["Sex Offender"; as submitted to You Tube by drewsmithvideo on 2/26/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HXaJYlo3bg]
The children and/or parents become the reporters and/or enforcers? [Perhaps, as someone on the panel at a 2007 City Hall meeting on this issue, parents should have to keep their children inside? (I guess the pervs get to use the playgrounds, in that case; so do you still want to fund them?)
["Angry Neighbors Meet About (Convicted) Sex Offender"; as submitted to You Tube by wisn on 11/21/07;
November 21, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POOkRMB0mm8]
This statistic, that most sex offenders know their victims, is a "duh." After all, the perpetrator has been able - in many, if not most cases - to move next door, "befriend" the family, play with the kids at playgrounds - teach (sometimes) the children in school - and even (sometimes) serve the children wafers in church!
["Child Abuse, We need to fight it..."; as submitted to You Tube by moretea on 4/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM5lQWFb1nQ]
Local Issue:
In yesterday's "Daily Freeman" (2/18/09) there was an article titled, "Sex Offender Residency Rule Off the Table" (Patricia Doxey; PP. A1 and A6) - that I think folks should be concerned about.
I have immense respect for U.C. Legislature Chairman Donald Donaldson, based on my limited exposure to him; but I think (strictly my opinion) - in this instance - his legal counsel gave him some bad advice...
The issue is about restricting where registered sex offenders are allowed to set up residence. The "tabled" issue had to do with a proposal to hold a public meeting on the topic / a "proposed local law" - that would restrict "registered sex offenders" from setting up residence (This makes perfectly good sense to me!) within 1,000 feet of a day-care center, school or church.
Chairman Donaldson, apparently based on the advise of his legal counsel, has used a Rockland County case - that was reputedly declared unconstitutional - to table any public discussion of (and/or further action upon?) this proposed law...
Potentially placing (in my opinion) perpetrator rights (we are talking registered offenders!) ahead of child safety needs (We call this justice?) once again!
In the Rockland County case cited [which was reputedly similar to the one being discussed (at least amongst the "powers that be")] locally - it appears as if the law (initially passed) was subsequently declared unconstitutional - at least in part - because a lawsuit was pursued by a convicted sex offender that claimed he had to set up residence near a synagogue (within walking distance) - because he was an "orthodox jew."
Which makes about as much sense to me, as saying that because (this is hypothetical...) I am a drunk - and I lost my license due to a drunk driving conviction - I must be allowed to set up residence in walking distance of a liqueur store (and perhaps... to my church of choice, as well?)...
The article also addresses a rather worn-out weary (but apparently still getting a "bang for its buck") theory that if we don't allow registered sex offenders to live exactly where they choose ('tis a big world out there!) - they will (at least according to some mental health professionals and law enforcement officers) - "choose not to register" - go underground - disappear - making it more difficult to monitor them, etc....
But this makes NO sense to me either!
1. Why is it so important to registered sex offenders that they be able to live within 1,000 feet of a day-care, school or church - when LOADS of people (young, old, able, disabled...) have to get rides, take buses, take taxi's, etc. - to get where they need to go?
2. Isn't it the job of the parole board, probation officers, mental health professionals (when intricately involved) and law enforcement personnel to MAKE SURE that sex offenders who are placed back into society - FOLLOW THE RULES - OR - BE PLACED IN VERY STRUCTURED SETTINGS WHERE THEY CAN BE MONITORED - AND/OR (AS APPLICABLE AND CALLED FOR) BE SENT BACK TO JAIL AND/OR PRISON?
What good is the sex offender registry if the associated conditions are not enforced?
What exactly are we paying all of these people (parole officers, etc.) to do, anyhow? Practice (at the potential expense of our children's health, well being and future potentialities) "unconditional love" for sexual deviants?
Give me a break!
Maybe the law enforcement (et. al.) personnel that don't track their "clients" well enough should face penalties?
How about that?
According to this article, U.C. Legislature Minority Leader Glenn Noonan (who reputedly re-introduced this law in January 09) stands in favor of having a public discussion on this matter - AND in favor of placing restrictions (as noted above) on where (in regards to child safety) registered sex offenders are allowed to live.
And THAT is the boat upon which I float...!
Because I know, from personal experience (and extensive research) - that one sex offender can potentially damage tens or hundreds or thousands of young lives...
Because I know - based on simple LOGIC - that these folks CAN FIND another solution [on the tracking / enforcement end of the spectrum) for their perceived (selfishly?) monitoring problems!
According to this article - and the New York State Sex Offender Registry - there are currently 118 Level Three Offenders (considered the highest risk for re-offending) and Level Two Offenders (one step down / still known to have a considerable risk of re-offending) in Ulster County - many of whom are likely (This is a guess...) living in the City of Kingston, the Town of Ulster, the Town of Ellenville, etc.
118 Registered...
How many ('tis often very difficult to win a conviction in these cases to begin with) unknowns?
Pretty darn scary, I'd say - considering the number of children one sex offender can harm... much less the number of children that over a hundred sex offenders might harm (might we be talking thousands - or more - of potential child victims here?)
I mean really...
If the registered sex offender / Orthodox Jew needed a ride to his religious services, perhaps his parole officer, probation officer - or some such person - should pick him up and take him...
Rather than put - for one person - thousands and thousands and thousands of children (this issue is coming up all across the states) at a heightened risk of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or worse!
Please folks, contact your U.C. legislatures and state your views on this matter!
ALL of them, if need be; and particularly, Chairman Donaldson and U.C. Legislature Minority Leader Glenn Noonan...
Write letters to your local newspaper editors...
Discuss this amongst your own Wards / groups / etc.
Put together a petition...
And/or otherwise put the pressure (Protect our Children!!!!!) on!
Thank You,
Nancy Sue Smith
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Signing Off this Day in PINK... You Tube Videos
"To all of you that have shared your stories, I send you my best wishes. Things can be hard, but don't lose yourself in what you cannot control. I've been through it all, I know how you feel. And I ... [This caption was posted with the following video...]
["Family Portrait - Pink {Lyrics}"; as submitted to You Tube by laylasdarkside on 11/26/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9c63tMU1qk]
Some things [although I don't like the word "stupid"] to think about...
["Stupid Girls - Pink (Lyrics)"; as submitted to You Tube by klkammiller on 12/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCgHEQuVtmw]
Outdated [PINK addressing President George Bush Jr.] --- but still pertinent ---
["Pink - Dear Mr. President (live)"; as submitted to You Tube by homann29 on 8/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKt81sbXYrI]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Family Portrait - Pink {Lyrics}"; as submitted to You Tube by laylasdarkside on 11/26/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9c63tMU1qk]
Some things [although I don't like the word "stupid"] to think about...
["Stupid Girls - Pink (Lyrics)"; as submitted to You Tube by klkammiller on 12/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCgHEQuVtmw]
Outdated [PINK addressing President George Bush Jr.] --- but still pertinent ---
["Pink - Dear Mr. President (live)"; as submitted to You Tube by homann29 on 8/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKt81sbXYrI]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Cancelation Finance Committee Meeting... KAPA Funding Issue on Hold... Please Call and Confirm and Pin Down Future Date and Time
[Photo by NS]Interestingly, KAPA Commissioner Bob Smith just received a phone call from Arlene at Kingston City Hall that the Finance Committee meeting that was scheduled for tonight has been CANCELLED - with no rescheduled date (ahem) settled upon yet...
This, immediately after my having posted notices about it (coincidence?) on this blog, the Kingston Citizen's blog and the Kingston Citizens Ward group (Wards 1-9) sites.
Please do call City Hall [334-3955] though, just to confirm this... and, if you are so inclined, perhaps (re the rescheduling...) your city Alderman, the Alderman at Large and/or Mayor Sottile, as well.
And please do check out the photos, videos, etc. below...
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Thank You,
NS
Combo Post... KAPA... Newspapers... Cities and Towns and Hearts in Shreds... You Tube Videos
Who is claiming (Just one out of many such examples...) bankruptcy?????
"Trump casinos file for bankruptcy a third time - Road Runner" --- http://www.rr.com/news/economy/article/9004/6895842/Trump_casinos_file_for_bankruptcy_a_third_time
"Organizing for America Economic Crisis Your Stories" --- http://www.barackobama.com/displayer/pages/econ-stories.php
"Obama signs stimulus bill readies homeowner plan - Road Runner" --- http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/9008/6894016/Obama_signs_stimulus_bill_readies_homeowner_plan
"Nadia of the 411 Show interviews Mike Trujillo of quote-unquote.org, Channel 27 in Albuquerque New Mexico, on the importance of public access television across the U.S. as a tool to help Youth lear...
["The Importance of Public Access Across America"; as submitted by 411show on 4/24/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO8Cf_YAquE]
"Hear commentary at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Patsy Robles, producer for the 411 Show, which airs on public access television and as a videoblog, about how public...
"The Fight for Public Access Television Part 4"; as submitted by 411show on 8/17/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbbPhPxPpr0]
A Reprint of a Local Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) Commissioner's "Letter to the Editor" of the "Kingston Times" (Friday Jan 23 2009) [A similar version was printed in the Kingston "Daily Freeman" close to that same date]
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"Reflections on KAPA
Congratulations to Channel 20, the new educational channel on Time Warner. I wish you every success!
Our long suffering Public Access Channel 23 remains a steady snowy screen into the new year, with little hope for change - barring a Federal bailout or a presidential pardon.
Figuratively, my bald head and fat neck swivel on my torso, like a special effect in a horror movie whenever I reflect on the latest state of our Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) station. Let me state clearly that what is written here is not the opinion of the KAPA Commission, but merely the uncensored reflections of one of the Commissioners.
It is not so much a chicken and egg discussion (give us quality TV, and we'll give you funding). The dilemma appears to me to be more of a case of what I refer to as voodoo vision. It is a theory that the channel is either in a corpse or a zombie state. The mayor and city council seem most gleeful with the corpse when it is off the air. The regular rebels and loyal opposition, on the other hand, are elated when the zombie is up and running.
Poetic images aside, KAPA needs a minimum of $40,000 annually to function properly and serve the public interest. Unfortunately, the public interest in our community is not always what interests the public. Rosendale, the Town of Ulster and a few dedicated benefactors have kept KAPA on life support for the last few years. Thank you for that. The commission needs to be aware of the quote, from Eric Hoffer, "It is not in our best interest to bite the hand that feeds you, nor is it wise to lick the boot that kicks you."
The city will receive, in the 10-year Time Warner contract, over $3.6 million dollars in franchise fees - paid by 7,400 subscribers. However, in that period, certain city council members bring out their trademark objection that the city had to pay $4, 7, 10, 19,000 (depending on the source, this always seems to vary) for legal fees - and $2,644 in a misunderstood grant. So, at the maximum, for a $21,644 investment, $3.6 million in benefits accrued to the city. Would any investor turn that bonanza down? To put it in layman's terms, if someone offered you $365 for a $2.16 investment, would you be complaining? Yet there are about five politicians on the local power grid who are opposed to public access funding - denying about 40,000 local residents their public access station. This goes beyond being unreal to becoming anti-real.
To those few politicians and their tender egos, let me quote the famous Yogi Berra, who said, "Everybody knows that people who are popular are bound to be disliked." Along with that paradox, most fair-minded fans and reasonable people are able to appreciate the talents and skills of both teams on the field, no matter what the "uniform" - be it Democrat or Republican.
In conclusion, in late November I attended a talent show sponsored by the Pointe of Praise Church and Kings Kids that was a great community event, and would have been a tremendous show to put on Public Access - "if" I lived in Woodstock, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, New Paltz or any of the other 11,000 communities nationwide that offer support and funding to their local public access station. So, to the general public, please remember - when elections take place in November - the words of that old Motown song by the Undisputed Truth called "Smiling Faces." The verse that applies is, "Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya, take my advice, they are only trying to rule ya."
With humor and hope for the future of Kingston Public Access,
Bob Smith
Kingston
KAPA Commissioner"
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A referral to "A Need for Newspapers" at the "Kingston Citizens Blog" --- http://kingstonnavigator.wordpress.com/ [There is also a link in the sidebar >>>] for some important information on the shut-down of Newspapers - and (if my post there gets published) - more...
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A reminder that KAPA funding issues are scheduled to come up (yet again) at tonight's City of Kingston Finance Committee Meeting [See sidebar for more info]
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A reminder that YOU can contact your representatives - or start a petition about this issue!
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A reminder that KAPA is hosting a fundraiser this month - the details of which are available in the sidebar >>>>>
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Another "pretty" [with more to follow in the next thread] photograph:
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And another pertinent (I think...) You Tube Video:
"The Sound of Silence(Live) - 2003"; as submitted to You Tube by yiump on 11/26/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdD52DAaFRs]
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A Couple of Pertinent Quotes:
1. "Of course everything has been said that needs to be said --- but since no one was listening, it has to be said again" (Anonymous).
2. "Go to where the silence is and say something" (Amy Goodman; "Columbus Journalism Review"; March/April 1994)
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And... a note to remind you that you can contact Kevin Cahill, M. Hinchey, Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Cuomo, a host of others - and even the President of the United States (upload your stories!) via the links provided in the sidebar!
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Truth, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
N.S.
Your Home Town... Photo Shoot... Think About It... Springsteen Video You Tube
"My Hometown (Live) Rockefeller Plaza Center 2007 NYC...
["Bruce Springsteen - My Hometown live (Today Show 28.9.2007)"; as submitted to You Tube by
Darulezz on 11/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLSFcF8SOiw]
A Drive Around Town...
Just starting out... across the way... the MuddyCup... where I hosted (in alliance with MoveOn.org Civic Action) Barack Obama's Inauguration party... now closed down!
Joining the multitude of other business enterprises that have shut their doors (which appears to be happening at a faster and faster clip) over the course of time...
And, oh yeah... whatever did happen with the Kings Inn (also shut down at last notice) on Broadway? [I was approached on that corner by a woman that was apparently (since I don't look like a "John!") looking for some money... I told her I was sorry, that I didn't (I had just left a "pawn" shop of sorts...) have any money either...
She apologized (tragedy piles on tragedy; heartache on heartache) to me...
My husband used to work at Majestic Autos (it was a good sized car dealership at one point!)... which also shut down...
Apparently someone moved into that spot (I'm not up on all specifics) and left this one empty...
"Who do" (a line from one of my books...) "the Voodoo?"
It isn't just Broadway folks... And it isn't just the City of Kingston...
Another car dealership gone bust...
And increasingly slimmer pickings for keeping that old beast of a car on the road as well...
I'd say "creepy" [more photos pending] --- wouldn't you?
And potentially dangerous (as appears to be true here, there and everywhere?) - as well?
Please see the activist opportunities and links to your representatives in the sidebar>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
[City of Kingston and Town of Ulster (New York State) - Feb. 2009 - Photos (copyrighted) by N.S.]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Bruce Springsteen - My Hometown live (Today Show 28.9.2007)"; as submitted to You Tube by
Darulezz on 11/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLSFcF8SOiw]
A Drive Around Town...
Just starting out... across the way... the MuddyCup... where I hosted (in alliance with MoveOn.org Civic Action) Barack Obama's Inauguration party... now closed down!
Joining the multitude of other business enterprises that have shut their doors (which appears to be happening at a faster and faster clip) over the course of time...
And, oh yeah... whatever did happen with the Kings Inn (also shut down at last notice) on Broadway? [I was approached on that corner by a woman that was apparently (since I don't look like a "John!") looking for some money... I told her I was sorry, that I didn't (I had just left a "pawn" shop of sorts...) have any money either...
She apologized (tragedy piles on tragedy; heartache on heartache) to me...
My husband used to work at Majestic Autos (it was a good sized car dealership at one point!)... which also shut down...
Apparently someone moved into that spot (I'm not up on all specifics) and left this one empty...
"Who do" (a line from one of my books...) "the Voodoo?"
It isn't just Broadway folks... And it isn't just the City of Kingston...
Another car dealership gone bust...
And increasingly slimmer pickings for keeping that old beast of a car on the road as well...
I'd say "creepy" [more photos pending] --- wouldn't you?
And potentially dangerous (as appears to be true here, there and everywhere?) - as well?
Please see the activist opportunities and links to your representatives in the sidebar>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
[City of Kingston and Town of Ulster (New York State) - Feb. 2009 - Photos (copyrighted) by N.S.]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
President Obama Addresses Economic Crisis... Notes on Activism and Self-Care... New Funny Flashdance Remix
"Share your story...
["President Obama Addresses Economic Crisis"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/9/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eg1-64tVTs]
Letters to the editors of your local newspapers = activism.
Blogging = activism.
Participating (for City of Kingston residents) in Kingston Citizens.Org = activism.
Supporting (in whatever way you can) Public Access television, radio stations, news stations and your local newspapers (we need ALL of these resources!) = activism.
Attending City Council meetings and other local government and community meetings = activism.
Supporting your local food banks and other resources for the needy = activism.
Contacting your political representatives = activism.
And - on those really tough days?
Staying alive, lighting a candle, playing some music, having a laugh (sometimes you have to go looking for it!) and honoring yourself = activism.
Now... Just for Fun!
["New Funny Flashdance Remix - 'What a feeling'"; as submitted to You Tube by evaqueenfan on 4/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc_Zfejggs8]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["President Obama Addresses Economic Crisis"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/9/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eg1-64tVTs]
Letters to the editors of your local newspapers = activism.
Blogging = activism.
Participating (for City of Kingston residents) in Kingston Citizens.Org = activism.
Supporting (in whatever way you can) Public Access television, radio stations, news stations and your local newspapers (we need ALL of these resources!) = activism.
Attending City Council meetings and other local government and community meetings = activism.
Supporting your local food banks and other resources for the needy = activism.
Contacting your political representatives = activism.
And - on those really tough days?
Staying alive, lighting a candle, playing some music, having a laugh (sometimes you have to go looking for it!) and honoring yourself = activism.
Now... Just for Fun!
["New Funny Flashdance Remix - 'What a feeling'"; as submitted to You Tube by evaqueenfan on 4/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc_Zfejggs8]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Monday, February 16, 2009
Campaign Financing: New Twist On Old Problem... Where Are The Bankers, Barney... Candid Camera Video... You Tube
["Campaign Financing: New Twist On Old Problem"; as submitted to You Tube by the AmericanNewsProject on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F2pdBqLrtE]
["Where Are The Bankers, Barney Frank?"; as submitted to You Tube by AmericanNewsProject on 1/1/09;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifOkLnUaeDU]
[Toilet funny candid camera Just For Laughs"; as submitted to You Tube by elnismogr on 8/9/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSjRjaq6PuQ]
Real tough day (or couple of days...) in the blogging sector / realm of political activism for this grandma... so if you aren't up for some more serious stuff [my intent is to raise awareness, not offend anyone!] stop here.
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Where Are The Bankers, Barney Frank?"; as submitted to You Tube by AmericanNewsProject on 1/1/09;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifOkLnUaeDU]
[Toilet funny candid camera Just For Laughs"; as submitted to You Tube by elnismogr on 8/9/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSjRjaq6PuQ]
Real tough day (or couple of days...) in the blogging sector / realm of political activism for this grandma... so if you aren't up for some more serious stuff [my intent is to raise awareness, not offend anyone!] stop here.
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
A LOT TO THINK ABOUT - RELIGION AND POLITICS - BILL MAHER - YOU TUBE - MORE...
Have you ever heard about this group?
"The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA),[3] is a sectarian guerrilla army operating mainly in northern Uganda and parts of Sudan.[4] It is designated a terrorist organization by The United States Department of State.[5]... The group was formed in 1987 and is engaged in an armed rebellion against the Ugandan government in what is now one of Africa's longest-running conflicts. It is led by Joseph Kony, who proclaims himself the "spokesperson" of God and a spirit medium, primarily of the Holy Spirit, which the Acholi believe can represent itself in many manifestations.[6] The group claims to be establishing a theocratic state based on the Ten Commandments and Acholi tradition.[6][7] The LRA is accused of widespread human rights violations, including murder, abduction, mutilation, sexual enslavement of women and children, and forcing children to participate in hostilities.[8] ["Lord's Resistance Army"; From "Wikipedia", the free encyclopedia (go to site for additional references and information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Resistance_Army...)]
Think it Couldn't Happen Here?
["Bill Maher, Real Time season premeire Fri. Feb. 20th"; as submitted to You Tube by GhostOfThe92503 on 2/11/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R4N3Yz_3MA]
Have you seen this article?
"Religious police crack down on Saudi valentines... Holiday celebration is banned..." (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29164011/)
Quote from Above:
"As Feb. 14 approaches, the police begin inspecting gift shops for items that are red or are intended as gifts to mark the holiday — a celebration of St. Valentine, a third-century Christian martyr — which is banned in Saudi Arabia. Such items are legal at other times of the year, but as Valentine's Day nears they become contraband..."
Think it couldn't happen here?
["Bill Maher On The Ten Commandments"; as submitted to You Tube by DaveRosenman on 4/30/2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTcsCGcwhho]
Have you seen this article?
"Chavez wins vote to scrap term limits in Venezuela" (Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/1102/6855952/Chavez_wins_vote_to_scrap_term_limits_in_Venezuela)
Quote from the Above: "President Hugo Chavez says a referendum victory that removed limits on his re-election is a mandate to intensify his socialist agenda for decades to come. Opponents warn of an impending dictatorship..."
Think it couldn't happen here?
["Larry King Live: Bill Maher on the Economy, the Obamas, Palin and Biden"; as submitted to You Tube by heathr456 on 2/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CM2TocnqPs]
Have you seen this article?
"In Tibet, it’s just the facts, ma’am" ("World Blog"; mssnbc.com";http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/12/1792407.aspx)
Quote from the Article Above:
"At Drepung Monastery, Ngawang said his monks had also been studying the legal system. "We have legal knowledge sessions for all the monks," he said, in order to ensure order in the monastery... We study the laws and the constitution so we understand the laws better and do not break them," he added. "The monks are also Chinese citizens."
Hmmmmm...
["Bill Maher's 'Religulous'"; as submitted to You Tube by CBS on 11/29/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHH2JItePlc]
Have you heard this headline?
President Barack Obama [told] "... the National Prayer Breakfast that even though faith too often has been used 'as a tool to divide us from one another,' there is no religion in the world that is based on hatred..."
"Obama, in prepared remarks, said, "There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being" ["President Obama’s Remarks at National Prayer Breakfast"; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05text-prayer.html?_r=2]
But...
Hasn't religion been utilized by far too many to incite the hatred of one group against another?
Does prayer (other than private prayers and/or family prayers) - or the "Office of Faith Based Initiatives (under any name or guise) - belong in - or around - the Inaugural Oath, our US Government institutions or the White House --- at all?
Doesn't the U.S. Government and President Barack Obama whom I still support and admire tremendously (along with Reverend Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Mother Theresa and a whole host of other such folks...) --- owe the American people some "things" that might (over the long haul) be even more important [such as a strict allegiance to the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" (yes, this will take some time...)] than money?
And what about "that guy" (former President George W. Bush Jr.) who [allegedly...] violated the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" --- and [allegedly] set in motion some unethical, unconstitutional and/or even inhumane (according to quite a few folks, both religious and non) policies - that President Obama is left to deal with?
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Passing this on from my emails:
"Newdow Seeks 1000 New Plaintiffs in Inaugural Lawsuit [--] Seeks to Add an Additional 1,000 Plaintiffs in Challenge of Inaugural Prayers & Religious Oath Federal Lawsuit... Feb. 22 Deadline Requires Declaration to be Mailed in Timely Fashion; Get Sign Up Sheet at... http://1000plaintiffsformikenewdow.blogspot.com/
[A link will be provided in the sidebar >]
Please know that we may be required to provide your name and address (due to the local rules of the D.C. District Court)" [Freedom From Religion Foundation; news@ ffrf.org]
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Sample letter (mine; revised and resubmitted since yesterday) [And yes, I still (and will always) love (in the best sense of the word!) President Barack Obama; my Christian mother, sisters and daughter; my Christian and Catholic grandchildren --- and all of my other friends and relatives - who are actually a very diverse crew as far as their religious and/or non-religious leanings!!!!!]
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I, Nancy S. Smith, declare as follows:
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New York. I am a member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. I consider myself a spiritual person and a humanist.
I do not recall watching earlier inaugurations (except at a later date, via the Internet); but I did watch (also via the Internet, but shortly after it occurred) the 2009 inauguration of President Obama - and I have since reviewed his taking (before Supreme Court Justice Roberts) of the Inaugural Oath.
I did not view President Obama's inauguration, as it occurred; because I was, in fact, hosting a local Inaugural party that day. And although my feelings, upon a recent review of this event, are not notably strong - one way or another (President Obama appeared comfortable and at ease...) - my concerns about the conclusion (as a generalist ending) of the Inaugural Oath [a mandated dictate to add "so help me God" (?)] remain.
Being 50 years old, I expect to witness 3 to 4 more inaugurations during my lifetime. My children (five / representing a variety of secular and/or relgious beliefs) and grandchildren [ten thus far, ranging from infancy to their early teens; all of them having been exposed to a variety of secular beliefs and/or religious teachings] will witness and be affected (will future Inaugural Oaths be administered in a secular manner?) by many more.
I ask that the court make sure that Inaugural Oaths of the future be just and equitable, representing a true multi-faith (including non-believers, Atheists, Agnostics, Secularists, Christians, Catholics, Muslims, etc.) Democracy - where each new president's unique style and character (what hopefully got them elected) is represented without the need for any type of spiritual or religious testimonial.
I have signed on this case because I believe a one-faith dictatorial Theocracy would destroy the very foundation and future of our great country - and because I would like to see a pragmatic application of "Separation of Church and State" - an honoring of the "U.S. Constitution" - at all levels of government.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on February 17, 2009..."
------------------------------------------------------------
I'm out on a limb here, and I know it... But if anyone wants to join me, hop aboard.
Links will be made available in the sidebar >>>
In closing, I want you to know that I love this lady...
[(Mother) "Theresa"; "A video compiled of various clips about Mother Teresa..."; Words and music by Seth Ward; Copyright 2005; as submitted to You Tube by fivecentstand on 5/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzIPBRnYHQk]
... as much or more (as it applies) than you do; and I was horrified to learn that some folks chose to give her an exorcism (HUH?) before she died... [References on this to be provided - this was in the material gathered for my books - upon request] [These have since been posted in the comment section.]
------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, I think one of the Maher videos above makes some very good points about Government funding going to the arts community (such as UPAC?????) - as well!
------------------------------------------------------------
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
"The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA),[3] is a sectarian guerrilla army operating mainly in northern Uganda and parts of Sudan.[4] It is designated a terrorist organization by The United States Department of State.[5]... The group was formed in 1987 and is engaged in an armed rebellion against the Ugandan government in what is now one of Africa's longest-running conflicts. It is led by Joseph Kony, who proclaims himself the "spokesperson" of God and a spirit medium, primarily of the Holy Spirit, which the Acholi believe can represent itself in many manifestations.[6] The group claims to be establishing a theocratic state based on the Ten Commandments and Acholi tradition.[6][7] The LRA is accused of widespread human rights violations, including murder, abduction, mutilation, sexual enslavement of women and children, and forcing children to participate in hostilities.[8] ["Lord's Resistance Army"; From "Wikipedia", the free encyclopedia (go to site for additional references and information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Resistance_Army...)]
Think it Couldn't Happen Here?
["Bill Maher, Real Time season premeire Fri. Feb. 20th"; as submitted to You Tube by GhostOfThe92503 on 2/11/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R4N3Yz_3MA]
Have you seen this article?
"Religious police crack down on Saudi valentines... Holiday celebration is banned..." (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29164011/)
Quote from Above:
"As Feb. 14 approaches, the police begin inspecting gift shops for items that are red or are intended as gifts to mark the holiday — a celebration of St. Valentine, a third-century Christian martyr — which is banned in Saudi Arabia. Such items are legal at other times of the year, but as Valentine's Day nears they become contraband..."
Think it couldn't happen here?
["Bill Maher On The Ten Commandments"; as submitted to You Tube by DaveRosenman on 4/30/2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTcsCGcwhho]
Have you seen this article?
"Chavez wins vote to scrap term limits in Venezuela" (Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/1102/6855952/Chavez_wins_vote_to_scrap_term_limits_in_Venezuela)
Quote from the Above: "President Hugo Chavez says a referendum victory that removed limits on his re-election is a mandate to intensify his socialist agenda for decades to come. Opponents warn of an impending dictatorship..."
Think it couldn't happen here?
["Larry King Live: Bill Maher on the Economy, the Obamas, Palin and Biden"; as submitted to You Tube by heathr456 on 2/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CM2TocnqPs]
Have you seen this article?
"In Tibet, it’s just the facts, ma’am" ("World Blog"; mssnbc.com";http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/12/1792407.aspx)
Quote from the Article Above:
"At Drepung Monastery, Ngawang said his monks had also been studying the legal system. "We have legal knowledge sessions for all the monks," he said, in order to ensure order in the monastery... We study the laws and the constitution so we understand the laws better and do not break them," he added. "The monks are also Chinese citizens."
Hmmmmm...
["Bill Maher's 'Religulous'"; as submitted to You Tube by CBS on 11/29/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHH2JItePlc]
Have you heard this headline?
President Barack Obama [told] "... the National Prayer Breakfast that even though faith too often has been used 'as a tool to divide us from one another,' there is no religion in the world that is based on hatred..."
"Obama, in prepared remarks, said, "There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being" ["President Obama’s Remarks at National Prayer Breakfast"; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05text-prayer.html?_r=2]
But...
Hasn't religion been utilized by far too many to incite the hatred of one group against another?
Does prayer (other than private prayers and/or family prayers) - or the "Office of Faith Based Initiatives (under any name or guise) - belong in - or around - the Inaugural Oath, our US Government institutions or the White House --- at all?
Doesn't the U.S. Government and President Barack Obama whom I still support and admire tremendously (along with Reverend Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Mother Theresa and a whole host of other such folks...) --- owe the American people some "things" that might (over the long haul) be even more important [such as a strict allegiance to the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" (yes, this will take some time...)] than money?
And what about "that guy" (former President George W. Bush Jr.) who [allegedly...] violated the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" --- and [allegedly] set in motion some unethical, unconstitutional and/or even inhumane (according to quite a few folks, both religious and non) policies - that President Obama is left to deal with?
-----------------------------------------------------
Passing this on from my emails:
"Newdow Seeks 1000 New Plaintiffs in Inaugural Lawsuit [--] Seeks to Add an Additional 1,000 Plaintiffs in Challenge of Inaugural Prayers & Religious Oath Federal Lawsuit... Feb. 22 Deadline Requires Declaration to be Mailed in Timely Fashion; Get Sign Up Sheet at... http://1000plaintiffsformikenewdow.blogspot.com/
[A link will be provided in the sidebar >]
Please know that we may be required to provide your name and address (due to the local rules of the D.C. District Court)" [Freedom From Religion Foundation; news@ ffrf.org]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sample letter (mine; revised and resubmitted since yesterday) [And yes, I still (and will always) love (in the best sense of the word!) President Barack Obama; my Christian mother, sisters and daughter; my Christian and Catholic grandchildren --- and all of my other friends and relatives - who are actually a very diverse crew as far as their religious and/or non-religious leanings!!!!!]
V
V
V
I, Nancy S. Smith, declare as follows:
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New York. I am a member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. I consider myself a spiritual person and a humanist.
I do not recall watching earlier inaugurations (except at a later date, via the Internet); but I did watch (also via the Internet, but shortly after it occurred) the 2009 inauguration of President Obama - and I have since reviewed his taking (before Supreme Court Justice Roberts) of the Inaugural Oath.
I did not view President Obama's inauguration, as it occurred; because I was, in fact, hosting a local Inaugural party that day. And although my feelings, upon a recent review of this event, are not notably strong - one way or another (President Obama appeared comfortable and at ease...) - my concerns about the conclusion (as a generalist ending) of the Inaugural Oath [a mandated dictate to add "so help me God" (?)] remain.
Being 50 years old, I expect to witness 3 to 4 more inaugurations during my lifetime. My children (five / representing a variety of secular and/or relgious beliefs) and grandchildren [ten thus far, ranging from infancy to their early teens; all of them having been exposed to a variety of secular beliefs and/or religious teachings] will witness and be affected (will future Inaugural Oaths be administered in a secular manner?) by many more.
I ask that the court make sure that Inaugural Oaths of the future be just and equitable, representing a true multi-faith (including non-believers, Atheists, Agnostics, Secularists, Christians, Catholics, Muslims, etc.) Democracy - where each new president's unique style and character (what hopefully got them elected) is represented without the need for any type of spiritual or religious testimonial.
I have signed on this case because I believe a one-faith dictatorial Theocracy would destroy the very foundation and future of our great country - and because I would like to see a pragmatic application of "Separation of Church and State" - an honoring of the "U.S. Constitution" - at all levels of government.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on February 17, 2009..."
------------------------------------------------------------
I'm out on a limb here, and I know it... But if anyone wants to join me, hop aboard.
Links will be made available in the sidebar >>>
In closing, I want you to know that I love this lady...
[(Mother) "Theresa"; "A video compiled of various clips about Mother Teresa..."; Words and music by Seth Ward; Copyright 2005; as submitted to You Tube by fivecentstand on 5/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzIPBRnYHQk]
... as much or more (as it applies) than you do; and I was horrified to learn that some folks chose to give her an exorcism (HUH?) before she died... [References on this to be provided - this was in the material gathered for my books - upon request] [These have since been posted in the comment section.]
------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, I think one of the Maher videos above makes some very good points about Government funding going to the arts community (such as UPAC?????) - as well!
------------------------------------------------------------
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Hidden America... You Tube... New York State... Rural Poverty
["A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains"; as submitted to You Tube by ChrisAppProj on 2/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8ZfIYAYsgA]
I was just going to take a breather today and take care of some other things...
But earlier, on the car radio, I heard that "they" [ambiguous] were encouraging folks in rural areas to purchase washers and dryers...
And I couldn't help but think, "maybe you better make sure they have running water [think of what it is like for a family of seven, living in a small two bedroom house, with no running water...] first!"
Then tonight, I remembered that Obama has addressed this issue (somewhat of a "miracle" in my book!) - and I decided to do a blip (this topic is very close to my heart, having come from similar circumstances in UPSTATE NEW YORK) - on this topic...
And this video clip (I did see part of this show the other night) was (on You Tube) "front and center"...
I always cry : ( when I get anywhere near this topic...
I cried again when I watched this...
Silly sad me, being vulnerable...
Feeling some of that old anger that never totally (despite having turned out to be one of the luckier "survivors" of generational rural poverty) goes away.
Enough said.
Except for the fact that some folks need to be made aware that a whole lot of families exist - in similar conditions - right around here...
And these conditions certainly still exist (my older siblings still cry and/or have nightmares about this stuff too...) - in the rural upstate community that I grew up in!
Senator Moynahan, now deceased, was aware of this; and tried, in his time and way, to help...
Leonard Pitts, a syndicated writer whom I admire a great deal, has addressed the topic with compassion and insight...
I wrote a paper once, titled (I think) "White Out in American Statistics" - about the fact that the problem of severe poverty amongst the White poor (rural and otherwise) is severe; and rarely, by the mainstream media, addressed...
And it is a problem area where a whole lot more needs to be DONE - because a whole lot of children (of all races / ethnicity's) are suffering (here and now) extreme hardship, as a result of (too often ignored and/or denied) rural poverty...
See, if we don't deal "straight up" and constructively with these sorts of problems - "they (the problems) will" - as the saying goes - "deal with us" [generation after generation of pain and heartache / generation after generation of stunted social, economical, political (and sometimes, even physical) growth -- shattered lives all too often inclusive of high rates of drug and alcohol abuse, children birthing and raising children, domestic violence and other types of traumatic events..., etc.]
Yeah, 45+ years later, it still hurts!
And although Appalachia (I studied up on this whilst in college) is certainly the "poster child" of rural poverty...
I could / a whole bunch of people could (from right here in New York State) - tell you a lot of horror stories of my / our own.
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Polls... Scrabble... Clue... Life... Funny Madagascar You Tube Clip...
"[M]adagscar - [K]ing [J]ulian"... a mixture of funny moments from madagascar! all about king julian, king of the lemurs..."
["madagscar - king julian"; as submitted to You Tube by miniwoodi on 5/20/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x6nCvh3Opk]
[This was one hysterical movie!]
Copied and Pasted from my latest posting (which may or may not be posted, but I think "yes") --- on Mike Madsen's "Kingston Progressive" [http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/] Blog
See: "THE BRUNOMOBILE and more"...:
Quote:
"The arrogance is over the top and it has reached the point of unbelievable. Is there any way we, as New Yorkers, can garnish their future wages until death?" (Mike Madsen (lol,lol, lol); "Kingston Progressive"; link in sidebar>>>)
Me (LOL):
"You are starting to sound like me!!!
Can I start compiling the list? Oh yeah, I already have...
How to really save our economy?
Maybe by calling in a master team of gypsie pick-pockets to start picking the pockets of the master (oh yes indeed) pocket pickers...
Yes, anyone, of any affiliation, can become corrupt...
But I think its less likely (there are exceptions) of Democrats... especially progressive Democrats... because most of the ones that I've met (again, there are exceptions, and I've met pretty integral people associated with both parties) actually appear "to give a damn."
Another one of those days...
The news, all told, is really depressing...
The politics in this area are a whole other "bag of tricks..."
And I wonder, will we all pull together to make it through this (the saying, "don't sweat the small stuff," comes to mind) --- or not?
We got BIG issues folks! BIG, BIG Issues...
This isn't a time to be playing "Monopoly"...
It is time to play "Scrabble"...
Follow the "Clue"...
And - before we all lose our voice, choice and options -
"Life!"
NS
[Lol, I like this (Anyone watch "Madagascar?") so much that I'm going to put it up ("bask in my glow" - lol) over on my blog...
Which, by the way, has some really interesting polls [some poll questions are in line with some of the topics addressed over here (Mike and I appear to think somewhat alike, except that I'm one of those "nasty" - I'm working on it! - smokers...)] ---
So come take the polls (if Mike allows me to do this?) --- if you get a chance at http://www.spreadingourwings.blogspot.com" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["madagscar - king julian"; as submitted to You Tube by miniwoodi on 5/20/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x6nCvh3Opk]
[This was one hysterical movie!]
Copied and Pasted from my latest posting (which may or may not be posted, but I think "yes") --- on Mike Madsen's "Kingston Progressive" [http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/] Blog
See: "THE BRUNOMOBILE and more"...:
Quote:
"The arrogance is over the top and it has reached the point of unbelievable. Is there any way we, as New Yorkers, can garnish their future wages until death?" (Mike Madsen (lol,lol, lol); "Kingston Progressive"; link in sidebar>>>)
Me (LOL):
"You are starting to sound like me!!!
Can I start compiling the list? Oh yeah, I already have...
How to really save our economy?
Maybe by calling in a master team of gypsie pick-pockets to start picking the pockets of the master (oh yes indeed) pocket pickers...
Yes, anyone, of any affiliation, can become corrupt...
But I think its less likely (there are exceptions) of Democrats... especially progressive Democrats... because most of the ones that I've met (again, there are exceptions, and I've met pretty integral people associated with both parties) actually appear "to give a damn."
Another one of those days...
The news, all told, is really depressing...
The politics in this area are a whole other "bag of tricks..."
And I wonder, will we all pull together to make it through this (the saying, "don't sweat the small stuff," comes to mind) --- or not?
We got BIG issues folks! BIG, BIG Issues...
This isn't a time to be playing "Monopoly"...
It is time to play "Scrabble"...
Follow the "Clue"...
And - before we all lose our voice, choice and options -
"Life!"
NS
[Lol, I like this (Anyone watch "Madagascar?") so much that I'm going to put it up ("bask in my glow" - lol) over on my blog...
Which, by the way, has some really interesting polls [some poll questions are in line with some of the topics addressed over here (Mike and I appear to think somewhat alike, except that I'm one of those "nasty" - I'm working on it! - smokers...)] ---
So come take the polls (if Mike allows me to do this?) --- if you get a chance at http://www.spreadingourwings.blogspot.com" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Announcements and Polls in Sidebar... VISION QUEST... Rainbow Family... Believe in Yourself... You Tube
[VISION QUEST SONG; as submitted to You Tube by hawktana on 7/6/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ougBGt_k0Sc]
["Rainbow Family National Gathering 2006..."; as submitted to You Tube by franti1 on 3/3/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuce_Ju9P2s]
["Believe in Yourself... A Song Featuring President Barack Obama!"; as submitted to You Tube by FASTO1 on 1/18/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7iP2q7iOIw]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Rainbow Family National Gathering 2006..."; as submitted to You Tube by franti1 on 3/3/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuce_Ju9P2s]
["Believe in Yourself... A Song Featuring President Barack Obama!"; as submitted to You Tube by FASTO1 on 1/18/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7iP2q7iOIw]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Friday, February 13, 2009
Native American Indian Dream Catcher... You Tube
["native american indian dream catcher"; as submitted to You Tube by lotus6661964 on 1/5/08; www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSMZA8GtPhk]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice...
NS
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice...
NS
How Hungry is America... US Senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi... Feb. 12 09: The Day in 100 Seconds... You Tube
"All You Can Eat? How Hungry is America in Good Times and Recession...
It is insane, and morally bankrupt, for a nation with this much wealth to allow [hunger] to continue,” said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research... (http://www.americanprogress)
["All You Can Eat? How Hungry is America in Good Times and Recession ..."; as submitted by seeprogress on 2/10/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX1o2WZb6oA]
"US Senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi..."
["u s senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi..."; as submitted to You Tube by storm11001001 on 2/12/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCGFJoBWn58]
"February 12, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds..."
["February 12, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds"; as submitted by tpmtv on 2/12/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUwrCx-o-o]
Respectfully posted by,
NS
It is insane, and morally bankrupt, for a nation with this much wealth to allow [hunger] to continue,” said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research... (http://www.americanprogress)
["All You Can Eat? How Hungry is America in Good Times and Recession ..."; as submitted by seeprogress on 2/10/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX1o2WZb6oA]
"US Senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi..."
["u s senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi..."; as submitted to You Tube by storm11001001 on 2/12/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCGFJoBWn58]
"February 12, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds..."
["February 12, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds"; as submitted by tpmtv on 2/12/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUwrCx-o-o]
Respectfully posted by,
NS
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday / Passing Some Info. On... You Tube Video
Just for some giggles...
["birthday song"; as submitted to You Tube by lianaweana on 10/25/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6FGihtdOYA]
Passing On Some Information (received, by email, from ffrf.org.] that you May or May Not be Aware Of:
"On this date in 1809, the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, was born in Hardin County, Kentucky. Largely self-educated, he worked on farms, splitting those famous rails, and clerking at a store...
Lincoln spent eight years in the Illinois legislature and also rode the circuit of courts for many years.
He married Mary Todd; only one of their four sons lived to adulthood. While seeking the nomination for Congress, Lincoln ruefully wrote Martin M. Morris, of Petersburg, Illinois, that "There was the strangest combination of church influence against me . . . everywhere contended that no Christian ought to vote for me because I belonged to no Church, [and] was suspected of being a Deist." (March 26, 1843, Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, Nicolay & Hay edition.)
Lincoln ran against Stephen A. Douglass for U.S. Senator in 1858, losing the election--but winning a national reputation, and the Republican nomination for President, in 1860. Lincoln guided the nation during the Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which freed slaves within the Confederacy.
He won reelection in 1864. His wise plans for peace ("With malice toward none; with charity for all") were foiled by an assassin's bullet on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Among the words inscribed at the Lincoln Memorial are Lincoln's Second Inaugural address, which, though full of conventional references to the "Almighty," astutely observes of the North and the South: "Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged."
While Lincoln punctuated his eloquent speeches with deistic references to "Divine Providence," in which he firmly believed, he was strongly rationalist and was not Christian.
Among the friends who testified to that was Ward Hill Lamon in Life of Abraham Lincoln (1872), as well as William H. Herndon, his law partner of 22 years, whose book, with Jesse Weik, Herndon's Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life (3 vol., 1889), has been largely discredited but whom historians value for preserving many Lincoln materials.
Col. Lamon had known Lincoln as a friend and colleague for years. Lincoln had appointed him Marshal of the District of Columbia, and Lamon was put in charge of Lincoln's funeral train.
A religious man himself, Lamon wanted the historic record to be accurate. In addition to his own and Herndon's testimony about Lincoln's remarks on religion over the years, he cites Judge David Davis, Col. James H. Matheny, John T. Stuart, Dr. C.H. Ray, William H. Hannah, James W. Keyes, Jessie W. Fell, Col. John G. Nicolay and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln to corroborate Lincoln's lack of conventional religiosity.
Lamon wrote that "Perhaps no phrase of his character has been more persistently misrepresented and variously misunderstood than this of his religious belief."
Lamon related how Lincoln wrote a "little book," probably an extended essay, to prove "First, that the Bible is not God's revelation. Second, that Jesus was not the Son of God."
He took the manuscript to Samuel Hill, a shopkeeper and unbeliever, whose son considered the work "infamous." Hill reportedly snatched the book from Lincoln and threw it into the fire to protect Lincoln's political career, a story other contemporaries corroborated had been told them. As Lincoln's political ambitions advanced, he became more cautious.
"But he never told anyone that he accepted Jesus as the Christ," Lamon noted (p. 498).
Lincoln's first law partner, John T. Stuart, at one time also a member of Congress, went on record: "Lincoln went further against Christian beliefs and doctrines and principles than any man I ever heard: he shocked me." (p. 488)
Col. James H. Matheny, a one-time political manager, said: "I knew Lincoln as early as 1834-7; knew he was an Infidel. He and W.D. Herndon used to talk Infidelity in the Clerk's office in this city, about the years 1837-40.
Lincoln attacked the Bible and the New Testament on two grounds: first, from the inherent or apparent contradictions under its lids; second, from the grounds of reason. . .
Sometimes Lincoln bordered on Atheism." Jesse W. Fell, Secretary of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee in the Lincoln-Douglas campaign, told Lamon: "He was utterly incapable of insincerity, . . . I have no hesitation whatever in saying that, whilst he held many opinions in common with the great mass of Christian believers, he did not believe in what are regarded as the orthodox or evangelical views of Christianity."
Pres. Lincoln's private secretary, Col. John G. Nicolay, attested to Lamon: "Mr. Lincoln did not, to my knowledge, in any way, change his religious ideas, opinions or beliefs, from the time he left Springfield till the day of his death."
David Davis, who knew Lincoln for 20 years and rode with him on the court circuit, was later a U.S. Senator and Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, told Lamon: "He [Lincoln] had no faith, in the Christian sense of the term." (p. 489) His widow testified: "Mr. Lincoln had no hope, and no faith, in the usual acceptation of those words." (p. 489).
“Mr. Lincoln was never a member of any Church, nor did he believe in the divinity of Christ, or the inspiration of the Scriptures in the sense understood by evangelical Christians.
When a boy, he showed no sign of that piety which his many biographers ascribe to his manhood. When he went to church at all, he went to mock, and came away to mimic.
When he came to New Salem, he consorted with Freethinkers, joined with them in deriding the gospel story of Jesus, read Volney and Paine, and then wrote a deliberate and labored essay, wherein he reached conclusions similar to theirs.”
-- Colonel Ward H. Lamon (a religionist and Lincoln's longtime friend), "Life of Abraham Lincoln", pp. 486, 487, 157 (1872), cited by Franklin Steiner in "The Religious Beliefs of Our Presidents"]
Respectfully Posted [A Belated Happy Birthday to the great Charles Darwin, as well] by,
NS
["birthday song"; as submitted to You Tube by lianaweana on 10/25/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6FGihtdOYA]
Passing On Some Information (received, by email, from ffrf.org.] that you May or May Not be Aware Of:
"On this date in 1809, the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, was born in Hardin County, Kentucky. Largely self-educated, he worked on farms, splitting those famous rails, and clerking at a store...
Lincoln spent eight years in the Illinois legislature and also rode the circuit of courts for many years.
He married Mary Todd; only one of their four sons lived to adulthood. While seeking the nomination for Congress, Lincoln ruefully wrote Martin M. Morris, of Petersburg, Illinois, that "There was the strangest combination of church influence against me . . . everywhere contended that no Christian ought to vote for me because I belonged to no Church, [and] was suspected of being a Deist." (March 26, 1843, Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, Nicolay & Hay edition.)
Lincoln ran against Stephen A. Douglass for U.S. Senator in 1858, losing the election--but winning a national reputation, and the Republican nomination for President, in 1860. Lincoln guided the nation during the Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which freed slaves within the Confederacy.
He won reelection in 1864. His wise plans for peace ("With malice toward none; with charity for all") were foiled by an assassin's bullet on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Among the words inscribed at the Lincoln Memorial are Lincoln's Second Inaugural address, which, though full of conventional references to the "Almighty," astutely observes of the North and the South: "Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged."
While Lincoln punctuated his eloquent speeches with deistic references to "Divine Providence," in which he firmly believed, he was strongly rationalist and was not Christian.
Among the friends who testified to that was Ward Hill Lamon in Life of Abraham Lincoln (1872), as well as William H. Herndon, his law partner of 22 years, whose book, with Jesse Weik, Herndon's Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life (3 vol., 1889), has been largely discredited but whom historians value for preserving many Lincoln materials.
Col. Lamon had known Lincoln as a friend and colleague for years. Lincoln had appointed him Marshal of the District of Columbia, and Lamon was put in charge of Lincoln's funeral train.
A religious man himself, Lamon wanted the historic record to be accurate. In addition to his own and Herndon's testimony about Lincoln's remarks on religion over the years, he cites Judge David Davis, Col. James H. Matheny, John T. Stuart, Dr. C.H. Ray, William H. Hannah, James W. Keyes, Jessie W. Fell, Col. John G. Nicolay and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln to corroborate Lincoln's lack of conventional religiosity.
Lamon wrote that "Perhaps no phrase of his character has been more persistently misrepresented and variously misunderstood than this of his religious belief."
Lamon related how Lincoln wrote a "little book," probably an extended essay, to prove "First, that the Bible is not God's revelation. Second, that Jesus was not the Son of God."
He took the manuscript to Samuel Hill, a shopkeeper and unbeliever, whose son considered the work "infamous." Hill reportedly snatched the book from Lincoln and threw it into the fire to protect Lincoln's political career, a story other contemporaries corroborated had been told them. As Lincoln's political ambitions advanced, he became more cautious.
"But he never told anyone that he accepted Jesus as the Christ," Lamon noted (p. 498).
Lincoln's first law partner, John T. Stuart, at one time also a member of Congress, went on record: "Lincoln went further against Christian beliefs and doctrines and principles than any man I ever heard: he shocked me." (p. 488)
Col. James H. Matheny, a one-time political manager, said: "I knew Lincoln as early as 1834-7; knew he was an Infidel. He and W.D. Herndon used to talk Infidelity in the Clerk's office in this city, about the years 1837-40.
Lincoln attacked the Bible and the New Testament on two grounds: first, from the inherent or apparent contradictions under its lids; second, from the grounds of reason. . .
Sometimes Lincoln bordered on Atheism." Jesse W. Fell, Secretary of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee in the Lincoln-Douglas campaign, told Lamon: "He was utterly incapable of insincerity, . . . I have no hesitation whatever in saying that, whilst he held many opinions in common with the great mass of Christian believers, he did not believe in what are regarded as the orthodox or evangelical views of Christianity."
Pres. Lincoln's private secretary, Col. John G. Nicolay, attested to Lamon: "Mr. Lincoln did not, to my knowledge, in any way, change his religious ideas, opinions or beliefs, from the time he left Springfield till the day of his death."
David Davis, who knew Lincoln for 20 years and rode with him on the court circuit, was later a U.S. Senator and Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, told Lamon: "He [Lincoln] had no faith, in the Christian sense of the term." (p. 489) His widow testified: "Mr. Lincoln had no hope, and no faith, in the usual acceptation of those words." (p. 489).
“Mr. Lincoln was never a member of any Church, nor did he believe in the divinity of Christ, or the inspiration of the Scriptures in the sense understood by evangelical Christians.
When a boy, he showed no sign of that piety which his many biographers ascribe to his manhood. When he went to church at all, he went to mock, and came away to mimic.
When he came to New Salem, he consorted with Freethinkers, joined with them in deriding the gospel story of Jesus, read Volney and Paine, and then wrote a deliberate and labored essay, wherein he reached conclusions similar to theirs.”
-- Colonel Ward H. Lamon (a religionist and Lincoln's longtime friend), "Life of Abraham Lincoln", pp. 486, 487, 157 (1872), cited by Franklin Steiner in "The Religious Beliefs of Our Presidents"]
Respectfully Posted [A Belated Happy Birthday to the great Charles Darwin, as well] by,
NS
Cleaning Out my Favorites List... Passing Some Information On...
[A Little Light, Anyone?; Photo by NS]Please check out: "Politically Direct with David Bender"; Air America Media; as Posted on Air America ("On Demand") on 2/9/09; http://airamerica.com/content/politically-direct-david-bender-sheldon-whitehouse...
Quote from Above: "If they have no shame, how can you shame them?"
Quote (based on a famous saying) from Above: "If you don't know history you are doomed to repeat it."
Some Interesting Headlines and News Snippets:
1. "Wife pulled $15M before Madoff's arrest" [Glen Johnson; Associated Press (AP); 2/12/09; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/6818193/6840211/Official_Wife_pulled_15M_before_Madoffs_arrest/100/]
Snippet from Above:
"The wife of disgraced money manager Bernard Madoff withdrew more than $15 million from a firm co-owned by her husband... the top securities regulator in Massachusetts said Wednesday... Prosecutors have already said investigators found 100 signed checks worth $173 million that Madoff was ready to send out to his closest family and friends at the time of his arrest... Two weeks later, during the Christmas holidays, Madoff sent more than $1 million in jewelry and heirlooms to family and friends..."
2. "Study: Paying smokers to quit boosts success rate" (Linda A. Johnson; AP; 2/12/09; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/6842783/Study_Paying_smokers_to_quit_boosts_success_rate)
Snippet from Above:
"Dangling enough dollars in front of smokers who want to quit helps many more succeed, an experiment with hundreds of General Electric Co. workers indicates. Among those paid up to $750 to quit and stay off cigarettes, 15 percent were still tobacco-free about a year later. That may not sound like much, but it's three times the success rate of a comparison group that got no such bonuses..."
"...This kind of reward system provides them with direct, positive feedback in the present," not just delayed, intangible health benefits, said Dr. Kevin Volpp, the lead researcher of the study."
3. "Salmonella found at Ga. plant as early as 2006... Owner Stewart Parnell refused to testify at hearing; 9 have now died" (msnbc.com staff and news service reports; 2/11/09; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29138430?GT1=43001)
Snippet from Above:
"See the jar, the congressman challenged Stewart Parnell, holding up a container of the peanut seller's products and asking if he'd dare eat them. Parnell pleaded the Fifth... The owner of the peanut company at the heart of the massive salmonella recall refused to answer the lawmaker's questions — or any others — Wednesday about the bacteria-tainted products he defiantly told employees to ship to some 50 manufacturers of cookies, crackers and ice cream..."
"Turn them loose," Parnell had told his plant manager in an internal e-mail disclosed at the House hearing..."
4. "Pa. judges accused of jailing kids for cash" (Michael Rubinkam and MaryClaire Dale; AP; 2/11/09; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/9001/6840772/Pa_judges_accused_of_jailing_kids_for_cash)
Snippet from Above:
"...In one of the most shocking cases of courtroom graft on record, two Pennsylvania judges have been charged with taking millions of dollars in kickbacks to send teenagers to two privately run youth detention centers...
Prosecutors say Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan took $2.6 million in payoffs to put juvenile offenders in lockups run by PA Child Care LLC and a sister company, Western PA Child Care LLC. The judges were charged on Jan. 26 and removed from the bench by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court shortly afterward... No company officials have been charged, but the investigation is still going on."
5. "CBO Sees Stimulus Boosting U.S. Growth, Jobs" (NPR.org; 2/10/09; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100535553)
Snippets from Above;
"The economic stimulus legislation pending in Congress would... create between 1.3 million and 3.9 million jobs by the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to the baseline forecast..."
"The nation's unemployment rate would be between 0.6 and 2 points lower than the baseline forecast of 8.7 percent by then, according to the CBO's analysis..."
6. "Mugabe rival takes oath as Zimbabwe prime minister" (Angus Shaw; AP; 2/11/09; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/6824518/Mugabe_swears_in_rival_as_Zimbabwe_prime_minister)
Snippets from Above:
"President Robert Mugabe swore in his longtime rival as prime minister Wednesday, cracking his nearly three-decade stranglehold on power and conceding they must work together to rescue Zimbabwe from economic and humanitarian disaster... The image of Mugabe administering the oath of office to Morgan Tsvangirai was extraordinary given the history of state-sponsored violence against opponents..."
"At a celebration rally attended by some 15,000 supporters later in the day, Tsvangirai pledged to reopen schools that are closed because teachers can't afford bus fare and to fight a cholera epidemic blamed on the cash-strapped government's neglect of hospitals and sanitation... He drew the biggest cheers when he said all government workers _ from teachers to soldiers _ would be paid in hard currency starting next month to shield them from the world's highest inflation rate. He did not say how the government would afford that."
7. "A Plea to Remember the Indian Nations" (Ashley Southall; 2/10/09; "New York Times" Blog, "The Caucus: The Politics and Government Blog of the Times"; http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/a-plea-to-remember-the-indian-nations/#comment-1126463)
Snippet from Above:
"Mr. Obama, who was adopted by the Crow Nation during the primaries and named “One Who Helps People Throughout the Land,” included... money for the Indians in his stimulus proposal... (The organization, like the rest of the country, awaits the results of the negotiations in Congress to produce a final plan.)... Mr. Garcia praised the Obama administration for its inclusive approach to American Indians and natives of Alaska."
[Note: Please see this blog at http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com - for a lively discussion on a subject that is close to my heart!]
8. "OBAMA LAUDS HOUSING, HEALTH CARE ITEMS" (NBC’s Athena Jones; 2/10/09; http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/10/1789586.aspx)
Snippets from Above:
"FORT MYERS, Fla. -- While senators in Washington were passing a massive stimulus package aimed at avoiding economic disaster, President Obama was pitching the plan to a cheering convention center audience in a town facing rising unemployment and sky-high foreclosure rates... He also gave a glimpse into how he would help struggling homeowners and his goals for getting a health-care reform bill through Congress..."
"One homeless woman... cried as she spoke of living out of her car and needing help. Obama comforted her and said his staff would speak with her after the event... A young student... who said he has worked at McDonalds for four years because he could not find a better job, shouted with joy when Obama called on him to ask a question... "Oh, this is such a blessing to see you, Mr. President," he said. "Thank you for taking time out of your day! Oh precious God, thank you so much!"
Respectfully Passed On By,
N.S.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Price of Silence... Hillary Clinton 2007 HRC... U. Dec. of Human Rights II... Human Rights Campaign... Members of the Elders... You Tube Videos
[Photo (Copyrighted) by NS]"Price of Silence"
["http://pth.amnestyusa.org/ A music video that brings together 16 of the worlds top musicians—some of whom have fled oppressive regimes—in a rousing musical plea to guarantee human rights for all. ..."]
["Price of Silence"; as submitted by AmnestyUSA on 12/03/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xevGz8_MBKk]
The following video is dated, but as we see the "circle of rights and opportunities" widen, I believe it is worth (even if you have seen it before) another viewing:
["Sen. Hillary Clinton at Human Rights Campaign Board Meeting"; as submitted to You Tube by hrcmedia on 3/03/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSPxGmePSiA]
An Update on a Previously Posted Human Rights Video:
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights II"...
"The Human Rights Action Center presents the 30 articles of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights read aloud by artists, advocates and children in support of the 60th Anniversary of this UN docu..."
["The Universal Declaration of Human Rights II"; as submitted to the HumanRightsActionCtr on
12/5/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiFIu_z4dM8]
Bringing you up to (February 2009) date:
"Every Human Has Rights Campaign Celebration";
"Members of The Elders joined with Every Human Has Rights campaign partners in Paris to mark the 60th Anniversary of Human Rights and celebrate one year of collaboration promoting human rights aware..."
["Every Human Has Rights Campaign Celebration"; as submitted to You Tube by theeldersorg on 2/7/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qslhys13cKY]
Thankfully and Respectfully posted by,
NS
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Truth... Enough is Enough... Sorry Mike... Check out this Blue Video... Call your Representatives... Get a Grip on your Rights...
This is a carry-over from a discussion I've been engaged in on Mike Madsen's blog, "Kingston Progressive" [see link in sidebar...]
And although you might not like what I present here... I'm entitled my views and opinions (as are you)... and you might just want to open up your mind, do some research, check a few things out!
Case in point:
In my opinion, the cigarette tax should be lowered, not raised.
In my opinion, the cigarette tax is unjust and discriminatory, as is.
In my opinion, if folks really want "everyone" (this would include the very wealthy...) to stop smoking, we should shut down the cigarette factories and associated industries, including the anti-smoking industries!
In my opinion, money for SHIP, which I fully support, can be found (oh yes indeed) in other ways...
Please "enjoy" (this could cost me a lot!) the following videos:
["UNFAIR TAX!"; aa submitted to You Tube by BobFartall on 1/28/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-USXW0Gt2rg]
If you really want to do something significant about the mass pollution we are all (including our children) breathing in on a daily basis - check this out:
["Blue Man Group on Global Warming" as submitted to You Tube by skoops on 6/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snPdEl0Duoo]
And if you want to find money for the SHIP program (which I'm ALL for!) - how about taking a look at the bank accounts - probably here - there - & everywhere - of some of these (one example to check out real good..) people?
["What you Didn't Know About Operation Blessing"; as submitted by Hereticxxii on 5/16/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtOXb5pu9cA]
Just so ya' know, my research (extensive; for the books I wrote) supports the allegations that are made in the video above.
Could I be right? Might I be wrong? Check it out for yourselves...
All I can really say is that it is time for the truth, my friends...
It is time for the truth.
I just wonder, as the saying goes [I heard this in "Jesus Christ Superstar"]:
"What is truth?
Is mine the same as yours?"
Peace, love, equality and humane justice,
N.S.
And although you might not like what I present here... I'm entitled my views and opinions (as are you)... and you might just want to open up your mind, do some research, check a few things out!
Case in point:
In my opinion, the cigarette tax should be lowered, not raised.
In my opinion, the cigarette tax is unjust and discriminatory, as is.
In my opinion, if folks really want "everyone" (this would include the very wealthy...) to stop smoking, we should shut down the cigarette factories and associated industries, including the anti-smoking industries!
In my opinion, money for SHIP, which I fully support, can be found (oh yes indeed) in other ways...
Please "enjoy" (this could cost me a lot!) the following videos:
["UNFAIR TAX!"; aa submitted to You Tube by BobFartall on 1/28/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-USXW0Gt2rg]
If you really want to do something significant about the mass pollution we are all (including our children) breathing in on a daily basis - check this out:
["Blue Man Group on Global Warming" as submitted to You Tube by skoops on 6/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snPdEl0Duoo]
And if you want to find money for the SHIP program (which I'm ALL for!) - how about taking a look at the bank accounts - probably here - there - & everywhere - of some of these (one example to check out real good..) people?
["What you Didn't Know About Operation Blessing"; as submitted by Hereticxxii on 5/16/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtOXb5pu9cA]
Just so ya' know, my research (extensive; for the books I wrote) supports the allegations that are made in the video above.
Could I be right? Might I be wrong? Check it out for yourselves...
All I can really say is that it is time for the truth, my friends...
It is time for the truth.
I just wonder, as the saying goes [I heard this in "Jesus Christ Superstar"]:
"What is truth?
Is mine the same as yours?"
Peace, love, equality and humane justice,
N.S.
Stimulus Plan Passes in Senate... Back to the House... Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions... You Tube
The following video preceded today's Senate vote (positive for the Stimulus plan!)... but gives a clear outline (answering some of America's questions!) of what the Stimulus plan is about!
When an updated (clear) video on the Stimulus plan (now on its way back to the House) is available, I will post that, as well.
["Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP9ZOQ5gIYw]
As noted in the video, you will also be able to log in at http://www.recovery.gov to follow (government transparency, long overdue, in action) how the money in this stimulus package (as ultimately passed) - is being spent.
Respectfully posted by,
NS
When an updated (clear) video on the Stimulus plan (now on its way back to the House) is available, I will post that, as well.
["Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP9ZOQ5gIYw]
As noted in the video, you will also be able to log in at http://www.recovery.gov to follow (government transparency, long overdue, in action) how the money in this stimulus package (as ultimately passed) - is being spent.
Respectfully posted by,
NS
Weatherization Program... Obamas Reinvestment and Recovery Plan... Groups One Can Join... More...
[Photo by NS]
[Photo by NS]
[Photo by NS]
[Photo by NS]
[Photo by NS]
[Photo by NS]
[Photo by NS]When folks ask, how might Barack Obamas Economic Reinvestment and Recovery Plan help me and/or the people I know and love...
Sometimes pictures speak louder than a "million" words...
In the photos above, you can see the Weatherization Program at work --- right here in the City of Kingston --- putting insulation in the outside walls of a residence (might your mother, daughter, grandmother, grandfather, grandchildren, ailing neighbor, etc. be in DIRE NEED of such help?) --- where the owners could not afford to do so themselves...
The results (in combination with turning down the thermostat and utilizing other services, tools and ideas as provided by the Weatherization Program and / or EmPower N.Y.):
Lowered heat and/or eclectic costs
Less waste (regarding the overall economy and the stratosphere)
A better shot at being able (during these difficult times) to pay ones taxes, bills, etc...
Which means a better shot (for those in very difficult situations) of actually KEEPING ONES HOME...
Which means fewer homeless people...
Which means fewer social problems...
Which means lowered costs in regard to the personal health and well-being of men, women, children, entire families and communities...
As of 2/7/09 (see the blog entry down below) President Barack Obamas Economic Reinvestment and Recovery Plan included a proposed investment of $2.9 Billion for "Weatherization Programs..."
A worthy investment?
I'D SAY! [This certainly doesn't LOOK like "child's play" - does it?]
Which is true, in my opinion, of the rest of the Economic Reinvestment and Recovery plan (the part outlined below; more personalized updates hopefully coming) as well!
Please don't let partisan politics get in the way of NEEDS.
Please don't confuse "helping someone to help themselves" (which is what programs such as these do...) with "handouts"...
Please... contact your representatives (today) in support of Obamas Economic Reinvestment and Recovery Plan!
Also, please be aware that you can submit your own stories, ideas and views (you simply have to log in) at barackobama.com --- and that there are pro-Obama groups you can join (accessible through the same site) at Ulster County Community College; in Kingston, NY; in Red Hook, NY; in Woodstock, NY --- and all across the nation!
We need HELP (Just take a look around!) folks...
Please don't be afraid - or too proud - or simply too stubborn - to say so.
Respectfully and Thankfully Submitted by,
NS
Monday, February 9, 2009
Teen Pregancy Prevention... Youth Empowerment... Y.E.S... S.O.S... PPMHV Programs... HAP... Chamber of Commerce... You Tube Video... More...
"Awarded the 2007 Planned Parenthood Action Committee of Utah's Just Say Know Award. This group of kids age 12 to 15 got tired of seeing their peers getting pregnant, and wanted to change things..."
["Think about IT! Teen pregnancy prevention PSA"; as submitted to You Tube by morganangela on 10/10/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYEDZKgxhFU]
In response to my "letter to the editor" - printed in the Kingston "Daily Freeman" on 2/5/2009 [a copy is accessible through prior blog postings, as well] - I received the following information:
According to C. Coleman [President / CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV)]; T. Robie (VP of PPMHV Educational Services); and M. Meyer [Archivist / Health Care STAT / UC) - Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV) is very involved in the realm of community-based education services and Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention programs - inclusive of the following:
(1) Direct work (including before and/or after school programs) with:
a. Big Brothers, Big Sisters
b. Bridgeback Outpatient Rehab
c. Family of Woodstock
d. Kingston High School
e. The Mental Health Association
f. The YMCA of Ulster County
g. The YWCA of Ulster County
h. Ulster County Mental Health
(2) The "Safe or Sorry" (S.O.S.) program: A peer-facilitated (empowering) 20-hour training program
(3) The "Youth Empowerment Series" (Y.E.S.) Coalition: Inclusive of a coordinated teen pregnancy prevention program that takes (and/or plans to take) over 90 workshops (projected into 2009) into Kingston High School (during Health Education Classes); Miller Middle School [Abstinence First (AF) / Comprehensive Reproductive Education (CRE)]; Phonecia Elementary School(AF / CRE); Roundout Valley Middle School(AF / CRE); Roundout Valley High School (AF / CRE), Wallkill High School(AF / CRE) and the Woodstock Day School(AF / CRE).
Some associates / activists associated with PPMHV were also instrumental in making the Kingston-Benedictine Alliance [tentatively referred to as "HAP" ("HealthAlliance Planning") a "groundbreaking" (based on compromises) reality...
PPMHV has health centers in the City of Kingston, Ellenville and New Paltz - through which PPMHV hopes to reach over 2,000 U.C. youth (age 10-19)in 2009.
The 4-county-wide organization (this includes Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties) reputedly serves (with community and youth education being a priority) approximately 15,000 people each year.
The new CEO of HAP [David Lundquist] is scheduled to be the featured speaker [sponsored by Willcare] at the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast (Holiday Inn, 503 Washington Avenue, Kingston, NY) - on Wed., February 18, 2009 - from 7:30AM-9AM.
Associated fees for this event (celebrating the successful merger of a Catholic hospital and a secular hospital - through which a full range of reproductive health care services will be made available in the City of Kingston) are $15 [Chamber Members/Advance Purchases]; $18 [Chamber Members/Advance Registration/At the Door]; and $30 [Non-Members/Advance Registration and Advance Payment Required].
You can register for this event by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 338-5100 - or via the Chamber's website at http://www.ulsterchamber.org [click on "future events" and (where appropriate) "register"].
Plus, I would like to, once again, encourage folks to contact their local representatives [Links are provided in the sidebar] about the urgency of supporting funding for family planning services [which include teenage pregnancy prevention programs (abstinence and education based) and youth empowerment programs (knowledge is the source of sound decisions) - such as those listed (as offered by PPMHV and their affiliates)] above.
[If any factual errors have been made, please let me know and I will make corrections as soon as possible]
Respectfully Posted
by N.S.
[Former Teen Parent Caseworker, YWCA of U.C.; Former Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Coordinator, YWCA of U.C.; Former Coordinator / Educator in Association with the Y.E.S. Program, YWCA of U.C.; Former (Three Teen Pregancies by the Age of 18) Teen Parent]
["Think about IT! Teen pregnancy prevention PSA"; as submitted to You Tube by morganangela on 10/10/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYEDZKgxhFU]
In response to my "letter to the editor" - printed in the Kingston "Daily Freeman" on 2/5/2009 [a copy is accessible through prior blog postings, as well] - I received the following information:
According to C. Coleman [President / CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV)]; T. Robie (VP of PPMHV Educational Services); and M. Meyer [Archivist / Health Care STAT / UC) - Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV) is very involved in the realm of community-based education services and Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention programs - inclusive of the following:
(1) Direct work (including before and/or after school programs) with:
a. Big Brothers, Big Sisters
b. Bridgeback Outpatient Rehab
c. Family of Woodstock
d. Kingston High School
e. The Mental Health Association
f. The YMCA of Ulster County
g. The YWCA of Ulster County
h. Ulster County Mental Health
(2) The "Safe or Sorry" (S.O.S.) program: A peer-facilitated (empowering) 20-hour training program
(3) The "Youth Empowerment Series" (Y.E.S.) Coalition: Inclusive of a coordinated teen pregnancy prevention program that takes (and/or plans to take) over 90 workshops (projected into 2009) into Kingston High School (during Health Education Classes); Miller Middle School [Abstinence First (AF) / Comprehensive Reproductive Education (CRE)]; Phonecia Elementary School(AF / CRE); Roundout Valley Middle School(AF / CRE); Roundout Valley High School (AF / CRE), Wallkill High School(AF / CRE) and the Woodstock Day School(AF / CRE).
Some associates / activists associated with PPMHV were also instrumental in making the Kingston-Benedictine Alliance [tentatively referred to as "HAP" ("HealthAlliance Planning") a "groundbreaking" (based on compromises) reality...
PPMHV has health centers in the City of Kingston, Ellenville and New Paltz - through which PPMHV hopes to reach over 2,000 U.C. youth (age 10-19)in 2009.
The 4-county-wide organization (this includes Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties) reputedly serves (with community and youth education being a priority) approximately 15,000 people each year.
The new CEO of HAP [David Lundquist] is scheduled to be the featured speaker [sponsored by Willcare] at the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast (Holiday Inn, 503 Washington Avenue, Kingston, NY) - on Wed., February 18, 2009 - from 7:30AM-9AM.
Associated fees for this event (celebrating the successful merger of a Catholic hospital and a secular hospital - through which a full range of reproductive health care services will be made available in the City of Kingston) are $15 [Chamber Members/Advance Purchases]; $18 [Chamber Members/Advance Registration/At the Door]; and $30 [Non-Members/Advance Registration and Advance Payment Required].
You can register for this event by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 338-5100 - or via the Chamber's website at http://www.ulsterchamber.org [click on "future events" and (where appropriate) "register"].
Plus, I would like to, once again, encourage folks to contact their local representatives [Links are provided in the sidebar] about the urgency of supporting funding for family planning services [which include teenage pregnancy prevention programs (abstinence and education based) and youth empowerment programs (knowledge is the source of sound decisions) - such as those listed (as offered by PPMHV and their affiliates)] above.
[If any factual errors have been made, please let me know and I will make corrections as soon as possible]
Respectfully Posted
by N.S.
[Former Teen Parent Caseworker, YWCA of U.C.; Former Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Coordinator, YWCA of U.C.; Former Coordinator / Educator in Association with the Y.E.S. Program, YWCA of U.C.; Former (Three Teen Pregancies by the Age of 18) Teen Parent]
Sunday, February 8, 2009
A Rubix Cube of Musings... Creativity... Artists... Paterson... Guilliani... Sottile... AOH... Other Thank Yous... Tom Petty... You Tube Video
[Photo (Copyrighted) by BF)One topic that was discussed at yesterday's meeting - that I negated to write about below - involved the "exploitation" (although that word was not explicitly used) - of our creative, artistic population.
In traditional schooling environments, children that appear to be bursting with creativity appear (all too often) to be stifled in their creative pursuits, labeled in some manner and/or even "punished" (sent to alternative schools, etc.) in some manner...
In society at large the works of creative peoples are often radically undervalued; and yet, "exploited" by those up top.
How does the latter work?
One lady gave the following example:
A place (such as the Roundout area of Kingston) will be made "artist friendly" by offering cheaper, often less than adequate housing for artistic types...
The artists will seize what they see as an opportunity (they often don't have many affordable alternatives) and move in...
The artists (this could be painters, musicians, poets, etc.) will continue to struggle, as their works are often undervalued...
But the business community around the artists is apt to flourish, with folks showing up to look at the art, listen to the music, etc. --- and eat and drink (which they pay for) and/or shop (which they pay for) at nearby businesses.
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[Tom Petty; "Refugee"; as submitted to You Tube by fastfocustv on 6/23/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ-bhM-xuec]
In addition to that...
The works of artists, from the fledgling to the "made it to the top" professional, are being exploited, with copyright laws (whether this refers to e-books, CDs, or DVDs) being violated (isn't this supposed to be illegal?) all over the place!
People are submitting works to professors, to publishing companies, to folks in the music industry that are sending back "sorry, can't use this right now" notices... changing the format of the entry just enough to (still illegal, but how are you going to prove it?) claim it (and sell it) as their own.
One lady at yesterday's workshop, having written a children's book years ago, expressed her shock at - after having the book refused - finding a children's book on the shelf with the exact same story-line - and the exact same exact illustrations (save a couple of character changes) as her (with someone else making a profit off it) own.
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I could go on and on in regard to this topic...
Having known far too many people that are extremely artistic and talented - from photographers to painters to DJs to musicians, plus...
That have produced exquisite works, often shared with the public for no cost or a minimal cost - whilst struggling each and ever day to survive!
The only exception (that comes to mind right now) I have seen to that being those artists that move into the tattoo business...
And the few others that make it big, quite often because they had money and/or connections in the "business" from the "git go."
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That said, I will express my belief - here - that artists should charge for their gallery openings and shows; that even those that provide DJ and/or Karaoke services charge for their shows; that poets and writers charge for their shows; that artists (of all types) get together and protest the rank violations of copyright laws that are occurring; that creative persons (this covers a broad spectrum) start to claim the LEGITIMATE WORTH (in every sense of the word) of their person and talents - and strive to make things better for creative persons just "learning the gig."
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That said, I would like to thank Governor Patterson for doing a GREAT job (whilst facing tremendous personal and professional odds) for New Yorkers - and "beg" (not a word I like to use) folks to examine Rudolph Giuliani's connections, history, etc. - with a "fine tooth comb" - before letting him get anywhere near (during the next governor election cycle) the Governor's seat! [I have my reasons for this instinctual - and educated - distrust of R. Giuliani]
[See P. A2 of today's (2/8/09) Kingston "Daily Freeman"]
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That said, I would like to add to Mayor Sottiles call (in his recent address and the newspaper coverage of same) for volunteerism in our community - but I would like to put the EMPHASIS OF "NEED" on the need for volunteerism in the realm of political activism!
Yes, by all means, do what you can (if you can) for your family, your neighbor, etc...
But the work one does (this is my opinion) for profit and alleged or infacto non-profit organizations should be PAID employment.
Trust me, those employing you are getting paid, and this could go a long ways towards solving our "unemployment" problem [Are too many folks GIVING their time and skills, in the the context of for profit and alleged or infacto not-for-profit "businesses"... away?]
Whereas political activism / volunteerism is what can potentially empower you, your children, your grandchildren --- and all of us --- in regards to the re-establishment of our human rights, human dignity and (do you have dreams?) collective futures!
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All of that said, I would like to close this posting with a couple of notices that I plucked from the back pages of today's (2/8/09) "Daily Freeman" (P. D5}:
1) The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Con Colbert Woulfe Division No.1, Ulster County, "donated $10,000 to the "Food Bank of the Hudson Valley..."
2) The owners (or managers?) of the Mother Earth Storehouse donated $25,000 to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley...; and
3) The Kingston Sunrise Rotary "donated $1,350 to the Kingston Parks and Recreation Department's environmental education programs..."
With a suggestion that the generosity of such people and organizations be moved towards the front of the paper... where they can receive the "Thank You, Thank You, Thank Yous!" - they have earned...
AND serve as examples to other folks and organizations [I recall seeing a decent donation go out via the Lions Club fairly recently; and the United Methodist Church [one of a handful (?) of churches offering the no-cost or low cost non-discriminatory use of their facilities for community groups, etc.) seems to be involved in a number of good works...] that "might" donate more to the good causes in their community if they got more recognition and respect for doing so...
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Just my input and/or opinions. Yours may differ.
Peace, Love, Equality and humane Justice,
NS
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