Man Up and Pray

Your home's in foreclosure,

Your son's in Iraq,

You've got no insurance

for your gout attack.

Your job's gone to China,

Your wife's run away,

So why don't you man up and pray?

Man up and pray

Man up and pray

Jesus is gonna be comin' today.

He'll pay all your bills

and make war go away.

So why don't you man up and pray?

Throw the Bum Out

Senator Jim Bunning, a wonderful baseball player, has aspired to a place far below any steroid or black Sox player could even imagine. Cutting off health care for the unemployed is immoral. I wonder who bought off or is blackmailing Jim to make him so cold hearted. If you keep the steroid users and gamblers out of the Hall, maybe you should consider kicking out the heartless.

Lynne Stewart in her own words

The following is excerpted from an interview that Lynne Stewart did with Pacifica’s Democracy Now just prior to her imprisonment. She explains key features of her case.

LYNNE STEWART: I represented Sheikh Omar at trial—that was in 1995—along with Ramsey Clark and Abdeen Jabara. I was lead trial counsel. He was convicted in September of ’95, sentenced to a life prison plus a hundred years, or some sort—one of the usual outlandish sentences. We continued, all three of us, to visit him while he was in jail—he was a political client; that means that he is targeted by the government—and because it is so important to prisoners to be able to have access to their lawyers.

Sometime in 1998, I think maybe it was, they imposed severe restrictions on him. That is, his ability to communicate with the outside world, to have interviews, to be able to even call his family, was limited by something called special administrative measures. The lawyers were asked to sign on for these special administrative measures and warned that if these measures were not adhered to, they could indeed lose contact with their client—in other words, be removed from his case.

In 2000, I visited the sheikh, and he asked me to make a press release. This press release had to do with the current status of an organization that at that point was basically defunct, the Gama’a al-Islamiyya. And I agreed to do that. In May of—maybe it was later than that. Sometime in 2000, I made the press release.

Interestingly enough, we found out later that the Clinton administration, under Janet Reno, had the option to prosecute me, and they declined to do so, based on the notion that without lawyers like me or the late Bill Kunstler or many that I could name, the cause of justice is not well served. They need the gadflies.

So, at any rate, they made me sign onto the agreement again not to do this. They did not stop me from representing him. I continued to represent him.

And it was only after 9/11, in April of 2002, that John Ashcroft came to New York, announced the indictment of me, my paralegal and the interpreter for the case, on grounds of materially aiding a terrorist organization. One of the footnotes to the case, of course, is that Ashcroft also appeared on nationwide television with Letterman that night ballyhooing the great work of Bush’s Justice Department in indicting and making the world safe from terrorism.

The course of the case followed. We tried the case in 2005 to a jury, of course sitting not ten blocks from the World Trade Center, and an anonymous jury, I might add, which I think went a long way to contribute to our convictions. And all three of us were convicted. Since that time, the appeals process has followed. The appeal was argued almost two years ago, and the opinion just came like a—actually like a thunderclap yesterday. And to just put it in perspective, I think, it comes hard on the heels of Holder’s announcement that they are bringing the men from Guantanamo to New York to be tried.

Government Death Panels

Trillions for war, trillions for Wall Street, trillions in corporate profits - but money for the aged poor is off the table. The government is cutting Social Security increases for the elderly. Yes we do have death panels Mrs. Palin. As the aged poor will choose between food and medication. Welcome to change you can believe in.

Time to Spread the Pain

It is criminal that we have let a few bear the burden for our wars. These broken soldiers who have been deployed three, four, and five times to the wars are suffering from stress disorders, brain injuries, wounds, and death. If these wars are truly legitimate and are making our country safer, we should all be required to bear the burden. The politicians are fearful that a draft would put the war into all our lives and finally bring the people to judge whether they believe these wars are worth the cost. No deferments for the wealthy. Maybe when rich children start coming back in body bags, things will change.

The Hypocrisy of "Right to Life"

The people who claim that all human life is sacred and focus on abortion rights really don't care that much about human life. They choose the abortion issue because it is convenient and easy to pretend to have the moral high ground on human life. Where is their commitment to those who die from not having health insurance, lack of food, lack of medical research, or war.

What about the estimated 22,000 (Institute of Medicine 2006) Americans who die annually because they do not have health care? The "right to life" people could easily afford to provide health insurance for these 22,000 for pennies a day. But, they do not.

We live in a world where 1 in 6 people - 1.2 billion - do not have enough to eat. An estimated 80,000 people a day worldwide die of starvation from hunger, lack of clean water, and easily treatable diseases. Yet, they are allowed to die, day after day, year after year. The "right to life" people have the financial ability to end this massive die-off. The UN estimates that it would cost 195 billion a year to feed the hungry. Conservatively assuming there are 30 million people in the U.S. who profess right to life, it would cost $6,500 per person. But, they turn their backs. If they were really committed to life, they would donate this money instead of pursuing their materialistic lifestyles.

Stem cell research is another area of hypocrisy. What about the people who would be kept alive by the results of this research? Don't they have a right to life? If a fertilized embryo in a fertility clinic is going to be discarded, wouldn't it be better for humanity to make use of this genetic material? This issue, as are many, is not black and white but gray. Stem cell research may destroy life in a way but also save it.

Wouldn't we all like to live in a world where all children are born, able to be fed, and cared for. But, we do not.All of us would agree that abortion is not an acceptable method of birth control and that the frequency of abortions should be reduced. Yet, the "right to life" sector refuses to back methods that have been proven to reduce abortion - education and access to birth control. The Bush administration's edict to fund only abstinence programs, in order to appease this group, caused more unwanted pregnancies. Abstinence programs do not work. Education and access to birth control programs do. It doesn't cost a penny to say stop abortion. But, it would really show your commitment to life by shelling out thousands for education and birth control programs. If you believe in life, then why not?

Where were the right to life people when the Bush administration attacked the country of Iraq? His devastating decision has caused the deaths, injuries, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis. And yet, these are the people who voted to elect Bush. Sure, they were manipulated by the issues of gay marriage and abortion. But, how do they reconcile the killings of an attack on a country that did not attack us? Aren't the Iraqis human? Isn't their life sacred?

If the people who read this truly believe life is sacred, they can demonstrate this by confronting these issues. Protest and vote against a candidate who would espouse an illegal and immoral attack on a country. Fight and vote for a national healthcare system that covers all. Contribute and advocate for programs that end world hunger and teach and distribute birth control. Yes, these issues are costly and difficult. But, if you believe life is sacred, you can find a way.

Kirk plays stupid politics

Mark Kirk's (R-IL) political game to cement right wing voters is both foolish and expensive. Kirk's plan for stiffer penalties for high potency pot would throw more resources into the failed war on drugs. Dear Rep Kirk, if you have not been paying attention, stiffer sentences will not solve the problem. The United States has a higher percentage of it's citizens in prison than any other nation on earth. Putting more people in jail for a longer period will not solve the problem. Should we have made stiffer penalties for more potent moonshine during prohibition? Right. Marijuana should be legalized, regulated and taxed. Problems with children and drugs are more complicated than longer sentences. Poverty, abuse, and neglect are the fuels of the fire. Address these issues, Mr. Kirk, and you will have done something.

The Blood of Dead Americans

The recent health care hearings run by senator Baucus were a sham that showed our Congress is really owned by corporations like big pharma and not the people. The failure to not have even one voice for single-payer health care on the panel shows that the Senator and his cabal are in the hip pocket of corporate health. Those of us who support single-payer were reduced to being represented by brave members of the audience who spoke out against this omission. They were duly arrested. All of the other industrialized nations of the world have a nationalized system of health care. It is estimated that 22,000 people die each year due to lack of health insurance (Institute of Medicine 2006). Senator Baucus, you have the blood of dead Americans on your hands.

Obama shows his true master

Those of you who were naive enough to think that things were going to change in this plutocratic miasma of D.C. have to take a good look at what is transpiring. President Obama has decided to give those that committed torture the big pass. His mantra of looking forward is so pathetic. Maybe we should let all the murderers out because we want to look forward. You either believe in the rule of law and justice or you do not. At best you let criminals free and destroy our image in the world. At worst you pave the way for a future generation of fascist world.
First there was the promise of getting all the troops out of Iraq and the "all combat troops" but leaving a "residual force" three card monte. Now we are going to let the murderers, kidnappers, and torturers go because we are looking forward.
All that change and hope and promise.

More children for a mother who already has 6 hurts us all

The recent birth of octuplets to a mother who already had six kids brings to the fore the irresponsible behavior and selfishness of some parents. Every day on planet earth, an estimated 40,000 children die of starvation. Many experts believe that our planet is past the point of sustainability for the population that now exists. Many of the planet's maladies - global warming, starvation, crime, pollution, etc. - can be linked directly to over population. But, you say, there is plenty in America. What cost does the planet pay by a society that has 5 per cent of the population and consumes 30 percent of the planet's resources? A child born in America puts a larger strain on the planet's resources than one in underdeveloped countries.
In a perfect world, anyone should be free to do anything. But, when the freedom of one affects the freedom of another, we have to compromise. Should a society deny an unsafe person a driver's license? Should a free society deny a person the ability to burn leaves in his yard? Or build anything he wants on his property? The answer we have come to is yes, the society can deny these freedoms for the good of all. In the same way, we must recognize the need to curb population growth for the good of all.
The process must start with the education of children and the open access to family planning and contraception.

Arrest Karl Rove

Ex-president George W. Bush enjoyed touting how we were a democracy dedicated to transparency in governing and that made us superior to despotic governments on the planet. The refusal of Karl Rove to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee makes that statement a bold face lie.
Sure, there is precedent that the President has the right to receive private advice from his advisers. But, the investigation has nothing to do with advice to the President. It has to do with the Justice Department using it's power to punish political foes.
Rove has the right to not answer questions that involve advice to the President or questions that would incriminate himself. He does not have the right to deny the subpoena of the Congress and answer questions that do not fit into these categories.
If we do not pursue these charges, we set a dangerous precedent. The Congress has the Constitutional authority to conduct oversight. If they are denied this right, any Executive branch official can refuse to testify on grounds of executive privilege FOREVER.

Bush and Co. ignored warnings of roadside bombs

The recent Pentagon Inspector General report that postulated before the war that roadside bombs (i.e.d.'s) would be a tactic used by an insurgency. The bureaucrats that ignored this intelligence are guilty of negligence for the thousands of soldiers who have been killed or wounded for inadequate protection from i.e.d.'s. Rumsfeld tried to run this war on the cheap without adequate preparation. Lack of proper body armor and a paucity of up-armored vehicles have been well documented since the beginning of the war. What did they figure? That a wounded soldier was less expensive than a MRAP (mine resistant vehicle)? The thousands of wounded soldiers and the families of the dead should sue the American government for negligence.

The Shame of Katrina Neglect

The recent article in Newsweek about the health of the children that are refugees from Katrina is a shameful reminder of the corruption, negligence, and inhumanity of the current administration. The study by the Children's Health Fund found 41% of the children with anemia, 42% with respiratory problems, and more than half with mental health problems. While the corporate dinosaurs go to spas and fly on corporate jets on taxpayer money, the poor children of refugees are horribly neglected. This is an abomination. The bureaucrats who let this happen should be tried and imprisoned for their negligence. Shame on you and may you become anemic, sick, and traumatized like the children you have abused.

Conditions for Big Three Bailout

After the stupidity and greed of the US automakers have made them jump into their corporate jets and crawl up to the Hill with a tin cup in hand, the government needs to tie any bailout to conditions. Their collusion with Big Oil to curtail mass transit in cities for the madness of more superhighways and more gridlock has put our country in a deep hole at the mercy of OPEC and increased CO2 emissions. Their tack of making bigger metal rather than fuel economy was a short term boon that led to a long term disaster. And, their scheme to kill the electric car has left the foreign automakers way out in front in that technology.The conditions for the bailout should be:1. The automakers will change their development strategy to produce plug-in hybrid cars.2. They should develop trucks and buses that run on natural gas.3. They should enter the field of mass transit systems and develop mass transit strategies for large cities.4. They should cap management compensation at 25 times the salary of the average worker.5. They should agree to minimum worker standards in their overseas plants.Their short-term greed strategy has put the country into this mess and to hand them over our tax money without oversight would be criminal.

"Change" the world needs

Dear President-elect Obama,
Congratulations on your election.
Please consider instituting the following in your new administration:

!. Join the International Criminal Court
2. End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
3. Re power America with subsidies for plug-in hybrids, a smart grid system, wind farms in the Midwest corridor, solar farms in the southwest, natural gas system for trucks, conservation tax credits, carbon tax, etc.
4. Appoint a special prosecutor to investigate fraud leading to the economic meltdown
5. Raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour and tie increases to the cost of living index
6. Introduce a single-payer, private delivery national health care system
7. Repeal tax cuts for the wealthy
8. Appoint an independent debate commission that is not controlled by the Democrats and Republicans
9. Cut the bloated military budget
10. Devise a national program to rebuild the infrastructure
11. Tie all international trade agreements to worker rights
12. Close Guantanamo prison
13. Outlaw all torture by Americans, and allowing detainees to be taken to other countries for torture
14. Support U.N. efforts with funds and troops to Dar fur and Congo
15. Legalize medical marijuana and decriminalize marijuana possession
16. Outlaw all electronic voting systems and go to paper ballot systems

President Obama: Join the International Criminal Court

Reagan's "shinning city on the hill" has become a bunker with guard dogs, searchlights, razor wire, and gun towers. Will President Obama prove that we are a nation committed to laws and not just the power of men in office? It is imperative that Obama show this to the world by joining the International Criminal Court as soon as he attains office. Bush and Co.'s argument that Americans should only be judged by Americans is unacceptable when confronted with war crimes. In order to become the "shinning city", the United States has to demonstrate that the rule of law is a cornerstone to civilization.

CNN the new Fox News

I just heard a "pundit" on CNN call Al Franken a lunatic and it was not challenged by anyone on the panel. This just shows that CNN is nothing but the new Fox News clone and is nowhere near the "center" of American politics. Shame on you CNN.

Throw the bums out

The Democrats ran in 2006 on a platform to stop the war in Iraq. Since they acquired the majority in Congress, they have taken impeachment off the table and have voted to fully fund the war in Iraq.
Why?
Is it possible that the Democratic strategy was to let the Bush regime continue to hang itself so they could win a filibuster proof majority in Congress and win the Presidency?
It has been said that Nixon decided to keep troops in Vietnam because it would help in his re-election bid in 1972. Did the Democrats use the same strategy? It seems they kept funding the war because of Bush's rhetoric about not supporting the troops. This would have been a banner tactic in the current election to say the Democrats didn't support our troops because they cut funding.
If Pelosi, Reid, et al decided to keep funding the war for political purposes they are just as guilty as the rogue administration that sold us this tragedy. Is gaining political advantage a higher priority than stopping the deaths and maiming of innocent Iraqis and U.S. forces?
The Democratic majority in Congress should be ashamed of failing to do their Constitutional duty to impeach this President who violated the Constitution and the rule of international law. The Democratic majority in Congress should be ashamed of continuing to fund this illegal, immoral war.

AIG scoundrels

Where is the anger over AIG executives?
Taxpayers bailout a mismanaged company with their hard earned dollars and what do these scoundrels do? They go on a $440,000 resort junket. The majority of this company is owned by the U.S. taxpayer due to the 85 billion dollar bailout. As a part owner of AIG, I want those executives who got rich due to their economic scams to get $6.55 an hour until they pay back the funds to the Fed. I want them to share in the lifestyle of the people who were scammed into buying mortgages that they could never hope to payback. I want them to live the lives of the people whose pension funds have been destroyed by these fraudulent financial practices. These people trying to make ends meet on $6.55 an hour are the ones who will be hurt the most as their jobs disappear and the value of their earnings shrinks.
Who does our government bailout? The rich. So they can continue to have their $1000 dollar hotel rooms and their manicures and pedicures. Try paying for rent, food, health insurance, education, gasoline, and utilities on $6.55 an hour. Our government should have solved this by helping the poor to refinance. Bottom-up instead of rich-trickle-down.
I cannot understand why the electorate does not stage a tax revolt.
Some fat cat from Wall St. playing Secretary of the Treasury comes to the Hill with a 3 page request for 700 billion dollars with no oversight? Paulson walked away from his doomed company with 500 million. Why shouldn't his fortune go to the bailout? He made his golden parachute from dirty paper and he should be held accountable. Instead, the government gives him a blank check for 700 billion.
This is a government whose President vetoed a bill for an increase of 7 billion a year in health care for poor children while we spend 3 trillion on a war against a country that was of no threat and a who knows how many trillion to come bailout of the rich on Wall Street.
Why isn't there a taxpayer revolt on Washington?
Where is the outrage?

Fire Paulson and Bernanke

Secretary of the Treasury Paulson and Fed Chairman Bernanke have come to Capitol Hill and sounded the alarm for an immediate crisis where 700 billion dollars are needed immediately to rescue the economy. Are you telling me that they had no idea that this was coming and we have to make an hasty decision to appropriate funds with no oversight? They should both be fired or resign because it is their job to monitor the position of financial markets. Why did not they come to the Hill with information sooner to alert the Congress of this looming possibility, so a reasonable, well thought out plan to solve the problem? Their failure shows their incompetence and complicity. As a citizen of the United States and a registered voter, I demand their resignations.