PART II: 2000 TROOPS NOW DEAD IN VAIN: IRAQ IS NEITHER LIBERATED NOR FREE

PART II:
2000+ TROOPS NOW DEAD IN VAIN: IRAQ IS NEITHER LIBERATED NOR FREE
HOW MANY MORE MUST DIE UNTIL WE BRING THE TROOPS HOME?

HOW MANY MORE MUST DIE UNTIL YOU BEGIN TO PROTEST THE WAR?
3000? 5000? 10,000? 58,0000? HOW MANY UNTIL YOU BRING THEM HOME?

This posting full text:
http://honeste--djoftruth.blogspot.com/2005/10/2000-troops-now-lie-dead-in-vain-iraq_23.html


GLOBAL WARMING AND HOW IT AFFECTS US ALL:
WAGE ENVIRONMENTAL PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Global warming is an issue that affect us all not just those whose politics we like, for instance, I don’t agree with this person’s politics but I sure am glad of the cause he has taken up: Now Wage It Mr. Cizik, WAGE IT RELENTLESSLY!!!!
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/100705G.shtml
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051007/caring_for_creation.php
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1013-28.htm
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/25351/
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1014-04.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/102005N.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1021-03.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051020/ap_on_re_af/africa_climate_threat;_ylt=ApRy7TDIcjSEBC.U3hw.r.Ks0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3b3JuZGZhBHNlYwM3MjE-
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1020-01.htm
John Kerry on global warming, I agree with him on this, despite a couple of comments on Iraq that are worth ignoring as he tries to do the DLC-coward-to-oppose-the-war-horseshit-dance again that no-one buys and most know is bullshit, but everything else is pretty much on the mark: Mr. Kerry, until you come out against the occupation, to bring the troops home, don’t count on my support in 2008, I WILL NOT BACK YOU AGAIN, show some courage. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=793
CALL FOR AN END TO THE OCCUPATION, SIR, OR COUNT ME OUT!!!!!
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/10/16/a_reality_check_for_kerry/ Until courage is demonstrated, Democrats will lose bids to the WH.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051012/ap_on_el_pr/kennedy2008;_ylt=ApJbY9rMwXlfWCF.tUfKMkis0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-
Money won’t mean squat once we begin assailing you on your Iraq policy, Ms. Clinton.
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2005/10/14/clinton_sets_unbelievable_fundraising_pace.html
The following is a misleading article, it is not the votes from yesteryear that will haunt Democrats because we will forgive you, rather it is your current support for the Occupation that will hurt, in fact, it will be a politically suicidal position to maintain. You can bet your bottom dollar that we will see to that. Call for an end to the occupation.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1017-07.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1016-20.htm
Interesting article about penguins, Mr. Moyer, here are more articles about penguins:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1007-21.htm
http://gay.com/news/article.html?2002/02/22/2
http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2005/02/18/6
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Moyers
I’ve never hated anyone in my life; even though I come pretty close to hating this guy:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/1999/03/lauerman.html
I feel sorry for him, hate takes too much energy and besides love feels so much better.
This article details issues that are outrageously wrong:
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/10/101305nyPartner.htm
Coupled with policy that addresses environmental issues should also be a policy that addresses dependence on foreign oil and a conservation-based, sustainable national energy policy:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1010-27.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1007-01.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1013-20.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1014-06.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1018-08.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1019-16.htm
And universal healthcare:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101705M.shtml
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051020/the_quest_for_universal.php
http://www.uhcan.org/
http://www.uhcan.org/files/MHCW/MHCW92105.pdf

On government responsibility:
THE SENATE FINALLY EXCERCISES SOME MEASURE OF RESPONSIBILITY, THE QUESTION IS WILL THEY DO THE BRAVE AND RIGHT THING AND OVER-RIDE A VETO TOO? MAYBE THEY WON’T HAVE TO GIVEN THE HOUSE G.O.P., MR. BUSH ARE JOINTLY DECLARING MORAL BANKRUPTCY!!
AGAIN I ASK, ARE WE AMERICANS OR ARE WE NAZIS? I AM AN AMERICAN.

"In a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible."
-- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Joshua_Heschel

Translation: You, average citizen, and I am responsible for torture as a national policy until that policy changes. Wage activism to change the policy. Become an activist!!!
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/100805D.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1008-22.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1010-25.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101005Q.shtml
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=19727
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0541,hentoff,68709,6.html
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1011-27.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101105Q.shtml
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/op-ed/editorial1/20051010-9999-mz1ed10top.html
http://www.acsblog.org/bill-of-rights-2103-guest-blogger-why-the-court-should-hear-hamdan.html
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1015-23.htm
http://www.alternet.org/rights/26698/
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101605A.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1018-30.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1020-05.htm
The real torture question: How far is the U.S. willing to sink? Is it wiling to emulate the Nazis? In permitting torture, we are no better than terrorists, and equal to Josef Mengele.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/torture/
Maybe a Red Cross representative at Guantanamo around the clock is a good idea. I think it a good idea is to ensure all U.S. possessions and any nation where U.S. troops are stationed or on the ground around the world are included an appointed court jurisdiction in the U.S. just so legal oversight can serve as an check and balance against wrongdoing.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1020-07.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1021-01.htm
A MUST READ:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101805I.shtml
Applause for Senators John McCain, Chuck Hagel, R-Neb, and Lindsay Graham, R-S.C and John Warner, R-VA for doing the right thing for America!!:
Touching and moving words: a worthy quote by Senator John McCain:

"Mr. President … I don't think I'm naive about how severe are the wages of war, and how terrible are the things that must be done to wage it successfully…. [But] what I do mourn … is what we lose … when by official policy or by official negligence we allow, confuse or encourage our soldiers to forget that best sense of ourselves, our greatest strength: that we are different and better than our enemies; that we fight for an idea … that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_mccain

The Washington Post summed the matter up in an editorial that said:
"Let's be clear: Mr. Bush is proposing to use the first veto of his presidency on a defense bill needed to fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan so that he can preserve the prerogative to subject detainees to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. In effect, he threatens to declare to the world his administration's moral bankruptcy."

SENATOR TED STEVENS, R- ALASKA is a true enemy of American morality:
http://balkin.blogspot.com/2005/10/beware-augmented-mccain-amendment.html
Other enemies of American decency to add to the list for rhetorical targeting:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/vance/vance58.html
The names of the filthy traitors to everything good and decent about America:
· Wayne Allard (R-CO)
· Christopher Bond (R-MO)
· Tom Coburn (R-OK)
· Thad Cochran (R-MS)
· John Cornyn (R-TX)
· James Inhofe (R-OK)
· Pat Roberts (R-KS)
· Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
· Ted Stevens (R-AK)
On character: The nature and true measure of wealth: You can quote me on this: “Financial bankruptcy is meaningless because a human being cannot be measured by numbers at all, rather, a human being is measured by the courage of their convictions, by the depth of their heart, by the firmness of their integrity, by their demonstrated ability to lead a moral existence, and by the strength and quality of their character. The richness of one’s virtues and ethics, not the mere sum of one’s material or monetary acquisitions, is the true measure of wealth in the life of a human being.”
---Eric Edward Johansson, today and everyday be the change, be the substance and the meaning, reclaim it, redefine it, live it, demonstrate it, by your actions own it and lead it because then the world will change. (I am told (by my former mentor and advisor, Professor Susan Ashley, now Dean of the College at Colorado College [geez…1 paper every 3 weeks…you’d think my mind still operates on the block plan]) that the above quote is very Marcusian [Herbert Marcuse]** (see the quotation I researched and selected just below this section)) and of which I am brushing up on now having read “One-Dimensional Man,” & other selected writings years ago. I hope you read it too.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1012-25.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101405K.shtml
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051017/maxed_out.php
http://www.americanprogressaction.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp?c=klLWJcP7H&b=700005

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."
~George Washington
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_washington

"Most people dread finding out when they come to die that they have never really lived."
~Henry David Thoreau
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau

“Achievements are a significant but partial measurement of success. Character is the final measurement. It is your profile and defines you as an individual.”
~Bertil Ernest Edward Johansson, my father, who emphasized character to us as children

Thanks, Dad. (When I asked him if I could quote him and told him he would be in good company, i.e., G.W. and Thoreau, he replied, “You mean they will be in good company.” Nice, Dad!!!!!


**
Quotation by Herbert Marcuse from the book “One-Dimensional Man” p. 133-134
This slightly lengthy quotation that I selected is meant to introduce you to Marcuse, it’s written in high English, so read it over and over and very closely in order to absorb it.
And again, I remind you, don’t take the words of falsely perceived “great” people as fact, rather, weigh, decide on your own and form your own opinions but listen to a wide variety of people’s viewpoints and thoughts, both practical and philosophical. I think philosophy is to history what rocket fuel is to the space shuttle, its thrust, it drives history.

“For example, it could be read as follows: man is not (in fact) free, endowed with inalienable rights, etc., but he ought to be, because he is free in the eyes of God, by nature, etc. Dialectical thought understands the critical tension between “is” and “ought” first as an ontological condition, pertaining to the structure of Being itself. However, the recognition of this state of Being—its theory—intends from the beginning a concrete practice. Seen in the light of a truth which appears in them falsified or denied, the given facts themselves appear false and negative. Consequently, thought is led, by the situation of its objects, to measure their truth in terms of another logic, another universe or discourse. And this logic projects another mode of existence: the realization of truth in the words and deeds of man. And inasmuch as this project involves man as “societal animal,” the polis, the movement of thought has a political content. Thus, the Socratic discourse is political discourse inasmuch as it contradicts the established political institutions. The search for the correct definition, for the “concept” of virtue, justice, piety, and knowledge becomes a subversive undertaking, for the concept intends a new polis. Thought has no power to bring about such a change unless it transcends itself into practice, and the very dissociation from the material practice, in which philosophy originates, gives philosophical thought its abstract and ideological quality.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Marcuse


"We may look to armies for our defense, but virtue is our best security. It is not possible that any state should long remain free where virtue is not supremely honored."
~Samuel Adams
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1022-29.htm

On good leadership:
Good policy like good leadership thrives upon creating win-win situations and that is what policy toward Latin America should aspire to: Win-Win, not Win-Lose, situations.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1009-27.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1017-21.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/102105O.shtml
I recommend reading over and over Stephen Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” For opposing perspective, Machiavelli, “The Prince,” is good too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machiavelli
There is a difference between effective government and ineffective government and so while government is not the end all answer, effective leadership makes all the difference:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1014-33.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Covey

Why can’t women be leaders without being referred to disparagingly? What is up with some closed-minded religious-freakazoid types? Let me tell you about my Grandma, she was as tough as nails, she ruled the roost, our matriarchal clan, and everyone knew better than to mess with the old bird. She was God-fearing, from Texas and she could cut you down at the ankles with her rhetoric alone, or as she often did with me as a youngster, tanned my hide (her words) paddling my backside with a wooden spoon, (but that’s because I took after her, my mouth being bold, loud and proud) she was a loud, proud, and fire-breathing Democrat who took no smack from anyone! Bless her memory. I sure miss you, Grandma, but no worries I’m waging the good fight you would have too.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051015/ap_on_re_us/american_girl_protest;_ylt=AmHSB3m7D79GSbDki6GE3bSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MjBwMWtkBHNlYwM3MTg-
Other cool grandma’s:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-brf-antiwar-grandmothers,0,5949305.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1021-07.htm

“One person with courage makes a majority.”
----Andrew Jackson, President and co-founder of the Democratic Party
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_jackson


On the separation of corporation and state:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1009-24.htm
If corporations under the law as determined by the Supreme Court are counted as persons (rulings I think are fundamentally wrong and an offense to human beings in America), then corporations should be taxed in the same manner as wage-earners. Bush’s answer to America is to tax the middle-class to save the rich money. I say screw the Bush plan.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051013/the_next_great_theft.php
I swear corporations act like they own this country, but they don’t, you citizen do own it.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051019/sharing_the_airwaves.php
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/11/AR2005101101325_pf.html
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1019-27.htm
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051018/operation_onyourown.php
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1018-07.htm
http://www.alternet.org/rights/27019/
Oh my!!! Say it isn’t so! I would support you on this, Mr. Bush: A carrot for you.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051018/the_mansion_subsidy.php

On the impact one individual can have on the world:
I often ask myself, is it arrogant of me to assume that my writings are having a major impact on the political system at large? Is it so unbelievable that one person can make such a difference? And I answer these questions in this way, that from the beginning of this writer’s marathon my goal was not necessarily to reach the masses (although that would help too) but to reach those who made the decisions, those in power and those who controlled and framed the political debate in this country. Publishing across the nation via such a site as Craigslist, what is sure to become a very popular gadget of American ingenuity in that it is free and handy-dandy, was sure to turn some heads and garner attention because of its enormous popularity or potential to be popular. In a highly controlled environment, one must be willing to fly in low under the radar to effect the element of surprise. Yet, if you have something you believe worth saying, drawing attention to yourself [remember all the messages on Craigslist open forum] is a great way, and perhaps the only way, to be heard thus transmitting important knowledge to those who make the decisions. I believe this has been a major success because although I have never spoken to former vice president Al Gore, nor former CIA expert Larry C. Johnson, nor Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. nor General Wesley Clark (even if he is a friend of a friend), I think or I strongly assume that each of these people have read and tend to enjoy reading what I choose to write and publish. I assume this because I see the ideas I toss into the ring reflected in their own writings, which I remind you, are not original ideas but the ideas of the Founders in their Republic of Letters articulated in new ways as the former vice president refers. This is an effort, openly, to re-ignite the spirit of Jeffersonian participatory democracy thus infusing authentic and real-time American mainstream values into the political machine, and in doing so, bestowing upon it the legitimacy it increasingly lacks as a result of the dominance of the means of communication by a single channel (television). Although what I am doing may seem revolutionary, in actuality it is a pro-active measure by which to buttress and reinforce the democratic system against those who are determined to create a fascist society and against those who fail to accurately represent the masses. I am empowering the common people to which democracy fundamentally belongs as we share power in this country. I do this openly and unapologetically because I am a Guardian of the Republic and this duty is the weighty responsibility of every intellectual to their country. I hope you read this article by former vice-president Al Gore, it is truly a wonderful piece of writing and by the way Mr. Gore…..I am re-copying the quotation to which you referred: I might add that this quotation is outrageously good and intellectually delicious:

“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”
---Thomas Jefferson

YO TJ!!!! YOU MY MAIN MAN!!! YO SHIT IS FLY, DAWG!!!!!!!!!!

THIS ARTICLE IS AN UTTERLY, TOTALLY, ESSENTIAL MUST READ:
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051006/our_democracy_has_been_hollowed_out.php
“The final point I want to make is this: We must ensure that the Internet remains open and accessible to all citizens without any limitation on the ability of individuals to choose the content they wish regardless of the Internet service provider they use to connect to the Worldwide Web.”
----Al Gore
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101205Q.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_gore
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy%2C_Jr.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-golden20oct20,0,6798480.column?coll=la-home-business
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1019-12.htm
http://www.freepress.net/docs/wisps_unlicensed.doc

On Jeffersonian democracy, views from the common folk, there are really fine analyses and perspectives offered in these letters, particularly on the value of anti-war marches:
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051014/demonstration_consternation_your_letters.php My only response to David Corn is that there is no specific “best” way to stop a war, rather, there are many ways working in tandem together over time that produce that effect. I partly agree with Mr. Corn’s analysis-critique of Rahman for it is not a revolution in the traditional sense for which we or I aim, but perhaps more accurately what I hope to achieve is producing a revolution of the mind, that is, a revolution in the ways we think about the world around us, and consequently our involvement in it. But I wholeheartedly agree with Rahman our objective must ultimately be to empower others.

On the treasonous outing of CIA NOC:
Understanding the details behind the treasonous outing of a CIA NOC:
VP Dick Cheney shares a special place with Karl Rove as a treasonous piece of trash:
Hear it from Larry Johnson, this guy rocks, man!!!!! I love your articles, Larry!!!
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051006/a_case_of_treason.php
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/102205E.shtml
Per this next article, by Larry Johnson, I just have one question to direct to Mr. Bush: Not to overstate, but why is it, sir, that when I look at what happened versus what I and others said would happen, why is it as a citizen, do I sometimes feel like Jack Ryan? Shouldn’t you be taking the advice of real Jack Ryans sitting around your desk? I fear for the country that you don’t surround yourself with people willing to tell it like it is.
By the way Tom Clancy, your novels rock!! I’ve read them all. I like entertainment too.
Fortunately, there are real-life Jack Ryan’s who united and told the truth: VIPS, Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, a round of applause for this group of true patriots:
http://www.antiwar.com/mcgovern/?articleid=7697
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051019/dick_cheneys_covert_action.php
http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/10/13/21472/723
“Wanting some Hardball but tired of a host that tosses NERF balls? This blog takes no prisoners and offers no quarter on issues of your security in today's dangerous world. We don't care if you agree or disagree with us. We only care that you think about what we write.” OH YEAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! TELL IT LIKE IT IS, BABY!!!!!!!!
http://noquarter.typepad.com/my_weblog/2005/10/the_law_is_on_t.html#more
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/capitalgames?bid=3&pid=28125
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/columns/pressingissues_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001263179
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1011-21.htm
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB112907415441266084-VDsI1ez92Qlr0_XPP5IbwfiUKHI_20051111.html?mod=blogs
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1013-25.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101405C.shtml
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/12905678.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051013/ap_on_go_co/democrats_rove;_ylt=AqV59NfJzPurdF6AP89nMVKs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/14/AR2005101402076.html
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101605Z.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101705L.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101705I.shtml
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/capitalgames?bid=3&pid=29143
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20051018/cm_thenation/129442;_ylt=A86.I0KiTFVDlb8A4Ar9wxIF;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA
Funny one, William.
Go for it Joe and Valerie, keep it alive after October 28, get what is due to you:
It’s a bitch when the chickens come home to roost, when accountability is enforced isn’t it Mr. Bush? Well, sir, some words of advice for you: What comes around goes around.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101805R.shtml
Who knows, maybe you can get like a hundred witnesses and the media will cover it like the Michael Jackson trial...at least then we will get something of substance from the tube.
QUESTION FOR YOU MR. FITZGERALD: THE GRAND JURY WRAPS UP THEIR TERM ON OCTOBER 28 SO ARE YOU GOING TO TRASH YOUR OWN CREDBILITY AND THE CREDIBILITY OF THE RULE OF LAW BY FAILING TO BRING INDICTMENTS? DO YOU NEED AN EXTENSION? I’M JUST CURIOUS.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051021/fitzgeralds_historic_opportunity.php
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0542,schanbergweb,68945,6.html
Indict, try, convict, sentence and hold no punishment back for either of them.
Judith Miller is no hero, Judith Miller is the laughing stock of American journalism.
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/columns/pressingissues_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001306699 Jailed to protect a source she cannot now remember? LMAO!!!!
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/26917/
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--times-judithmille1017oct17,0,7620748.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/10/17/MNGNFF9BD21.DTL
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1018-26.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1019-29.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/102205A.shtml
The society of professional propagandists seems to like her though:
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2701
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1021-20.htm
So wanker means nothing left to lose? Interesting. Can we say television news people are wankers by their credibility? How about war-coverage reporting at the Post by wankers? How shall I use it in a sentence? Maybe, Judith Miller’s credibility is that of a wanker.
http://www.pnionline.com/dnblog/attytood/archives/002424.html
To be embedded, or not to be in bed with? That is the question.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1017-22.htm
There definitely needs to be created layers of insulation from political pressure at CIA management so that intelligence cannot be so easily fixed to support policy as before the Iraq war where the management team clearly failed to protect their people from pressure.
That said, let it be known that I think intelligence produced at the CIA, when not subject to political pressures, is top notch intelligence. If fused with information based international law enforcement together it would be formidable force to curtail terrorism.

By speaking out, pointing out and shining light on the rats we instigate accountability.
And Bill Keller? Did this senior editor fail to do his job? Better late than never, I guess.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051021/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/cia_leak_investigation;_ylt=Av9_IvgynjtvEK92vNzLEj2s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/21/AR2005102101663_pf.html
Many editors screwed up before the war. Maybe they thought it would be a “Slam-dunk!”
http://www.correntewire.com/the_grey_lady_that_did_not_bark_in_the_night
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1017-27.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1020-29.htm
AN ESSENTIAL MUST READ:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1020-22.htm

Let Gary Bernsten speak truth to power publicly, release his book:
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=593756
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051012/director_of_censored_intelligence.php

Given up, Mr. Bush? Need a hand and some direction? Then follow me, sir, follow me.
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat?bid=1&pid=29198

Spread hope like the wind spreads the seeds of life:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/100705Y.shtml
One part intellectual and one part practical; mix together and bake a movement:
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=19728

On maintaining not degrading the legal pillars of democratic society:
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1014-07.htm

On the fusion of art and politics:
http://www.villagevoice.com/dance/0540,jowitt2,68576,14.html
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101305S.shtml
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article319540.ece
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1015-26.htm

On free Speech
Some may not like it, but a good citizen who uses free speech ignores those who are offended, because Free Speech entitles you with the Right to Offend. No-one has a right not to be offended. So keep free speechin’, because you do so in the interest of liberty, free-thought, and dissent-oriented democracy, all of which are American rebel dreams:
http://www.alternet.org/walmart/26503/
Nice one, kid: I fail to see how we protect America by being in Iraq, quite the opposite.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101805G.shtml

Patrick Tillman:
He sounds like my kinda guy, a principled patriot and he was cute too, bless his memory:
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051024/zirin
Be sure to scroll down and see the anti-war revelation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Tillman

On free thought in a free society:
You are free to think about anything you wish whether or not you think you are qualified to discuss it. For example, here is a concept I think a great deal about and for which I have only questions and no defined answers, I have a couple of theories, but even those are mostly comprised more of questions than of answers: I like to think about Einstein’s Theory of Relativity weighed against Newton’s Third Law of Motion, applied to dimensions we cannot currently measure, realms like social activism and human interactions. I find this topic is a lot of fun to think about. It can get pretty deep and complex and that’s why it’s entertaining. I am free to study it, I am free to think about it, I am not qualified to discuss it, but I am free to explore it. It is quite the big enchilada. Some laugh when I say that and ask how I can think about such things that surely cannot apply to activism, but I remember reading stories about how people told Einstein the same thing. Now, I’m no Einstein, but does that mean I cannot think about or explore such things? I can try to think about anything I want, however inadequately. Just think and never be told you cannot because you can think about anything you wish. You can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_einstein
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_third_law

"Some men see things as they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were and ask why not?"
~Robert F. Kennedy

Do you think the ultimate answer in the universe is actually a question? Perhaps.
Ahhh but enjoy it by taking part in it, live it, a very thoughtful piece by Mark Morford:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1014-32.htm



On poetry:
This is my Poem for God, Country, my brothers-in-arms: Bring my fellow soldiers home

I am a soldier

I AM A SOLDIER. I AM A SOLDIER FOR PEACE, in a democratic society.

I AM A SOLDIER FOR RESISTANCE, in a fascist society.

I AM A SOLDIER FOR FREE SPEECH, in every society

I AM A SOLDIER FOR MORALITY, HUMANITY AND MORAL COURAGE

I AM A SOLDIER FOR MY COUNTRY; A SOLDIER FOR THE CONSTITUTION

I AM A SOLDIER, AN ARTIST, A WRITER, AN ACTIVIST AND A GUARDIAN

I AM A SOLDIER and I beg you BRING MY FELLOW SOLDIERS HOME NOW

EEJ
http://www.fff.org/comment/com0510c.asp
Another poem:
http://www.vermontguardian.com/commentary/102005/October21Editorial.shtml
Although Guardians are a selected few, I highly encourage you to do your civic duty to become a “Voice of the Republic,” the acronym being VOTR (pronounced: VOTER)


This is a very brave soldier, honor him:
http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_3109293
Other brave soldiers:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1018-21.htm
http://www.freecamilo.org/
Other brave citizens and civil servants to honor and remember:
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051014/the_fallen_legion.php
YOU TELL THEM BUNNY!!! SHINE LIGHT ON THOSE COCKROACHES, GIRL!!!
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101905D.shtml
Civil servants inside the government who take risks on behalf of their country, honor them, too, for as in the words of Jefferson, dissent is the highest form of patriotism. Conversely, silence, sheer conformity and always doing what you are told is disloyalty.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/usiraqmediacia;_ylt=AmP_X2KyXKASmfuuSlFldIYDW7oF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
A noble member of British nobility, how noble..shall we say a noble noble? Lord Steyn
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/10/19/nsteyn19.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/10/19/ixhome.html
Other noble British soldiers:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article321649.ece
http://telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=EHKTKXOYLVOOVQFIQMFCNAGAVCBQYJVC?xml=/news/2005/10/23/narmy23.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/10/23/ixhome.html
Here is how Bush honors soldiers, by using them for cheap political purposes:
Staged Bush photo-op as he orders soldiers to do his lying for him:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051013/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_iraq_8
http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,78926,00.html
http://mediamatters.org/items/200510150001#3
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1016-23.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2005-10-18-troops-side_x.htm?csp=14
Here is how Mr. Bush honors: spitting in faces of Iraq war veterans upon their return.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101705R.shtml
http://csmonitor.com/2005/1018/dailyUpdate.html
Stewart Nusbaumer is right, average Americans should have to sacrifice something while soldiers die in combat, in the line of duty. Therefore, I would like to offer a proposal. How about this? When our country goes to war, how about we set up an automatic (because it is a future Constitutional Amendment) war-income-tax, WHICH MUST BE DETAILED ON EVERY PERSON’S PAYCHECK STUB IN BIG, BOLD LETTERS, that part is critical, it cannot be included and hidden in a person’s overall income tax and it must be something they see every two weeks, a war-income-tax upon every American family on a sliding scale according to income. Families with a soldier in combat are exempt. The proceeds from this tax must be limited only to paying Veterans Affairs costs, poured into a trust-fund for future VA costs, and compensating military families for lost loved ones. The money cannot be used for any other purpose. For every year the war goes on, the tax is increased by 50%, that part is also critical, it must increase annually. At the conclusion of hostilities, the tax is ended, and when I say “conclusion” I mean when the troops are brought home not when some doofus, trying to relive his yesteryears of glory in the local champagne unit, dons a flight suit, plops onto an aircraft carrier and barks, “Mission Accomplished!” like some talking master-less mangy mutt. You see, folks, the harsh reality is that most Americans think in terms of money, how much money they earn and so by linking their income to the war is the only way most people will ever give a damn about the war and its costs, that is, if it costs them their own money. This will also ensure that vets don’t get screwed by the VA upon their return, better compensate military families and ensure long wars inflict heavy political cost. Now you must add to and reform this idea to make it a reality. A seed is now planted.
http://www.interventionmag.com/cms/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1190
Ahhhhhhhh, plain English, isn’t it just soooo refreshing to than hear elevated blah, blah?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larisa-alexandrovna/on-liberating-something_b_8927.html
THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL MUST READ:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1017-28.htm
Yo Bush? You want to take me out, no silly, not on a date, I’m seeing another man right now and he’s intelligent, I mean do you want to knock me off? If so, I ask only for two favors, first, please make it a clean shot right between my eyes, second, tell whomever to give me 2-second warning so that I may give them the finger and a loud FU before I fall.


On this writer’s marathon:
If, after the troops are brought home, you ever hark back to remember this writer’s marathon, I wish you to remember one thing about it: I never charged any money for it and it never cost me a penny because partaking in politics is free and is your FREEDOM!
I do what I do as a public service for God and Country and for my brothers-in-arms.
That is not to say it was without other costs since by doing this writer’s marathon, I have most likely forfeited my lifetime dream and goal of becoming a CIA intelligence analyst. Oh well, their loss. Maybe I will go to law school if I can find a way to pay for it instead unless the agency offers me a job (I’d want to be a prosecutor…or a District Attorney).
"He [the President] should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
----Theodore Roosevelt, Republican Party

MR. BUSH, YOU ARE A LIAR, A TRAITOR, AND A PROTO-FASCIST TO BOOT
The law is supposed to limit some actions of the President, “tie-his-hands,” as it were, against doing unlawful acts, but by placing himself above the law he acts like a fascist.
No president is above the law. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Nixon
I think we should bring the troops home, send your ass to Iraq without any armor-plating, a bow atop your ahead and a sign that reads take him, do whatever, we don’t want him!!!!
WAR WAS ALWAYS A FIRST CHOICE, NEVER A LAST RESORT, FOR BUSH:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-10/17/content_3622477.htm
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=67020
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1011-12.htm
http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=4338af85-2b35-4819-ae28-14197fc0c476
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051013/pl_nm/bush_politics_dc_1;_ylt=Aut7YKX5L34MG9KyPOuXJf1qP0AC;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/101405Q.shtml
Don’t think its much different for U.S. troops, folks, they are in an impossible situation:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1018-01.htm
Here ya go military recruiters, these people love the war, send them, but I'll bet all this young Cheney's have more important priorities:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1013-22.htm

Above all, just remember that you get closer to the truth by reading not watching T.V.
READ MORE, LEARN, THINK, REFLECT, WEIGH, DECIDE, ENJOY!! READ…

ATTN: POWERS-THAT BE, What are you afraid of? Are you afraid that I might show people the path to self-liberty, to freedom, to think for themselves, to leadership, to become involved, well-informed and responsible citizens, to give them a glimpse of reality, how it affects them and show them how effective activism works and one way to build a movement? Why? Is it because that will threaten your monopoly on power in this country? Oh my goodness, you’re absolutely right, it will. Ooops!!!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0521627230/qid=1129630640/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-0967662-7405768?v=glance&s=books

“A citizen who can think poses a serious danger to autocratic rule, as kings and demagogues have long understood. Even more dangerous is any medium that offers the thinking citizen an effective voice.”
----William Marvel, U.S. Army veteran

PSST!!! YOUR KING IS IN CHECK!! YOUR MOVE…

VISIBILITY IS CRUCIAL, TIMING IS CRITICAL, SUBSTANCE IS VITAL, PASSION IS ESSENTIAL AND PERSEVERENCE IS KEY. NOW WAGE IT!!!!!

SPEAK OUT!!!!!! SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER!!!!!! FEAR NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND WAGE PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[hint: now I am yelling]

I come from a long line of Swedish farmers (father’s side of my family), and you know the thing about farmers is that they love to plant seeds!!! Ideas are seeds so plant seeds, cultivate thoughts and new ways of thinking about the world around us and harvest bountiful movements that both inspire hope and empower common people. Wage peace!!

Sincerely,

Eric E. Johansson, a.k.a., “HonestE,” The DJ of Truth: Can you dance to my beat?
Ex-US Army Paratrooper and Infantryman
President, San Francisco Veterans for Peace, Chapter 69
Sower of hope, farmer/seeder of ideas
Guardian of the Republic
Peace Activist of the Attack Dog variety
San Francisco, CA
http://www.veteransforpeace.org
http://honeste--djoftruth.blogspot.com Can you dance to my beat? I think you can.