This blog is an offshoot of my previous blog, Spreading Our Wings... http://www.spreadingourwings.blogspot.com.
As before, this blog is personal and political... serious and sometimes silly...
My goal is to relay what I deem to be important information, express some of my viewpoints, engage in some online creativity - and find out (please comment appropriately) what others are thinking, as well!
["Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas"; as submitted to You Tube by hinomiko16 on 4/19/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkV-of_eN2w]
Justice pending?
"If Obama Doesn't Investigate Bush War Crimes, He Becomes An Accessory"; as submitted to You Tube by VOTERSTHINKdotORG on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKOHzu6v3dI]
Some information [passing it on] from my email file...
"We are already making great progress in moving forward on President Obama's agenda — but the memory remains of a president and vice president whose disregard for our founding principles will be their true historical legacy.
On January 6th, House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers introduced House Resolution 104, "to establish a national commission on presidential war powers and civil liberties."
The bill would impanel a Blue Ribbon Commission to investigate potential crimes and Constitutional violations committed by the Bush Administration under the seemingly impenetrable curtain of "unreviewable war powers." The commission would be comprised of non-governmental experts on the relevant subject matter, and it would have the subpoena powers necessary to do their important work.
We have progressive majorities in both houses of Congress and a progressive in the White House. So why is H.R. 104 buried in committee?
This is a critically important piece of legislation — without it, we may never know the breadth of crimes committed by Bush Administration officials, what lengths they went to in order to dupe the public into a war that has cost thousands of lives, or how many innocent men and women have been kidnapped and tortured and denied due process in violation of both the Geneva Convention and our own Constitution. Additionally, the legislation would only cost $3 million — pocket change in the world of Congressional appropriations.
Americans deserve to know the truth about the Bush Administration's alleged crimes — and we need to make sure no president ever repeats them. We are hopeful about the future, but that does not mean we can afford not to be vigilant about our past...
Thank you for working to build a better world."
Kate Stayman-London, Campaign Manager CREDO Action from Working Assets
What does America... What does the world... Hold in store (collectively) for our children and grandchildren?
["Youth For Human Rights - We Are All Born Free & Equal"; as submitted to You Tube by nyfael on 9/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixjACBvv2mE]
Some information [passing it on] from my email file [A sample letter, for those that want to contact their local representatives; link (there are more in the sidebar) provided]:
"Dear .....
The work has begun to help to pass President Obama's progressive agenda. However, our nation still has some unfinished business to attend to. On January 20th, President Barack Obama stood before millions of Americans and swore to uphold the constitution. But the memory remains of a president and vice president whose disregard for our founding principles will be their true historical legacy.
On January 6th, House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers introduced House Resolution 104, "to establish a national commission on presidential war powers and civil liberties."
The bill would impanel a Blue Ribbon Commission to investigate potential crimes and Constitutional violations committed by the Bush Administration under the seemingly impenetrable curtain of "unreviewable war powers." The commission would be comprised of non-governmental experts on the relevant subject matter, and it would have the subpoena powers necessary to do their important work.
I just signed a petition asking my member of Congress to sign on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 104 -- I hope you will too.
This video is dated; and thus, does not cover all issues associated with this topic, including the status (or lack of) other religious bodies, agnostics, atheists, etc. However, the general content of the video is still pertinent!
["JFK on the Separation of Church and State"; as submitted to You Tube by JFKLF on 8/1/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAvHHTt2czU]
Washington Reports / National Politics / News:
1. "Without a single Republican vote, President Obama won House approval on Wednesday for an $819 billion economic recovery plan as Congressional Democrats sought to temper their own differences over the enormous package of tax cuts and spending..."
"Some Democrats seemed surprised that no Republicans voted for the measure..."
“Not one person felt his or her district needed to have any of this assistance?” Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut, asked of the Republicans. “That can’t be.”
"Brad Woodhouse, president of the union-supported, pro-Democratic group Americans United for Change, e-mailed a statement condemning the Republicans’ opposition under the subject line “Political Suicide”
["House Passes Stimulus Plan With No G.O.P. Votes"; Jackie Calmes; "New York Times" (NYT) Online; 1/28/09; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html?_r=2&partner=msnbcpolitics&emc=rss (An alternative print version (NYS) of this article was published in the NYT on 1/29/2009; P. A1)].
2. "President Barack Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Bill for equal pay for equal work Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, in a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington" [Associated Press (AP); 2009].
"... Lilly Ledbetter, the Alabama woman whose story was the impetus behind the new law, stood alongside Obama as he signed the first bill of his presidency. Also in the East Room of the White House were labor, women's, civil rights advocates and members of Congress for whom the bill was a priority... The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act effectively nullifies a 2007 Supreme Court decision that denied Ledbetter an opportunity for redress..."
"First lady Michelle Obama held a separate reception with Ledbetter in the State Dining Room just down the red-carpeted hallway from the earlier event. "She knew unfairness when she saw it, and was willing to do something about it because it was the right thing to do — plain and simple," Mrs. Obama said..."
"Ledbetter, who won't benefit from the legislation, said the richest reward is that the nation's daughters and granddaughters will have a better deal..."
"That's what makes this fight worth fighting," Ledbetter said. "That's what made this fight one we had to win..."
"Obama cited Census Bureau figures that show women still earn about 78 cents for every dollar men get for doing equivalent jobs, and it's even less for women of color. He said Ledbetter lost more than $200,000 in salary, and even more in pension and Social Security benefits..."
"The bill, which amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act, also applies to discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, national origin, disability or age..."
[Information on the bill, S.181, can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov; More information on the above article can be accessed at NPR.org: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99995431&sc=nl&cc=bh-20090129]
3. The "Religious Right Forum" has published an online article / profile [originally from the "Wall Street Journal" (WSJ)] on President Obama's pick (Joshua DuBois) for his "faith-based outreach" (and potential funding) program.
According to this article, Joshua is an "evangelical Christian" who is [or has been] associated with the "Calvary Praise and Worship Center, a small African-American Pentecostal congregation in Cambridge. He became an associate pastor at age 18..."
According to the online article, and the original article (WSJ), the "Christian political action committee Matthew 25 Network" put out a TV advertisement, in August 2008, that was scheduled to "coincide with Rev. Warren's [another Christian evangelist?] faith-based forum" in Lake Forest, California.
[For more on this, go to: http://www.religiousrightwatch.com/2008/08/wsj-profile-of.html]
4. According to a blurb by Wally Edge (PoliticerNJ.com) and the "Boston Globe," Joshua DuBois formerly served as an aid to Rep. Rush Holt..."
[You can email Wally Edge at politicsnj@aol.com or go to: http://www.politickernj.com/wallye/21435/remember-joshua-dubois - for additional information]
5. For more on the following...
"President Barack Obama issued a withering critique Thursday of Wall Street corporate behavior, calling it "the height of irresponsibility" for employees to be paid more than $18 billion in bonuses last year while their crumbling financial sector received a bailout from taxpayers..."
"It is shameful," Obama said from the Oval Office. "And part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint, and show some discipline, and show some sense of responsibility..."
"The House just approved an economic stimulus plan that would cost taxpayers more than $800 billion; the Senate is considering its own version..."
"Separately, Congress also passed a $700 billion plan last year to shore up the financial sector, one that drew howls of criticism about a lack of transparency..."
"We're going to be having conversations as this process moves forward directly with these folks on Wall Street to underscore that they have to start acting in a more responsible fashion if we are to, together, get this economy rolling again," Obama said..."
"There will be time for them to make profits, and there will be time for them to get bonuses," Obama said. "Now is not that time..." ["Obama calls $18B in Wall Street bonuses 'shameful'"; Ben Feller, AP; 1/29/09]
Go to: http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/1151/6710787/Obama_calls_18B_in_Wall_Street_bonuses_shameful
1. According to a report issued yesterday, from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "529 persons from 43 states... and one person from Canada had been reported infected with the outbreak [current salmonella issue associated with some peanut butter products] strain". This is especially important [in my opinion], because some brands of peanut butter crackers [often given to children as snacks] seem to be of especially high risk - and the risk seems to be associated, primarily, with some products that "contain" [sometimes ambiguous] peanut butter, including some brands of energy bars, some brands of pet food, etc. NY State appears to have had at least 20 cases; some products [as identified] have reputedly been voluntarily pulled off the shelves. For more on this, please go to... http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm58e0129a1.htm?s_cid=mm58e0129a1_echeck and/or click on the FDA link provided in the sidebar for more specific information.
2. According to a report issued by the Federal Government on 1/22/09 [go to www.fsis.usda.gov], folks should follow some guidelines if holding a party for "Super Bowl XLIII", which is cited as being "[s]econd only to Thanksgiving" in regards to being the "highest day of food consumption in the United States."
Folks therefore need to be savvy to avoid "footborne" illnesses:
a. "Clean - Avoid penalties for Illegal Use of Hands." [Clean food preparation and other surface areas often.]
b. "Separate - Avoid Encroachment and do not jump offside." [Separate cooked food and vegetables from raw meet and poultry (use separate cutting boards, or wash board between uses, as necessary.)]
c. "Cook - Ensure your foods are in The Red Zone by using a food thermometer... Meat and poultry including chicken wings, sausages and hamburgers, should be cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7... Steaks should be cooked to 145 °F, ground beef should be cooked to 160 °F and all poultry should be cooked to 165 °F. Once your foods have reached The Red Zone of food safety, protect your team from the Danger Zone. Do not leave foods sitting out for more than two hours at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F."
d "Chill - Your defense for good Pass Protection." [Refrigerate food items after utilizing; keep food items cool when not in use.] "Your pass protection will block offensive bacteria from multiplying and running up the score. The same rules of the Danger Zone apply for hot foods, too. If food has been sitting out for more than two hours, do not eat it."
e. "Make the Right Call. In football, referees may rely on the feature of instant replay to review their rulings. One of the best resources available before kickoff is USDA's virtual representative, Ask Karen, a feature that also allows you to ask food safety-related questions 24 hours a day. Visit Ask Karen at AskKaren.gov. If you prefer to review your strategy via phone, you may contact a food safety specialist with the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). Recorded messages are available 24 hours a day and the Hotline is staffed with food safety experts, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time" (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_012209_01/index.asp}
3. According to a U.S. National Report (2007) issued by the CDC, women aged 18 through 44 years were more apt to be tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), than males in the same age (especially from age 18 - age 24) categories. For more information, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhis/released200806.htm.
4. Some recent headlines ["National Partnership for Women and Families"; "National Politics & Policy"] regarding women's health issues include:
a. "Senate Rejects Amendment Reinstating 'Global Gag Rule' During SCHIP Debate" [1/29/09]
b. "Stimulus Bill Includes STI Prevention Funding; Removal of Family Planning Provision Criticized" (1/29/09).
c. "Provision To Increase Access to Medicaid Family Planning Services Cut From Stimulus Package" (1/28/09).
For more updates and/or information regarding the above, go to: http://www.nationalpartnership.org/site/PageServer?pagename=daily2_welcome
I personally feel that the Whited House Office of Faith-Based Funding, which was established, via Executive Order, by former President George Bush Jr., should be dismantled and disempowered in order to keep the boundaries between church and state more clearly drawn - and to make sure no particular religious ideology or body takes precedence over / has more power than /or receives more funding than any other.
The influx of evangelical Christians (in particular) into the White House began quite some time ago... (during previous presidential administrations) --- and this was done (at least in some instances) in a rather "sneaky" ('tis my opinion, based on my research) manner.
One only has to look at the controversies that have already erupted when Reverend Wright, Reverend Warren and some other religious leaders (by design and/or invite) stepped into the political picture --- to see that the combination of "church and state" (unconstitutional, in my opinion, to begin with) is NOT in this countries best interest.
Yes, we have "freedom of religion."
Yes, theoretically - at least, we have the freedom to not engage in any form of religion - and to take this stance without fear of discrimination / unequal treatment...
Yes, I have respect for all bodies of faith (whilst being very disappointed with some of their leaders)...
And yes, I have developed a faith-life of my own - that is not reflected (this came more recently) in the books that I wrote...
However, my views on the necessity of the "separation of church and state" - in order to have a "more fair and equal" country / citizenship - have NOT changed...
And my belief is that "IF" there is to be an equality-based / non-discriminatory "Office of Faith-Based Services" in the White House --- this office should be run by a board or committee with at least one representative of every faith and non-faith in America sitting in and having a voice on all policy and funding decisions...
And more stringent regulations (these organizations (generally alleged or in facto non-profits) should be held just as accountable as businesses are in regard to book-keeping, outside objective oversight, public disclosure, etc.)
[If you note any factual errors in this report, please let me know and I will make (based on research) the appropriate corrections. Links will be made available in the sidebar>>>]
["The Universal Declaration of Human Rights"; as Submitted to You Tube on 10/7/08 by HumanRightsActionCtr; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlrSYbCbHE]
For more on:
"President Barack Obama is signing into law an equal-pay bill that is popular with labor and women's groups and is expected to make it easier for workers to sue for decades-old discrimination..."
"This bill will be a big step forward not just for women, but for families," the White House said in a statement announcing the bill signing. "It is not only a measure of fairness, but can be the difference for families struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times..." ["Obama set to sign equal-pay bill"; Philip Elliott, Associated Press (AP); 1/29/09]
Go to: http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/6704217/Obama_set_to_sign_equal-pay_bill
"... Without a single Republican vote, President Obama won House approval on Wednesday for an $819 billion economic recovery plan as Congressional Democrats sought to temper their own differences over the enormous package of tax cuts and spending..."
"While the House and Senate measures are similar, they are most likely to differ in ways that could snarl negotiations between Democrats from the two chambers, and delay getting a measure to the president. In particular, House and Senate Democrats are split over how to divide $87 billion in relief to the states for Medicaid, with senators favoring a formula more beneficial to less-populous states..." [For a Print Version of this Article, see "House Passes Stimulus Plan Despite G.O.P. Opposition" in the "New York Times" (NYT), 1/29/09; P. A1]
Otherwise Check Out the Article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html?_r=2&partner=msnbcpolitics&emc=rss
For More On (This is an area where I have some questions / concerns; bold emphasis mine...):
"President Obama plans to name Joshua DuBois, a 26-year-old Pentecostal pastor and political strategist who handled religious outreach for the Obama campaign, to direct a revamped office of faith-based initiatives, according to religious leaders who have been informed about the choice.
The office, created by President George W. Bush by executive order at the start of his first term, is likely to have an even broader mandate in the Obama White House, said the religious leaders, who requested anonymity because the appointment has yet to be announced...
Renamed the Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the office will not merely oversee the distribution of grants to religious and community groups, but will also look for other ways to involve those groups in working on pressing social problems..."
"...The most contentious issue that Mr. DuBois will have to help resolve is whether Mr. Obama should rescind a Bush administration legal memorandum that allows religious groups that receive government money to hire only those who share their faith.
Mr. Obama said in a campaign speech last June, “If you get a federal grant, you can’t use that grant money to proselytize to the people you help and you can’t discriminate against them — or against the people you hire — on the basis of their religion.”
Mr. DuBois led an effort during the transition to consult with dozens of religious and charity groups about the work of the faith-based office, including what to do about the hiring question, and whether the faith-based centers that Mr. Bush inserted into 12 federal agencies should all be preserved" [For a Print Version of "Leaders Say Obama Has Tapped Pastor for Outreach Office", See Laurie Goodstein's article in the NYT, 1/29/09", P. A16]
Otherwise check out the Article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29faith.html?partner=msnbcpolitics&emc=rss
[You can copy and paste these links into your browser and they will be made available in the sidebar>>>]
"This week, family planning opponents in Congress used lies and distortions to eliminate an important provision in the economic stimulus package that would have allowed states to expand access to family planning services to low-income families through the Medicaid program.
This provision would have enabled many low-income women and families to access vital family planning services — basic health care that includes contraceptives and breast and cervical cancer screening. At the same time, it would have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in much-needed savings to both states and the federal government.
Opponents laid waste to this common sense policy.
Americans overwhelmingly use and support family planning services that allow couples to plan and space their pregnancies. These services are always a priority in women’s lives.
Given the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of these services, policies such as the Medicaid family planning option are even more important in these challenging economic times.
Don’t let family planning services be sacrificed to partisan politics.
Urge your elected officials to waste no time in expanding access to family planning services.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Keefe Director of Reproductive Health Programs"
"As a woman that had no information, access to information or ability to access health and family planning services in my younger years - resulting in three teenage pregnancies - multiple medical issues - and ongoing social and economic distress - I am urging you to lend your support to any efforts geared towards expanding eligibility for family planning services to America's economically distressed population.
Along with a number of others, I am disappointed to hear that this "cost-effective" and "common sense initiative" (expanded access to Family Planning Services) has come under political attack - and I would like to join the other "voices" urging our political representatives to "act quickly" in support of the expansion - via the Medicaid Program and applicable grants - of such services.
Unplanned pregnancies, particularly teen pregnancies, too often hurt the family, the child and (socially and economically) the system. This is not - and should not be - an ideologically battle! We are talking about an urgent socio-economic problem (with a prevention focus) that begs (for everyone's sake) solutions NOW
Please join me in urging President Obama, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Representative M. Hinchey to support the funding of and expansion of Family Planning services.
Nancy S. Smith, Kingston, NY Former Teen Parent Former Teen Parent Case Manager (YWCA of Ulster County) Former Coordinator of the Ulster County Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Program [YWCA of Ulster County] Member: MoveOn.org Civic Action Member: Mid-Hudson Valley League of Women Voters Community Blogger / Activist: http://www.spreadingourwings.blogspot.com
There are links provided in the sidebar through which you (if you so choose) can access information on how to contact (whether pro or con) you local representives on this issue.
The "Senate Committee" (with "bipartisan support") has reputedly "approved Eric Holder's nomination as the first African-American attorney general..." (NPR.org:http://n.npr.org/NPRI/jN11850174_31377.htm)
I attended a meeting held by the League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson Valley last night, and I found them to be a very friendly, warm, welcoming group of activist women...
The League is open for membership - and seeking volunteers (guess who signed on?) to serve as nonpartisan "observers" [my blog is my blog; my role there (non-partisan factual coverage for the League's Newsletter) will be different] at some of the Mid-Hudson Valley Government meetings...
Please see the links, regarding all of this and more, in the sidebar...
["Sen. Schumer says prosecute the Bush administration"; as submitted to You Tube by joshuabaca on 1/25/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TutsrSGoGJg]
This video does not say explicitly that Senator Schumer is "for" prosecuting members of the former Bush Jr. Administration...
But the video does not negate the possibility --- which Nancy Pelosi "has" put her energies behind, either.
Perhaps there is something in a name (Nancy...) --- because I have to say I'm with Nancy Pelosi --- all the way...
Why?
A few pertinent article and book titles --- and/or --- quotes (Note, Though I appreciate the sentiments expressed below, I am not always familiar with the author "of" the quote...):
1. "The question is: are the people to be awakened or to be used?" (Jacques Maritain; "Man and the State"; 1951)
2. "The Worst Criminals Aren't On Trial" (Title of an article by Asim Beslija; "Transitions Online"; Commentary in "The Week", 12/17/04; P. 15)
3. "All repressed truths become poisonous" (Friedrich Nietzsche; "Of Self-Overcoming"; "Thus Spoke Zarathustra; 1892; Translated by R.J. Hollingdale in 1961)
4. "What I revolt against is the greed of men who squeeze other men as if they were squeezing oranges" (Carolina Maria de Jesus; In "Child of the Dark: The Diary..."; Translated by David St. Clair in 1962)
5. "The darkness of history... conceals a light. Beyond the mystery is meaning. And the meaning is destined to be disclosed" (Abraham J. Heschel; "The Prophets"; 1962)
6. "The Bush Court: Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid" (Randall Kennedy; "American Prospect"; 11/23/1999; P. 54]
7. "It does not do to leave a dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him" (J.R.R. Tolkien; Author of "The Hobbit", "Lord of the Rings", etc.)
8. "Who will answer [if things were to go wrong again...] for tomorrow?" [Charles Peguy; "The Modern World: The Future"; "Basic Verities..."; Translated by Julian Green and Ann Green in 1943; Bracketed insert mine...]
I AM a very big believer in the Obama-Biden Administration, but the office of the president "HAS" been empowered (via Bush Jr.) --- beyond reason [and beyond the scope of the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" - and "could" potentially set us ("We the People") up for the same sort of problems (who wants to dis empower oneself, after all?) at some point in the future...
If we want to hold "the people" accountable --- and are asking them to "step up to the plate" (as is being done)...
I believe (this is my opinion!) that we need to start at the TOP!
Why have a legal system if we aren't going to use it? OR - if we are going to use it "selectively" --- with some folks almost guaranteed a "get out of jail" (and/or financial restitution) card?
Come on folks...
Bush and Co. "sold us down the river" --- across the global landscape --- inside and out!!!!!!!!!!! And our children and grandchildren have paid an especially heavy price!!!!!!!!!
Remember Molly Ivins?
Here are the titles (She was one of the best reporters going, as far as I'm concerned!) of some of her WELL RESEARCHED articles:
"Administration Creates Climate of Secrecy, Fear" [Creators Syndicate (CS); 1/3/06).
"Bush's Position on 'Torture Bill' is Outrageous" (CS; 10/14/05)
"Enron Case: Monstrous Fraud Connected to Government" (CS; 6/6/06)
"Press Under Full Attack By Bush Administration" (CS; 8/9/2006)
"The Party Never Ends With The Bush Administration" (CS; 6/30/06)
Or... does it? [Where would Molly Ivins, now deceased, stand on this?]
My first successful uploaded video-clip; taken, I'm afraid, with a low budget video-camera - which actually operated a lot easier (even if not as high grade) than a more expensive video-camera I tried to work with in the past!
Certainly, Time Warner Channel Six did a LOT better at capturing this (lol) party than I (trying to capture "their" capture) did...
But, as I've said before, I am on an accelerated technological learning curve (pretty much teaching myself) --- and I'm climbing this mountain (geesh!) as fast as I can!
I hope everyone had a wonderful time at the party! Which was the end result of a lot of [FUN] work - and took a lot of individual and group (MoveOn.org Civic Action / Affiliates / attendees / etc.) ENERGY!
SERIOUS BUSINESS.. Class Action Lawsuit.. Time for that Peace, Love and Humane Justice.. A Review and Update.. YOU TUBE.. Hinchey and more...
A REVIEW OF SOME IMPORTANT OUTLOOKS ON THE [SORRY TO SEE YOU LEAVE (NOT!!!!!) PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATIONS (BUSH, CHENEY, ETC) [2008 YOU TUBE VIDEO ('Tis Now Too Late to "Impeach" Bush...") COVERAGE]:
["THE MOST IMPEACHABLE PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA!", as submitted to YOU TUBE by CSPANJUNKIEdotORG on 7/25/08:
["THE MOST IMPEACHABLE PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA!"; as submitted to YOU TUBE by CSPANJUNKIEdotORG on 7/25/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CHKV-7vvYk]
"Impeach ('Tis now too late to Impeach...) George Bush for High Crimes", as submiteed to YOU TUBE by GEERUP on 7/25/08:
["Impeach George Bush for High Crimes"; as submiteed to YOU TUBE by GEERUP on 7/25/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id_N3rUH5wI]
Moving into Early January [When President Bush and Company were stll in power]:
"CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT" (Hmmmmm!) --- as submitted to YOU TUBE by commoneverydaypeople on 1/17/09 (Still Pre-President Obama):
["CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT"; as submitted to YOU TUBE by commoneverydaypeople on 1/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJHEUNw9H1I]
"THE CIA, THE TRAVEL AGENTS AND TORTURE TOURISM", as submitted to YOU TUBE by bvongrabe on 1/19/09 {Still Pre-President Obama):
["THE CIA, THE TRAVEL AGENTS AND TORTURE TOURISM"; as submitted to YOU TUBE by bvongrabe on 1/19/09;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egrmyd1FuZA]
"Pelosi wants investigation of Bush officials" as submitted by Subscribe4MoreNews on 1/19/2009 (One Day Before Barack Obama's Inauguration):
Subscribe4 ["Pelosi wants investigation of Bush officials"; as submitted by Subscribe4MoreNews on 1/19/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW27hDwItXE]
To which I would add Former President Bush's gross violation (in a number of different ways...) of the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" in regard to the "Separation of Church and State" [For more on this, go to ffrf.org. [A link will be made available in the sidebar...
As well as Former President Bush's gross neglect of America's children!
From 1/21/09 {One Day After Barack Obama's Inauguration}:
"An Indiana man filed a class action lawsuit against members of the former Bush administration for their misuse of TARP funds. Jerry Lukas filed the lawsuit in the Southern District court of Indiana because he was finished "getting ripped off by the Federal government..." ("Class Action Suit against Bush Crownies:" Tim Einenkel); http://airamerica.com/blog/2009/jan/21/suing-bush-administration [A link will also be placed in the sidebar>>>>].
"Sheldon Whitehouse and Marcy Wheeler Discuss al-Haramain Wiretapping Suit" as submitted to YOU TUBE by firedoglake on 1/22/09 [Two days after Barack Obama's Inauguration]:
["Sheldon Whitehouse and Marcy Wheeler Discuss al-Haramain Wiretapping Suit"; as submitted to YOU TUBE by firedoglake on 1/22/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52I8WAQEPcs]
"Dan Mitchell Attacks Release of TARP Funds" as submitted to YOU TUBE by catoinstitutevideo on 1/23/09:
["Dan Mitchell Attacks Release of TARP Funds" as submitted to YOU TUBE by catoinstitutevideo on 1/23/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt7qaTlIW7I]
MY POINT?
Last year I contacted a local attorney about the possibility of filing a lawsuit [in regard to my personal health / distress --- financial pain and trauma --- associated with Bush Administration policies and related violations of the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" (This suit might well have bloomed into a class action lawsuit) against Bush Jr. and some key members of his administration. That lawyer, citing the expense involved, etc. - did NOT choose to take it on.
However, it appears as if some folks "might" have been thinking along the same lines... or are NOW... and I would like to hear how other folks in the community are feeling about this?????
On a personal note, I wrote and published three books in 2007 [see sidebar] that I did not dare promote whilst Bush Jr. and company were still in office... In fact, I felt my life might be in danger due to the very fact that I had written these books and put them out in the public format...
Which leads me to another issue regarding my books (see sidebar) --- which I HAVE RECEIVED NO ROYALTY PAYMENTS FOR --- despite the fact that Amazon.com has (as of 1/23/09) a listing of 18 New and Used Copies of one of my books ["Ode to the Wicker Man... Book II"] available [$38.95 is the Amazon New Book List Price] --- with prices ranging from $24.68 (in the new and used category via other outlets / sellers) to $64.26 [which includes the option of a hard cover copy, which was NEVER authorized - through iUniverse [the new book list price at iUniverse, which I ask you NOT to order from (I AM NOT RECEIVING ROYLATY PAYMENTS FROM ANY OF THE OUTLETS OR INDIVIDUALS SELLING MY BOOKS!!!!!] at this point, is $38.95] or anyone else - BY ME!
Thus, if anyone wants to order any of the books I authored and published in 2007 - while suffering from dire fear (whether based in reality or no) of my life - due to the Bush Administrations "snoop" policies, violations of the Constitution... and more...
Please order these books (I will offer signed copies) direct from ME! [See Sidebar... Details will soon be added!]
And, as far as the Class Action suit goes...
I'm game! Are you?
And are there any lawyers out there locally that would like to take something of this magnitude on [free of charge] on behalf of "We the People?" [Just think of the publicity and the possible windfall that might come your way!]
Pass this on if you would - to folks in the know...
["Gov. Patterson Picks Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand for Clinton's Senate Seat"; MSNBC; You Tube (as submitted to You Tube by SwimmingPolarBear on 1/22/2009); http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0KeLfAbJiY]
Although this (video above, article note to follow...) is not yet totally "official", it should be by the end of the day...
According to an Associated Press (AP) article, U.S. Representative, Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat) "will be named to fill the seat vacated when Hillary Rodham Clinton..."
["Aide: Successor chosen for Clinton's Senate seat"; Michael Gormley; AP; 1/23/09; Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/view/content/story.cfm?storyId=6644011&view=NEWS&sSect=LP1-T2VGEN&trProv=NE_AP_19]
Introducing (for those that aren't quite sure who she is): U.S. Representative, Kirsten Gillibrand:
["Victory Speech: Kirsten Gillibrand"; You Tube; as submitted by emilyslist on 12/5/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXlYM2aTU8Y
[A little girl that sang (with others) at the last Kingston Area Public Access Telethon; at a recent Pointe of Praise / Kings Kids talent show (a song she had written herself); and at the Kingston Muddy Cup Inauguration Party [a song she had written herself AND a (spoken word) poem...]; Photo (from the Muddy Cup event) by NS]
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The following is an original copy [slightly edited for placement here] of a letter (to the Editor) that was sent to the "KIngston Times" (published today), the Kingston "Daily Freeman" and "Ulster County Publishing." Bob Smith (whom I know pretty well (Lol!) gave me permission to publish the letter (Important stuff, folks!) here, as well.
"Letter to the Editor" [This went out to 3 different local papers]...
"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 ten-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 $365.00 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,
I also wanted to say thank you to Time Warner Channel Six News for their wonderful coverage of the Inauguration Party (Hosted by MoveOn.org Civic Action and a number of other groups and individuals...) at the Kingston, NY Muddy Cup! Great Job!!!!! Thank You!
["Should a "seat-warmer" be chosen to hold Hillary Clinton's soon-to-be vacated spot?"; Submitted to You Tube on 1/1/09 by cmcilwain1]
This is a pre-inauguration day video --- but I am still trying to find out WHO (Do you know?) the other possible NY State Senate Seat contenders are.....! (I do not care for the fact that "they" seem to be faceless and nameless!)]
I received notice today [Great news!] --- via an email from Debra Ness, the President of the National Partnership for Women --- that the "Senate passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act [Yes!] and rejected numerous amendments that would have gutted this important legislation..."
You can check out the National Partnership for Women & Families at http://www.nationalpartnership.org [A link will be placed in the sidebar>>>]
-------------------------------------------------
Food for Thought?
The following is a quote from an article titled, "Class Action Suit against Bush Crownies:"
"An Indiana man filed a class action lawsuit against members of the former Bush administration for their misuse of TARP funds. Jerry Lukas filed the lawsuit in the Southern District court of Indiana because he was finished "getting ripped off by the Federal government..." (Tim Einenkel).
For more on this article, go to http://airamerica.com/blog/2009/jan/21/suing-bush-administration [A link will also be placed in the sidebar>>>>].
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On the (in my opinion) UP Side!
You can read more on, "Obama institutes ethics rules, freezes salaries..." [Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/view/content/story.cfm?storyId=6628585&view=NEWS&sSect=LP1-T2VGEN&trProv=NE_AP_3] [A link will be made available in the sidebar>>>]
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On the (in my opinion) UP Side!
You can read more on, "Breaking forcefully with Bush anti-terror policies, President Barack Obama ordered major changes Thursday that he said would halt the torture of suspects, close down the Guantanamo detention center, ban secret CIA prisons overseas and fight terrorism "in a manner that is consistent with our values and our ideals" [See: "Obama breaks from Bush and orders Gitmo to close", by Tom Raum and Philip Elliot (Associated Press); 1/22/09] at:
You can actually access the White House Briefing Room Blog @ http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/ [A link will also be placed in the sidebar / blog list!>>>]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcmDg4tbHVQ; "Hon. Carolyn Maloney 11-11-08 Air date"; as submitted to You Tube by haroldchanner on 11/7/08]
Rep. Carolyn Maloney is apparently one of the other contenders for H. Clinton's vacated Senate seat. Does anyone know the names (other than Kennedy and Cuomo; help me out here folks...) of the others?
["Gov. Patterson On Senate Seat"; CBSNewsOnline; as submitted to You Tube on 1/20/09]
I am not yet clear on whether Caroline Kennedy is out of the running for the NY State Senate seat - at this point (a lot of conflicting reports are online) - or not. But I would like to learn more about other contenders - and I do wonder why they have not (other than Gov. Cuomo) gotten much (to my knowledge) publicity (?????)
Inaugural Poem (Obama 2009) [Rough draft; new poem]
My New Year's oath To you and me Was to become All I can be To live my muse Pursue my dreams With every drop Of energy... And courage Drawn up from My toes
The fear I've known... The fear I've known...
Handcuffed and chained To walls of pain This year, I say, "No more."
And, as I stand Before you now A poet, dreamer, Silly clown... To celebrate Obamas day
I have to say... I have to say...
Though I am white My oath is true My commitment firm I've much to do
For I am, indeed, A lot like you...
My freedom card Long overdue...
And, although each day Can be tough to face It is worth the price Because all our fates
Depend on you... Depend on me...
On everyone struggling To be free...
From the pain That holds us back (So much locked up Inside...)
Speaking its truth... Speaking its truth...
Through all the tears We've cried...
I really tried to hide... I really tried to hide...
But, this is the year... This Is the year... That I've been Waiting for...
This IS the year... This IS the year...
I finally say, "No more."
And join the chorus Of voices That say,
"We can!"
NS [MoveOn Civic Action Member / Inaugural Party (Obama 2009) Host]
[Photo of a Painting Done by My Father; Photo by NS]
America IS Beautiful!
Today IS the day!
[Muddy Cup Inauguration Party Photo by BS]
A Few Quotes:
1. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" (Chinese Proverb).
2. Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man's survival" (Carlos P. Romulo).
3. "... When we women offer our experience as truth, as human truth, all the maps change. There are new mountains" (Ursula K. LeGuin).
4. "Noble souls, through dust and heat, rise from disaster and defeat the stronger" (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow).
5. "The fact that we are human beings is infinitely more important than all the peculiarities that distinguish human beings from one another" (Simone de Beauvoir).
["Obama Swears..."; as submitted to You Tube by DorisSjogrenRowe on 1/17/09]
["Grassroots Obama Inauguration Party Poster"; Poster by NS]
I haven't had time to personally contact everyone I would have liked to about this party, so I hope folks have seen the advertisements in the local papers and/or around town!
I have never done anything of this magnitude before, so please bear with me...
I am having (in between gulps) a wonderful (in many ways) time!
I received some emails and phone calls asking about whether folks could bring their instruments to the open mike; and unfortunately I have to discourage this, because (1) this is a combination of special-event music, speakers, open mike poetry and karaoke, and there simply isn't enough time to add open mike musicians to the mix; and (2) I am not prepared, and do not believe that I have the type of equipment, to handle musician transitions (sorry folks) smoothly.
I also received emails and phone calls about whether there would be on-site television coverage of the event, to which I must answer ('tis a different type of event than a lot of other folks are hosting) "sorry, no."
I will bring my laptop, and hopefully some other folks will have laptops, as well; so that those who want to tune into some of the evening events will be able to do so. However, it is going to be - at least some of the time - a little loud and silly and happy... so you might want to record the evening's events at home...
All of that said, thank you to the Kingston Muddy Cup for serving as a venue for the party; thank you to all of those that have signed up (either via Move-On.org Civic Action, or via personal contact) for the party; thank you, again, to the community activists (official and unofficial) that have agreed to say a few words at the party; and thank you to MoveOn.org Civic Action and all of the other groups and individuals that have worked to make this day - and this party - [there are parties all across the city, county, state and country] - possible!
["Party Like It's Barack Obama's Inauguration"; Photo by NS]
Today is Martin Luther King Day, so I searched for a video (see below) on the topic that touched my heart, and I hope might touch yours...
Plus, I wanted to put out my own note on ways to do service that don't appear to be covered much elsewhere...
1. Get involved in local politics; attend open meetings; listen, learn and voice your views... YOU matter!
2. Try out blogging... It is fun. You learn a great deal. And it inspires one to keep up on both local news and national events.
3. Lend a hand at the Inaugural parties that are happening tomorrow! A LOT has gone into the planning of these events, whether they are relatively small - or being held in bigger, more formal facilities...
4. Learn what your local human service organizations are, so that you are able to point folks in need (there are many) in appropriate directions.
5. Remember to take care of YOU and prioritize... for amongst all of this... one must always try to keep one's own house in order!
In closing, please remember the Inaugural Party at the Kingston Muddy Cup tomorrow night - and that families (including children) are welcome to attend AND participate in the festivities!
‘Green News Report’ – September 8, 2026
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Follow and stream @GreenNewsReport!…(Or use “Click here to listen…” link
below.) IN TODAY’S RADIO REPORT: U.S. diesel and retail gas prices hit
record high...
More than One Type of Viewpoint in a Story
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*QUESTION: I want to use first person point of view for my hero, and third
person for my other characters. What do you think?*
As a rule in popular fict...
Liberty Metals Group Review
-
Liberty Metals Group is a company that sells precious metals products. But
according to Yelp and their Better Business Bureau page, they've gone out
of b...
Ebook Download User Guide Manual For Windows 10
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Ebook Download User Guide Manual For Windows 10
When one is encountered to the issues, several choose to seek the
inspirations and amusement by reading. Ar...
Please find our events on Facebook
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For our current initiatives and events, check us out on Facebook or join
our mailing list. This site is outdated and currently under redevelopment.
Coming ...
The Voters Have a Right to Know
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The Ulster Town Board is holding a special meeting this Tuesday to decide
whether to grant FOIL requests to release a police dash cam video of a
traffic st...
Congratulations to Nobel Laureate Richard Thaler!
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It should surprise no one, and delight everyone, that Richard Thaler has
won this year’s Nobel in economics. Congratulations! Thaler is a big reason
I pe...
Adjust contrast of a pdf free
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Closer to the eye of the shooter, this is because Preview is quite
literally applying a filter to each individual page of the PDF you are
saving. the proce...
This is not good for Children
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The Texas Legislature has a bill in front of it that would allow not only
faith-based adoption agencies but all others to refuse to allow Jewish,
Muslim or...
Election 2015
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Is it me, or is this like the third year running that while trying to find
election results all we get from the UC Board of Elections page is this?
For hou...
BROADWAY TREES
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So, who is responsible for the maintenance of the trees along our Broadway
corridor?
Oh, thats right. We have a tree commission don't we?
...
Ulster County 2015 Tax Lien Foreclosure Report
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We are once again at that time of year when the County is faced with the
unenviable task of auctioning off properties to meet tax obligations. It is
not on...
Memorial Day 2013
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IMHO, the best way to remember and honor our fallen men & women in uniform
is to practice democracy. The concepts of "liberty and justice for all"
means fo...
Ellis Island - Baggage and Dormitory Building
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View of one of the many dorm areas which comprise the bulk of the Baggage
and Dormitory building; during its peak, this area would have held as many
beds...
Gov. Christie to Keynote GOP Convention
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Gov. Chris Christie will keynote this year's GOP convention. While I am
supporting Barack Obama and hope very much so he is reelected in November,
I en...
A Bit of a Twist
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Events in town recently have been much like the past winter's snowfalls,
'few & far between', but like politics, less is often more. In the case of
the Tow...
Proposed New York Senate and Assembly Districts
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Well folks the State as done it. I present to you links for both the New
York State Assembly Districts and New York State Senate Districts.
Ulster County ...
We're back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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*Are you tired of Blaber, MoJo, Cahill, Clark and the rest of the bloggers
of Ulster County? Well back by popular demand your Fishbowl is here again!*
*St...
Kevin Cahill Remembers Dietrich Werner
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Dietrich's wife, Gayle is asking that in lieu of flowers for Dietrich, that
donations be made in his name to the Century House.
Below is a link where donat...
Czars to oversee Czars
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*The problem with talking about things is that sometimes you give people
ideas that they may never have thought of. Like when you are talking to
kids abo...
Did You Know?
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Did You Know? Kingston Community Radio has an archive of past shows, which
can be found on the website here. The most recent show features county
executive...
Stop the smear of Schneer
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This was in the Kingston Times 9/30/09
Stop the smear of Schneer
Less than 24 hours after Judge Deborah Schneer won confirmation as our next
Ulster County ...
Top Ten Things Overhead at the Board of Elections
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10. Acceptance? I need to file what? Nobody told me about that.
9. I didn't know that petitions had to be filed by July 16.
8. I don't have enough signatu...
[Photo by NS]
