do
For I am, indeed, A lot like you...
My freedom card Long overdue.
And, although each day Can be tough to face
It is worth the price Because all our fates
Depend on you... Depend on me...
On everyone struggling To be free...
From the pain That holds us back
(So much locked up inside)
Speaking its truth... Speaking its truth...
Through all the tears We've cried...
I really tried to hide... I really tried to hide...
But this is the year... This Is the year...
That I've been Waiting for...
This is the year... This is the year...
I finally say, "No more."
And join The chorus Of voices Singing...
"We can!"
NS [MoveOn.org Civic Action Member / Inaugural Party (Obama 2009) Host] [Copyright Jan. 2009]
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