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!

AnImAl wrOngs ActIvIst!

DOGS ARE NOT PEOPLE! Before I go any further, I'd just like to make sure we agree on this fact. OK, good. In no way am I saying that Mike Vick's time does not fit his crime. It's the reactions OUTSIDE the law that I question.

Let's put this into perspective. Puppies are cute, I agree. But they're MFers when they shit on the carpet. They're companions, pets, ANIMALS. You don't give birth to them; they don't choose YOU. You buy them, kinda like slaves. You cross-breed them, tie them to a tree, keep them in cages, in the house. I've never seen a WILD DOG, wearing sweaters, being carried in purses, or INHERITING $12 MILLION. I know people LOVE the unconditional love that dogs provide, but that doesn't warrant them HUMAN status.

To all OFFENDED by the Mike Vick case, I question your views. Recently, I've had many conversations with people about this topic. And my favorite dialogue is with the UFC FANS. It bewilders me how these folks can have such strong emotional feelings about what MV did (that they didn't even see), and then PAY $50 to watch PEOPLE beat the living shit out of themselves. There is a common theme though amongst the UFCers. It's that the dogs don't have a choice. It seems very selective to me because when I ask if MV would've just punched them in the face or choked them till they tap out, I'm told "that's not what he did."

What about GREYHOUNDS? Their abuse is decades old, but I guess if YOU can win a couple dollars of of them, it's OK. It's even exploited through advertising. I guess the subliminal message is that the GREYHOUND BUS will be fast. In reality, it's the irony of the seat size, which represents the greyhound's living space. You'd run fast too if you lived in a 3X5 cage when you didn't. Been going on for years with no outcry. So when a Black guys gets caught doing it, it IS a racial issue. I'm sorry, but SAYING you don't want everything to be about race, doesn't make things NOT about race. It can't intellectually be disregarded.

I believe animals should be treated humanely, but never better than a human. It offends ME when I see TV footage of animals being rescued after KATRINA, while PEOPLE were left behind. That is unacceptable to me. I'm offended when Leona Helmsley leaves $12 million to a dog, when she could've donated that money to people who NEED it. Or at least the two grandkids that got NOTHING.

And it seems to be exclusively with dogs. This borderline citizenship. Because alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, wolves, bears, snakes definitely do not get such love. WE tear down their habitat, build homes where they used to hunt, and kill them when they're even SEEN. If you build a home on the outskirts of the everglades, you have to AT LEAST be aware that a kid getting eaten unattended in the back yard is a possibility. And the poor BULLS. This really strikes a chord with me because I've been to a live bullfight in Spain, and it really made me think about what I can accept as entertainment (or even tradition.)

I WITNESSED THIS!

I made it through 2 of 5 fights. I couldn't handle it. For those who've never had the experience, this is not the courageous matador vs. el torro. The bull is chased and speared by 4-5 men on horses until it's ready to fall over. Then this guy comes out with his towel, the bull is forced "with a gun to his head" to run through it. The grand finale is the execution by sword. Not what I thought before witnessing.

I do have a point. It's that HORRIBLE things are happening to PEOPLE everyday, and little seem to care. But when this dog fighting incident first came to light back in April, it caught on fire. Doesn't it seem a little odd how fast this case has moved from beginning to the end? R Kelly is still on the loose for God's sake! I love and enjoy animals as much as the next guy, but I love them for what they are--ANIMALS. If people legitimately want to stand for animal rights, I think they should have more focus on the food we EAT. Or maybe HONEY BEES? There are MANY much more important issues that we need to use our energy for.

"CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?"

IF ONLY...

RIP: ALL WHO HAVE AND WILL DIE BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED ON THIS DAY (WHATEVER YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT TO BE.)

P.L.U.R.,
zAy

(SLAVE) LABOR DAY

Another Federal Holiday is upon us. The only one that does not represent a war, battle, birth, or religious event. This one is for US, the people. Wow! Over this long weekend, we should all pay homage and think about the state of the American worker. "Unemployment is down," "Wages are up," and the "Economy is growing," are all common phrases we hear during political speeches from our leaders. And it proves once again how disconnected we are from those who represent us.

LABOR UNIONS are the backbone of the American worker. But unfortunately, they are an endangered species. Corporations detest unions and are at constant battle to destroy them. Their unrelenting quest for profit has resulted in a very HIGH percentage of American jobs overseas. WAL-MART could have been the pride of America, but instead it sits in practically EVERY neighborhood in America and sells Chinese imports. This is borderline "unfair competition." UNREGULATED CHILD LABOR, UNREGULATED HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS, UNREGULATED EXPORT INSPECTIONS, ETC.

Those familiar with the job market, know it's no fun. God forbid if you don't have the internet. Gone are the days of filling out paper applications and interviewing the same day. You're getting NO interviews before a credit and criminal background check. We're not talking Execultive level jobs either. Something as basic as a call center job requires an extensive amount of information about you before consideration. Not to mention the electronic psychological (personality) tests. You fail this, and they don't even tell you why. How do you tell you're not being discriminated against?



Without a doubt, we've been programmed as CONSUMERS. The majority of the "middle class" want money TO BUY STUFF. While the upper class, want money to save and multiply. We've also been engrained with this paradigm of "NOW." It works in two ways: "I NEED ____ NOW," this leads to spending beyond our means and credit card use. The second way, is that by spending our money before earning and receiving it, makes saving for retirement impossible.

With unrealistic MINIMUM WAGE RATES, one job usually doesn't cut it. This ideology is consistent too. Check out these POVERTY LINES:

1 PERSON = $10,210/YR
4 PEOPLE = $20,650/YR
8 PEOPLE = $34,570/YR

This demographic of the WAGE SLAVE is very diverse. It's not just those who make little money, receive government assistance, or have lots of children. It's also the recent college graduate who is carrying $10K of credit card debt (@20%), $40K+ of student loans (@5%), and is looking at an entry-level position with a salary of $30K. Or the recently divorced, or someone who just went through a medical crisis (w/o insurance). When you run out of money, you turn to the credit cards. The advertising is everywhere, making it seem OK.

Carrying debt, without using it for a higher return, makes you a slave to it. Albert Einstein was quoted as saying "the most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." And it works both ways. It's amazing if it's your MONEY that's growing because of it; but it's equally depressing if your debt has fallen victim to it. Becoming debt-free is also a farce. Our currency system, ran by THE FEDERAL RESERVE, is dependent on the interest of our debt. They issue currency based on our promise to pay back the interest. If you think about this system, you'll see it's TYRANNY!

I've often said that MONEY was the WORST INVENTION EVER. Americans have made money a god. The religion associated with money is very dangerous to blind followers. Capitalism is great if you own a corporation, BUT if you're working at, buying from, or living near, one of these corporations, you're at its mercy. For those who don't know, COPORATIONS HAVE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS.

So on this Labor Day 2007, let's respect what this day represents. Enjoy your BBQ and football games, but let's take a second look within and reevaluate what we stand for. Federal Holidays are for us to reflect on times that made us proud. Labor Day is the last hoo-rah for the summer; back to school; start of the NFL; can't wear WHITE till next year...but it's also our well-being as Americans. I believe MOST people just want to be able to live their lives with no worries; they don't have to be rich. And it's very disheartening to see CEO SALARIES at record levels at the same companies that lay off thousands at a time. Pay attention to the LAWS being passed. They do affect you.

P.L.U.R.,
zAy

STATE OF THE (CREDIT) UNION

THE PRESIDENTIAL WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS (9-1-2007)

My fellow Americans,

If you still subscribe to the theory of our STRONG ECONOMY, please ponder the following:

THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES OFTEN QUOTED BY POLITICIANS IS ONLY THE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.

CREDIT CARD COMPANIES CAN CHANGE YOUR INTEREST RATES ANY TIME THEY WANT

RECORD FORECLOSURES WILL ALSO HAVE A DRAMATIC IMPACT ON THE RENTAL MARKET.

MORE AND MORE JOBS ARE BEING OUTSOURCED.

TECHNOLOGY AND ROBOTS ARE REPLACING PEOPLE.

YOUNGER GENERATIONS ARE NOT TRAINING IN MANUAL LABOR SKILL SETS.

DENIED ACCESS TO THE INTERNET WOULD BE A NATIONAL DISASTER.

YOU'RE JUDGED BY A CREDIT SCORE.

ECONOMIC DEREGULATION HAS BEEN STEADILY INCREASING SINCE RONALD REAGAN.

CORPORATIONS ARE THE ONES THAT RECEIVE THE BAILOUT ADVANTAGES.

TONY SNOW QUIT BECAUSE "HE RAN OUT OF MONEY." HE MADE OVER $168K/YR.

IF/WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR JOB, EXPECT TO MAKE LESS DOING THE SAME JOB.

ETC...

I'm all for PEOPLE taking RESPONSIBILITY for their ACTIONS. But I'm also for PEOPLE being given a FAIR shot. To not even provide a BASIC understanding of the economy system of our country, and then judge solely upon one's performance within this system is a SET UP FOR FAILURE. I know a lot of folks who knew nothing about their CREDIT SCORES until their late-20's. That has a huge affect on your "credit life." Even moving around too much can be looked upon as NEGATIVE.

It takes a concerted effort to be successful within this system. You don't have to be an economist to figure it out.

DO NOT DISREGARD IT!

OLD MOTHER HUBBARD

Most people have seen SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. It's well-known for the opening battle scene, but that's not the plot. It's fundamentally based on the real story of the 5 SULLIVAN BROTHERS FROM WATERLOO, IOWA. They all served on the same ship (by request.) That ship, USS Juneau, was hit by a torpedo and sunk during the BATTLE OF GUADALCANAL (1942.) There was NO rescue mission, due to the concern of the Japanese presence in the waters. Needless to say NONE of them survived.

As a result of this unprecedented sacrifice, a MYTH called the "SULLIVAN ACT," has been double-spoken. It's basically a moral measuring stick we used to have to keep family members separated to decrease the chances of them both being killed in battle. Still seems to make sense to me. BUT apparently it doesn't to the DoD.

You HAVE TO read this transcript. It's an interview with "Jeff Hubbard, father of Army Cpl. Nathan Hubbard, and with Nathan's brother, Army Spec. Jason Hubbard. Nathan Hubbard, 21, died Aug. 22 in a helicopter crash in northern Iraq. Another brother, Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Hubbard, 22, was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004. Jason Hubbard served in the same platoon with Nathan."

I have to admit this was difficult to read. It really stirred up some EMOTIONS. A plot that ALONE would make a good book or movie. And although it seems disturbing initially, we've been SO desensitized to war the last couple years that we will eventually move on and remember this story for the GOLD STAR MOM. But it takes an even MORE disturbing twist.

Also, on this helicopter when it crashed was a unit from Hawaii. Several among the 14 who were killed were SET TO TESTIFY IN A TRIAL INVOLVING TORTURE AT ABU-GRAIB!!! WHAT?!?



This is ATROCIOUS behavior. Our leaders are playing WAR GAMES with PEOPLE! Is that not IMPEACHABLE?