5 mOst ExpEnsIvE AddIctIOns! (UPDATED FOR 2008)

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, HOMIE!!!




For those of you who don't know, my cat's name is HOMIE!. And it usually takes a little cAtnIp to get him to at least THINK outside the box.

3/18/07: Anyway, today I wanna talk about thE 5 mOst ExpEnsIvE AddIctIOns:



And ironically on this st. pAtrIck's dAy wEEkEnd, the MOST expensive addiction is Alcohol, w/ an estimated annual cost of $166 BILLION! Now, I know this is a sensitive subject for A LOT of people out there. And without a doubt, alcohol and I are very, very fond of one another. I had some of the bEst and dEfInItEly thE wOrst experiences of my life UndEr thE InflUEncE. I started drInkIn' at a pretty young age, and although my consumption has definitely decreased over the years, there was never a time that I can remember where I didn't drink ANYTHING for longer than a year or two. We're talking probably a span of 15-16 years (half of my life); and strangely I've never considered myself dependent on alcohol. Hmmmm...? I have thought of completely quitting as a goal. sUch A dIlEmma!

How about this? ...LET'S ELECT SOMEONE WHO WILL MAKE ALCOHOL ILLEGAL!!!

12/30/07:
I've come to realize this year that when you actually USE your brain, you don't like ANY interruptions. Your brain is close to 80% water and there is no greater dehydrator than "the juice." It's getting to the point where I'd rather sprain my ankle than suffer a hangover (which is actually withdrawal symptoms.) Top priority for the New Year! I guess it comes down to having something else, more productive to do. Still a continual battle…

3/18/07: The 2nd most expensive addiction is SMOKING, estimated $157 BILLION ANNUAL COST!


Excuse me if it sounds like I'm taking these personally, but hopefully we can get to one that I'm not contributing to. AAAAHH! So this one is even more personal than the drinking because I'm cUrrEntlY At wAR wIth nEwpOrts! I haven't had a puff since the first week of January! This is a battle I've had many times before, BUT this time, as you noticed, I referred to it as a WAR. And I say that confidently because this time I had the mEntAl wAkEUp cAll!

This story can be confirmed by thIs gUY......but the first day of my quit-smoking-struggle, I was TAKEN to a few bars and I didn't pay for one drink, but I had a lot to drink!!! And I was even voicing my concern to this non-smoking group of unsensitive, peer pressure-applying, unsupportive, drink buyers...but my words fell upon deaf ears. MORAL OF THE STORY: I DIDN'T SMOKE! thIs AlsO hElps! I'll keep you updated...




12/30/07:
Again, as I puff this f*ckin' Newport, it comes down to having a healthier "time-filler." THEY say it's harder to get off Nicotine than Heroin. Though that may explain why a lot of the homeless Vietnam vets were disproportionately strung out on that "China White." They were trying to kick cigarettes! Or maybe not? Nonetheless, squares are tuff to shake, especially during stressful times. My 2008 plans are a little more stable and structured (for now), so I hope this leads to a higher consciousness for me, where WHATEVER void exists that smoking fills no longer exists. Starting/quitting again Wednesday, Jan 2. READ MORE BOOKS!



3/18/07: The number THREE spot also hits pretty close to home. DRUGS! Let's try to look at this at a very basic level. Besides the thE wAr On tErrOr, the WAR ON DRUGS is the most ridiculous idea ever created. It's a great POLITICAL strategy! And executed beautifully I must add. WOW! Drugs are a part of OUR culture! That's what happens when a government recruits the best scientists from EVERY country in the world, and has a pOpUlAtIOn Of OvEr 300 mIllIOn, of which the bottom 1/3 is slowly being exterminated by various physical, mental, economic, etc., experiments and studies. AND DRUGS ARE A BIG PART OF THIS!!! I guess my biggest frustration when it comes to drugs is the hypocrisy involved. Don't get me started on prEscrIptIOn drUgs...and that whole mess! Even if we ignore HOW drugs get in the country, WHERE they end up, WHEN they're available (usually kinda tuff around election time, I've heard), we're left with the WHO and WHY!

WE SHOULDN'T HAVE PLACES IN OUR COUNTRY WHERE IT'S EASIER (SOMETIMES CHEAPER) TO GET DRUGS THAN FOOD!!! This is such a SAD and DISHEARTENING subject. Amazingly, it took us till the 3rd spot to come to a partially ILLEGAL addiction.

12/30/07:
I would absolutely LOVE if tobacco was illegal. But overall I feel EVERYTHING should be legal and regulated. Do some legitimate studies on the health effects of cocaine, THC, etc., AND compare the side effects to the ones rolling up my TV screen, requiring 5-minute commercials. Without honest analysis of the facts, which our government seems totally against, the "war on drugs" will continue oppressing us alongside the new "war on terror." Shit's depressing…


3/18/07: NUMBER 4: OVEREATING($107 BILLION)



The mere existence of the chart above is CRAZY! Add to that, ESPN televises these "competitions(?)" now! People are being rewarded for THIS! The direction MY FINGER is pointing on this one is fAst fOOd and vIdEO gAmEs Who knows what's in fast food? YOU?

With all that being said, I must admit that I am yet again contributing to the list. For me though, it's more LACK OF EXERCISE than OVEREATING. But I gotta plan for that too. With the weather trying to break into spring here in the NORTHEAST, my plan is to run the track around my complex on Monday and Wednesday mornings before I go to work. In the meantime, I'll be playing basketball Fridays, 4:30-6:00. AND WHAT ABOUT YOU? START HERE!

12/30/07: Lack of exercise easily can be defined as lack of motivation. Four months of unemployment in 2007 could've been such an opportunity. Shoulda, coulda, woulda's are senseless. It takes a big man to get up and run in the morning with bills on the table. I'm growing, but I ain't GROWN. But on the upside, my NEW house and NEW job are 3 blocks away. Walking distance! I can't wait to be ignorant of the gas prices. Now, I just have to decide between an iPod or the Sirius walkman…



3/18/07: I COULDN'T RESIST THIS PIC! But 5 is GAMBLING! And I can honestly say, I've never had a close affiliation with the gambling community! For me, it never went any further than some scratch-offs or a MARCH MADNESS bracket @ work!

12/30/07:
Slot machines were recently added to Pennsylvania's Lotteries and Horse Racing revenue-builders. Although gambling may be the only vice I DON'T have, this "gambling in PA" hits very close to home. Lancaster real estate taxes are pretty high. BUT, if the gambling revenues hit a certain $ amount, TAX BREAK! So although I could care less in 2007 whether gambling was sanctioned or not, it now piqued my interest. The quandary is "cheering" for people to throw their money away. The hopeless tugs on the nickel slots…


MY STANCE AS OF 3-18-2007:
(ON A SCALE OF 1-5, 5 = QUIT, 1 = IGNORANTLY LOVIN' IT)

1) ALCOHOL: 3, Cutting down, but I'm lOvIn' thIs shIt rIght nOw!
2) SMOKING: 4.8
3) DRUGS: 1
4) OVEREATING: 4
5) GAMBLING: 5

CHECK YOURSELF! IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD! PEACE!

12/30/07:
1) ALCOHOL: 4
2) SMOKING: 3
3) DRUGS: NEED MORE STUDY
4) OVEREATING: 4
5) GAMBLING: 5

MAKE 2008!

BILLS, BUSHES, & BULLSHIT!

Demolition halted! Thank god. This is serious stuff. I've long surrendered to the facts of American ignorance, but there's no better time to wake up to the truths of the world than right now. Let's take a little deeper look at what is and isn't happening in the aftermath of our country's worst natural disaster (so far.)

We all have events that touch our hearts in a way where it becomes a part of you and expands your being. For better or worse, these events are usually very emotional times for you. And we all know how irrational emotions can make us. That's why it's very important to be conscious of events that may change your perspective forever. To be unaware of certain triggers or sensibilities you may have is very detrimental to your self. Another topic entirely, but you feel me.

Needless to say, Katrina has been one of these events for me. I can't let it go. Every chance I have to hear an "update," I'm there. It takes over my life for however long the report may be. The shame of it all is that I'm disappointed 99% of the time. To this day, the only good news is the saints winning their division last year. All other news borders human rights violations.

We know of the televised delayed response, the media's labeling victims as refugees and looters, gun confiscation executed by Blackwater, cops going AWOL, lack of ANY organization on state and local levels, no-bid contracts to haliburton, increase in illegal immigrant workers, homelessness, thousands still displaced all around the country. Just to name a few.

I was definitely not a fan of former democratic governor Blanco, but with the recent election of a Republican governor, it begins to look quite hopeless for residents of Louisiana, and New Orleans public housing in particular. 4,500 units were scheduled to be demolished yesterday, to be replaced with fewer units. This is the Federal answer to New Orleans in a time where their homelessness has doubled to 12,000 since before Katrina hit. I've heard nothing on the improvements needed for the levees from the Army Corps of Engineers. Probably because they're working on the new elevated, hurricane-proof Gulf Coast money-maker.

This is a horrible chain of events we're witnessing. And to think your community could not fall victim to this greedy neglect of human rights and infrastructure is a mistake. If it rains, snows, or hales in your area, you're at risk. The national guard and their equipment's primary mission is disaster relief. They're no longer available for this purpose because of the continuous deployments to the Middle East. These are the types of services we could depend on because of the taxes we over-pay. No longer the case.

It's no secret, as we saw in Minnesota, we need serious upgrades of our infrastructure. That's not gonna be cheap, and we'd rather spend this money to defense contractors for little-to-nothing in return. There is a COUNTLESS amount of money unaccounted for with no one asking where it is. This missing money could provide universal healthcare, update our infrastructure, and make us proud to be American again. Maybe we could even start manufacturing something here.

Somewhere along the way, "people" has turned to "person." Many Americans run their rat race, with no interest in their fellow citizens' well being. Life is way bigger than you and your family, and like it or not, your actions are a part of the whole. As is every single person's on this planet. A trees does make a sound in the woods, even when you're not there. "HELP!"

And a verse to close on:

Bill, Bush, and Katrina
Nothing could come between ya
During the world tour
For the poor,
Poor people who bought
Your snake oil plot.
Where's the money?

"ROCKS N POWDER"

CRACK KILLS IN MANY WAYS
BEBES LIVE LIFE IN A DAZE
NO CLUE TO TRUE VIEWS
BRUISES ATTRIBUTED TO WHO?

YOU, YO, ME, TU
ANYBODY YOU KNOW WHO
HEARD OF CITIES
WHERE THEY FEED THEIR HIJOS
CONTAMINATED TITTIES

CRACK HAS A HISTORY
W/ NO DISCRIMINATION
EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE GIFT
FROM THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION

KILLS MORE PEOPLE THAN BULLETS
POISON PLANTED AMONGST THE TULIPS
WHOSE LIPS KISS PIPES ON TWISTED WRISTS?
AND WHOSE COLLOSAL NOSTRILS ARE "ON THE LIST?"

ARE WE READY FOR THE TROOPS TO COME HOME?

After came home from Iraq

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Everyone's a cheerleader when it comes to "bringing the troops home." We're great cheerleaders. We yell good. That's a nice title to the book, but what fills the pages inside is what really matters. It's irresponsible to bring home 160K+ troops and throw them out in the street. That's what's happening now with the few lucky ones that get out of Iraq alive. There has to be a more intense transitional program for these men and women. People of any service are asked to perform various tasks civilians simply will not/can not do. A lot of times there aren't simple parallel job/skill sets outside the DoD. Where's the VA?

Another concern I have with this clip is why are these people out of the military. Are they doing tours and getting out? Signing up for shorter terms? Guard? Reserve? I know the enlistment requirements have "loosened," but I wasn't aware of 12-15 month enlistments. The role of the Guard and Reserves has been totally redefined. Any recruiter will have to tell you 1-2 tours in Iraq in a 4 year enlistment. Weekend warriors no more. Their "real-life" jobs are not kept as required either. Companies employing them are required to allow them to serve and hold the job, but that return is no longer guaranteed. The company is put in a very tough moral dilemma. As has become apparently clear in any moral decision, the companies will put profit above people. They roll the dice...

Could you leave your job, serve 2 years in Iraq, then return without skipping a beat? What if you were hiring someone 3 months removed from Iraq? Would you discriminate? We can't deny the mental well-being of people who volunteer to do what we won't, for what we want. What does that say about us?



We made a terrible mistake after invading Iraq. No plan. Look what has become of the situation. Possibly, an endless war. The Americans who've sacrificed to serve for this cause will forever be questioned, right or wrong. Right now they're doing what they NEED to do in order to survive. Needless to say, most of what's going on in Baghdad would not fit into everyday life back here in the US. And like any human, they need help. Regardless if you agree with the war, those sent to fight it have earned our support. No price is too high.

Gas is now more than $3, never to return. Food, clothing, and shelter are as expensive as ever. Although your TV will tell you different, we are in a very bad fiscal position. Have been and only getting worse. It's a challenge for anyone within this economy of ours right now. A year or two to fight a war helps no one, but the arms dealers. We've sent so many jobs overseas that it's almost impossible to revive an economic model where the middle class could thrive like it once did.

Over 35 MILLION Americans went hungry last year. That's 12% of our population. The bottom 12% don't eat, while the top 10% controls 71% of the wealth. One is aware of the other. Sadly, the wrong one.

Not many of us will ever get a chance to perform a job where we would give our life doing it. It takes a great cause to warrant that intensity of purpose. Or a great lie. Many of our neighbors, family members, fellow citizens are being used as tools for a plot that has nothing to do with what they're told. For the cause of AMERICAN FREEDOM. When they return from their noble cause they're treated as if their contracts have expired. It's as if those running this war are fine with 100% casualty rate on both sides. Play your position, slave.

I WANT THE TROOPS HOME, BUT I WANT THEIR EXPERIENCE TO BE BETTER THAN BAGHDAD. THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A GIVEN.

WHAT MORAL HIGH GROUND?

IF PERCEPTION TRULY IS REALITY...

I remember a time when I could've laughed at this video. No longer. It's very sad to me. If you've never been to another country and talked to PEOPLE from there, it may be difficult to follow me. Please do. I want to discuss the perception of Americans and how we feel about it. This is the true stereotype we need to be concerning ourselves with. It has nothing to do with your skin color, race, creed, religion, etc. It's about BEING American, as opposed to ACTING American. We have some flaws, ya'll. And we have to take responsibility for these flaws and more importantly acknowledge them. It's impossible to fix the problem if you don't know what it is.

Many people are stuck in the era when MADE IN USA meant something good. There was a pride that went along with it. This is no longer true. The majority of our exports are PIECES, which get put together in another country, then imported back in for us to consume. Usually child labor with little to no safety standards. Where we now excel is EXPORTING ARMS.

When I was in the Air Force, I always said it was like living in a bubble. I was stationed in 3 countries for 6 years, and the bases overseas are all-inclusive. You can live a pretty full life without ever leaving the base. Movies, bowling, shopping, sports, clubs, shooting range, you name it--it's on there. It makes for a powerful community. It may sound crazy, but the proudest and most AMERICAN I've ever felt was when I was outside of the country. So much so that when I finally got stationed in the US, it completely turned me off to the military. Here it was treated like just another job. There was nothing special about it. I got out shortly thereafter.

Two experiences that I will NEVER forget and that completely awoke me to the true perception/stereotype of Americans. First one was during the 2000 election. I was living in England and worked with a British lady in her mid-50's. She was very "cheeky." She matched my sarcastic wittiness, and that's the relationship we had. I would always get on her about the Queen, and paying 17% on EVERYTHING to her. So for those few days during the recount/theft, she left me have it. As a result, I took an interest and made it a point to keep current on politics. At first it was foreign policy because I was living outside of the US.

The second experience I've mentioned before, but it's just as relevant now. It was in July-August 2001, Mozambique Africa. While there, to skip the operational details, it was me, my Contracting officer (military), and a local civilian off the streets. He was the one that spoke the best English. Our trio was together when we weren't sleeping. The man's name was Hanifo. A few things I learned about Mozambique that surprised me was that it was a Muslim country and they drive on the left side of the road. Looking back now though, I remember having a conversation sprouted by his question of "where were our jewels, chains, diamonds; we're American, right?" He got this American stereotype from MTV. I say American because I'm not Black. He mentioned P. Diddy during the discussion, but he didn't mention him being Black. He mentioned him being American.

This bothers me. This is firsthand experience; not a damn video game! This is what REAL PEOPLE think about us. The stories of the feelings of the people of Panama are a whole other chapter. We Americans identify everything as a THING. No matter what. Whether it's a price, a figure, statistic or anything else that can sparkle in a PowerPoint presentation. That's the issue we face in this Internet Age of marketing campaigns, mind control consumerism, email, chat rooms, and everything else that keeps you inside your home and avoid SPEAKING WITH PEOPLE.

Since the Civil Rights Movement, Americans have been getting more and more apathetic. I don't believe it's the people's fault entirely because we've been bred as a people to not settle for less. Everything to the extreme. Corporations tapping into our emotions to recoup the wages they pay. That's valid only if you're unaware though. Now we know. Expand your awareness, go outside, talk to people, travel, experience.

I truly believe we are what we do. If you don't do shit, you ain't shit. And you shouldn't go through life with pre-packaged ideas that aren't even yours and think you got a leg to stand on. It's easy to say he's Muslim = TERRORIST; she's speaking Spanish = ILLEGAL; he's wearing a $3000-suit = CROOK. It makes it easier to DEAL with your own life to throw similar things into the same box, but look what it's doing to the world.

PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE NO MATTER WHAT YOU CALL THEM!

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT, ANYTHING...

RESPECT THRU EXPERIENCE

Any butter bar LT will tell you they're not fully prepared for the amount of responsibility bestowed upon them in their first couple of years. It's understandable; ROTC cannot simulate being in charge of 50-60 people and sometimes being the face of an organization, with a Colonel or General to answer to. In these cases, the LT usually has a seasoned enlisted person as training wheels until they get the hang of it. Even though the LT may out-rank the enlisted person, knowledge and experience demand respect. There's no substitute for experience. No degree is worth a damn if you can't apply it.

Experience is a level of truth. What we do molds us into who we are. That's why most people prefer on-the-job training compared to classroom instruction. Personally, I think the classroom instruction would be far more effective AFTER some time on the job, but that's another topic. The point is that experience exudes confidence, which breeds leadership. There's nothing more powerful than the aura of a great leader. I've yet to experience this outside of the military. Civilians tend to have "bosses."

Last week, Mr Bush SAID he got some "FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE" of shooting at insurgents in Baghdad. WHAT?!? A FUCKIN' VIDEO GAME?!? I'm sorry George, but a couple minutes on a video game is not firsthand experience of WAR. You get NO RESPECT for that experience. In fact, you lose ANY that you may have had. Add that to the "possibility" of his draft-dodging escapade, and you see what kind of coward this guy is. He did everything in his power to avoid GOING TO war. What kind of confidence you must have in the greatest military EVER not to even go.

The man has NEVER had to start at the bottom and EARN his way up the ladder. There's NO experience that can garner my respect for this man. And the worst part about that is HE DOESN'T CARE. I doubt if he even knows OF people of my stature. The closest he's probably ever come was when he was THE TEXECUTIONER.

My plight, like millions of others like me, is FICTION. It doesn't exist, except for in statistics. There are no REAL programs to uplift us. There are EXCEPTIONS who prosper, like a rose from the concrete. Usually there's no looking back though. Get out and stay out. The people who control the quality of our lives have no connection to them. They vote based on dollars, not effects of the laws. S-CHIP is a prime example; that's not real money. And it's paid for! For God's sake, it's a program that will pay for itself. Taxing cigarettes for children's healthcare makes PERFECT sense to me.

IF BUSH KILLS ALL OF OUR KIDS, DOES THAT MEAN NOBODY WILL HAVE TO PAY THE BILL FOR THIS WAR?

IS IT ME OR AMERICA?

Firstly, HAPPY VETERANS DAY! And although it was technically yesterday, your government will take today off to remember (or forget) it. Great use of tax dollars, considering the current state of our country's checkbook. We'll be dead before the bill comes due I guess. As a veteran, it's such a slap in the face for this country's LEADERS to "observe" this holiday at the same time their actions show us they don't give a shit.

It has become cliche to thank veterans for their SACRIFICE. It seems elementary, but DEATH is not the ultimate sacrifice for veterans. I would say the disabled veterans sacrifice far more than those who give their life. This may not make sense to some. To you I would recommend researching the treatment of veterans.

HOMELESSNESS is a HUGE problem amongst returning combat veterans. You'd think with a combined budget in excess of $525 BILLION, that the DoD or DHS would at least be able to provide FOOD. CLOTHING, SHELTER to the returning veterans. Not our government and not US! Yes, us! It's OUR responsibility, as citizens, to hold our representatives accountable for their votes. UNLESS, we concur.

Most homeless veterans are suffering from an assortment of psychological disorders. And we're not talking about "bad childhood" repressions either. It's like transitioning back FROM HELL. Daily bomb blasts, dying comrades, no sense of purpose or reason. Just do, "follow orders." Work side-by-side with civilians, who earn 3X as much, have no laws, or respect. Not to mention, REPEATED & EXTENDED TOURS OF DUTY. Serve an initial 15-month tour, return for 3 months, get diagnosed with PTSD, then off you go for another 15 months.

There's no doubt it takes a special kind of person to devote your life to the defense of America. The devotion is layered. It's not just the ACTIONS of those who actually serve, but the REACTIONS of the families as well. This is the where you see the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. See, this word SACRIFICE has been sold to us to mean "servicemen/women who have died during war." But when you look beyond this surface meaning you can see where the military meets the civilian sector.

It's very difficult for civilians to understand (and accept) the requirements of military service. This leads to very stressful relationships in peace time, let alone a very unpopular war. It's a combination of secrets and absence. The great thing about relationships in general is sharing experiences and growing closer together. It's one thing to be apart from someone, but it's an entirely different thing when it's a SEPARATION OF WORLDS. A civilian wife with 3 kids, living in the US and an infantry soldier in Baghdad have very little in common. There will likely be psychological consequences for both. It's very sad to see how those responsible for sending these folks to war completely disregard them personally.



I see this and wonder how we can allow it. All the financial consequences of war aside, this is on a human level. There is something we ALL can do to stop this mistreatment of our citizens and service people. We don't seem to care about the cost, either financially or humanely. SO WHAT IS IT EXACTLY THAT WE DO CARE ABOUT? ANYTHING OF SUBSTANCE? ANYTHING THAT ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTES TO THE EXISTENCE OF OUR SPECIES?

Compassion now seems to be perceived as weakness...

fAshIOn pOlIcE stAtE!

" Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

People express themselves in so many different ways in this country. There are many different views and reasoning behind them. The beauty of it all is that we're allowed to express these feelings (pretty much) freely in comparison to other countries around the world. To me, the 1st Amendment is THE most important freedom we have (for now). Humans need to express themselves in order to thrive. If not, our suppressed feelings will build up until they can no longer be held inside. We can see this happening in our SCHOOLS.

There is currently a huge push by the powers-that-be to CENSOR US THROUGH OUR FASHION. GEORGIA, TEXAS, LOUISIANA, and MARYLAND (to name a few) are trying to ban the "poopy-bill." For those who know not of what I speak, this is baggy pants. ALEX BENNETT, a radio talk show host said it best when he said "the only thing more stupid than wearing your pants that low is the government passing a LAW that you can't." This may seem trivial to most, but the significance is that it sets a new standard for us to tolerate.

Another example of authority suppressing our free expression are the cases of KYLA EBBERT and JOE WINIECKI. Both were harrassed because of their dress by Southwest Airlines. Joe for wearing a "Master Baiter" t-shirt, and Kyla for apparently being too sexy.

On a more serious note, FREE SPEECH ZONES and THE ARREST of people wearing anti-Bush t-shirts at rallies is a DIRECT attack on our most beloved right.



I truly don't understand how Americans, who claim this is a country of laws, ignore the PROOF of the destruction of our Constitution, BUT buy the BULLSHIT sold by this administration. Time and time again we go along with what the president SAYS, based on nothing more than his word. Once he gets his way, it's PROVEN to be based on lies and yet we still seem to be OK with it. To that, I say this: in the words of our SHEEP-HERDER (GWB),

"THERE'S AN OLD SAYING IN TENNESSEE - I KNOW IT'S IN TEXAS, PROBABLY IN TENNESSEE - THAT SAYS FOOL ME ONCE, SHAME ON - SHAME ON YOU. FOOL ME - YOU CAN'T GET FOOLED AGAIN."

"DECEPTION"

We listen, but don't hear.
Look, but don't see.
Although it's quite clear
And obvious to me

We've lost our way.
Have no direction.
Gone so far astray,
It threatens our protection.

Scared to admit it,
State of denial.
Should be admitted,
Hospitalized without trial.

Glimpses of truth,
Cling on to like life.
Accept without proof,
Contradicting the light.

Deception is rampant,
Best interests no more.
How can you stand it?
Enabling the gore.

Tic-toc, tic-toc
Open your eyes
I told you the plot
Don't be surprised.

tOrtUrE, sEcrEcY, & xEnOphObIA!

My surprise has long been replaced with sadness. Each time this administration abuses its unchallenged power and "privileges," I lose more and more hope. Yesterday, the Supreme Court TERMINATED the case of Khaled el-Masri, on the WORD of the Bush administration. They claimed STATE SECRETS PRIVILEGE. I can understand the need for such a privilege, BUT it should be substantiated by facts and testimony. During the height of the COLD WAR, this privilege was exercised SIX TIMES, while Bush has used it 39 times since 2001. George LOVES his secrets and privileges.

The arrogance being exhibited by our Supreme-Court appointed president is reflected upon us. Other countries don't see the everyday American who lives their life with respect for others. They see (and unfortunately hear) HIM. We have to stand up and demand accountability. The PATRIOT ACT and the MILITARY COMMISSIONS ACT has made the definition, and our stance, of torture a GREY AREA. As a result of this ruling, we've shown the rest of the world that we DON'T CARE about justice. We'll kidnap you (because you're Muslim) while on vacation, fly you to a country (where we denounce THEIR human rights policies), TORTURE you, admit we made a mistake, then deny you any recourse.

We do this all in the name of SECURITY.The rest of the world is not going to put up with this for much longer. We're making MORE enemies with these secret, discriminative policies. I'm sorry, but you can't claim the moral high ground and TORTURE! We're being desensitized to this. ALL independent studies show the ineffectiveness of torture, but as usual FACTS, SCIENCE, and HUMANITY are disregarded. We're at a crossroads, and we CAN'T be silent. This isn't about security or terrorism; it's about HUMANITY!



If you think that you're safe because you abide by the law or you're not Muslim or of Middle Eastern descent, I urge you to watch this...

PLEASE WAKE UP!

nEgAtIvE mOrAlItY, AbstInEncE, & scIEncE!

To all whom consider themselves RELIGIOUS, this is not an attack on you or your beliefs. I am not writing through MY emotions or feelings. I request you don't read with YOURS. There are some uncomfortable truths we must acknowledge and update to reach our potential as a society. For too long we have avoided productive debate of grievous topics, such as discrimination, oppression, suppression, corruption, and authority.

We're mentally trapped in years past and it's very personal to us all to challenge what we think (without thought.) The programming, the conditioning, the brain-washing- it can NOT be denied. UNLESS you do not believe in SCIENCE. It's critical for us (and future generations) to modernize our brains and habituate to the current political and societal systems and the tactics used therein. We are no longer in the era of the perpetuated guise of "THE AMERICAN FAMILY."

The morals and ethics we use for the basis of our policies are OUTDATED. We need to recognize this and stop our blanket approval of the action of our "leaders." For example, this myth of abstinence being the most effective form of birth control is IRRESPONSIBLE AND IGNORANT. Anyone who doesn't agree, need look no further than the AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. AMA's recommendations for Sex Ed include education, along with abstinence. Somehow, this holds no weight with the government and its policies. Probably because it involves educating people and allowing them to make an informed decision. This would go against the policy of "we'll tell you what to think and how to act."

We are enabling our government's double-speak. Forget the sound bites from the news and the headlines from the papers. They are coming from the government! Plus, you can't come to an honest conclusion on ANY topic based on these slogans. If you're views stem from Bill O'Reilly or Jon Stewart, you're not informed. These guys are ENTERTAINERS and cheerleaders to a certain extent. Base your views on people's ACTIONS, not their opinions. Because you're told America is the moral standard for the world DOES NOT make it so.

Let's take a look at RANDALL TOBIAS. Before his resignation because of his involvement with the DC MADAME, he ran the PRESIDENTS EMERCENCY PLAN FOR AIDS RELIEF. As usual, the TITLE of this program makes you feel proud of your country's involvement. But just as usual, the underlying and true intent of the program is to spread Christian values as the highest moral measurement in the world. In order for countries to receive financial aid, they must completely denounce prostitution and pre-marital sex. EVEN if prostitution is already legal and regulated in the country.



CHANGE is very difficult to accept, especially when it doesn't work in your favor. The refusal to accept change hurts everyone. To think "abstinence-only" is an effective, let alone the ONLY, way to prevent unwanted births is ignorant. This is our country's policy. If you've ever spoken with a teenager, or even BEEN one, you know of the curious and rebellious nature. When told NOT to do something, it becomes the first item on their to-do list. And to think the majority will abstain from sexual intercourse until marriage (CURRENTLY 25-26) is unrealistic. Why not provide adolescents the tools required to make informed decisions based on FACTS and not outdated TRADITIONS? We ALL want to live in a perfect world, but it's IMPOSSIBLE!

The blatant disregard of SCIENCE within in this administration is extremely detrimental to "Joe & Jane Citizen." Basic psychology proves the contradiction of "abstinence-only" education and the countless subliminal sexual innuendos within television, print, and internet programming and advertising. We're such a sexual frustrated society, and it shines bright trough the number of sexual and violent offenses within any period of time within our history.

The political denial of science also works against our best interests on very basic levels. Why are the 10 COMMANDMENTS portrayed from the negative? I truly believe that if communicated positively, "Christians" would be less hypocritical.

Instead of telling people what they SHOULD NOT do, how about telling them what they SHOULD do?

P.L.U.R.,
zAy

THE TRUE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA!

Today is Columbus Day. It gives us another opportunity to analyze the facades we Americans call holidays. This day is particularly important when it comes to the identification of our country and what we've stood for since this "discovery."

For many who have read more history than what's in your high school textbooks this will come as no surprise. For many others who "don't like history" or accept the pretty picture painted by the government through our public school systems, this will seem very uncomfortable. With an open mind, it can be very enlightening. The confusion many currently have between their perceptions and the truth is the root of many of our social ills. It's much easier to accept these lies (and traditions) when you haven't been a victim of them. Someone has to pay a price for liberty and freedom, and it's not always voluntary. Those who enjoy the fruits of the labor, should be the ones that performed it. I believe it to be intellectually responsible to at least discuss the facts about the oppression and slavery in our country's past.

Whether intentional or not, the convenient disregard of the oppression and genocide of the indigenous people (Indians or Native Americans) is a serious problem. Moreover, propaganda has molded a very "bad guy" stereotype. We have to be truthful with ourselves. Just because someone tells you "Indians are savages" does not make them savages. The same logic can be applied to "we stand for freedom and democracy." Both instances require PROOF to be considered truth.

Native Americans have every right to be OUTRAGED! Not only were they stripped of their land, natural resources, and culture, they were discriminated against in various ways throughout our history. The reservations they were allowed came with conforming requirements. They were provided materials to help transition them to the NEW way of the NEW WORLD. Although granted citizenship in 1924, state laws were applied to voting rights. To this day, labeled as GHOST TRIBES, they still fight for federal recognition. During the decades following the end of slavery, they were further oppressed because they didn't fall within the Race categories at the time, BLACK and WHITE. It's very troubling to imagine having hopes of being a recently-freed slave as an upgrade of human rights.

We are NOT the land of the free and home of the brave. As I've said before, the only time the White men who run this country DO NOT discriminate is when they decide WHO to discriminate against. We are fed this illusion of we are ALWAYS the "good guy." And like anything, if you hear it enough you'll believe it. That does not make it true. We look very ignorant as a people to the rest of the world. As we preach one thing, we practice another. That seems to be a recurring theme in the actions of our leaders. Yet we choose to turn a blind eye.

No matter what cause they disguise their true motive as, question it. It's quite obvious when looking at the direction of our country, that the true measuring stick of the value of life in America is MONEY. We are a powerful country because we are bullies. We're not respected; we're feared. There is a difference.

This country was founded on killing and stealing. We will not be able to get past this fact until we acknowledge it. Our melting pot is currently filled with oil and water. I'd like to give South Dakota credit for NOT celebrating Columbus Day, but Native American Day. We need to ACT like the people we SAY we are.

Are YOU truly COMPASSIONATE, OPEN-MINDED, TOLERANT, EMPATHETIC, INDEPENDENT, INSPIRING, HELPFUL, GENUINE?

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER, BUT IN ORDER TO BE TOGETHER WE MUST SHARE THE SAME TRUTHS!

LET'S PLAY RACE CARDS!

There's nothing more personal than the color of your skin. And unless you got MICHAEL JACKSON MONEY, you're forced to play with the "cards" you're dealt. At the simplest levels, it's continually perceived as an individual test. If "I" do what I gotta do, then I can be as successful as anyone. Whether you define success by the balance of your bank account or the number of people you help, you do so for happiness and security. We ALL want to be able to live our lives only having to answer for our INDIVIDUAL actions. Unfortunately, our "melting pot" society requires MORE than that to reach its potential.

By no means am I implying that it's ONE race's responsibility to fix the problem. It's the responsibility of ALL individuals to take their stand based on FACTS, not FEELINGS. Feelings and emotions are the enemy of reason. No one knows it all, but we all have the same access to information. Before disregarding someone's plea because it doesn't align with you're minute piece of reality, question it. Don't attack it. The questioner is the controller of conversations.

What kind of facts am I talking about? One example would be the 3/5 COMPROMISE. It seems horrible to many in this day and age that our government would only count 3 out of 5 Black votes. To others, they still see it happening. From the recent CAGING of votes to DISCRIMINATING LAWS that target the "little guy" instead of the true mastermind. These laws have greater impact than most know.

One of the most famous of these laws is the Rockefeller Drug Laws in New York. Other than locking up disproportionate numbers of minorities, they also dislocate families. The affects of this can easily be seen in the state of the inner-city family. Where it's not so easy to see is in the locations of the prisons. Most State and Federal prisons are located "up-state," e.g., out of the cities and into the suburbs where "not as many" minorities live. You might say, "what's the problem?" To that, I would say the problem lies in a misrepresentation of the people. The districts where these prisons reside CAN include the prison population as constituents, although the inmates CANNOT vote. The minority vote is taken both from the individual AND the community that truly needs their voices heard.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE DISPROPORTIONATE FELONY ARRESTS IN CALIFORNIA - 2005

POPULATION STATS

ARREST STATS

TOTAL POPULATION = 36 MILLION +
WHITE = 27+ MILLION (77%)
BLACK = 2 + MILLION (6.7%)

TOTAL FELONY ARRESTS = 538,000+
WHITE = 180,000+ (33%)
BLACK = 113,000+ (21%)

PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION ARRESTED
WHITE = .6%
BLACK = 5.6%

Any rational person should see there is room for concern. This is one example of why minorities believe there is a WHITE PRIVILEGE. We all need to be truthful with ourselves. It may sound corny, but "injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere." These words still ring true because it's fundamental truth. If you allow discriminative behavior in your presence, you might as well be doing it. How does someone know it's wrong if they're never told.

All Americans, Black or White, are missing their history. Blacks had theirs forcibly taken away, while Whites are intellectually misled. I ask my White brothers and sisters to research your country's true history, and I ask my Black brothers and sisters to be patient with Whites when it comes to issues of race relations. The racism is SO ingrained that it's subconsciously denied. No matter how loud we scream at each other about how much our side is right, it will do nothing but make the situation worse.

WE NEED EACH OTHER. LET'S TALK!

mIlItArY fIgUrEs!

This video sets the general tone, but I want to focus on the LATEST MURDER OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER. This one hits particularly close to home because she was not a combat soldier; she was in a finance battalion. It's basically the Army equivalent to my job in the Air Force. During my time, there was definitely a difference between the two. Besides the traditional haggling that goes on between different services and jobs, there seemed to be a decreased level of respect towards those in support jobs. It was similar to watching a football game with your girlfriend. "Yeh, you're watching the game, but you don't know what you're watching."

The dues paid by ANY person that chooses to serve ANY amount of time in ANY branch of the military are countless. The sacrifices made are equivalent to living in another culture or civilization. Although an oath to uphold the Constitution is required to serve, the rights provided by it diminish after the oath. Your thoughts and words are suppressed in support of the greater mission. This is no easy transition. Before I enlisted in 1996, I fed right into the perception of the brainwashed soldier. Once inside, I realized it wasn't so much brainwashing, but the power of belief in a common cause. Details are less important when the ENDS justify the MEANS. It's an amazing example of the power of unity. So many different demographics brought together, all playing their part, and showing the best of America. Unfortunately, strategic decisions are based on politics. It's "highly recommended" that service men and women do not participate in politics. Apparently, SPC CIARA DURKIN got a little too close to the politics side of things.

A conclusion I came to before my honorable discharge in 2004, was that it should be a requirement that young men and women spend 1 year in the "real world" before enlisting in the military. Surprisingly, it was not the new recruits that validates my opinion. It was actually the retiring members that I had to process out. I saw about 20-30 people either separating or retiring per month for a year. The reasons people were getting out were as numerous as the reasoning behind it. But the soon-to-be retiree that entered right out of high school, now 40 yrs old, was SCARED.



The White House currently seems A BIT CONFUSED about our country's stance and definition on torture. It seems like the NEW status quo allows for the answers to our questions to be laughed off or ignored. Meanwhile we're neglected and left to find truth in the next soundbite, slogan, or costume. Britney, how are we gonna repay off this record spending with nothing in return? Paris, what are we gonna do about the melting polar ice caps? Mike Vick, I know you can help me out with the outsourcing of all sub-college level jobs! OJ, you know a little about Habeas Corpus!

I'm COMPLETELY disgusted in the fact of ab(using) soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines is the driving political edge right now. It's ONE thing to politicize dying heroes, but to neglect them at the same time is inhumane. The overall policy of the last six years leads me to believe that the ONE THING that any politician can relate to is MONEY. Even within criminal circles, there are ETHICS. It would seem that someone always on the take, would dish it out every once in a while. The rate of return awarded to these politicians, should AT LEAST warrant MORE THAN 50 BUCKS A MONTH!

I've written about the HUMANITY OF THE TROOPS several times. It's very close to me. Not necessarily for obvious reasons either. Being a part of something on any level is always very fulfilling, but lower levels tend to be less organized. To experience being a part of the Military-Industrial Complex and all the psychology that goes along with it gives me hope. It showed me it is possible for people, no matter their circumstances, to unite and be the BEST in the world.

If only we had a motivation of peace...

ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS!

THEY ACTUALLY FIRED THIS MF'ER!

"HOPE'S TIME GONE"

Back when hope was here, it was alright to be queer,
Or nowhere near your ethics.
Back when hope was here, it shoulda been so clear,
We needed to adjust our methods
Of expressing ourselves, empowering others.
Instead of video games, which don't make proud mothers,

War games on the street, not to mention the schools
Can't learn what they teach, frustration just brewed.
Hope was so strong; without words, such support.
Looking for fellowship; found it in sport.
Hope coached me, taught me, and kept me honest.
Taught me what's temporary; beauty is modest.

Hope was always on sale; no coupon ever needed.
Taken for granted like water; especially while weeded.
Hope was not timeless; as I've recently learned.
Tried to share what I knew with others; they turned
Their ears, while my tears doused the ignorance burned
Into the minds of my friends, my brothers, my sisters

Pissed her off a couple times with uncomfortable truths
Rather root for the Eagles, BBQ, and sip booze.
So many ways to leave this world for a minute or permanent,
But it's so hard to stand up and ensure you determine it.
Hope was Truth's best friend; a very important requirement
Hopeless orphans of the world, this is more than just retirement.

(F)LA to La. to (A)LA(BAMA) to (IL)LA-(NOIS)

Simply amazing! As if the NEED for security guards in our public schools wasn't embarrassing enough, it's now come to this. THIS guy got caught, but I'm sure there's plenty more where he came from. I'd like to know how many of these "security guards" and police have used STEROIDS. It would explain a lot.

"IT'S GETTIN' KINDA HECTIC!" -Snap, 1990.

If you question whether we're heading towards a police state, don't. Are these examples of Protection or Servitude?

(IL)LA-(NOIS)

CHICAGO POLICE TORTURE AND LIE UNDER OATH

(A)LA(BAMA)

JUDGE SPANKS INMATES IN PRIVATE ROOM OF COURTHOUSE

L.A.

SECURITY GUARD BREAKS STUDENT'S WRIST FOR DROPPING CAKE

La.

COPS ACQUITTED FOR BEATING OF SENIOR CITIZEN SHORTLY AFTER KATRINA

(F)LA

SECURITY GUARDS TASER A STUDENT AFTER 90 SECONDS ON MIC

It's happening right in front of us...
...while we cover our eyes and ears and go "La, La, La, La, La!"

"THE MIRROR"

As beautiful as you sometimes may be
Lately, you've been pretty scary to me
And others. From some of the hardest brothers
To wrangler-wearing honkeys.
From Ese's to Pilipino,
ALL potential monkeys.

To be thrown in a cage,
No reason, just rage.
Inside YOU is the answer; Truth hurts sometimes.
Still selling dimes or writing rhymes?
It's your time to step up; it's finally arrived.
Test of a lifetime; For the future of all children, yours and mine.

70-plus hours, 7 days a week.
Such a perfect technique
To keep the giant asleep.
Dreaming the American Dream,
"I need stuff!"
That means more hours, but your family's tough.

Your country of laws is reflecting its flaws
While you deny your responsibility to fix it.
Born to be free, dues paid for a minute.
Get in it; participate or watch it diminish.
No more shaking your head in frustration
Action is needed to avoid subjugation.

Dear mirror, I need you to shun me away.
I do my best work without you, I must say.
Although looking at you sobers me much,
You also inspire very deeply, I'm touched.
You've provided the question for me to answer.
I'll stand up for my freedom, so others have the chance for.

frEE wIll (On crEdIt)!

YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL SERIES HERE

We are pounded and pounded with this myth that we ONLY USE 10% OF OUR BRAINS. I consider this propaganda on the same level of how Republicans, specifically the president, REPEAT the sames lies over and over. Those not conscious of it, break down quickly, and it becomes their truth. No longer can we ignore our subconscious minds. It gives those who do NOT ignore it a very huge advantage. That's especially dangerous when you realize WHO has open access to this science. Brain waves are vulnerable to ANYTHING on their rhythm. A simple example would be music. Not to mention the PRODUCTS MARKETED to help us with such.

America is SELFISH. Maybe not you, personally, but collectively we are a selfish people. It runs extremely deep; it's arguably our roots. Besides our consumerism/consumptionism, our treatment of people has degraded to the level of some 3rd World country. I don't feel our actions accurately reflect our (theoretical) principles. We discriminate based on race, sex, and religion, which evolves into economic discrimination. Most people I talk to are not totally evil. Although they may be suffering from subconscious conditioning, most prefer peace and unity. We ALL have our triggers. When they're pulled, we have no choice. We're like Reggie Jackson needing to kill the queen.

You're foolish not to recognize the power of subconscious manipulation. And you're ignorant to think that it's not being used by our government, media, and advertisers. I'm not saying this is easy to overcome, but I AM saying it's essential. Each one of us need to establish our personal and family principles, morals, and ethics. Then hold ourselves accountable to them. You can't fight an enemy if you don't acknowledge its existence.



Without a doubt, the PAST 25 YEARS has brought this planet advancement never before seen in all disciplines. Science has become religion. Many conspire to discredit science, but it's truth. You can't argue with the mathematics. It seems reasonable to conclude truth being the answer to a question. Time is also truth. We all have the same amount of minutes and seconds in a day. How you spend that time determines the number of days you get. What you're doing NOW affects what you're doing NOW. And somewhere a scientist can show you the equation of why.

On more basic levels, mathematics can easily be your bank statements. No matter what church you go to, who you have sex with, or what you pump in your veins, that's fact. Daily management of the "blips on the screen" also regulates your number of days. Within these concrete guidelines of life's mathematics, we naturally answer THROUGH OUR EMOTIONS. This fact, and tactic, has led us to our current state of confusion.

Finances aside, Americans have used up their FREEDOM CREDIT LINE. We've been enjoying the freedoms passed on to us. We haven't EARNED any freedoms. As cliche as it may sound, "Freedom ain't free." In order to enjoy the freedoms of the Constitution, you have RESPONSIBILITIES. Many are unaware of these responsibilities. They'd rather be shopping or watching TV. The results of this action, or inaction, is perfect for Capitalism. Consume, consume, consume. Buy, buy, buy. Bye-bye!

If the collective apathy of the "sleeping giant," known as the American people, continues, it will awaken to a government completely controlled by the corporations that gave them the sleeping pill, and it will become mathematical truth that their democracy has been stolen and replaced with a profit driven government system.

DO NOT EXPECT SOMEONE ELSE TO DO SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT, YOURSELF, WILLING TO DO.

Intellect comes from controlling your emotions.

P.L.U.R.,
zAy

2013?

Although Congress has recently voted and rejected a bill for a 9 MONTH TROOP WITHDRAWAL, the question in this week's Democratic debate was 2013? I have to admit I've been a little "out of it" lately, but when did 2013 become the acceptable date to end the war? On top of that, NO CANDIDATE would commit to THIS date. I try to keep faith in democracy and people, but it's very difficult. We should be outraged by this. Yet we choose to continue practicing America's true religion: PROCRASTINATION!

Another vote that CAN NOT BE IGNORED was the one declaring IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARD a terrorist group, which is as important as 2002'S VOTE FOR WAR IN IRAQ. That vote gave Bush and Cheney authorization to send our MOST EFFECTIVE DIPLOMATS to communicate to Iran "how things work" on this planet.

Besides the fact that WE CAN'T AFFORD another war, either financially or logistically, it brings to light some serious war crimes about to ensue. It's going to be interesting, and atrocious, how this administration (and those controlling it) is going to justify the treatment of our country's "DETAINEES." For example, THE PATRIOT ACT. We are told by the authors of this act, signed into LAW not 2 months after 9-11-2001, that TORTURE is acceptable because the detainees are not of a specific country's forces. That's the reason they use to ignore THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS. So now that IRAN'S military has been deemed "terrorists," they cannot be tortured in the name of this evil document, USA PATRIOT ACT OF 2001. You can't have it both ways. That's not arrogance; it's a crime.

The very small chance that Hillary had for my vote is gone. How can she laugh and trivialize Gravel's question? He asked THE question. The reason Democrats have any POWER is because we voted to STOP THE WAR! Gravel is a little wacky sometimes, but he's asking the questions that the PRESS should be asking. And I love him for that alone. Is it not a legitimate solution to end the rhetoric and stop the war? VOTE EVERYDAY. That will be FAR more effective and much more powerful than any VETO or EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE.



NOW is the time for YOU to do something. Laws have already been passed whose effects will not be seen for years and decades. If you're truthful with yourself, you can see the changes now. Intellectually, you must consider that authorizing war on Iran, REOPENING FALL OUT SHELTERS, MISTAKENLY TRANSPORTING NUCLEAR WEAPONS, and VP CHENEY'S SECRET MEETING, has some possibilities of dropping a nuclear bomb on Iran, or even worse an American city.

I don't want to lose anybody, so remember POSSIBILITIES are not truth. But to ignore them because of personal feelings is doing yourself an injustice.

PRESIDENT BUSH WILL BE SPEAKING IN LANCASTER NEXT WEEK. Sounds like fun...

P.L.U.R.,
zAy

frOm wAltEr rEEd tO Reed wAltEers

"I speak to you soberly, America, for I must. I have now told you the truth. More clearly than any clergy. More sincerely than any friend, teacher or parent has ever done." -JEDEDIAH BARTMAN

These two stories are nothing new, I know. The theme is nothing new either. I'm sure many who read this have their own personal struggle stories. I know I do. The same way Americans are LUCKY to be born on this soil, many are LUCKY to be born into a certain class. Known by many different names, this class is unrelenting when it comes to power, money, and natural resources. Though they are aware of the necessity of natural resources, they seem to handle the cause like an annoying requirement. Instead of using their power for a plan of prosperity for all, they are consolidating as much as possible. They don't care about us, and it's obvious if you're truthful with yourself.

The conditions at WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER and the actions of a government official, REED WALTERS are examples of the treatment this "privileged class" exudes towards those they consider outsiders. Returning war veterans and a "small minority" are very vulnerable demographics because they have faith. They (foolishly) depend on the false promises from their leaders. Vets are told they have full medical coverage for life and minorities are told they will not be discriminated against base on race, national origin, color, sex, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Race is not even the only way you can be discriminated against. It's arguably the most powerful though. But not the ONLY. Discrimination is fundamentally division, and it can't be argued that we are divided by more than race. It's very sensitive in this country because it runs so deep. It troubles me so much, but it's a quandary for me. The TOTAL CONFUSION of the subject makes it practically impossible for constructive discussion. It seems SO personal that people can't be objective. Sometimes I don't know if I'm doing good by pissing people off about race relations. Does it add to their ignorance and hate? Or does it plant a seed?

More crucial than our racial walls are the intellectual ones. People of ANY color of equal intelligence can, and do, coexist. All of us sane folks know this. But the problems arise when individuals of different levels of intellect disagree. Regardless of who may be right, the other isn't open-minded enough to expand their point of view. A basic level of intelligence is how you use your free will. We can ALL listen to the other side, whatever that may be. It's not about being right; that's childish. It's about the truth. Whoever you are, you don't have the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If you do in a particular case, then the other side will not hold up against your truth. As a result, the other side should grow from that and spread the truth.

There are certain souls on this planet that know what TRUTH is. Not necessarily THE truth, but TRUTH. Those that do not, need to open themselves up to it. Just ask for it. The souls that possess this enlightenment have no color, race, religion, sex, etc. We are universal. Those that feel me, you already know. Those that do not, just ask!

Peace, Love, Unity, Respect,
zAy

OH REALLY, O'REILLY?

"Racists are people who believe that innate, inherited characteristics biologically determine human behavior."

By definition, Bill O'Reilly is a racist. The word RACIST has BRITISH and SOUTH AFRICAN origins. It's FACT that RACISM comes from White people. That's odd because 2/3 of the world's people are Asian. That's a significant amount of people and they were around a lot longer than Europeans. If you're outnumbered, you must find a way to divide the majority. What's easier than race?

It's obvious to me that Bill O's statements are racist. I'd be curious to anyone who doesn't feel the same way. I may seem bias when it comes to this guy, but I welcome any questions. I've thought he was racist since his attack on LUDACRIS. I understand that he may not see the art in some of Ludacris' expressions. Don't buy it then. Seems simple. Not in America. We have these little demons called agendas.

So RUPERT MURDOCH grabs the controls of his favorite drone, O'Reilly and took money out of Ludacris' pocket. That's ill! Bill O has about 2 million viewers and he spews his propaganda to very loyal sheep. Worstly, they believe him as truth. This is how FOXNEWS decides to exercise OUR freedom of speech/press. They're cultivating a divisive and prejudice message.



This is worse than Imus because he only targeted a few people. What O'Reilly's statements reflected was a combination of arrogance and ignorance as a whole. We get it Bill, you don't like gangsta rap. But that's NO excuse to stereotype EVERY Black person as one. It's people like you that mold the perception of Black men and women through their portrayal in the "news." Many people in this country will NEVER see someone of the opposite color. And the only time they see them is on TV.

The result of this type of irresponsible "journalism" is that millions of White people are unaware of the Black middle class. They're people just like you.

P.L.U.R.,
zAy

$$$: TRUE RELIGION

PRIOR THOUGHTS ON RELIGION

PRIOR THOUGHTS ON MONEY

"As Jung has shown, the symbol [money] mediates the passage of psychic energy from the unconscious, in order that it may be applied consciously and turned to practical account. He describes the symbol [money] as a "psychological machine" which "transforms energy"… Through the symbol [money], the energy is freed from the attachment and becomes available for conscious activity and work. The symbol [money] is the transformer of energy, converting into other forms the libido which alone enables primitive man to achieve anything at all. That is why any activity of his has to be initiated and accompanied by a variety of religious and symbolic [monetary] measures…" -JOHN VON NEUMANN, JUNGIAN PSYCHOLOGIST

I've said many times that the INVENTION OF MONEY was the worst invention EVER. It has "branded" each and every one of us with a value. This value is an economic score, which tells those who control the money how much we have, and more importantly to them how much we owe and how likely we are to repay (with interest.) It has nothing to do with our ethics, morals, humanity, or character. The Great Experiment has become a mixture of of democracy, capitalism, fascism, tyranny, segregation, elitism, and division.

I personally see progress as MORE people having access to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." As a result, I have difficulty seeing much progress in the current direction of our country. Critical thought and constructive criticism is looked upon as dissent. Hypocrisy is the new integrity. Our elected officials do not represent our best interests and rely upon our apathy to further their own personal agendas. And those agendas are always about money.

98% of Americans believe there is a God. This seems to be the least common denominator amongst our people. It should be obvious that when trying to communicate to the maximum amount of people, God will be used (or misused) in some way, shape or form. We then have to examine WHAT we are supporting when we blindly support our representatives because of religious manipulation. If you find the idea of "religious manipulation" ridiculous, look no further than your Supreme Court-appointed President.

George W Bush, who said "God wanted him to run for President," misled (LIED) the conservative Christian Right voters during his campaign leading up to the 2004 presidential "election." Since the beginning of his second term, he's been spending like he's has Bill Gates' checkbook, has made the presidency a secret by "classifying" State documents and granting anyone who knows anything "Presidential Privilege." He has switched the Government and the People. WE are the ones that are supposed to have the privacy; not the government.




Our Christian president has done nothing FOR the "meek." And worse than doing nothing, he actually has changed laws to make it MORE difficult for the "under-privileged." Veto-ing S-CHIP, suspending the DAVIS-BACON ACT after Katrina, suspending High-tempo Combat Pay for the duration of the "war on terror" to name a few. At the same time, every other word out of his mouth is tax-cut (for the rich) in between his "war on terror's" and "Al-Qaeda in Iraq's." All of his slogans represent policies that are divisive and widen the gap between our equivalent "bourgeosie" and "proletariat." The categories are mostly defined by wealth and poverty. Wealth has a voice through money.

Many religions put emphasis on an afterlife. A basic view to help you understand why you're going through your tribulations, while others prosper. The prosperous claim to worship the same God, so do they suffer in THEIR afterlife? It seems they have their Utopia NOW. Their God seems to be MONEY. Although, the majority of those in power in this country claim to be Christian. Lying also seems to be a mutual trait amongst those who represent us. They talk through Christianity to Christians (the majority), but make no further attempt to practice or honor the Religion and God of Christianity.

I've never practiced any religion, gone to church regularly, or been a part of the fellowship that many have and do. Humans are a community people, so I can understand how it has potential to be be very powerful and fulfilling. Add to that, the bond that ties you is you're existence, and I see how many can blindly follow. Theoretically, religion seems to be rooted in peace. With money being the root of all evil, it seems very curious that those in power have money and those suffering have religion.

TOO MANY MOSQUES?!?

1ST AMENDMENT?

In the wake of a man being tasered for asking a few questions, it's very troubling the abuse our first amendment is enduring. Two possibilities that can come from the U of F questionable Constitutionality incident.

1) This kid gets a GOOD lawyer and this goes the whole way to the Supreme Court. That would be a measuring stick for how much of the 1st amendment we truly have, OR
2) This kid could be deemed a "enemy combatant" or "terrorist" and he gets charged under Executive Order: Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq

However you see this case, you have to admit that it deserves a Supreme Court ruling. Even if you're one that thinks he deserves what he got, or he was acting unruly, we need to see where we stand within the limits of our laws. It can't be a case-by-case basis. Regardless of your view, the fact is this kid spoke for 90 seconds and ended up in prison.

And now this guy, King. Too many mosques? We don't need these words coming out of the mouths of our leaders (or elected officials.) These men and women take an oath to uphold the Constitution. His statements promote discrimination and stereotypes. There's no denying that. YOU may be able to see how ridiculous his words are, but for every one of you, there are 100 sheep.

START NOW TO RESEARCH YOUR LOCAL LEADERS. THEY REPRESENT YOU WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.

I'll leave you with another quote from this Constitutional criminal. He said this before the 2004 election"

"IT'S ALL OVER BUT THE COUNTING; AND WE'LL TAKE CARE OF THE COUNTING."

trOOps ArE hUmAn, pt 2

IN CASE YOU MISSED PART 1

Here we are 2 months after the first vote on the Webb-Hagel amendment. And with all that has happened in this short period of time, the bill to allow military members AT LEAST equal time away from war has again been filibustered by the Republicans. HOW THE FUCK can this be happening? I am SO disgusted at how our "leaders" are treating the military. They think this is a game. This is not about politics; it's about humanity.

England, who is now completely out of Iraq, requires soldiers to have a 2 to 1 ratio. 6 months in = 1 year out. We do not even allow our soldiers a 1 to 1 ratio. It used to take authorization from a four-star general for American troops to serve more than 180 days. Currently, tours are at 15 months.

We cannot continue to let this happen. We're setting ourselves up to be speaking Chinese in the next 15 years. We're burning out our current volunteer military. At the same time, we're creating more and more enemies. The result of this is going to be that we will not have the military might when we need it in the future. And we WILL need it because the world will not stand by and let us act a fool forever. Eventually, they will get fed up and stand up to the bully. And God forbid if China ever calls us on our debt to them.

While Congress was spitting in the faces of the troops, they had the time to VOTE ON A BILL REGARDING THE MOVEON.ORG AD! And THIS ONE kills me: you can no longer speak out against members of the military.

TROOPS ARE HUMAN! CONGRESS APPARENTLY IS NOT!

PLEASE WAKE UP! AND IF YOU ARE AWAKE, WAKE UP SOMEONE ELSE!