HATS OFF TO JEFF HAWKES OF LANCASTERONLINE.COM!!!
Hillary takes holiday from senses
By JEFF HAWKES, Staff
Hillary Clinton yesterday repeated her call for a summer-long gas tax holiday, but she's not stopping there.
Hoping for an upset victory in today's North Carolina primary, Clinton proposed a temporary repeal of the law of gravity.
"My proposal would lighten the load for the hardworking families of America," Clinton, who toured a pogo stick factory, said. "I have seen very personally the challenges patriotic, churchgoing, gun-toting Carolinians are facing in these troubled times.
"They've been knocked down by predatory mortgage lenders and greedy oil company executives, and I believe they deserve a little help getting back on their feet," said Clinton, adding that when she was first lady she pushed behind the scenes for a holiday on gravity, while Bill thought it was more important to reform welfare and balance the budget.
"If I had known then what I know now, I never would have gone along," she said.
HILLARY WEIGHS IN
Clinton said she would be ready on Day 1 to tackle gravity, in contrast to her opponent, who she accused of being out of touch with gullible voters and being in the pocket of the heavy-equipment industry.
"Shame on you, Barack Obama," Clinton said before she and daughter Chelsea illustrated an escape from gravity by boarding a balloon filled with hot air.
In a conference call with reporters, Clinton campaign communications chief Howard Wolfson said the senator's novel proposal demonstrates the lengths to which she will go to lift up the growing number of pudgy Americans weighed down by eight years of failed Bush-Cheney economic policies.
Later, returning to the White House from Camp David, President Bush responded to the criticism by telling reporters, "We're concerned about gravity inside our White House. Make no mistake about it."
He added, "Ben Franklin discovered gravity, and he did a heckuva job out in that storm. But if weapons of gravity get into the hands of our enemies, my answer to that is, bring them on."
An open letter signed by more than 100 physicists warned that a gravity holiday, even just a three-day weekend with no gravity, would likely do more harm than good.
"While it's true the suspension of gravity would reduce the number of falls among the elderly and eliminate the need for suspenders, we can anticipate tradeoffs," James Neutron, president of American Society of Physics, said. "Zero gravity, it can be shown, would be problematic for lumberjacks and Olympic divers."
Wolfson countered that physicists are elitists who hold conferences in San Francisco.
QUESTION DODGED
On "This Week With George Stephanopoulos," Clinton was asked to name a credible scientist who thinks a break from gravity is feasible, let alone responsible.
"Well, you know, George," Clinton responded, "I think we've been for the last seven years seeing a tremendous amount of government power and elite opinion basically behind policies that haven't worked well for the middle class and hardworking Americans. From the moment I started this campaign, I've said that I'm absolutely determined that we're going to provide health insurance for every American and obliterate Iran if I have to, because, as I proved in Pennsylvania, I'm harder to knock down than Rocky."
"But can you name a scientist who thinks this makes sense?" Stephanopoulos pressed.
"Well, I'll tell you what," Clinton said, "I'm not going to put my lot in with scientists, because I know if we get it right, if we actually did it right, we won't have a President Obama, who's not a Muslim, as far as I know, and, boy, will we have dodged a bullet, which I remember learning how to do in Bosnia."
E-mail: jhawkes@lnpnews.com
Thursday, May 8, 2008
DESENSITIZATION, SEAN BELL, & THE NEW STATUS QUO
Although police brutality is nothing new to most Black folks, the access to video cameras have exposed MANY a police officer to whole departments IN ACTION. WE have a responsibility to put an end to this.
The judge in the Sean Bell case had the most recent opportunity to MAKE AN EXAMPLE of some rogue police. But instead, NOTHING. Can 50 shots EVER be an accident?
Ever since the infamous Rodney King video (and acquittal of ALL officers involved), Americans have been constantly desensitized to what this actually represents.
Events like the one above sets the new status quo. Police state, anyone? If this doesn't outrage you, then practice your silence again when you become the victim.
WHITE PEOPLE: YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THIS!!!
ISN'T AMERICA BETTER THAN THIS? I DON'T THINK SO!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
"IF RACE WERE A RACE"
IF RACE WERE A RACE,
WHITES WOULD BE IN LAST PLACE
PHILOSOPHICALLY, BUT MONETARILY?
LET'S PAUSE MOMENTARILY...
IF RACE WERE A RACE,
BLACKS WOULD BE IN LAST PLACE.
IGNORANTLY JUDGED BY TONE OF FACE.
TRUTH AGAIN MISPLACED; SUCH A DISGRACE!
I GOTTA SLOW DOWN THE PACE
A LOT CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO PERSONAL TASTE.
BUT TO KEEP PACE IN THE RACE OF RACE...
MANIPULATED TRAITS ARE TRIGGERED FROM HOME PLATE.
WIGGLING BAIT, PEPPERED IN HATE.
THIS CAN'T BE YOUR FATE
START TODAY
THIS CAN'T WAIT.
WHITES WOULD BE IN LAST PLACE
PHILOSOPHICALLY, BUT MONETARILY?
LET'S PAUSE MOMENTARILY...
IF RACE WERE A RACE,
BLACKS WOULD BE IN LAST PLACE.
IGNORANTLY JUDGED BY TONE OF FACE.
TRUTH AGAIN MISPLACED; SUCH A DISGRACE!
I GOTTA SLOW DOWN THE PACE
A LOT CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO PERSONAL TASTE.
BUT TO KEEP PACE IN THE RACE OF RACE...
MANIPULATED TRAITS ARE TRIGGERED FROM HOME PLATE.
WIGGLING BAIT, PEPPERED IN HATE.
THIS CAN'T BE YOUR FATE
START TODAY
THIS CAN'T WAIT.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
RACISM'S IGNORANCE CYCLE
I'm sitting here watching Tim Russert interview Barrack Obama on Meet the Press, and this idea popped into my head. Hmmm...
It seems "the White man" is always asking "the Black man" to explain racism to him, but totally ignores anything that comes out of his mouth when he tries. Then wonders where the frustration comes from.
How is it not Racism on the media's part to demand Barrack to explain another man's actions for MONTHS, when on the flipside John McCain's satisfactory explanation for his acceptance of JOHN HAGEE's endorsement lasted all but 45 seconds? And it went a little bit like this...he's so silly, but he has a lot of money and influence.
Like I've told many a lady friend throughout life, especially those looking for an "honest man," DON'T ASK A QUESTION YOU DON'T WANT THE ANSWER TO!
I leave you w/ this on this beautiful Sunday morning...
1. If you've made a judgement on Rev. Jeremiah W(as)right without AT LEAST hearing the full "God-damn America" sermon AND the recent speech to the NAACP, you're decision is based on Racist roots.
2. A quick thought on Reparations for Slavery...and this is a quote from a CONSERVATIVE (I forget his name, but he wrote a book "Wrong on Racism") I saw last night on CSPAN. There's no doubt that reparations were due upon the end of slavery, and just because the government decided against it then, does not make the debt void.
The problem comes from NOW, where a lot of Whites are not racist (or as racist), along with no knowledge of their personal family history, have a very hard time accepting responsibility for these atrocities. At the same time, benefiting from them. And yes, EVERY WHITE PERSON has benefited from this government's laws pertaining to Slavery and its aftermath.
Although it's very difficult to accept, we need to. Just think about what future generations will think of our atrocities.
P.L.U.R.,
zAy
It seems "the White man" is always asking "the Black man" to explain racism to him, but totally ignores anything that comes out of his mouth when he tries. Then wonders where the frustration comes from.
How is it not Racism on the media's part to demand Barrack to explain another man's actions for MONTHS, when on the flipside John McCain's satisfactory explanation for his acceptance of JOHN HAGEE's endorsement lasted all but 45 seconds? And it went a little bit like this...he's so silly, but he has a lot of money and influence.
Like I've told many a lady friend throughout life, especially those looking for an "honest man," DON'T ASK A QUESTION YOU DON'T WANT THE ANSWER TO!
I leave you w/ this on this beautiful Sunday morning...
1. If you've made a judgement on Rev. Jeremiah W(as)right without AT LEAST hearing the full "God-damn America" sermon AND the recent speech to the NAACP, you're decision is based on Racist roots.
2. A quick thought on Reparations for Slavery...and this is a quote from a CONSERVATIVE (I forget his name, but he wrote a book "Wrong on Racism") I saw last night on CSPAN. There's no doubt that reparations were due upon the end of slavery, and just because the government decided against it then, does not make the debt void.
The problem comes from NOW, where a lot of Whites are not racist (or as racist), along with no knowledge of their personal family history, have a very hard time accepting responsibility for these atrocities. At the same time, benefiting from them. And yes, EVERY WHITE PERSON has benefited from this government's laws pertaining to Slavery and its aftermath.
Although it's very difficult to accept, we need to. Just think about what future generations will think of our atrocities.
P.L.U.R.,
zAy
Saturday, May 3, 2008
RED 18 RECORD RELEASE PARTY!
Push It Away
..
In the spirit of Snoop's Doggystyle back in the early 90's, our release date was pushed back...and back...and back. And as painful and frustrating as this waiting time has been, it's over now. CD's are in hand and ready to put smiles on your faces. They're in stores and will be available online at iTunes, CDBaby, Digstation, GraceNotes, and Nielsen Soundscan within the next few weeks. In the meantime, you can get a hardcopy CD (and believe me, hearing the CD is a must) from Me, Roc, Dionn Renee, and Shizz.
No matter where you are in the world, call your local stations and request Red 18!!! Go to your local record stores and ask for it. If they don't have it yet, let us know. And they'll get it. Believe that! You can also get CD's at the release party.
WHAT: Strait Jacket Records presents Red 18. Sponsored by SCION!!!
WHEN: Sunday, May 25th
WHERE: Hardware Bar, 2nd Street in Harrisburg, PA
WHO: Red 18 and other Strait Jacket artists.
WHY: For the LOVE, as always.
Doors open @ 8 PM.
STAY AHEAD OF THE CROWD! HOLLA AT US NOW!
WE ARE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!
PLUR,
jose
..
In the spirit of Snoop's Doggystyle back in the early 90's, our release date was pushed back...and back...and back. And as painful and frustrating as this waiting time has been, it's over now. CD's are in hand and ready to put smiles on your faces. They're in stores and will be available online at iTunes, CDBaby, Digstation, GraceNotes, and Nielsen Soundscan within the next few weeks. In the meantime, you can get a hardcopy CD (and believe me, hearing the CD is a must) from Me, Roc, Dionn Renee, and Shizz.
No matter where you are in the world, call your local stations and request Red 18!!! Go to your local record stores and ask for it. If they don't have it yet, let us know. And they'll get it. Believe that! You can also get CD's at the release party.
WHAT: Strait Jacket Records presents Red 18. Sponsored by SCION!!!
WHEN: Sunday, May 25th
WHERE: Hardware Bar, 2nd Street in Harrisburg, PA
WHO: Red 18 and other Strait Jacket artists.
WHY: For the LOVE, as always.
Doors open @ 8 PM.
STAY AHEAD OF THE CROWD! HOLLA AT US NOW!
WE ARE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!
PLUR,
jose
Friday, May 2, 2008
PERMANENT TAX CUTS FOR WHO?
SEE BELOW TO DETERMINE FOR YOURSELF IF THESE TAX CUTS SHOULD BE PERMANENT.
SOURCE
On Income, Our Top Continues To Clobber Our Bottom
A new analysis of just-released IRS data reveals the widest income gap between America's top 1 percent and bottom 90 since right before the Great Depression.
March 31, 2008
By Sam Pizzigati
Economists can't tell us much about the future. But the best of them can tell us a great deal about the past. Over recent years, two of those best — Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty — have been parsing annual data from the IRS to paint a picture of where America's income dollars are going. They've just released their latest picture. It's not pretty.
income gapDollars are now flowing into the pockets of America's fabulously rich, the new Saez-Piketty data show, at their fastest rate in nearly 80 years.
In 2006, the most current year with IRS tax return totals available, the most affluent 1 percent of American households took in 20.3 percent of American income dollars.
"Not since 1928, just before the Great Depression," observes an analysis of the Saez-Piketty data by the Center for Budget and Public Policy's Aviva Aron-Dine, "has the top 1 percent held such a large share of the nation's income."
Between 2005 and 2006, the new Saez-Piketty data indicate, the average income of the top 1 percent of U.S. households increased $73,000, after inflation. The bottom 90 percent of U.S. households, over that same span, saw their incomes jump by $20, not enough to offset the cost of a parking ticket.
The picture the Saez-Piketty numbers paint gets significantly uglier when we zero in on the wealthiest of the wealthy — and look closely at how prodigiously their incomes have ballooned since the mid 20th century.
In 1956, households in America's top tenth of 1 percent reported incomes that averaged just under $1.1 million. That's in inflation-adjusted 2006 dollars.
In 2006, this top 0.1 percent averaged $6.3 million. In other words, the real incomes of these affluents have multiplied nearly six-fold over the past half-century, a 476 percent increase.
Over the same 50-year period, the real average incomes of America's bottom 90 percent increased just 32 percent, from $23,068 to $30,374.
But this 32 percent figure actually distorts the historical trend line. Over recent decades, the average incomes of the bottom 90 percent of American households have actually dropped. These incomes increased steadily from the 1950s into the early 1970s, hitting $34,065 in 1973. Since then, the average incomes of America's bottom 90 percent have dipped 11 percent.
Could this picture get any uglier? Sure can. Just consider the incomes of America's top hundredth of 1 percent. These incomes — once again, after factoring in inflation — jumped from an average $3.7 million in 1956 to $29.6 million in 2006, an amazing increase of 693 percent.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
DIFFERENT WAVES FOR DIFFERENT SLAVES
READ THE WHOLE THING HERE!
Two brilliant scholars and two beautiful sisters, both of whom hail from Detroit in the fields of education and linguistics, Dr. Janice Hale right here at Wayne State University, founder of the Institute for the study of the African-American child. and Dr. Geneva Smitherman formerly of Wayne State University now at Michigan State University in Lansing. Hail in education and Smitherman in linguistics. Both demonstrated 40 years ago that different does not mean deficient. Somebody is going to miss that.
Turn to your neighbor and say different does not mean deficient. It simply means different. In fact, Dr. Janice Hale was the first writer whom I read who used that phrase. Different does not mean deficient. Different is not synonymous with deficient. It was in Dr. Hale's first book, "Black Children their Roots, Culture and Learning Style." Is Dr. Hale here tonight? We owe her a debt of gratitude. Dr. Hale showed us that in comparing African-American children and European-American children in the field of education, we were comparing apples and rocks.
And in so doing, we kept coming up with meaningless labels like EMH, educable mentally handicapped, TMH, trainable mentally handicapped, ADD, attention deficit disorder.
And we were coming up with more meaningless solutions like reading, writing and Ritalin. Dr. Hale's research led her to stop comparing African-American children with European-American children and she started comparing the pedagogical methodologies of African-American children to African children and European-American children to European children. And bingo, she discovered that the two different worlds have two different ways of learning. European and European-American children have a left brained cognitive object oriented learning style and the entire educational learning system in the United States of America. Back in the early '70s, when Dr. Hale did her research was based on left brained cognitive object oriented learning style. Let me help you with fifty cent words.
Left brain is logical and analytical. Object oriented means the student learns from an object. From the solitude of the cradle with objects being hung over his or her head to help them determine colors and shape to the solitude in a carol in a PhD program stuffed off somewhere in a corner in absolute quietness to absorb from the object. From a block to a book, an object. That is one way of learning, but it is only one way of learning.
African and African-American children have a different way of learning.
They are right brained, subject oriented in their learning style. Right brain that means creative and intuitive. Subject oriented means they learn from a subject, not an object. They learn from a person. Some of you are old enough, I see your hair color, to remember when the NAACP won that tremendous desegregation case back in 1954 and when the schools were desegregated. They were never integrated. When they were desegregated in Philadelphia, several of the white teachers in my school freaked out. Why? Because black kids wouldn't stay in their place. Over there behind the desk, black kids climbed up all on them.
Because they learn from a subject, not from an object. Tell me a story. They have a different way of learning. Those same children who have difficulty reading from an object and who are labeled EMH, DMH and ADD. Those children can say every word from every song on every hip hop radio station half of who's words the average adult here tonight cannot understand. Why? Because they come from a right-brained creative oral culture like the (greos) in Africa who can go for two or three days as oral repositories of a people's history and like the oral tradition which passed down the first five book in our Jewish bible, our Christian Bible, our Hebrew bible long before there was a written Hebrew script or alphabet. And repeat incredulously long passages like Psalm 119 using mnemonic devices using eight line stanzas. Each stanza starting with a different letter of the alphabet. That is a different way of learning. It's not deficient, it is just different. Somebody say different. I believe that a change is going to come because many of us are committed to changing how we see other people who are different.
~Reverend Jeremiah W(as)right
And for anyone who wants to try to get "offended" by the title of this blog, you're the FIRST of the different slaves. The mind slave. If Truth offends you, then the problem lies within YOU. Not the Truth.
Two brilliant scholars and two beautiful sisters, both of whom hail from Detroit in the fields of education and linguistics, Dr. Janice Hale right here at Wayne State University, founder of the Institute for the study of the African-American child. and Dr. Geneva Smitherman formerly of Wayne State University now at Michigan State University in Lansing. Hail in education and Smitherman in linguistics. Both demonstrated 40 years ago that different does not mean deficient. Somebody is going to miss that.
Turn to your neighbor and say different does not mean deficient. It simply means different. In fact, Dr. Janice Hale was the first writer whom I read who used that phrase. Different does not mean deficient. Different is not synonymous with deficient. It was in Dr. Hale's first book, "Black Children their Roots, Culture and Learning Style." Is Dr. Hale here tonight? We owe her a debt of gratitude. Dr. Hale showed us that in comparing African-American children and European-American children in the field of education, we were comparing apples and rocks.
And in so doing, we kept coming up with meaningless labels like EMH, educable mentally handicapped, TMH, trainable mentally handicapped, ADD, attention deficit disorder.
And we were coming up with more meaningless solutions like reading, writing and Ritalin. Dr. Hale's research led her to stop comparing African-American children with European-American children and she started comparing the pedagogical methodologies of African-American children to African children and European-American children to European children. And bingo, she discovered that the two different worlds have two different ways of learning. European and European-American children have a left brained cognitive object oriented learning style and the entire educational learning system in the United States of America. Back in the early '70s, when Dr. Hale did her research was based on left brained cognitive object oriented learning style. Let me help you with fifty cent words.
Left brain is logical and analytical. Object oriented means the student learns from an object. From the solitude of the cradle with objects being hung over his or her head to help them determine colors and shape to the solitude in a carol in a PhD program stuffed off somewhere in a corner in absolute quietness to absorb from the object. From a block to a book, an object. That is one way of learning, but it is only one way of learning.
African and African-American children have a different way of learning.
They are right brained, subject oriented in their learning style. Right brain that means creative and intuitive. Subject oriented means they learn from a subject, not an object. They learn from a person. Some of you are old enough, I see your hair color, to remember when the NAACP won that tremendous desegregation case back in 1954 and when the schools were desegregated. They were never integrated. When they were desegregated in Philadelphia, several of the white teachers in my school freaked out. Why? Because black kids wouldn't stay in their place. Over there behind the desk, black kids climbed up all on them.
Because they learn from a subject, not from an object. Tell me a story. They have a different way of learning. Those same children who have difficulty reading from an object and who are labeled EMH, DMH and ADD. Those children can say every word from every song on every hip hop radio station half of who's words the average adult here tonight cannot understand. Why? Because they come from a right-brained creative oral culture like the (greos) in Africa who can go for two or three days as oral repositories of a people's history and like the oral tradition which passed down the first five book in our Jewish bible, our Christian Bible, our Hebrew bible long before there was a written Hebrew script or alphabet. And repeat incredulously long passages like Psalm 119 using mnemonic devices using eight line stanzas. Each stanza starting with a different letter of the alphabet. That is a different way of learning. It's not deficient, it is just different. Somebody say different. I believe that a change is going to come because many of us are committed to changing how we see other people who are different.
~Reverend Jeremiah W(as)right
And for anyone who wants to try to get "offended" by the title of this blog, you're the FIRST of the different slaves. The mind slave. If Truth offends you, then the problem lies within YOU. Not the Truth.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
"WE CARRY OUR HISTORIES IN OUR BODIES"
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE watch this documentary series. It’s called UNNATURAL CAUSES
We ALL need to be aware of these facts, but this is targeted to everyone that has ever said "Non-Whites need to let go of the past," or "I don’t own any slaves," or any other of the typical IGNORANCE that you fix your mouths to say.
If you think Blacks are not still suffering from slavery, just look up CHRONIC STRESS.
Nothing personal (unless you meet the above criteria.)
BEFORE U VOTE FOR MCCAIN...
...and more importantly than not "getting" diversity, he doesn’t "get" the REASON for MLK’s assassination. That’s the anti-capitalist/fascist economic policy and system that would have changed this country FAR beyond the "dream" of holding hands with one another.
IMAGINE...
Everybody having a smile on their face. WOW!
Friday, April 4, 2008
A GUY CRIED ON THE RADIO
If you don’t know, on this day in 1968 there was a proven conspiracy theory between the FBI, the mafia, military intelligence, & the Memphis, TN Police Department that killed Martin Luther King.
With that in mind, I’m listening to Mark Thompson on SIRIUS satellite radio, and he is taking calls about "where were you when MLK died?" Hearing the pain coming from the mouths of the callers reflecting on their 60’s and 70’s experiences is pretty intense. Black and White.
QUICK MLK FACTS:
He wasn’t scheduled to be in Memphis that day. He was called by striking workers.
He would’ve rather been working on the Poor People’s Campaign, but he saw these:
He was working on an economic plan, which included full employment legislation and guaranteed income.
When speaking of the future, he said we "must stay unified" and "must stay on issue."
Sadly, we haven’t and look where we are. Start with the mirror.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
7-10 YEARS FOR SLAVERY?!?
IS FLORIDA TRULY SORRY? That’s genuine, right?
Mom and daughter guilty of slavery charges
Vanessa Blum, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Published: Wednesday, March 05, 2008
SOURCE
A Fort Lauderdale federal jury on Tuesday convicted a south Florida mother and daughter on slavery charges for keeping a teenage girl from Haiti in servitude for six years.
After deliberating 51/2 hours, the jury of six men and six women convicted Maude Paulin, 52, a former middle school teacher, and her mother, Evelyn Theodore, 74, of conspiring to enslave the girl, forcing her to work and harbouring an illegal immigrant.
Paulin’s ex-husband, Saintfort Paulin, 60, was found guilty of harbouring an illegal immigrant.
Miramar resident Claire Telasco, 43, Paulin’s sister, was acquitted of all charges.
Any relief at Telasco’s acquittal was overshadowed by grief among friends and relatives gathered in support.
The Paulins’ daughter ran from the courtroom wailing after the clerk read the first guilty verdict against her mother.
"Injustice. Injustice," Telasco seethed as she left the courthouse.
"Innocent people are going to jail for trying to help."
During the five-day trial, Simone Celestin, 22, testified she was brought to the United States from Haiti when she was 14 to be a maid in the Paulins’ home in southwest Miami.
She said she was forced to sleep on the floor and work 15 hours a day cleaning the house instead of going to school.
Celestin also testified she worked without pay on the weekends for Telasco -- a charge for which the jury did not find sufficient evidence to convict.
Attorneys for the four defendants, all U.S. citizens from Haiti, had argued Celestin made up the slavery story to secure legal immigration status as a victim of human trafficking.
They insisted the family rescued Celestin from an orphanage and tried to enrol her in school, only to be turned away because she was too far behind.
"I’m disappointed," said Leonard Fenn, Theodore’s lawyer. "I thought the government’s case was weak."
Paulin and Theodore face likely sentences of seven to 10 years. Saintfort Paulin, 60, faces roughly one year. The three remain free on bail until their sentencing, set for May 20.
© The Calgary Herald 2008
Mom and daughter guilty of slavery charges
Vanessa Blum, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Published: Wednesday, March 05, 2008
SOURCE
A Fort Lauderdale federal jury on Tuesday convicted a south Florida mother and daughter on slavery charges for keeping a teenage girl from Haiti in servitude for six years.
After deliberating 51/2 hours, the jury of six men and six women convicted Maude Paulin, 52, a former middle school teacher, and her mother, Evelyn Theodore, 74, of conspiring to enslave the girl, forcing her to work and harbouring an illegal immigrant.
Paulin’s ex-husband, Saintfort Paulin, 60, was found guilty of harbouring an illegal immigrant.
Miramar resident Claire Telasco, 43, Paulin’s sister, was acquitted of all charges.
Any relief at Telasco’s acquittal was overshadowed by grief among friends and relatives gathered in support.
The Paulins’ daughter ran from the courtroom wailing after the clerk read the first guilty verdict against her mother.
"Injustice. Injustice," Telasco seethed as she left the courthouse.
"Innocent people are going to jail for trying to help."
During the five-day trial, Simone Celestin, 22, testified she was brought to the United States from Haiti when she was 14 to be a maid in the Paulins’ home in southwest Miami.
She said she was forced to sleep on the floor and work 15 hours a day cleaning the house instead of going to school.
Celestin also testified she worked without pay on the weekends for Telasco -- a charge for which the jury did not find sufficient evidence to convict.
Attorneys for the four defendants, all U.S. citizens from Haiti, had argued Celestin made up the slavery story to secure legal immigration status as a victim of human trafficking.
They insisted the family rescued Celestin from an orphanage and tried to enrol her in school, only to be turned away because she was too far behind.
"I’m disappointed," said Leonard Fenn, Theodore’s lawyer. "I thought the government’s case was weak."
Paulin and Theodore face likely sentences of seven to 10 years. Saintfort Paulin, 60, faces roughly one year. The three remain free on bail until their sentencing, set for May 20.
© The Calgary Herald 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
FOR WHITE PEOPLE WHO...
THINK RACISM ENDED WHEN YOU TOOK DOWN THE SIGNS. LOOKS LIKE YOU’RE STARTING TO PUT ’EM BACK UP!
PLEASE HELP!!!
P.L.U.R.,
zAy
PLEASE HELP!!!
P.L.U.R.,
zAy
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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!
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!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
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?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
"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?"
Saturday, November 17, 2007
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?
Add to My Profile | More Videos
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?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
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?
Monday, November 12, 2007
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...
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