Thursday, August 31, 2006
Way to Go, Amy!
Props to Amy Manuel, Democrat for Denton County Commissioner Precinct Two.
A shame I'm not in that area, or I would vote for her. She stood up against the 121 Toll Road. She even went to the dedication ceremony to speak some truth, but was barred at the door. They're afraid of dissent, it seems. That is disingenuous. I should have some words with the Commissioners about that.
Shame on you guys.
A shame I'm not in that area, or I would vote for her. She stood up against the 121 Toll Road. She even went to the dedication ceremony to speak some truth, but was barred at the door. They're afraid of dissent, it seems. That is disingenuous. I should have some words with the Commissioners about that.
Shame on you guys.
Bush assassinated?
HOLY COW!
The image above is from a new documentary film titled The Death of A President. Here's some info.
Let me be (not the) first to say it: I think Bush is making a concerted effort to topple American liberty in the name of his "Global War" (A.K.A. attempted World War), but this is in really poor taste. No slight to the filmmaker. I hear the movie is quite provoking of thought and discussion. But the words "Bush" and "Assassination" are two that I dread hearing in the same sentence.
Nobody deserves to die. Not even this despot. To fictionalize it in "documentary" form gives me a sour feeling in my stomach.
But I'll still watch it. So, I guess the filmmaker has accomplished his task.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Freedom to Fascism
I saw the new documentary America: Freedom to Fascism a couple days ago. A screener for it somehow ended up on Google Video, and someone in my friends list on MySpace posted a bulletin with a link to it, which I really appreciated.
Well, the video isn't up on the web anymore. It is actually getting a theatrical release, so I guess they want people to pay for it. I'll just tell you right now, it is worth every penny.
GO SEE THIS MOVIE. It'll scare the hair right off your head.
It is not a partisan rant like Fahrenheit 9/11. It is not a dark, involved, paranoid 9/11 Truth outing like Loose Change. It is completely and totally focused on the loss of liberty America has faced over the last 80-or-so years, and what, exactly, the Federal Reserve system is all about.
For instance: Freedom to Fascism claims there is not an actual law that requires citizens to pay INCOME taxes on their wages? As defined by the Supreme Court, wages represent an exchange, not an income. Income is from the sale of an item for profit, and is usually generated through corporate activity.
Aaron Russo, the director of the film, starts from there and paints a terrifying image of the coming struggle for American liberty in the face of an elite class that is determined to break our sovereignty and move toward a one-world government. Soon (2008, to be exact), you will be forced to carry a national ID card. Soon, all cash transactions will be traced. Soon, they will try to implant a microchip in your body. And it will all be done "for your protection." Sounds far-fetched, I know. But you'll be absolutely convinced by the end of this film.
So watch it. Look up show times, buy tickets, and watch it.
------------------------
Update! (Aug. 31, 11:40 a.m.)
My sister Ellen, a lawyer and famed Mommy Blawger, offers her assessment of the income tax claim put out by this film. She writes ...
Well, the video isn't up on the web anymore. It is actually getting a theatrical release, so I guess they want people to pay for it. I'll just tell you right now, it is worth every penny.
GO SEE THIS MOVIE. It'll scare the hair right off your head.
It is not a partisan rant like Fahrenheit 9/11. It is not a dark, involved, paranoid 9/11 Truth outing like Loose Change. It is completely and totally focused on the loss of liberty America has faced over the last 80-or-so years, and what, exactly, the Federal Reserve system is all about.
For instance: Freedom to Fascism claims there is not an actual law that requires citizens to pay INCOME taxes on their wages? As defined by the Supreme Court, wages represent an exchange, not an income. Income is from the sale of an item for profit, and is usually generated through corporate activity.
Aaron Russo, the director of the film, starts from there and paints a terrifying image of the coming struggle for American liberty in the face of an elite class that is determined to break our sovereignty and move toward a one-world government. Soon (2008, to be exact), you will be forced to carry a national ID card. Soon, all cash transactions will be traced. Soon, they will try to implant a microchip in your body. And it will all be done "for your protection." Sounds far-fetched, I know. But you'll be absolutely convinced by the end of this film.
"If the American people ever allow the banks to control the issuance of their currency, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."Sound like what we're looking at today, doesn't it? Our Congress gave away its right to issue our currency in 1913, and it has been a slow descent into fascism since then.
- Thomas Jefferson
So watch it. Look up show times, buy tickets, and watch it.
------------------------
Update! (Aug. 31, 11:40 a.m.)
My sister Ellen, a lawyer and famed Mommy Blawger, offers her assessment of the income tax claim put out by this film. She writes ...
It depends on how you define the word "law". It would be correct (I assume; I didn't look it up) that there is not an actual *statue* that requires citizens to pay income taxes on their wages. But in the US we inherited the English Common Law system which means that "The Law" is not the same as the statute. It includes hundreds of years of jurisprudential custom and interpretation (i.e. case law) as well as regulations. See Wiki.She also links here.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Hold on just a second!
I do not know Kurt Maynard.
But he liked my article about SFC Donald Buswell. However, before this comes back on me or anyone involved with this story, I do not approve some of the statements he made in this article.
I specifically take issue with this:
That's all.
But he liked my article about SFC Donald Buswell. However, before this comes back on me or anyone involved with this story, I do not approve some of the statements he made in this article.
I specifically take issue with this:
ItÂs a lot like the Mel Gibson case, according to a Fox News poll, more than eighty percent of Americans literally donÂt care what Gibson said about the Jews, but weÂve been forced to hear what the Jewish media thinks about him every day over the last three weeks.
[SNIP]
I loathe the Jewish state, recognize it for what it is, a terrorist state, and will never support them.I do not agree with his statements regarding Israel, and I do not wish to be associated with such speech. I'm glad he liked my article about this soldier being investigated for dissent, but the tangent on Israel is a little much. I just want to get out ahead of this and state, for the record, I do not second this sentiment.
That's all.
George Bush doesn't like black people
Monday, August 28, 2006
4,300 dead or disabled, no questions asked
From Political Cortex ...
Another article about today's chemical and drug testing on vets.
I am a TEST VET.Read the rest ...
We took an oath of secrecy. Honorable men keep their oaths. But there is no honor in protecting the predators who used us and then abandoned us. It is time for the TEST VETS to speak out.On August 25th, I will be 51 years old. I have had a stroke, 7 heart attacks, a failed triple bypass, heart ejection fraction of 25%, COPD, skin abnormalities, foot fungus and rashes. This all started in 1992 when I was 36. I am in contact with 11 other "test vets" and we all have heart problems and multiple health issues. We are all ignored by the VA
Why the hell won't anyone ask Cheney and Rumsfeld about their Chemical Weapons and drug experiments in 1974 and 1975? While they were in the Ford Administration, Cheney and Rumsfeld, violated the Nuremberg Codes of 1947 by using enlisted men as human test subjects for chemical warfare. From 1952 thru 1975, they used 7120 enlisted men in these experiments.
The health study contacted the participants in 2000 and found that 75% of them were either dead or disabled.
Another article about today's chemical and drug testing on vets.
Applicable scripture and Religious-Right nuttyness
Here's a couple verses of scripture that made me smile this morning ...
Yet we've got these crazies saying "Peace and security," driving us toward disaster with a grin on their faces. And what in God's name are they doing to their kids?!? Am I alone in thinking that is a little sick? These are the people who still sport W '04 stickers on the back of their SUV's.
Let's not sleep. Let us stay alert and be sober. I don't want these maniacs to get us all killed. For crying out loud, they're dressing their kids up like Junior Klansmen!
1st Thessalonians, Chapter 5Kind of applicable to our present situation, wouldn't you say?
3. People are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.
5. For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.
6. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.
Yet we've got these crazies saying "Peace and security," driving us toward disaster with a grin on their faces. And what in God's name are they doing to their kids?!? Am I alone in thinking that is a little sick? These are the people who still sport W '04 stickers on the back of their SUV's.Let's not sleep. Let us stay alert and be sober. I don't want these maniacs to get us all killed. For crying out loud, they're dressing their kids up like Junior Klansmen!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Word games
Friday, August 25, 2006
James Hill, Drunken Pirate for Congress
A bit about James Hill (from his website) ...
The Pirate's Stand
Honesty as a practice
What you see is what you get. I am the only drunken Pirate seeking office in this great nation. What a sad testimonial to our political system when a degenerate like me, feels like the most honest candidate on the ballot. I am not talking the chrome plated crap my opponents throw out. I am talking about deep from the heart honesty. This pirate believes that holding public office demands real sacrifice. Every aspect of my personal life must be laid to the blade and exposed. My medical history. My financial history. My employment history. My family history out in the open for your scrutiny. It is my offer to you. It will be my way of showing real sacrifice to serve you. We as voters have not asked enough of candidates. For the $150,000 annual salary, candidates should be subjected to intense public scrutiny.
The result will bring a more honest open type of person to the race. You will see the false Christians and smarmy trained monkeys recede to the shit-holes they crawled from. This challenge is not to be taken lightly. Can the American voter accept a flawed person or even down right ugly one to represent them? Every day I fight the urge to drink, debauch women out of wed-lock and beat people on the street. One urge I do not have is to sell myself to the highest bidder. I see new accounts every day. These ‘men’ who sell their influence like common whores. Duke Cunningham and his bribe menu sound familiar? William Jefferson with $90.000 k in his freezer ring a bell?
I would have your wife right in front of you. I would smoke the last of your glaucoma medication. Then I will surely drink your liquor cabinet dry. However, know this my friend. I will never break an oath to uphold the public trust. My affidavit will be signed in my own blood. A Pirates crimson mark, with real binding effects into my after life. Laugh if you will then ask yourself if you could do it.
James Hill, Drunken Pirate for Iowa's first congressional district.
-----------------------
Isn't that a man you would just love to see elected? I hereby endorse the Drunken Pirate, for even he is more honest than any Republican on any ballot.
Mahalo.
The Pirate's Stand
Honesty as a practice
What you see is what you get. I am the only drunken Pirate seeking office in this great nation. What a sad testimonial to our political system when a degenerate like me, feels like the most honest candidate on the ballot. I am not talking the chrome plated crap my opponents throw out. I am talking about deep from the heart honesty. This pirate believes that holding public office demands real sacrifice. Every aspect of my personal life must be laid to the blade and exposed. My medical history. My financial history. My employment history. My family history out in the open for your scrutiny. It is my offer to you. It will be my way of showing real sacrifice to serve you. We as voters have not asked enough of candidates. For the $150,000 annual salary, candidates should be subjected to intense public scrutiny.
The result will bring a more honest open type of person to the race. You will see the false Christians and smarmy trained monkeys recede to the shit-holes they crawled from. This challenge is not to be taken lightly. Can the American voter accept a flawed person or even down right ugly one to represent them? Every day I fight the urge to drink, debauch women out of wed-lock and beat people on the street. One urge I do not have is to sell myself to the highest bidder. I see new accounts every day. These ‘men’ who sell their influence like common whores. Duke Cunningham and his bribe menu sound familiar? William Jefferson with $90.000 k in his freezer ring a bell?
I would have your wife right in front of you. I would smoke the last of your glaucoma medication. Then I will surely drink your liquor cabinet dry. However, know this my friend. I will never break an oath to uphold the public trust. My affidavit will be signed in my own blood. A Pirates crimson mark, with real binding effects into my after life. Laugh if you will then ask yourself if you could do it.
James Hill, Drunken Pirate for Iowa's first congressional district.
-----------------------
Isn't that a man you would just love to see elected? I hereby endorse the Drunken Pirate, for even he is more honest than any Republican on any ballot.
Mahalo.
Burgess is STILL Playin'
Here's part two of Steve Southwell's wrap-up of a recent town hall given by Tom DeLay's best buddy, my Congressman, Michael C. Burgess.
Eat it with a spoon.
Eat it with a spoon.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Katherine Harris - my favorite fascist
Katherine Harris, the woman responsible for nullifying the 2000 vote recount in Florida and giving the keys to the world to Dubya, is making some pretty nutty statements. For instance, did you know that there is no such thing as an election? That's news to me. But hey, if Harris says so, it must be true!
From a recent interview ...
"Huh?"
Yeah, that's about right.
From a recent interview ...
"We have to have the faithful in government and over time, that lie we have been told, the separation of church and state, people have internalized, thinking that they needed to avoid politics and that is so wrong because God is the one who chooses our rulers."Allow me to summarize what you're thinking ...
"Civil rights have to do with individual rights and I don't think they apply to the gay issues. I have not supported gay marriage and I do not support any civil rights actions with regard to homosexuality."
"Florida is the forerunner state. ... [W]hat happens in Florida sets the trend for what happens nationally. And with this election, if Bill Nelson wins, it’s going to be a very frightening proposition in 2008 in the presidential elections because whoever wins Florida will win the presidency."
"Huh?"
Yeah, that's about right.
Burgess is Playin'
The Who's Playin blog has an interesting rundown of Congressman Burgess' town hall meeting a few weeks ago. I had planned on attending, but was side-tracked at the last moment. Its a good read. (But Steve, I'd suggest buying a digital recorder - cheap and effective for getting those quotes.)
Digg it.
Digg it.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
McDonalds gives away toy Hummers?
Yes, its true. McDonalds will be giving away toy Hummers in their HAPPY MEALS. And there is a wonderful new site fighting back. Go on, be an Iconoclast.
I did:
I did:
The Decider takes a decisive fall
Snap. This reporter really tripped Bush up.
QUESTION: A lot of the consequences you mentioned for pulling out seem like maybe they never would have been there if we hadn’t gone in. How do you square all of that?
BUSH: I square it because imagine a world in which you had Saddam Hussein, who had the capacity to make a weapon of mass destruction, who was paying suiciders to kill innocent life, who had relations with Zarqawi.
You know, I’ve heard this theory about, you know, everything was just fine until we arrived [in Iraq] and — you know, the stir-up-the-hornet’s- nest theory. It just doesn’t hold water, as far as I’m concerned.
The terrorists attacked us and killed 3,000 of our citizens before we started the freedom agenda in the Middle East. They were …
QUESTION: What did Iraqi have to do with that?
BUSH: What did Iraq have to do with what?QUESTION: The attacks upon the World Trade Center.
BUSH: Nothing. . . . .Except for it’s part of — and nobody’s ever suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a — Iraq — the lesson of September the 11th is: Take threats before they fully materialize.
Raw Story supports Buswell
Wow.
I'm very glad to see so many people rally to SFC Donald Buswell's side. He needs all the friends he can get, and thankfully, one of the best news aggregators on the web, The Raw Story, posted a link. Dig it ...
The phone calls and email haven't stopped. So, just in case somebody is trying to contact me regarding this story but cannot find my contact information, here you go ...
Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
Office: (972) 966-0631 ext. 226.
Email: gonzomuckraker (at) gmail.com
I'm very glad to see so many people rally to SFC Donald Buswell's side. He needs all the friends he can get, and thankfully, one of the best news aggregators on the web, The Raw Story, posted a link. Dig it ...
The phone calls and email haven't stopped. So, just in case somebody is trying to contact me regarding this story but cannot find my contact information, here you go ...Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
Office: (972) 966-0631 ext. 226.
Email: gonzomuckraker (at) gmail.com
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Comments on 9/11 story
Just checked in on The Iconoclast's website, and to my great shock, there are quite a few people commenting on the story about SFC Donald Buswell. Over 20, presently.
**Update (Wednesday, 9:58 a.m.) -- Over 100 comments. The thing is on 911truth.org, 911blogger.com, TheRawStory.com and spreading fast. My phone keeps ringing!
**Update (Wednesday, 9:58 a.m.) -- Over 100 comments. The thing is on 911truth.org, 911blogger.com, TheRawStory.com and spreading fast. My phone keeps ringing!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Army: doubting official 9/11 story is "Disloyal to the United States"
Iraq Veteran under investigation for dissent
By Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
For The Lone Star Iconoclast's August 21, 2006 edition
FT. SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Forty-one-year-old Sergeant First Class Donald Buswell is a hero. Having served over 19 years in the United States Army, Buswell has seen a lot of terrain. On April 15, 2004, he was injured in a rocket attack while serving a tour in Iraq. For this, SFC Buswell was given a Purple Heart. And until recently, Buswell was an Intelligence Analyst stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.
But if one were to ask Buswell’s Commanding Officer what he thinks of the Sergeant, the response would likely sound a little bit more like, "No comment."
Such were the words given to The Iconoclast by Lieutenant Colonel Jane Crichton after inquiring why SFC Buswell is the focus of an investigation initiated by Colonel Luke S. Green, Chief of Staff at Fifth Army in Ft. Sam Houston.
According to unnamed military sources contacted by The Iconoclast, SFC Buswell "used his Government issued email account to send messages disloyal to the United States …" Because of these statements, SFC Buswell could soon find himself dishonorably discharged, court marshaled, or worse.
It all started as a simple response to a common, unsolicited mass email, sent to 38 individuals at Ft. Sam Houston on Aug. 2, 2006. The message, as well as Buswell’s response, is among documents obtained by The Iconoclast. The sender of the first message is identified as "Anderson, Larry Mr JMC". It reads:
This is being sent more as assurance for what happens when a plane hits a nuclear site more so than in response to that German website alleging a government conspiracy related to the 9/11 Pentagon plane crash (though the website does present an interesting perspective) – LarrySubject: F-4 vs. Concrete Wall
Take a look at this clip [not included] and you’ll get a good feel for what happens to an airplane when it hits a concrete wall. Many of you have seen the produced (but not factual), Michael Moore-esque website that asks the question; "If it’s true that a Boeing airliner hit the Pentagon, what happened to all the parts of it? Why do we not find more pieces of it?
Where did all that mass GO???" (Therefore, the paranoid loony liberal reasoning, 9-11 must have been a US gov’t conspiracy!) Well, for those who question what happened to "all the mass of that airplane".......watch this clip.
It’s the old Air Force engineering tests of the concrete barrier that surrounds nuclear reactor domes —tests to see if it will indeed survive an aerial attack. With the hi-speed cameras rolling, they accelerated an F-4 Phantom to 500mph and.........
Recall: "What happens when an ‘Unstoppable Force’ meets an ‘Immovable Object’???" (Remember, as you watch in slow motion as the F-4 turns to vapor, the Phantom was one of the toughest airplanes ever built).
SFC Buswell responded later that day, saying:
Subject: F-4 vs. Concrete Wall Hello,
I receive many unsolicited e-mails daily, this one I chose to respond to. The below mentioned premise that an F4 Phantom fighter jet hitting that hardened concrete barrier is akin to the alleged 757 hitting the Pentagon is like oil and water; they don’t mix, and they serve to muddy the issue. The issue is 911 was filled with errors in the ‘official report’ and ‘official story’ of that day, and, what happened that day. We all know and saw 2 planes hitting the WTC buildings, we didn’t see the 757 hit the Pentagon, nor did we see the plane crash in Shanksville PA. Both the PA and Pentagon ‘crashes’ don’t have clues and tell-tale signs of a jumbo-jet impacting those zones!
The Pentagon would have huge wing impacts in the side of the building; it didn’t. Shanksville PA would have had debris, and a large debris field; it didn’t.
Getting back to the F4...The Pentagon isn’t a nuclear hardened structure, so I can’t follow your weak logic that since an F4 vaporized itself in a test impact on a nuclear hardened structure that the alleged 757 hitting the Pentagon should have exhibited the same characteristics!
I say Occums razor is the best way to deduce this ‘day of infamy’; if you weigh all options, do some simple studying you will see 911 was clearly not executed by some arabs in caves with cell phones and 3 day old newspapers! I mean how are Arabs benefiting from pulling off 911? They have more war, more death and dismal conditions, so, how did 911 benefit them? Answer: It didn’t. So, who benefited from 9-11? The answer is sad, but simple; The Military Industial [sic] Complex.
It’s not a paranoid conspiracy to think there are conspiracies out there...and, it’s not Liberal Lunacy either, nor is it Conservative Kookiness! People, fellow citizens we’ve been had! We must demand a new independent investigation into 911 and look at all options of that day, and all plausabilities [sic], even the most incredulous theories must be examined.
Upon returning to his office the next day, Buswell discovered the locks had been changed, his security clearance was revoked, and an investigation had been launched. Buswell’s commanding officer, Colonel Luke Green, drafted a letter assigning Major Edwin Escobar to the investigation. According to sources, Colonel Green has asserted that SFC Buswell failed to obey Army regulations when he used his government issued email account to send what have been termed as messages disloyal to the United States with the intent of stirring up disloyalty, in a manner that brings discredit upon the United States Army.
It has been reported that Colonel Green also wrote that SFC Buswell claims to have information proving a conspiracy on the part of the United States Military Industrial Complex to attack targets within the United States, e.g., The Pentagon. Officials have suggested that the email response sent by SFC Buswell may be in violation of CFR 2635.705(a ), DoD-R 5500.7, and Joint Ethics Regulation paragraph 2-301b. These rules SFC Buswell is said to have perhaps violated regulate how soldiers utilize government resources, how they use their off-duty time, and how they use their official time.
The Iconoclast attempted to establish a dialogue with Colonel Green and Major Escobar, but calls were not returned as of press time. SFC Buswell declined to comment on the investigation, but noted that he spoke with his parents about the matter for a period of two days before he was ordered to not disclose any further information.
"My son spoke with me about [the investigation]," said Winthrop Buswell, SFC Buswell’s father. "There was an unsolicited email. My son, without divulging anything, without usurping anything, without doing anything to discredit anyone in any way, simply responded to that saying ‘Yes, there are what if’s. And maybe there is something that is being covered up.’ That’s all that I know. He responded to it, but it was unsolicited. I think – of course, I’m dad, being very much in love with his son and wanting to praise him – because he is a low man on the totem pole, of course he’s of pretty high rank but not quite an officer, that maybe … Maybe an investigation might be the scapegoat for whomever."
"That is so ridiculous," said Winthrop Buswell. "[To say he is disloyal to the United States] is totally ridiculous. And the discourtesy was, ah, very apparent at that particular time. … I’ve always thought the American way is this: to disagree is important. To dissent is important. And my son simply said, without any fanfare, ‘Look, let’s take a look at the whole picture. If you want to take a look at that, maybe there are a few paragraphs that a Michael Moore might want to emphasize.’ That is all that my son has said. Never, however, to at all disparage the country and the patriotism that is so necessary for all of us. But, patriotism, as suggested by FOX News’ [Bill O’Reilly], is following the line of George W. Bush and cohorts completely! All my son is saying is, ‘Hey, maybe there’s a what if.’ Never, though, did he get sidetracked from the fact that [he loves his] country."
"What disturbed him more than anything else, I think, was the fact that the Iraqi citizens suffered so much and are suffering so much now," said Winthrop Buswell. "The time that he was injured, there were several Iraqis burning to death in front of him. He tried to put out the fire. It was a traumatic experience for him. … He spoke about that a number of times, and how terrible that was to see the citizenry being killed and suffering so much."
"One of his heroes is Abraham Lincoln," Winthrop Buswell continued. "And Abraham Lincoln said many things, but one of the things he said - and I’m paraphrasing - was, ‘I may disagree with the fellow who’s speaking, but I will stand and defend his right to speak.’ That’s my son’s position. He does look at the what if’s. But that doesn’t take away from his dedication and his patriotism. I don’t know a fellow who gets more chills running up and down his spine when he sees the flag flying."
"As a boy, [Donald was] always a very curious fellow," he added. "Very daring, but never risking anything or stepping over the line. He loved motorcycles, but was always very cautious about it, always wearing proper clothing, always wearing a helmet. Also, he was very active in little model racing cars. He was in Cub Scouts. I remember walking to the gymnasium with him and having wonderful conversations with him years ago. His mother and I went through a divorce, and that is never easy for anyone. My son was also very close to his grandfather on his mother’s side, and also his grandfather and grandmother on my side. Donald loves railroading, and my father has the best job that anyone could ever have. He’s a locomotive engineer, and my son related to that. My son also has a strong belief in a power greater than ourselves."
"But one of the things that stands out … is his love and his caring," said Winthrop, choking back tears. "He loves children. He’s just the greatest guy, as far as I am concerned. He walks into a room with a big smile on his face. … He’s like my dad – he makes you feel like, you know … I … I care for you. Ah, he’s … He’s my son …"
The Iconoclast will continue reporting on this story as new details become available.
Flub-a-dub-dub
Here we go again. From this morning's presidential press conference ...
"As a matter of fact, some of the more -- I would guess, I would surmise that some of the more spectacular bombings are done by al Qaeda suiciders."[SNIP]
"Now, I recognize some say that these folks are not ideologically -- but I strongly disagree. I think not only do they have an ideology, they have tactics necessary to spread their ideology."He concluded that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction, and Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11. He also said the war will not end so long as he's the president. But here's the kicker ...
He's so concise.BUSH: And my answer is, so long as I'm the president, we will. I clearly see the challenge. I see the challenge to -- with -- with these threats posed to our homeland, and I see the challenge these threats posed to the world.
Helen?
QUESTION: (Chuckles.)
BUSH: What's so funny about me saying "Helen"? (Laughter.)
QUESTION: Israel --
BUSH: It's the anticipation of your question, I guess.
QUESTION: Israel broke its word twice on the truce. And you mentioned Hezbollah rockets, but it's Israeli bombs that destroyed Lebanon. Why do you always give them a pass? And what's your view on view on breaking of your oath for a truce?
BUSH: Hm. Yeah. Thank you.
I -- I'd like to remind people about how this started, how this whole -- how the damage to innocent life, which -- which -- which bothers me, began; what caused this?
QUESTION: Why drop bombs on -- (off mike)?
BUSH: Wait, let me finish. Let -- let -- may I -- let me -- may I -- please, let me finish the question. It was a great question to begin with. The follow-up was a little difficult, but anyway.
QUESTION: (Chuckles.)
BUSH: I know you're waiting for my answer, aren't you, with bated breath.
Rick Perry is a Chump
He's too scared to take part in a serious debate, so his campaign is pulling some monkey business on my beloved National Public Radio.
I think NPR should host a debate between all the candidates BUT Perry. Have the moderator tell everybody listening, "I'm sorry, but Governor Perry refused to take part in this debate. " He'll look bad. Real bad. Interestingly enough, he's in a stronger position to shirk his democratic dues than take on the challengers. He's a suckass and he knows it, but as long as he doesn't have to open his mouth, he just might cruise through to victory.
Chump.
I think NPR should host a debate between all the candidates BUT Perry. Have the moderator tell everybody listening, "I'm sorry, but Governor Perry refused to take part in this debate. " He'll look bad. Real bad. Interestingly enough, he's in a stronger position to shirk his democratic dues than take on the challengers. He's a suckass and he knows it, but as long as he doesn't have to open his mouth, he just might cruise through to victory.
Chump.
Why America is great
Why is America so great? This is why. Now, stop asking me dumb questions.
Far too long
Thursday, August 17, 2006
VOTE NOW!
Tim Barnwell is contending for a $5,000 donation from Sen. Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriots PAC. All he needs is more votes than the other house candidates in the runnings. So, what are you waiting for?
CLICK HERE -- Then VOTE!
This is your chance to help his campaign, and it only takes 20 seconds!
CLICK HERE -- Then VOTE!
This is your chance to help his campaign, and it only takes 20 seconds!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
The Miami Police Riot
Don't you just love it when cops open fire on older women? Here's a nasty little police riot that took place last week in 2003 in Miami. This video was released last week, and now there is a lawsuit pending.
The best part: after it was all over, the cops got together for a "debriefing" where they joke and laugh about shooting an old woman in a red dress IN THE FACE with a rubber bullet. Not to mention all the other people present that day.
The whole line of hundreds of cops just opened fire on the crowd!
Is this the America you want?
The best part: after it was all over, the cops got together for a "debriefing" where they joke and laugh about shooting an old woman in a red dress IN THE FACE with a rubber bullet. Not to mention all the other people present that day.
The whole line of hundreds of cops just opened fire on the crowd!
Is this the America you want?
The bastards will testify
Dick Cheney and Karl Rove are going to be forced to give testimony. Dig it ...
LOS ANGELES, Aug 15 (Reuters) - A lawyer plans to use a legal precedent that allowed President Bill Clinton to be sued while in office to force Vice President Dick Cheney and presidential adviser Karl Rove to testify in a lawsuit brought by former CIA operative Valerie Plame and her husband.The rest ...
California attorney Joseph Cotchett said he will ask a federal court to order Cheney, his ex-chief of staff Lewis "Scooter" Libby and Rove to testify in depositions about their role in disclosing her classified status.
The civil lawsuit accuses them and others of conspiring to publicly identify Plame as a CIA agent to punish her husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, for writing in an op-ed piece that the Bush administration twisted intelligence about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction in the run-up to the Iraq war.
Politics as Usual - YOU'RE ON NOTICE!
Don't Attack Iran
And it seems someone(s) agree with that sentiment. From this morning's L.A. Times ...
WASHINGTON — Seeking to counter the White House's depiction of its Middle East policies as crucial to the prevention of terrorist attacks at home, 21 former generals, diplomats and national security officials will release an open letter tomorrow arguing that the administration's "hard line" has actually undermined U.S. security.[SNIP]
The letter comes as President Bush has made a series of appearances and statements, including a visit Tuesday to the National Counterterrorism Center in McLean, Va., seeking to promote the administration's record on security issues in advance of November's midterm congressional elections.
Gard said the signatories — who included retired Marine Corps Gen. Joseph P. Hoar, head of U.S. Central Command from 1991 to 1994, and Morton H. Halperin, a senior State Department and National Security Council official during the Clinton administration — did not believe that Iran had the wherewithal to build a nuclear weapon in the immediate future and would push the administration to open negotiations with Tehran on the issue.The rest ...
"It's not a crisis," Gard said in a telephone interview. "To call the Iranian situation a 'crisis' connotes you have to do something right now, like bomb them."
Worst. Campaign. Ad. EVER.
This ad is pathetic and hilarious.
I seriously doubt a guy named "Santorum" will win anything ever again.
I seriously doubt a guy named "Santorum" will win anything ever again.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Project Vice; more than just good, clean fun
Project Vice; more than just good, clean fun
By Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
August 15, 2006
By Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
August 15, 2006
They call it “Project Vice” – more of an idea than a place. Based on “Project Hollywood” from Neil Strauss’ legendary pickup artist guidebook “The Game”, the party moves from place to place, and only a select few know about it. The modus operandi: drugs, sex, and more drugs.
Yes, crimes were committed. And yes, minors were involved, even instigating the activity at times. But as far as this writer is concerned, it was just a series of strange and unfortunate events. The names have been changed, but it is all true; every last word. I bought the ticket, took the ride, and bear a warning to any parent of any high school student anywhere near
It started late one Friday night, and ran a savage burn straight through the following Monday morning. A friend had just moved in to a new apartment, the location of which will not be identified. I came by to see the new place, drink a few beers, and possibly play video games; a typical weekend evening in 20-something suburbia. Then, a knock on the door. The “hookup,” as they cheered, had arrived. This, I had not expected.
I looked up to see a tall, scantily clad, younger girl sauntering through the door. We’ll call her Mindy.
“[Expletive], girl,” said Cliff, one of the only “responsible” adults present and, at that point, just an acquaintance of mine. “Why you coming in here all dressed down and [expletive] like that? Shaking that thing like you think we don’t like it.”
Mindy is 16. She attends
“Shut up, Cliff,” she protested. “You’re crazy.”
He shook his head. “You can’t come in here without giving me a kiss on the cheek girl. You know that. You want in, you gotta pay the toll.” He leaned out over the side of his couch and she planted one on him.
“Now, tell me what I want to hear,” he said slyly. “Tell me you got the hookup.”
She nodded and pulled out a cell phone. “I’ve got to call him first,” she said as the call was placed. “How much did you guys want again?”
They were in search of two substances: psilocybin mushrooms and heroine-based ecstasy. Neither were much of a stretch for this girl, who by her own words knows “every [expletive] drug dealer in this [expletive] town.” Needless to say, she was quite popular among her peers, who call her for a variety of black market substances. Oddly, she refuses to smoke pot, or anything for that matter. Afraid of ruining her singing voice, she said; but not in any way skittish about chewing up three ecstasy pills in 10 seconds flat.
Several minutes later, another guest had appeared. This was Joe, a 17 year old former
Joe strutted through the door holding a brown paper bag above his head.
“That’s right, [expletives]!” he yelled. “I got them [expletives] on Lock Down! I run this town! Them little Flower Mound kids just call me up and pay whatever I tell them to. Yeah! Alright, who’s buying?”
This kid - this lanky, sandy-haired, freckled little punk – had pulled out his wallet and was counting money right in the middle of the apartment. He tossed the paper sack down on the counter and nearly a dozen black and gold topped mushrooms spilled out. Someone yelled “Potato chips!” and within seconds the crowd had huddled around the pile, divvying up how much each planned on eating.
In his other pocket, Joe had a bag with nearly 20 heroine-based ecstasy pills. They run $15 apiece, and nearly half were snatched up then and there. Once the dollars had changed hands and the drugs were consumed, Joe left, citing a “deal” he had going with “another band of high school [expletives] out in
Nearly an hour later, I was looking at an entirely different scene. Project Vice had sprung to life.
The place looked like a night club. Once the black lights came on, the walls lit up with previously invisible graffiti. Every inch of the apartment was covered in yellow and pink writing, various artwork, drug references, video game iconography, and more “XX was here” markings than one could count. Generic techno music blew my hair back, and a cornucopia of red, green and blue lights danced across the ceiling. Nearly everyone had elaborate highlighter art all over their arms and faces. Under the black light, they looked like monsters, angels, demons and terrifying, glowing apparitions.
By this time, nearly 20 people – mostly the “friends of friends” types – had filled the apartment. Some were dancing, others were making out in the kitchen, or a closet, or wherever they could find space. Everyone was hallucinating. Everyone, except me.
Taking a survey of the situation, I started noticing that many of these kids were just that: kids. There were probably only two or three Project Lewisville partiers over 20. Realizing this over about a half hour, I became very uneasy. “Paranoid,” as they called me. I did not want to be there a second longer, not that anything but morbid curiosity had kept me in place this long. I skipped out the door for a cigarette, the most harmful of drugs I venture near.
On my way out I grabbed Vice, as he’s asked to be identified in this story, and told him to follow me. Vice was my one actual friend in the middle of this madness. He was the one person I had known for more than six months. And now, he was the Godfather of this small-but-growing group of pubescent party monsters. It all happened quite suddenly. I was surprised, and not pleased. This was a side of him I did not know.
We waddled down the stairs out to the parking lot. He had eaten the shrooms as well, and was preparing to down two tabs of ecstasy before I got to him. The question was simple: “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I almost punched him. He knows better. Or so I thought.
He could only laugh. He laughed so hard he doubled over, trying to catch his breath. He laughed and laughed until tears streamed down his face. This went on for nearly five minutes. Finally, he looked up at me with a sincere expression plastered across his face.
“Listen Vice,” I began. “I know you think you’re having fun, getting stoned and partying and everything, but these are kids, man. You are over 21. Don’t you realize what you’re getting into? This Project Vice is going to land you in a world of pain. And it won’t just be the drugs.”
He glared right at me, his mouth slightly ajar. He blinked a couple times, shook his head back and forth and finally retorted, “Hey! Circles!”
He was tripping circles. Circles everywhere: on my face, in the sky, and covering the trees. My friend had retreated into what he could only describe as Candy Land and Elf World. “Nintendo vision, man!” Talking some sense into him was hopeless, at least for the next eight to 12 hours. I wanted to go back, shoot off an air-horn, slap some sense into these teeny-bopper druggies. But I’m not a cop, and I’m nobody’s parent. I gave up, went home, and after some convincing, finally allowed myself to sleep.
I did not return for two nights. When I finally did make my way back into the first den of Project Vice, nearly half Friday’s partygoers were still there. It had devolved into a destructive cycle of various underage kids taking drugs and having sex, then passing out for several hours, only to wake up and do it again. People were coming and going as they wished, and the door was not locked. All of this, I thought, was a recipe for turning a really bad situation into something much worse: an outright disaster.
The scene had turned rancid. No longer the blaring techno music, there were vomit stains on the carpet, articles of clothing strewn about, and nearly a quarter-inch of disgusting, sticky liquid coating the kitchen tile. Parts of the large living room table were lightly dusted with a thin layer of cocaine. Fast food and trash littered every surface, sticking up between a veritable forest of 40 ounce beer bottles. I walked to the bathroom and interrupted two kids necking in the bathtub. They didn’t mind, and even invited me in to “get twacked,” or in the common vernacular, smoke ice - speed - methamphetamine. Vice claimed that meth is not allowed through the door, and even chased off a couple meth-heads the night prior. He must have missed this couple. Or simply broken the rule.
From what I am told, next week Project Vice will be somewhere new and different, but still within Lewisville. It has found several prospective suitors, and is starting to take on a life of its own. One cannot be sure how many people will attend, or even if it will happen at all. The only knowledge of this suburbanite phenomenon I can impart is that these are your kids, doing things that you will never have any idea of. And if you do not get to know them, talk to them, educate them, and point them in the right direction, a life will end in a terrifying, downward, hallucinogenic spiral, either by overdose, violence, or something far worse.
One dares not imagine the many potential outcomes of this roulette. But be certain of this much: those who spent their last weekend at Project Lewisville will come back, and they will tell their friends. And before you know it, you will be spending some late Friday night scouring their bedroom walls with a black light, searching for that invisible writing, praying it is not a harbinger of darkened futures and lessons best not learned at all.
They are your kids. Do you care enough to know them?
Friday, August 11, 2006
They did WHAT?!?
Okay, I'm all about stopping terrorism. By all means, within the bounds of the law, we should be concentrating our resources on intelligence operations aimed at shutting down these guys before they strike. The liquid bomb thing is a good example, I think ... (Reports were awfully vague, and I find it particularly distasteful for VP Cheney to use secret national security information for political "gain" -- a full day ahead of the busts, but just hours after he had been briefed it was en route.)
My issue: Its the stupidity, stupid.
Bush's troll, Department of Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff, directed airport security personnel to collect all liquids in trash can containers, like these ...
And these ...
So, given the threat was from liquids that, when mixed, could set off an explosion big enough to bring down an airplane ... One must ask: why they are mixing all these supposedly dangerous liquids in an AIRPORT TERMINAL, of all places?
What the hell is wrong with these people?
Feeling safer, America?
My issue: Its the stupidity, stupid.
Bush's troll, Department of Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff, directed airport security personnel to collect all liquids in trash can containers, like these ...
And these ...So, given the threat was from liquids that, when mixed, could set off an explosion big enough to bring down an airplane ... One must ask: why they are mixing all these supposedly dangerous liquids in an AIRPORT TERMINAL, of all places?What the hell is wrong with these people?
Feeling safer, America?
Philadephia Daily b*tch slaps Cheney
Great editorial. An excerpt ...
Soak it up.THESE PEOPLE have no shame. Their contempt for democracy is so great they will stop at nothing to undermine it. Their adherence to fundamentalist beliefs that blinds them to reality is frightening. They must be stopped.
And that's just the Republicans.
Let's start with Vice President Dick Cheney.
Yesterday, Cheney bashed those who voted for Democrat Ned Lamont in the Connecticut Senate primary, claiming that these votes would encourage "al Qaeda types" to think that "they can break the will of the American people."
The idea is that since 18-year incumbent Joe Lieberman lost based on his support for Iraq, Americans opposing the war are waving a white flag of surrender to terrorists.
This is stunningly ignorant logic, as well as annoyingly consistent with the Bush administration's fundamentalist myth that Iraq had ties to al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden - a claim by now well-discounted, most notably by a presidential commission.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
CNN's Lou Dobbs calls for new 9/11 investigation
Barnwell on the Burnt Orange
My local Democratic Congressional candidate Tim Barnwell - TX Dist. 26 - is on today's Burnt Orange Report. They came through with an exceptional interview. Check it out. An excerpt ...
Burnt Orange: Burgess touts the party line of "the fastest growing economy" whereas a BOR reader just pointed out that we have had the worst job growth in 40 years. What do you think can be done to make Burgess's statement actually accurate in the future?Good answer, Tim. Bravo.
Barnwell: Most Americans already know that many of these newly created jobs are at the very bottom of the economic ladder with little or no opportunity to advance. There are several things we can do to change this situation right here in our district.
As a community we should pledge to ourselves to build the finest public education system in the nation right here in North Texas. Imagine the quality and diversity of employers we could attract with an excellent education system. The importance of this to our district’s future cannot be overstated.
Secondly, on the federal level we can enact legislation that encourages business growth in the United States rather than providing tax incentives to ship jobs and manufacturing overseas.
Next, as private citizens we can reward and encourage those businesses which do their part by paying living wages, keeping jobs at home, and being responsible members of our society by purchasing their products and services, as well as investing in their companies.
Former drug warriors make a strong argument
This is a remarkable video, and I encourage you all to watch it and share it with your friends.
For more information, visit L.E.A.P.'s website.
For more information, visit L.E.A.P.'s website.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
UK to "modify freedoms"?
This is a path we must not follow. From the BBC ...
Britain might have to modify its freedoms in the short term in order to prevent their "misuse and abuse" by terrorists, John Reid has said.More here.
He conceeded that was never an easy request, but it was up to everyone to ask "what price our security, at what cost can we preserve our freedoms".
The UK faced its "most sustained period of severe threat since the end of World War II", the home secretary warned.
Get your ASS to Crawford!
Okay, peace-lovers. This is your chance to be part of history. Camp Casey III is going on NOW. Cindy Sheehan is there. So is King George.
So what are you waiting for? Get Your ASS to Crawford!
The little city is just outside of Waco, half way between Austin and Dallas.
If you'd like a little preview of what you will encounter, read the feature article I produced after my last visit, over Easter weekend, 2006 ...
Easter in Crawford, published by the local weekly, The Lone Star Iconoclast.
I personally advise you bring plenty of water, some suntan lotion, light clothing, and signs, banners, or any other protest-related materials. There will be events going on there for the remainder of the month, but Bush will only be in town for the rest of this week.
I highly recommend dropping everything for a couple days and camping out with the Gold Star families, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and all the other groups from all around the nation. Every time I have been, it was not only gratifying but soul-enriching.
Go make history.
I'll see you there this weekend.
Peace in the Middle East,
The Gonzo Muckraker
So what are you waiting for? Get Your ASS to Crawford!
The little city is just outside of Waco, half way between Austin and Dallas.
If you'd like a little preview of what you will encounter, read the feature article I produced after my last visit, over Easter weekend, 2006 ...
Easter in Crawford, published by the local weekly, The Lone Star Iconoclast.
I personally advise you bring plenty of water, some suntan lotion, light clothing, and signs, banners, or any other protest-related materials. There will be events going on there for the remainder of the month, but Bush will only be in town for the rest of this week.
I highly recommend dropping everything for a couple days and camping out with the Gold Star families, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and all the other groups from all around the nation. Every time I have been, it was not only gratifying but soul-enriching.
Go make history.
I'll see you there this weekend.
Peace in the Middle East,
The Gonzo Muckraker
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
A Series of Tubes!
Anyone else know about Alaska Senator Ted Stevens' recent comments about The Internet? No, silly. It isn't a truck. Its a series of tubes! Here's a highlight ...
I just the other day got, an Internet was sent by my staff at 10 o'clock in the morning on Friday and I got it yesterday. Why? Because it got tangled up with all these things going on the Internet commercially.In honor of the esteemed Republican Senator from Alaska, I humbly dedicate this image ...
So you want to talk about the consumer? Let's talk about you and me. We use this Internet to communicate and we aren't using it for commercial purposes. We aren't earning anything by going on that Internet. Now I'm not saying you have to or your want to discriminate against those people. The regulatory approach is wrong. Your approach is regulatory in the sense that it says 'No one can charge anyone for massively invading this world of the Internet.'
No, I'm not finished. I want people to understand my position, I'm not going to take a lot of time.
They want to deliver vast amounts of information over the Internet. And again, the Internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes.
Monday, August 07, 2006
A Republican gets it right?
It is about time. From GOP Senator Chuck Hagel's interview with Bob Schieffer, host of CBS' Face the Nation ...
SCHIEFFER: Senator Hagel, you, of course, have broken with the White House and with many in your own party on this, talking about it is time to start thinking about getting American troops out of there. Where do you go from here, senator, and what happens if we do pull troops out?Watch the whole interview here.
Sen. HAGEL: ...What you do, I think, because we don't have many options--there's no good options here, no good options. I--I would move toward a higher ground toward right back to what you talked about, Bob, the regionalization. I would--I would get the first President Bush, President Clinton involved and try to impanel a--a regional security conference, a regional diplomatic conference. The UN can be part of that. Unless you come at it that way, we're going to be leaving Iraq, and it is not going to be the way we intended to leave Iraq. Because that--that is the direction of where this is going. It is very wrong, Bob, to put American troops in a hopeless, winless situation, just keep feeding them in to--to what's going on. That's irresponsible and that is wrong.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
The Costs of America’s Longest War
By Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
Since the start of America’s War on Drugs, millions of addicts, sellers and producers have been arrested or killed. Trillions in tax dollars have been spent. Our police have become militarized, and our politicians have become hardened to the many tragedies resulting thereof. The body count is immeasurable.
But what has this war wrought upon our society?
First, it guarantees a high crime rate. When the only people who have access to illegal substances are criminals, crime thrives. Gangs do not go to war over turf so much as they battle over drug trade profits.
Second, it allows criminal organizations a supply-side monopoly, and guarantees their exorbitant profits on substances that are otherwise inexpensive to produce. No matter the percentage of their shipments seized by authorities, they continue to live, and live well, off the suffering of others.
Third, it allows and encourages the “gateway” effect, by putting users of drugs such as marijuana in constant and frequent contact with the criminal supply chain, easing their movement from soft to hard drugs via sellers eager to hook a new steady client.
Fourth, only the sellers have control of the purity of their substances, continuing the threat of overdose among addicts.
Fifth, as with any war, propaganda thrives. It hardens the people and their leaders against conducting any truly open and honest research into the matter.
Sixth, even responsible, private, part-time users of who do no physical harm to others are criminalized. Their arrests stigmatize them to the point where re-entry into society is almost a lost cause.
Seventh, this prohibition has tainted many other keystone laws in American society, such as the Fourth Amendment, which protects the people from unreasonable or coercive search and seizure. Police, through nothing more than good intention, trample all over the edges of the constitution to make the bust; all in the name of public safety.
Eighth, it guarantees the continued alienation of society’s youth from their neighborhood protectors. Though many officers are upstanding, right-thinking, moral members of their communities, as long as record numbers of young individuals are wasting away behind bars for what many youths see as a non-crime, society becomes increasingly radicalized against law enforcement.
Ninth, it continues to drain the national treasury of vast sums of tax dollars in what is increasingly being seen as a losing battle. Over $69 billion was spent on the war just last year. The federal government has spent less money revitalizing the American gulf coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Since its outset, the War on Drugs has cost the American taxpayer more than any war or federal program ever launched.
Tenth, with such vast sums of money changing hands, it promises the continued corruption of law enforcement officials.
Truly, it is crime this society battles. It is a safer neighborhood we desire. It is the protection of our children we seek. For what, if any, is the benefit of continuing down a path that has only wrought more crime, corruption and death than any path we have traversed before?
As Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.”
It is time to take control of the War on Drugs. It is time to take control of the supply of drugs. It is time to rip the legs right out from under The Mob, destroy their supply, and safeguard those who would be their victims.
For the sake of our children, our society must seize control of ALL drugs, and treat addiction as a medical problem. Then, and only then, can we begin to address America's criminal element in a meaningful and effective manor.
The War on Drugs must continue. However, it is a new strategy that is needed.
Investigative Reporter
Since the start of America’s War on Drugs, millions of addicts, sellers and producers have been arrested or killed. Trillions in tax dollars have been spent. Our police have become militarized, and our politicians have become hardened to the many tragedies resulting thereof. The body count is immeasurable.
But what has this war wrought upon our society?
First, it guarantees a high crime rate. When the only people who have access to illegal substances are criminals, crime thrives. Gangs do not go to war over turf so much as they battle over drug trade profits.
Second, it allows criminal organizations a supply-side monopoly, and guarantees their exorbitant profits on substances that are otherwise inexpensive to produce. No matter the percentage of their shipments seized by authorities, they continue to live, and live well, off the suffering of others.
Third, it allows and encourages the “gateway” effect, by putting users of drugs such as marijuana in constant and frequent contact with the criminal supply chain, easing their movement from soft to hard drugs via sellers eager to hook a new steady client.
Fourth, only the sellers have control of the purity of their substances, continuing the threat of overdose among addicts.
Fifth, as with any war, propaganda thrives. It hardens the people and their leaders against conducting any truly open and honest research into the matter.
Sixth, even responsible, private, part-time users of who do no physical harm to others are criminalized. Their arrests stigmatize them to the point where re-entry into society is almost a lost cause.
Seventh, this prohibition has tainted many other keystone laws in American society, such as the Fourth Amendment, which protects the people from unreasonable or coercive search and seizure. Police, through nothing more than good intention, trample all over the edges of the constitution to make the bust; all in the name of public safety.
Eighth, it guarantees the continued alienation of society’s youth from their neighborhood protectors. Though many officers are upstanding, right-thinking, moral members of their communities, as long as record numbers of young individuals are wasting away behind bars for what many youths see as a non-crime, society becomes increasingly radicalized against law enforcement.
Ninth, it continues to drain the national treasury of vast sums of tax dollars in what is increasingly being seen as a losing battle. Over $69 billion was spent on the war just last year. The federal government has spent less money revitalizing the American gulf coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Since its outset, the War on Drugs has cost the American taxpayer more than any war or federal program ever launched.
Tenth, with such vast sums of money changing hands, it promises the continued corruption of law enforcement officials.
Truly, it is crime this society battles. It is a safer neighborhood we desire. It is the protection of our children we seek. For what, if any, is the benefit of continuing down a path that has only wrought more crime, corruption and death than any path we have traversed before?
As Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.”
It is time to take control of the War on Drugs. It is time to take control of the supply of drugs. It is time to rip the legs right out from under The Mob, destroy their supply, and safeguard those who would be their victims.
For the sake of our children, our society must seize control of ALL drugs, and treat addiction as a medical problem. Then, and only then, can we begin to address America's criminal element in a meaningful and effective manor.
The War on Drugs must continue. However, it is a new strategy that is needed.
9/11 Widows want new investigation
A statement from the Jersey Girls regarding the 9/11 Commission ...
Recent stories in the Washington Post, the New York Times, as well as the release of the transcripts of the NORAD tapes in Vanity Fair, clearly show that the 9/11 Commission failed in its duties.
According to current reports, the Commission knew that it had been deceived by NORAD. In May 2003, representatives of NORAD testified, in full regalia, before the 9/11 Commission equipped with an easel and visual aids to highlight NORAD’s timeline for the day of 9/11. In June 2004, NORAD testified again, changing its previous testimony. The new timeline blamed the lack of military response on late notification by the FAA.
The Commissioners never determined or explained why there was a discrepancy between the two sets of testimonies. Governor Kean is quoted in the Washington Post article as saying "we, to this day don't know why NORAD told us what they told us, it was just so far from the truth ... It's one of those loose ends that never got tied".
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
If you need me, I'll be in Nutopia
A new documentary, titled The U.S. Versus John Lennon, is set to reinvigorate the American Peace Movement. Recently, film-makers launched two websites to promote the movie.
One, The Grudge Report, offers news items related to the events depicted in the film. A play on popular news website The Drudge Report, Grudge will continue to update as readers send in tips related to the life of Lennon and his battles with the American government.
The other website, Nutopia, promotes the new nation of the same name. Founded by John and wife Yoko Ono back in the 60's, the nation of Nutopia has no broders, passports or written laws. To become a citizen, one must simply declare he or she knows of its existence. The website provides prospective migrants an opportunity to apply for citizenship, though everybody is accepted. It also offers downloads of the classic artwork designed by John and Yoko, declaring that "War is OVER - if you want it." The site also offers a download of the nation of Nutopia's flag, which is a simple white box framed in black.
To view a trailer of The U.S. Versus John Lennon, click here.
One, The Grudge Report, offers news items related to the events depicted in the film. A play on popular news website The Drudge Report, Grudge will continue to update as readers send in tips related to the life of Lennon and his battles with the American government.
The other website, Nutopia, promotes the new nation of the same name. Founded by John and wife Yoko Ono back in the 60's, the nation of Nutopia has no broders, passports or written laws. To become a citizen, one must simply declare he or she knows of its existence. The website provides prospective migrants an opportunity to apply for citizenship, though everybody is accepted. It also offers downloads of the classic artwork designed by John and Yoko, declaring that "War is OVER - if you want it." The site also offers a download of the nation of Nutopia's flag, which is a simple white box framed in black.
To view a trailer of The U.S. Versus John Lennon, click here.
Suspicions justified
Some of my suspicions regarding the events of 9/11 have been justified by The Washington Post today. Check this out ...
Here's another article I must have missed. From The Washington Post circa 2004 ...
More here.9/11 Panel Suspected Deception by Pentagon
By Dan EggenWashington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 2, 2006; Page A03Some staff members and commissioners of the Sept. 11 panel concluded that the Pentagon's initial story of how it reacted to the 2001 terrorist attacks may have been part of a deliberate effort to mislead the commission and the public rather than a reflection of the fog of events on that day, according to sources involved in the debate.
Suspicion of wrongdoing ran so deep that the 10-member commission, in a secret meeting at the end of its tenure in summer 2004, debated referring the matter to the Justice Department for criminal investigation, according to several commission sources. Staff members and some commissioners thought that e-mails and other evidence provided enough probable cause to believe that military and aviation officials violated the law by making false statements to Congress and to the commission, hoping to hide the bungled response to the hijackings, these sources said.
In the end, the panel agreed to a compromise, turning over the allegations to the inspectors general for the Defense and Transportation departments, who can make criminal referrals if they believe they are warranted, officials said.
"We to this day don't know why NORAD [the North American Aerospace Command] told us what they told us," said Thomas H. Kean, the former New Jersey Republican governor who led the commission. "It was just so far from the truth. . . . It's one of those loose ends that never got tied."
Here's another article I must have missed. From The Washington Post circa 2004 ...
FAA Managers Destroyed 9/11 TapeMore here.By Sara Kehaulani GooWashington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, May 6, 2004; 6:16 PM
Six air traffic controllers provided accounts of their communications with hijacked planes on Sept. 11, 2001, on a tape recording that was later destroyed by Federal Aviation Administration managers, according to a government investigative report issued today.
In Memory
The Webster Retort
By Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
August 4, 2006 
Charles Brooke Wood
1983 - 2006
By Stephen Webster
Investigative Reporter
August 4, 2006
In memory of a fallen soldier
On Friday, July 14, 2006, while I was sitting in a newsroom pecking away at a keyboard, my friend Brooke Wood was dying.
Brooke and I were good friends through all of our high school days. He was in R.O.T.C., and talked about becoming a soldier all the time. I was in journalism, and talked about becoming a professional writer all the time. We were on two very different paths, but that never stopped us from being friends. Even when we had fights over girls, it was just water under the bridge.
I remember my graduation night like it was just yesterday. Brooke and I practically walked the stage together, given both our last names start with the same letter. He told me after we sat back down, having turned our tassels, that he had joined up. That night, he said, would be his last in town, at least for a few years.
After the ceremony, Brooke and I went to his church, just down the street. We were both living in a rather small town, so even though I did not frequent this particular house of worship, pretty much everyone there knew me anyway. They were having a going away party for him. While he was social with all the well-wishers, I just sat quietly in the back of the sanctuary, wondering what other radical changes were coming down the pipeline. We drank Red Bull and stayed out all night, putzing around. We had a good time, and then I said goodbye.
I never saw him again.
He joined the Army and became a demolitions expert. If it could explode, Brooke wanted to play with it. It was just in his nature, I guess. He worked with all kinds of various munitions; even Depleted Uranium. Especially Depleted Uranium. What with the Army dumping hundreds of millions of dollars into new DU bombs, and refusing to research the long-term effects of DU poisoning, maybe Brooke was in over his head.
Fact of the matter is, Depleted Uranium is more deadly than Agent Orange. Millions of people have been exposed, and a vast majority suffers because of it. Many die. It causes tumors, birth defects, infections, nervous system disorders and brain damage, to name a few. Some who are poisoned do not know it, and pass on mutated, irradiated DNA to their children who are born terrifying effigies of nature run afoul. But, it is the best of the best. A single DU-tipped bullet can cut through tank armor like butter. It is one of the most powerful weapons in the Army’s arsenal.
And when I think about it, he probably knew all those things and simply did not care. He was like that: a big fan of overwhelming force; the next few generations be damned.
Brooke served his country with pride. Hell, he probably had some fun too. He was a man that Stomped on the Terra. I’d bet Dollars to Dinars that those insurgents never saw what was coming. One minute, they’re planting a roadside bomb. Then … Well, let’s just say he had a sharp eye. He almost went to sniper school.
He returned from his third tour in
According to a few accounts, he was just fine on Tuesday, the 11th. He was partying with friends, downing beers like only a military man can, laughing out loud and having a good time. All the sudden, he fell ill. It came out of nowhere, practically. A brain infection. Tumors. Hemorrhaging. Headaches. Uncontrollable shaking. No energy. And like a bullet taking the short trip down a hot barrel, he died just days after it was discovered. His brain was so swollen that doctors induced a coma. The pain was too great.
I was told about his death by an old friend who I talk to on MySpace.com. She asked me if I remembered him. Like I could forget. I found out he was engaged to a girl named Sarah. And he had a kid on the way. It is a boy, due next March. She found out about the pregnancy just three days after he died.
Was my friend Brooke one of many victims of Depleted Uranium poisoning? That is the question that is weighing heavily on my mind right now. I do not know, but it seems likely. Though I have not seen him in years, when I heard he died, the memories came flooding back. I remember it all, perhaps too clearly.
From the deserts of
The Sand Trap couldn’t kill him. He was too strong for that. But the stink of it ... That’s what did him in.
Pray for his son, that he may not suffer the horrifying effects of Depleted Uranium upon his birth.
I have missed my friend, all these years. Now, I will miss him forevermore.
Charles Brooke Wood1983 - 2006
I want one!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Which one of these is a real plane crash?
Okay, I admit it. I am, as of today, a HUGE skeptic of the official 9/11 story. I have been browsing through the massive evidence cache used in the Zacarias Moussaoui trial, and a couple things are disturbing me ...
For instance: This is a plane crash ...
So, that's my point of reference, as I have never seen one in real life. Now, how does the image below look anything like a plane crash?
This is where United 93 is said to have gone down. So, where's the plane? Where are the parts? The debris field? The bodies? The flames? It looks, to me, like a hole in the ground.
There is some additional material in the 9/11 evidence archive that confused me as well. For instance, these are the only two distinguishable airplane parts, aside from the flight recorder, found at the United 93 crash site ...
Those look an awful lot like the "airplane parts" found at the Pentagon ...
Some say the round engine piece is part of the Global Hawk, a remote-controlled UAV. Additionally, both of those shreds of siding are miscolored and do not exactly match the paint on United or American airlines planes.
I could sit here and hypothesize all day, only to wind up miles away from where I need to be, which is at home. But let it be known that the Muckraker no longer believes anything about 9/11 on face value. I'm officially a skeptic.
For instance: This is a plane crash ...
So, that's my point of reference, as I have never seen one in real life. Now, how does the image below look anything like a plane crash?This is where United 93 is said to have gone down. So, where's the plane? Where are the parts? The debris field? The bodies? The flames? It looks, to me, like a hole in the ground.There is some additional material in the 9/11 evidence archive that confused me as well. For instance, these are the only two distinguishable airplane parts, aside from the flight recorder, found at the United 93 crash site ...
Those look an awful lot like the "airplane parts" found at the Pentagon ...Some say the round engine piece is part of the Global Hawk, a remote-controlled UAV. Additionally, both of those shreds of siding are miscolored and do not exactly match the paint on United or American airlines planes.
I could sit here and hypothesize all day, only to wind up miles away from where I need to be, which is at home. But let it be known that the Muckraker no longer believes anything about 9/11 on face value. I'm officially a skeptic.
Local DJ asks listeners how to "get rid" of Cindy Sheehan
This past Saturday on 98.7 KLUV, based in North Dallas, a disk jockey made some disparaging remarks about Cindy Sheehan. While that certainly would not be the first time such a thing has happened, the local Air America group was up in arms after DJ Jim Prewitt solicited call-ins from listeners.
He asked the public, "How do we get rid of Cindy Sheehan?"
Prewitt also refered to Sheehan as "Cindy SheMan," and speculated what might be done to drive her off her newly-purchased land in Crawford, Texas. The Flower Mound Democrats, responding to calls for support from Dallas Air America members, called and wrote in, decrying what they saw as the solicitation of violence against a private citizen.
After numerous calls and emails from local Liberals, KLUV program director "Peter Z" responded, saying ...
Responding to the initial complaint filed by Judith Bowman-Kreitmeyer - a DFW Air America member - KLUV's Jody Dean wrote ...
He asked the public, "How do we get rid of Cindy Sheehan?"
Prewitt also refered to Sheehan as "Cindy SheMan," and speculated what might be done to drive her off her newly-purchased land in Crawford, Texas. The Flower Mound Democrats, responding to calls for support from Dallas Air America members, called and wrote in, decrying what they saw as the solicitation of violence against a private citizen.
After numerous calls and emails from local Liberals, KLUV program director "Peter Z" responded, saying ...
"I have listened to the tapes and verified the comment. It was spoken by Jim Prewitt, our Saturday night request show host. I have addressed the topic with Jim.
Regardless of votes, polls or anything political, the comments were inappropriate and uncalled for.
While I encourage our staff to say and do things that will inspire feedback, this in no way fits the template of what we're all about.
The issue has been addressed and will not happen again. I appologize for the offensive nature of the broadcast. "
Responding to the initial complaint filed by Judith Bowman-Kreitmeyer - a DFW Air America member - KLUV's Jody Dean wrote ...
Judith ...