The Confessions of A Yellow Dog By Thomas P Love
I’m A Yellow Dog Democrat.
I'm a Yellow Dog Democrat like my Daddy before me. I'm a Native Texan in the land where Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie fought for freedom and died. The land where Sam Houston, Sam Rayburn, Wright Patman, Jim Wright and all sorts of hardheaded independent-minded individuals once roamed. Once we were so named because we would rather vote for an ole yellow dog before we would ever vote for a Republican. This Texan feels that way now more than ever. I'd like to send every single Bush to Iraq and bring our boys back, safe and sound every last one. When I saw the tributes to Ronald Reagan on TV, I saw a contrast between a President who would admit he made an mistake and one who can't wait to blame a problem on someone else. As Harry Truman once said, “The Buck Stops Here", but this crew thinks it's the buck passing starts here and that's the real problem. Ronald Reagan would never send American Citizens to prison for years without trial or build prisons in Cuba. But this one sure has. So for me it's the no Bush diet, no Cheney, no, no Rumsfeld, no Bush, and no CARB. And thank you the many Democratic veterans for service to your country. I know John Kerry has a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V, and three awards of the Purple Heart for service in combat. George W. Bush has a DWI, beer pull-tabs, and an explanation of how he joined the Texas National Guard and went to Alabama with or without a banjo on your knee. Dick Cheney had five deferments and contracts for Halliburton all over Iraq. Does anyone really not know why we have had such a mess in Iraq and our veterans get such a raw deal after service to their country. Donald Rumsfeld, Abu Ghraib Saddam Hussein’s torture prison was a horrible reason why he and the rest of this team should be held accountable for America's shame over Iraq. This Texan will be voted to throw the whole lot out. This Texan is a "Yellow Dog Democrat" and proud to be one. My father died of Alzheimer's and like Nancy and Ron Reagan, I think it's about time we researched and cured this terrible disease that takes everything away from you before you die. I'm a Texas Yellow Dog Democrat and John Kerry this Texan was proud to have voted for you.
My Parents America
My mother was a Republican who would not recognize George W. Bush's vision of America. Her Republican Party was the party of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Chauncey Depew, Henry Clay, and Dwight Eisenhower. Her Republican Party was the party to end slavery because it was wrong and in direct contrast to the ideas proclaiming all men are created equal. It was the party for fair trade, but to create American jobs, not send them overseas. It was the party of respect for the Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights. It was the party to increase voter participation, not to redistrict elected officials out of their jobs. It was the party to end budget deficits, not to have the largest amount of red ink in history. It was the party that believed in international cooperation and free will. It was the party that respected international law. It was the party that believed innocent until proven guilty. It was the party that believed the separation of church and state because it did not want to create a state church or subject the church to the will of the state, nor legitimize public discrimination. It was the party that believed in supporting our veterans and only fighting wars when we had no choice and making sure we had a purpose and an exit strategy before we went to war. Most of all it was inclusive and it was not a party exclusively by and for Neo Cons.
My father's Democratic Party was the party of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, John Kennedy, Sam Houston, Lloyd Benson, and Texas. It was the party of electing a Yellow Dog before they would ever vote Republican (and I used to think that was wrong). It would not recognize the Texan in the White House even from the governor that promised to be a Uniter, but has became the most divisive president in American history. It would not believe the partisanship against American values by the Texas Extremist Party (formally the Republican Party). My father's Democratic Party remains, but Democrats are the only and best hope for my parents' America. We need to remove this group of Neocons from our government and prevent then from interfering with our Liberty and our lives.
Trust Me
Recently my local PBS radio station was replaying the Constitutional hearings in the US Supreme Court on the imprisonment of American Citizens at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and I heard the Prosecutor tell Justice Sandra O'Connor "You just have to Trust Us." The response was to the thought by her that you could be locking Americans up without trial for 50 years without charges and the answer was Trust Me. I trust you not and that why this injustice is in a Communist country of Cuba where they have heard these words before. Trust me those sound like the lie of a con man before he steals something from you, "Just Trust Me." I could hear the echoes of Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin with these words, "Trust Me give up your freedom, I will protect you." I wonder if the ultimate guilt on mankind heard these words in the Garden of Eden. "Trust Me take the forbidden fruit of the knowledge of evil and it will protect you." Then I heard the words of Thomas Jefferson the founder of the Democratic Party saying, "We are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." That did not sound the same. That has the concept of checks and balances that were written in the Constitution and protection from a King of England named George III. Could it be the third George and this George the third are a repetition of history. If so save me with the freedom of and from religion and protect our Constitution before we hear those words of false prophets every where," Trust Me."
Are You Better Off Than 5YRS Ago?
In the Presidential Debate from 1980, I have an indelible image of Ronald Regan looking past Jimmy Carter to the TV monitor. As if he was talking to the American people, he asked, “Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?” Since he was elected, the answer must have been no. He also referred to a Misery Index of inflation, unemployment, and other economic factors and apparently that was not the best for Americans as a whole either. Well, I just have one thing to say, Are YOU better off than you were 5 years ago? I'm not talking about what Republicans claim about this or that, but is your 401K a 01Z? Are YOU making more money than you were 5 years ago? Is everyone in your family employed? Do you think American is still the most respected country in the world? Do YOU see peace headlines or scandal in Iraq? Perhaps your Income Tax is down but your Property Tax, State Tax, Local Tax, User Fees, Local Fines, and whatever fees sky high. Does America have a $235 Billion Dollar Surplus or a $600 Billion Dollar Deficit with more requests for Iraq money and troops surely to come? Do You feel good about your future? Is you misery index full with 911, Iraq, overseas job outsourcing, rising gasoline prices, potential loss of overtime pay but not overtime work? Can you look your aged parents in the face and tell them they won't be able to buy Medicare Supplement Insurance at any price soon? And that the Prescription Drug Program is a total lie? That No Child Left Behind means every child is getting robbed of quality education? Do you and all your family have health insurance? Have you thought about the implications of putting people in prison in a Communist Country (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba) without charges or council? Are you satisfied you have a President that accepts responsibility for his leadership? Or is The Buck Stops Here replaced with The Buck Passing Starts Here? What's your Misery Index? Mine says way way over full. Do you want an American Dream or An American Nightmare? I think I'm living the Nightmare and I for one long for the Dream. I dream of the days when our leaders had a Vision of America that was consistent with that of our Americans Forefathers from the past. Freedom, liberty, and justice for all were not just an old slogan but a real idea. Not just for the ones with the money to get the best attorneys. When a retirement plan meant you might be able to retire with it and have insurance to pay for illness. I long for the Days when trade meant creating more jobs not sending them overseas. Fix your Misery Index, Tell George the Third and all his cronies to pack and leave.
When
When an honored or disabled veteran is attacked as unpatriotic for not agreeing to the political agenda of a self-serving group that lies about their reasons for war, it is extremism.... When American jobs are given away to foreign countries for corporate profits, it is extremism. When our country's safety is compromised and then an unpatriotic act of holding people without access to the American legal system is instituted--it is extremism. When civil law is undermined so injured parties cannot obtain compensation for their injuries--it is extremism. When political districts are purposely redrawn so elected officials cannot be elected to serve their own districts...it is extremism. When elderly and disabled Americans are denied adequate prescription drug coverage in order to boost drug company profits--it is extremism. When the Republican appointed Supreme Court refuses to recluse themselves from bias and personal interest--it is extremism.. When our country is totally for sale to the highest bidder...America is threatened and must be saved from extremism.. There was once a quote from the Nazi occupation that went: When they came for the Jews, I did not stop them because I was not Jewish. When they came for the Communists, I did not stop them because I was not a Communist. When they came for the Trade Unionists, I did not stop them because I was not a Trade Unionist. But when they came for me, there was no one to fight for me. The Democrats are fighting for America one more time before they come for you.
America The Unbeautiful
Why worry about pollution a friend of my once asked, because what won't kill you makes you stronger. I thought about that for a few seconds then replied at some point being mortal, everything will kill you. After all life is only until you die, regardless of an afterlife it is by definition after death. Then I thought about smog, pollution, and environmental destruction and for him composed this song, for if it does not kill him, it would make us stronger. We can always adapt familiar things to suit our prospective.
America The Unbeautiful Oh, Unbeautiful for smoky skies, For amber fields of genetic altered corn, For purple clouds Majesties Above the polluted plane! America! America! God shed his tears on thee And frown on thy unjustly imprisoned brotherhood From sea to Guantanamo Sea! Once beautiful for pilgrim's feats Whose law we used to compassionately stress. A Constitution thoroughly beat across our wilderness! America! America! God please mind our every flaw, Confirm our sole by self control, Let not our liberty be flawed! O Unbeautiful for heroes defamed Trying to liberate our strife. Who less than self their country loved Against those who didn't value Truth! America! America! May God thy sole remind Till no excess be nobleness and every gain be divine! Once beautiful for patriot dreams That saw beyond the fears. Slime on alabaster cities teem Filled with human tears! America! America! God shed his tears on thee And frown on our unjustly imprisoned brotherhood From sea to Guantanamo Sea.
I'm Proud To Be A Democrat I'm proud to be a Democrat Where at last I know I'm free, And I would never leave anyone behind Who fought or died for me. I'll always stand up what I believe And those who gave that right to me. Because I'll love this land for all eternity. Thank you! Thomas Jefferson and the symbol of Liberty. I'm just a working man. I've worked hard all my life, I've paid my dues with sweat and by my hand For my children and my wife. I've tried to save and protect my family through all strife I've paid my taxes and my bills. And I'll tell you here today. I love this USA. All across this country I see the awakening, From Iowa to Ohio and Pennsylvania. It's happening. And from New York across Louisiana to California, From Massachusetts to North Carolina. It's gathering. From Maine to Vermont and New Hampshire There is now pride and hope building in America. The best is yet to come. So, it's time to say. I'm proud to be a Democrat Where at last I know I'm free, And I would never leave anyone behind Who fought or died for me. I'll always stand up what I believe And those who gave that right to me. Because I'll love this land for all eternity. Thank you! Thomas Jefferson and the symbol of Liberty.
Who are You Going To Believe Me Or Your Lying Eyes?
There was a popular saying back when Americans had a President they voted for in office, Who you going to believe me or your lying eyes? Are you going to believe that a report called Osama Bin Laden Determined to Strike in the United States means forward to the FBI and get back with me if you're the President of the United States? Or were you too busy waving the flag to point your finger after 3000 people died? Are you going to criticize the Rules of the Geneva Convention, then be embarrassed by its total disrespect? Are you going to create a Program called No Child Left Behind then leave children out of a quality education? Are you going to protect Social Security by making sure it's broke way before the Baby Boomers retire and cripple its paying base? Are you going to create a prison in a communist country, and then denying even Americans Citizens justice? Are you going to help your contributors buy up the media so only your viewpoint gets out? Are you going to say you're for the right to live, then help your contributors outsource American jobs overseas and let the uninsured Americans rise to over 50 Million people? Are you going to give the company of your Vice President Dick Cheney non competitive Iraqi bids and watch as scandals erupt over corruption in those contracts? Did you really think there were Weapons of Mass Destruction? If Rumsfeld did not tell you about the terrible shame and potential risk to our troops in Iraq because of a disregard of all decent behavior, why would you possibly defend him? If all your leadership teams really don't tell you what's going on and you don't ask, what does that say about you? George W Bush who should we believe you or our lying eyes?
Don’t Confuses Me With The Facts
Recently, I was talking to an otherwise intelligent lady about how George W. Bush never seems to accept responsibility for actions involving his Administration. Yes, he got an intelligence briefing, Al Qaeda to attack targets in the United States on August 6, 2001 but the FBI didn't follow it up with the exact time and date, so he can't be blamed if 3000 people died. Yes, he might have said disparaging remarks about the Geneva Convention, but he certainly was shocked when the Iraq pictures came out. Yes, there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, but we got bad intelligence and Saddam was a bad guy anyway. Yes, we probably have locked up innocent people in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but they told us all the information we wanted to hear. She told me George W Bush was really a good Christian man and don't confuse her with the facts. Isn't that just like some people, you want to believe the best about someone and the awful truth keeps getting in the way. Don't confuse me the facts George W Bush, just get rid of Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bolton, and Rice. Put American back to work-pack and leave The White House and I'll think you're a good Christian man as well.
We The People
We are the United Democratic Party of the United States of America. We are a party as diverse as the face of America. We are White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and all Americans of all racial and ethnic groups that make up this Great Land. We are the party of all the children of Abraham; Christians, Jews, and Muslims. We are the party of all good men and women of faith and tolerance: including Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Sunnis, Shiites, Sikhs, Unitarians, and Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jews, and all variations of people seeking truth, justice, and the American Way. We are the party of the working men and women and of businessmen committed to fair practices and trade to help make America grow and prosper. We are the party of educators and the educated. We are the party for good solid public education for all our children and we will never leave anyone behind. We are the party of the Founders of America of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and of Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John Kennedy, James Earl Carter, and William Jefferson Clinton. We have never claimed to be perfect but only to strive for a more perfect Union. We believe we are Endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights of life, liberty, and freedom of and from religion. We are the party of law and trial by jury and innocent till proven guilty, not guilty till proven innocent. We are the party of the rights of the accused and the rights of the victims. We are the party of the Statue of Liberty and the Symbol of Justice. We are the party of the 40 hour work week, of Child Labors Laws, overtime pay, of Labor Unions, of all types of American businessmen and women, of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. We are the party of the uplifted and the downtrodden. We the party of Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, Caesar Chavez, and Bill Richardson. The party of Dolly Madison, Hillary Clinton, Mary Landreau, Shirley Chisolm, and the only American party to have selected a woman and a Jewish man to run for Vice President. Our strength is our diversity for we know and remember our roots while preparing for our future. We are the party with our hearts in the Past but with our eyes on the Future. We have died to give Americans Liberty, now we request your help to keep Americans Free. We need Americans to register to vote and vote for America. Vote for Democratic candidates all across America as this is a vote for America. A vote to end the politics of division, lies and deceit. Vote to end the politics of disrespect and humiliation toward those who disagree with their views. Vote for clean air and the right to breathe free, not to try to hide pollution behind a barrage of manipulation. The right to have affordable and available heath care for a better and healthier America. Give us your vote and we will pledge to Serve, Protect, and Defend our Great Land. And if you give us your vote, your heart will be our heart, your hand will be our hand, your voice will be our voice, and your dream will be our reality.
Dedicated to my father: Thomas W. Love, a Democrat and Sgt. 8th Army-Air Force, 457th Squadron Bombardment Group.
Send-In-The-Clowns
Why, my wife asked, write a story about clowns? Why not, I said, they're the real heroes of a circus or rodeo. When you need a change of scenery they always appear. When a bull rider gets gored, the clowns appear to save him. And if the bull gets too close to home, they simply disappear into either a barrel or thin air. They can make the real magic, something out of nothing be so very real. I realized clowns are the true heroes of American politics: Karl Rove, Lee Atwater, Jerome Corsi, and now John O'Neill come to mind. Why discuss the economy or Iraq turning the corner, when both now have taken a turn down a back alley filled with uncertainty. Simply send in the Clowns. Let's talk about memories of 35 years ago and Winter Soldiers stories. This is the stuff of relevance. I once heard that old soldiers never die, they just-fade-away. But apparently not, they seem to be dissected until those that never showed up for duty become the better because they were never there. A soldier that did his duty and served his country honorably earns the right to say whatever he believes from firsthand knowledge. Kerry's men campaign with him. George W. Bush's men don't seem to remember he was there, perhaps it was a different George or maybe a different Bush. Older men who never witnessed the reality of war make all too often decisions involving our young men dying. Unfortunately, the Mai Lai Massacre is documented proof that our actions in war were not always spotless. But certainly America has criminals and mentally ill people in our population as a whole and given wartime stress, some are less than perfect, as war is certainly not perfect. But the point is men of conscience cannot tolerate gross cruelty and murder whether or not it is civilian or military. That is why we have a society the whole world envies but everyone knows that there are problems. By pretending ugliness does not exist does nothing to stop it. Courage is the man that steps forward, not the coward that goes along with the crowd when he knows their actions are wrong. Lest we ever forget, the Nazis were only obeying orders. No one implied or should have implied that everyone is perfect and the imperfection of the few does not tarnish the whole, nor does the majority absolve the wrong by inaction. If there were only one serial killer and you didn't stop him, his victims would be on your conscience. If you do not stop and render aid to an accident victim, you commit a crime against the suffering. To a religious man, war itself may be an atrocity. Or then again Send In The Clowns.
The American Taliban In March, before the smoke had cleared from the Spanish Train Bombing, a communication reportedly from Al Qaeda came in. We support the election of George Bush as President of the United States; it declared, as he has been the greatest recruiting tool we have ever had. On 9/11 more than 3000 people died, but so too did freedom of religion. The Republican Platform wants to dispel the myth of separation of Church and State. Now, if you listen to the Republicans, you have to have the Right Religion, which is Evangelical. To oppose the Republicans, means you are for terrorism, homosexuals, baby killers, and flip floppers. To support Evangelicals, you go to Heaven. As one whose ancestors came to this Country to escape Religious Persecution and Bloodbath, the message is clear. There is now an American Taliban.
Bet Your Last Dollar A recent poll shows that most Americans don't know that President Bush favors putting Social Security money into the stock market prior to the election. As one whose 401k resembles a 01Z after almost 4 years of a Bush inspired stock market, I wonder what all the people that used to plan on retirement and are on Social Security will do then. Say George, Dick Cheney's old company Halliburton needs some more cash. It might be a good buy at twice the rate and oh, The Carlyle Group that Daddy Bush has money in looks good too. Maybe you can find some friendly stock brokers who can use the commission. Only make sure they don't constantly buy and sell stocks where the value seems to go down the tubes. Oh, be sure to ask all the brokers that have been fined for insider trading not to know when the US Government plans on putting Billions of Dollars into play. Don't want anybody knowing in advance about the future purchases now do we?
Does Gay Marriage Threaten Your Marriage? I was at a meeting when the man came up to me. "How do you feel about Gay Marriage he asked?" Gay marriage what does that possibly have to do with me I wondered? I'm just an average guy trying to keep my job in an area of increasing outsourcing, high unemployment, escalating heath care costs, record foreclosures, and weekly death in Iraq. I've been married twenty nine years and never gave one second of thought to how something in that area affected me at all because it doesn't.
I thought about what kind of person is obsessed with others sexual orientation and preference.“Does gay marriage threaten your marriage? I asked. If so, does your wife know?" He left hurriedly, so I guess it must have?
An American Vision
Ten score and 28 years ago our forefathers brought forth an American Vision upon this Continent. A completely new American Dream of all men created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. These rights are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. It was said that this nation can not endure with those rights and this Dream. Martin Luther King also knew this Dream and spoke of it so eloquently. It is a Dream nourished by economic freedom, a gift of the Backbone of Democracy, the small businessman and the Guilds. It is a gift ensured by the availability of jobs and business opportunity. Support Free Trade to create enterprise and the jobs that go with them, not the sending of jobs overseas to the highest bidder. It is because men cannot be free when they are economically chained to poverty, illness, disease, and need. It is a Vision inscribed upon the Statue of Liberty that said send us men, women, and children from all lands yearning to be free. It is the hope and was the foundation of a Nation of Immigrants to create this great new world. It was echoed in "give me Liberty or give me death,'' and it is tied to economic independence and the creation of jobs and free enterprise. Now we have 2 men running for the Presidency of this nation, one who wants high speed Internet access ( don't we have that already), and one who wants to create 10 million new American jobs to replace the ones that the other guy took away plus 7 million more. A clear choice of what America has and should be and a vision once that stated “Rarely is the question asked, Is our children learning." Perhaps the other guy, that stated" More and more of our imports come from overseas," should realize encouraging our jobs to go overseas means we are importing them to foreign countries. And now our economic livelihood is threatened at our very roots. Certainly the choice is clear: Democrats and the American Dream and George Bush and Dick Cheney and the American Nightmare.
Off To See The Wizard: An American Night Mare All the talk about politics and religion seems more and more to be blurring spin and facts. We no longer seem to simply believe what can be proven only, what is claimed. We all can certainly understand that a document calling itself The Patriot Act must be patriotic, and if someone says they are religious they must be. These and other matters are very tiring so I thought I would watch some TV and the Wizard of Oz was playing. Now you all know the story, Dorothy with her little dog Toto get bumped on the head in a disaster and get transported to Oz. Along her way to see the magical wizard and go back to Kansas, she meets the Scarecrow who needs a brain, the Cowardly Lion who needs courage, and the Tin Man who needs a heart. Then they all go down the Yellow Brick Road to the Wizard who is actually a peddler. Somewhere into the movie, I decided Frank Baum in 1917 had made a mythical journey into The Bush Administration. Suddenly Dorothy (Condoleezza Rice) was meeting George Bush (Scarecrow), John Ashcroft (Lion), and Donald Rumsfeld (Tin Man) and they were going to meet Dick Cheney (Wizard) to save them and help then in their time of need. Unfortunately the house had landed on the Wicked Witch of the East (Saddam Hussein) and the Wicked Witch of the West (Osama Ben Laden) was trying to get them. As they hurried down the Yellow Brick Road (primrose path to war), they met the wise and powerful wizard (Dick Cheney). The Scarecrow got his brain (although somewhat flawed) with an message from God that he was to be President. The Lion got the Patriot Act. The Tin Man got war in any Muslim Country he could possibly claim was out to get us. Dorothy got the National Security Agency. The Wizard got all sorts of no bid contracts all over the Middle East and the rest of us went to the dogs. Waking up with a cold sweat, I realized I had fallen asleep and dreamed the whole thing. I decided to never watch reality again. I must be turning Republican my wife said otherwise how I could possibly not care. Don't confuse me with the facts I said. Who are you going believe the truth or you’re lying eyes? So I decided I will just pray for the American Dream and leave the American Nightmare to George W Bush. ------------------------------------------------ "Uncle Dick, tell me another story," said Little George all fresh in his nice clean jammies with the trap door in back. Rubbing his sleepy eyes and yawning in that clueless look. "My one book has no more pictures and you know I can't read." "Ok, how about the Evil Witch of the East and the Weapons of Mass Destruction," said Uncle Dick. "Ok, but where is the Good Fairy in the first story?" "This is a Republican Fable, there is no Good Fairy!" "Ok, but tell me again how God wants me to be President." "Well, you look at this dollar bill and it says in God we trust, and you know how religious we are about money." "Oh, I get it." "Not only God, but George Washington want me. I could be George the Third." "Now tell me about The Wicked Witch of the East and the Weapons of Mass Destruction." ----------------------------- The Evil Witch of the East & the Weapons of Mass Destruction "One upon a time there were all sorts of bad budget surpluses and no pipeline in Afghanistan, but there was an evil witch in Iraq. Now the good Scarecrow got a mysterious book called "Osama Ben Laden Determined to Attack Targets in the US," possibly by hijacking passenger airlines, but it had no pictures." "I bet he couldn't read it, Uncle Dick." "That's right so he gave it back to the bad CIA, and because they had no jurisdiction in the US over domestic terrorism, they did nothing." "Bad, Bad CIA!" "Yeah kid, you're quick. Now there were rumors about Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq, I know because I even saw and heard them in my sleep." "But the Evil Wicked Witch of the West was in Afghanistan?" "Right, but the oil and water were in Iraq. Besides Afghanistan was so bombed out there was nothing but a space for a pipeline and a bunch of miserable, filthy terrorists. Now, stop interrupting me! You know what unreliable people they are, they were at the ranch just before this story, remember!" "Now, the Miserable Witch of the West that we recruited to fight in Afghanistan from the Royal Saudi Family to make the Pakistanis happy had the nerve to be ungrateful, after we tried to kill him. And we showed him. We surrounded him on one side and demanded he surrender, but he had the guile to go in the other direction. So, we attacked the Evil Wicked Witch of the East and dropped the house on him." "Wow, we're heroes! I'm the War President! I'm the War President! Tell me about how you became the Wizard. Tell me about "The Cowardly Lion and the Patriot Act." ____________________
The Cowardly Lion and The Patriot Act "Ok. Well there was a lion who was beaten severely by a dead man and left at the side of the road. No one would go near him but a small rat who took a sliver out of his paw. The poor lion was so unhappy and depressed that he could not eat any one, and the rat tasted awful. " "I decided to help him. I ordered from the All Seeing Oracle a magic powder and it was borne on a flight of buzzards to him. It gave him the insight and courage to write The Patriot Act. Now no one has ever seen The Patriot Act but criminals and prisoners, but the lion now has the courage to arrest anyone or send them to Cuba to never be seen from again. Best of all there is almost no cost since no one is ever charged, we pay no lawyers." "But Uncle Dick, he thinks they were eagles." "No, buzzards I always send buzzards." "Now it's past your bed time, now close the awful book with no pictures and put the Bill Of Rights back under the bed where it belongs! Besides it only has two pages." ----------------------------- "Uncle Dick, I've waited all day. Can you tell me another story? Please, Please." "OK, Kid. What do you want to hear? "The Wings of Buzzards, It's All Greek to Me Kid, The Big Sand Box, St. George and The Red Dragon, The Magic Powder/Sky Pilot, Have A Heart, or Dorothy, Kansas and the Great American Oil Company?" "How about the way you got your Wizard Powers?" "Ok, Kid. I'll tell you "On the Wings of Buzzards." ----------------------------- On The Wings Of Buzzards "One day I had a dream of getting very powerful and in it I saw the way. I first saw the All Seeing Oracle and a flock of buzzards all gathered around it. So I walked on to a plane and flew far away. I went where no man has ever gone before. All the way to the Land Down Under" "You mean to the Mystical Volcano of Hal Burton, Uncle Dick?" "Of course, I traveled day and night looking for the sign of the Burning Bush." "Who was it Uncle Dick?" "I'm not sure Kid. It could be so many of them. Right beside the big pile of Skull and Bones, I saw the entrance to the volcano. I went in and breathed deep into the Noxious Fumes and saw the future." "What did you see, Uncle Dick?" "I saw deficits as far as the eye could see. I saw them blessed on your children and your children's children and even their children to the tenth generation. And I also got The Ten Commitments, although the first five are deferred and the last five are outsourced, and most of my hair fell out." "Wow, that's great those awful surpluses are so bad." "Don't worry, there none of them possible for years, Kid. Then I was borne away on the wings of buzzards" ____________________
Have a Heart, Tin Man "Uncle Dick can you tell how you helped the Tim Man find his heart and invade any Muslim country." "That was the hard part. I couldn't find a heart that would fit, so I stuck a Game Boy in his chest and wired it right up. When ever he needs to get pumped, he just runs Doom, Alien, Missile Command, Shock and Awe or some similar program that kills everything and chews them right up. The is one bug though" "What's that, Uncle Dick." "He can't determine friend from foe, so he either kills or locks up everybody. But the good news is at this rate, he's sure to find a heart that will fit. I've had a couple of gals looking over the prisoners and when they find one that is just the right size, they will give the old thumbs up'" ____________________
The All Seeing Oracle "Uncle Dick tell me again about the All Seeing Oracle or The Big Red Eye that you saw in the Volcano Hal Burton." "The Oracle is a giant Red Eye, well really a big red border around a big white eye that has a pupil with lines to the four winds (North, East, West and South). He's also refereed to as The Big Kahuna, or The Great Murdock. He has a little rat Karl by his side or at least he used to. He inherited his powers from the Great Northland of Hisler and issued The Emaciation Proclamation." "When I saw the future, I saw long lines of hallowed out faceless people who looked like clones and were happily working 55 hour weeks or 25 hour weeks without the burden of benefits. Many of them were lying down waving or at least covered with flags. My nostrils were thick with the smell of napalm in the morning." "I want to see him, Uncle Dick." "Well sniff the Magic Powder and you will." _____________ The Magic Powder/Sky Pilot And Little George sniffed the Magic Powder and it seemed he was flying away from Houston toward Kenny Bunkport and past Alabama all the way to the Great Giant Red Eye and his little rat Karl. He kept hearing a song about a Sky Pilot and he flew so high. He looked down below he had a banjo on his knee. St. George who looked a lot like his father was playing with the Red Dragon and they all went up in smoke with incendiary bombs. There were visions of Sugar Plum Fairies dancing on his head. Suddenly, he was in front of the Big Kahuna and it moved swiftly like a fox toward the Middle East. It devoured whole areas and we were in blessed carnage forever. The full moon cast a white haze in a scarlet blood red sky and words cut through him like a hot axe through butter. He heard people speaking in tongues that sounded foreign. Words like Ich habe zen Finger and Ich habe es im voraus ausgemacht and Ich habe es aus guter Quelle. Suddenly all was quite. He and Dorothy were back in Kansas and they were running The Great American Oil Company. The rest of the class was reading a book about goats. What a relief thought George, I'm home.
------------------- Compassionate Conservative-The Picture On The Wall
Somewhere in Iraq there is a picture on the wall, a picture that is drawn in blood and feces. It is a picture of a compassionate conservative. There is a face in the picture of a hooded man with wires dangling from his testicles and a garbage bag over his head. Yet, at another angle it is the face of a human pyramid naked and forced to simulate homosexual sex acts. But from another angle there is a figure hanging from the wall with arms tangled behind his back and blood flowing from his mouth going forth like a fountain in a scene from Hell.
Somewhere in Afghanistan there is a picture on the wall, a picture drawn in blood and feces. It is a picture of men held for 3 years without trial. There is a blood stained pipeline in the background. There is death and destruction everywhere across the landscape.
Somewhere in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba there is a picture on the wall. The picture is of naked men with hoods over their faces handcuffed to a chain link fence. Men held without trial for over 3 years and the picture is drawn in tears and blood. In the background written in the dirt are the words, “Home of the Brave, Land of the Free. “
Somewhere in the United States of America there is a picture on the wall, it is a picture plastered over The Constitution of the United States drawn in blood and feces. There is a massive stain across the face of The Bill Of Rights and the signature at the bottom to the far right reads The Compassionate Conservative.
Bush to GI's: Drop Dead *Someone asked me what I thought about Bush's new Budget proposals.You mean the ones that cut Veterans medical benefits, but talk aboutnon-scheduled additional funds probably similar to the $80 BillionDollars requested the last 2 years? I asked. The Bush War request ofour Boys and Girls that they serve extended duty in Iraq and aresubject to be recalled for a second tour? In fact, as much as one-third of all troops that have served there have served two or moretours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. As many as 11,000 have beenwounded and almost 1500 have been killed. But since many arereserves and National Guard troops, they have to fight fordisability and medical attention? Now I hear that Bush will ask for$100,000 as compared to the $12,420 currently scheduled as a MedicalGratuity to the family receiving survivor's benefits.Now I am sure many of you recall the one-legged disabled soldier whoreturned from Iraq and had to find his own way home from the hospital and was billed thousands of dollars for equipment damage. Ithink this brings up a pertinent question. Are our Children supposedto serve over there till they get it right and drop dead? Is Bushreally saying to our Children do it right don't come back woundedcome back DEAD?
In Pursuit Of Joe Barton
Morris Meyer read the letter. His opponent, Joe Barton; gifted with $1.8 million in PAC money, was asking his contributors for immediate donations. I'm being targeted by the Democrats, the letter stated, and I need your donation.
Dawn, August 25, 2004
Four Democrats in a Ford pickup truck meet at Morris Meyer's office for TX 6th Congressional District. Mission, to follow Congressman Joe Barton, Chairman of US House Energy and Commerce Committee around on 3 of his scheduled 5 Town Hall Meetings and request he debate Morris across the district and let the voters of Texas decide who is best to represent the citizens of Texas. Morris, Richard, Bryan, and your reporter headed for the first stop, Waxahachie.
A. WAXAHACHIE
Joe was showing off his new boots with the Chairman seal. The temptation to ask which lobbyist paid for those was restrained.
Your reporter: "Congressman Barton why will you not debate your opponent Morris Meyer in a series of debates within the 6th Congressional District?”
Barton: "My opponent has not proven he is a credible candidate. But I see him in the crowd and he is welcome to follow me around on my Town Hall Meetings today and ask me questions."
Morris Meyer then asked Barton about tax consideration and discussions on the economy needing to be addressed. Inquired when Barton would debate him in front of the voters of the 6th Texas Congressional District?
Barton replied that KERA was working on some future debate and that the economy was strong, there were many new jobs being created, particularly in manufacturing.
Question: The Labor Department has reclassified flipping hamburgers as manufacturing job. Your reporter had eaten in a MacDonald's the night before and the manager said this was now a manufacturing facility. Wasn't this like calling ketchup a vegetable?
Barton then stated tomatoes are the vegetable. He denied that this information was correct. Barton asked, "You are not in my district are you?" Your reporter said, "No, I live in the 24th Congressional District, but I'm a 4th generation Texan." Barton said he was a 6th generation Texan. Your reporter then said we are both Texans then, correct? Barton then nodded. Your reporter then said I'm speaking as one Texan to another.
Several unusual conversations followed with Barton stating he had changed the plant emission and hazardous material laws to read that they would be conducted in 8-hour reporting cycles. This was done to give more flexibility between business considerations and OSHA and EPA.
Question: "Congressman, statically speaking, if you are alive for 7 hours and 59 minutes of an 8-hour reporting period, are you statistically dead?"
Barton:" No one ever died from the Environmental Law changes!"
{HEADLINE-FROM LOCAL PAPER:
Blast inquiry centers on chemicals
11 hurt in Ferris explosion; 800 evacuated from nearby area
11:49 AM CDT on Friday, August 27, 2004
By JIM GETZ / The Dallas Morning News
FERRIS – A chemical explosion at an aircraft parts plant Thursday sent at least a dozen people to hospitals – two with critical injuries – and prompted the evacuation of about 800 people. }
B.CORSICIANA
The first thing we were aware of was now there were several police officers as one entered the Town Hall. Barton was discussing the problem of Adware on the Internet and how his bill would allow only law enforcement officials to monitor your personal computer and read the files and information there. A question was asked if this required probable cause before law enforcement officials hacked into your computer and Barton said yes.
A question was asked why Barton would not debate Morris in a series of debates. And Barton now replied that the had no intention of helping Morris beat him.
Barton was talking about energy and Morris asked him why not give tax breaks to hybrid car manufactures to make sure consumers could buy less pollution-equipped cars. Barton replied he was in favor of letting the market decide what cars were bought and he was in favor of an eventual hydrogen energy economy.
C. ARLINGTON
The police were everywhere. On this the last stop of Barton's Town Hall, the crowd was larger and seemed very intent in discussing concerns with Congressman Barton.
Barton: "Several people are in the crowd that have been on 3 of my 5 Town Hall Meetings today and have asked questions. I'm going to give other people a chance to discuss things with me."
A lady in a wheel chair carrying an oxygen bottle wheeled herself with assistance from the crowd to in front of his podium and asked him about environment issues. The man assisting her asked about why his employer had stopped giving him free medication because of changes in the new Medicare Drug Law. Barton said he would have to check the facts out. A lady said she only had one question.
Barton:" I'm always leery of gray-haired ladies saying they have one question."
Another gentleman questioned that Barton's Internet Bill, as amended under the Patriot Act, would not require probable cause. Law enforcement official could then come into your personal computer and information and look for whatever. That this would lead to possible intimidation of citizens and a total lack of privacy.
Barton saw a questioner in the crown and asked," You, in the military costume, what is your question?"
The soldier in fatigues, an officer, a veteran of Iraq, and an instructor in military science at University of Texas at Arlington, expressed his concerns over treatment of veterans and reserves. Barton, who appeared unable to tell a military uniform from a Batman costume on Halloween, replied that basically, if one signed up for the military, they were not entitled to question decisions only to serve their commitment.
Join the Metroplex Democrats in saluting the brave and honorable men and women of the United States Armed Forces, the Veterans, the Elderly, the Handicapped, the injured in Ferris, and the citizens of Texas 6th Congressional District in requesting an immediate series of debates over the future and direction of This Great Land.
Mad Cowboy or BSER?
It's called the big lie. Tell a lie often enough and something is bound to stick. That's why they called him "Tricky Dickie" Nixon. But I believe there is also a newer problem...Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Republicanus or (BSER) it's also commonly referred to as Mad Cowboy disease or Bull Shiite. It can manifest in such symptoms as George W Bushism by Jacob Weisberg. "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning"(pg 35). "They have miscalculated me as a leader"(pg 22). "One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures"(pg 34)."We have practically banished religious values and religious institutions from the public square and constructed a "discomfort zone" for even discussing our faith in public settings '(pg 29). "It is clear our nation is reliant upon big foreign oil. More and more of our imports come from overseas"(pg 19)."I understand small business growth. I was one"(pg 16). And finally" If you're sick and tired of the politics of cynicism and polls and principles, come and join this campaign"(pg 14). I think this really says it all! Uncle Sam Wants You?
I remember the poster from my father's old magazines. The picture of Uncle Sam and the words “Uncle Sam Wants You! “ How proud to be from the heartland of America and serve your country! To enlist in our country's armed forces and help fend off the enemy before we have to fight him on our shore! Except now veterans, who actually appeared in combat, are questioned about whether they were really wounded and how much blood they lost! And not just in political ads! A friend at the Veteran's Administration tells me that National Guard and reserve troops that are wounded are now routinely denied disability benefits and medical care! They often are forced to take lump sum payments and no long-term medical benefits! Does Uncle Sam really want you, or are veterans and soldiers being used like toilet paper and tossed aside by George W. Bush?
My Father
My father was a short man only 5'3" but he had large hands that were soft and sure. He had been a tail gunner with the Army Air Force in WWII. There was not a lot of room in the tail of a B17 and you had to be a very sure shot.I remember the day; I first knew he had Alzheimer’s. He came in from outside upset that he could not remember why he had gone outside. He seemed to forget a lot in those days, but he had worked at a government job for 35 years so he had state retirement and prescription drug coverage. We would need it as the deductible alone on the 23 medications eventually reached over $300 a month. As so often happens, he deteriorated. Eventually he was in a nursing home, without control of bodily functions and unable to swallow. Now on a feeding tube, in a more lucid moment, he asked me why I did not let him die.
That was a hard question but the answer was I hoped medical science would be able to help. His last words were let's go home. I believe with all my heart, he did that day.Under George Bush's Medicare plan, my father would not have that coverage. He would only be another liability in a world full of statistics. A literal "another mouth to feed", but he was my father. Nothing will bring my father back but millions of Americans have diseases and there could be more and better research. I hope no more families have to endure that slow and sure decline that takes everything away that makes us human. George Bush says stem cell research just does not need government money. Maybe not but how can you be sure?
The Four Horsemen Of The apocalypseOut of a bright September morn came the four horsemen. We may know them as Cheney, Ashcroft, Rumsfeld, and Bush but others know them as Fear, Ignorance, Death, and Outsourcing. In my lifetime, I personally have never seen a more inept group of bunglers since the Keystone Cops. Surely one would think that an Administration that had the worst record of jobs creation since Hubert Hoover, the highest foreclosure rate in US history, the largest budget deficits in US history, and failed to stop an attack despite CIA warning leaving 3000 people dead would be enough. An Administration that bungled intelligence and claimed weapons of mass destruction, yet found none would resign in disgrace. But no! With a propaganda machine second to no Third World Country, they seem determined to achieve further destruction until hopefully stopped. I intend to vote them out and I pray America will as well.
Protection By Whom?
I read with great interest Vice President Cheney's assertion that he and George Bush would protect America better than Democrats. Just when exactly did they protect America? Was it by preventing 3000 people from dying in the World Trade Center and The Pentagon? Was it the 5 deferments you got that kept you from going to Vietnam or the millions in unbid contracts given your former company Halliburton in Iraq? Was it by your phony color coded alerts that happen every time you and George lose ground in the polls? Was it when George Bush failed to show up or take medical physicals in the National Guard and should have been drafted to Vietnam? It appears Cheney and Bush failed to show up every time America needed protection and Democrats did. Who will protect the truth from you and George Bush?
The Real Danger Of Outsourcing
In the rush for short-term corporate outsourcing profits, I wonder if long-term issues are not being sacrificed. Apparently companies can make more money initially by sending American jobs and technology to foreign countries like India and China and the US Tax Code has rewarded them with tax breaks. But if we give them our technology, not only do we lose jobs but we also give away our competitive edge. Can we really compete with billion plus populations in energy and manpower without this technological edge? In our Modern Industrial Age has greater technology ever meant limited energy demands? No, it is quite the opposite, the higher the technology, the greater the demand for energy in all cases. With the world's supply of petroleum at a maximum of 30 years of reserves then price alone will limit demand. Can America really outbid India and China in a future market place? I think not and $60 a barrel will surely come before $40 a barrel on the commodity market. Girlie Men? (George’s War) The other day as I was listening to the evening news, I heard George Bush tell us how his vision on Iraq has not wavered. I'm enlightened with his steadfast determination, despite erroneous information about weapons of mass destruction and the fact that neither he nor Dick Cheney ever faced combat. That they are committed to sending our youth off to serve in Iraq despite wrong information. I would be ever more delighted if George and Dick would be willing to send their own daughters off to war as well as a gesture of commitment to the American people. I heard the troop levels are at all time lows and reserves and National Guard troops are the main source of soldiers without a draft. I'm sure your daughters want to prove they are not girlie men?
George W Bush & The Liar’s Cup
After listening to the first three debates between Bush-Cheney and Kerry-Edwards, on behalf of all Texans everywhere, I award the Liar's Cup to George W Bush. Wanting to knock off Saddam Hussein because he tried to kill your Daddy won't sell, and they were no WMDs, but trying to institute peace and freedom will. When exactly did you go for freedom in our country? Was it in Florida when your brother and the Republicans led the drive to disenfranchise 57,000 eligible voters in 2000 and have been repeatedly sued for new attempts this year? Was it in Ohio where voter registers have tried to deny voter certifications based on the paper stock rather than the legitimacy of signatures? Was it where Republicans started using Diebold Voting Machines after the owner guaranteed a winning margin and paper trails have been repeatedly fought and denied? We face a spectacle of having UN Voting Inspectors being requested to watch our own polls. Is freedom in Iraq where one set of unelected government officials has replaced another? Was it freedom in Afghanistan where many were denied the right to vote and the ballots were incomplete and misleading in others? Is it here where our President campaigns across our country only to audiences that are carefully approved and sign a loyalty oath? Was peace the choice or was it war in Iraq? No, George you get The Liar's Cup hands down. A Question of Competence & Moral Responsibility
Oh, not yours or mine or the guy down the street, but the competence of George Bush and Dick Cheney. Yes, 9/11/01 changed a lot of things, but it was over 3 years ago. Could it have been prevented? Well it wasn't. Are jobs where they were three years ago? No, they aren't. Are more people unemployed? Yes. Are more people losing good paying jobs and taking poorer paying ones without benefits? Yes. Are more people without health insurance? Yes. Are more people paying much more for drugs and health care, if they are lucky enough to get them? Yes. Are Americans dying every day at the hands of terrorists? Yes in Afghanistan and Iraq. Do we have Osama Bin Laden dead or in jail. No. Are Bush and Cheney blaming everybody but themselves for this mess? Yes. Are you comfortable with a President that might be incompetent, but since he's not smarter than you, he tells you what you want to hear? Can we really afford 4 more years of a President that cannot recognize what he does wrong, because that is the only way to correct mistakes and fix problems? I hope not. Don't Let A Mushroom Cloud Be The Smoking Gun
You have heard the phrase; George Bush and Dick Cheney used it to describe the immediate danger and connection between Iraq and 9/11. Only last night in the Vice Presidential Debate, Cheney said he never made that connection. Can all the newsreel footage and recorders be lying? Well, one thing is clear. That is a real contrast between their visions for America. Democrats and the American Dream and George Bush and Dick Cheney and The American Nightmare. Dick Cheney said it best that he and the Democrats had similar modest upbringings then they went separate paths. Cheney's path led through Halliburton and War and the Democrats path led through helping other achieve the American Dream. America the road has two paths: War or Peace and Prosperity. I choose the American Dream and reject Bush and Cheney and their phony mushroom cloud. It's Hard Work
As I watched the Battle of Wits between The Major League Candidate for President and The Bush League Candidate for President, I was struck between a classic battle of leadership verses witless. Yes, George W. Bush, thinking can be hard work when you are so very ill prepared for it. I have seen debates between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. I have seen debates between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale. I have seen debates between George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot. I have seen debates between Bill Clinton and Robert Dole. But never have I been so embarrassed for an American President as the debate or lack there of between John Kerry and George W Bush. Bush's answers were totally scripted and wired from Karl Rowe and were not replies to the questions but rehearsed answers written in advance to avoid thinking. Yes, George W Bush, thinking is hard work and listening is even harder.
Those Were The Days?
The stock market had been going up and down all year and some alarmists mentioned that there were problems in manufacturing, production, employment, and on the farms. The Republican Candidate for President assured Americans that the income tax cuts and Republican business ties would insure prosperity. In fact Prosperity was just around the corner. The Democrats Candidate for President was a Catholic and talk of religion and the right moral attributes was a center piece of Republican strategy. There were some thugs causing trouble overseas, but America did not need alliances, we would continue on our chosen path. Ordinary Americans were having some signs of economic problems, but they wanted to live like Republicans. They weren’t sure if they should break with tradition and vote for what appeared not as strong a personal leader despite the Democrats record of successful government. The Democrat had a history of being for the working man and for healthcare initiatives. The Republican Candidate did not. Some preachers even called the Democratic Candidate against Christ even though he was a devoted Christian and father. Odd enough both men came from similar backgrounds, but how they viewed government was entirely different.
Was this 1928 or 2004? Was this Herbert Hoover and Al Smith or George W Bush and John Kerry? Could it be those were the days and was history repeating itself? Perhaps no less than economic disaster was the real question.
Candidate For President
Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to introduce a candidate for The President of the United States to those who do not know him. He is former alter boy, an avid sportsman and hunter, and a gun owner since the age of twelve. He is a former Prosecutor, decorated veteran who saved the life of a lifelong Republican policeman, he is married to the widow of a Republican Senator, and once when he got off a Capital elevator and saw a Republican Senator choking gave him the Heimlich maneuver that saved his live. He volunteered for the military draft and volunteered to serve in Vietnam where he was awarded 3 Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star with a V. As Prosecutor, he convicted criminals in cases others had been unable to win. As a father he has 2 devoted daughters and 3 stepsons. His wife has consistently praised him and defended herself from slanderous attacks on her personally despite the fact that for her charity work she helped revitalize and provide jobs for many grateful Americans in her adopted city.
As a United States Senator, he consistently voted for a balanced budget and helped to reform Medicare and Medicaid. In the Senate, John Kerry fought to strengthen our economy, improve public education, make health care more affordable, and protect our environment. And during his 20 years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has distinguished himself as one of our nation's most respected voices on national security and international affairs. He has tirelessly worked to help Veteran causes and help spearhead a drive to get accountability for MIAs and prisoners of war. He is supported by a team of distinguished Generals including former Commanders in successful operations in the field. A recent letter denouncing his opponent’s economic policies was publicly signed by 160 distinguished Professors in of business and economics. He believes in a balanced budget and sound physical policies and a pay as you go mentality.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you, John Kerry!!
A Texas Tale
There was a story rich in folklore in Texas circles of a Texas Governor named James Ferguson (his wife would become one of the first female governors in the US- Miriam Ferguson who once supposedly said "If the King James Bible was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for me, " but that's an other story). Anyway Ferguson was impeached as governor for several questionable deals and one involving an undisclosed secret source of $156,500.
The story goes that an aide told him he needed to hurry down to a particular city because they were telling lies about him. Ferguson supposedly said, "No, I've got to get back to the Capitol, they're telling the truth about me there. Perhaps, George W Bush biggest problem may be that same truth.
The New RealityThe New Reality is The Old Reality: Bush is President in a hotly contested race that hinged on one state that has widespread reports of voter fraud. We have a republican congress and senate and the Texas legislature is headed by republicans.
We need better effective Democratic leadership that connects with the country and area as a whole, but instead of building from ground zero, we have a network of committed informed and active people who have the skills and ability to make a difference in the future. We need to build and expand on our successes, and yes we had some. Many of us did not know each other but became friends and foot soldiers in a cause far greater than each one of us individually, the cause of good truly ethical and moral government.
Government that gets its power from a more perfect union and the just consent of the governed. “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” * And to that we can add also by uninformed citizenry who find it easier to believe the negative about people that they don’t feel they know. More and better community involvement is the essential key.
*George J Nathan
Holy Jeepers Batman, It’s A Mess In Iraq!
When I actually read the election reports from Iraq, I realize what a mess this really is. We find out now that less than 8.6 million people out of 26 million actually voted, yet we were given ridiculously wrong statistics at the time that upwards of 60% of the registered voters voted. Now we find out that registered voters must have been rarer than George Bush’s attendance in the Texas Air National Guard. It seems even rarer were people willing to vote for Prime Minister Allawi. Were all the real journalists bunkered down and left the reporting up to Administration spokesmen? It sure looks that way. I must have seen the same pictures of 4 or 5 people giving us the finger a hundred times.
I for one am certainly glad we know how to import democracy to the Middle East. I just wonder what it will take to import it to Florida and Ohio. Looks like Bush Democracy may have a few problems actually counting votes. Maybe it’s time to give Iraq a real test of voting power. Say how about a Constitution Amendment in Iraq on America staying there or leaving now? I bet even the Insurgents would vote in that one. We might get a 100% turnout. Say maybe you can send some more imbedded journalist out to sell that one?
Real Soldiers
A soldier that did his duty and served his country honorably earns the right to say whatever he believes from firsthand knowledge. Kerry's men campaign with him. George W. Bush's men don't seem to remember he was there; perhaps it was a different George or maybe a different Bush. All to often decisions involving our young men dying are made by older men who never witnesses the reality of war. Unfortunately, the Mai Lai Massacre is documented proof that our actions in war were not always spotless. But certainly America has criminals and mentally ill people in our population as a whole and given wartime stress, some are less than perfect, as war is certainly not perfect. But the point is men of conscience cannot tolerate gross cruelty and murder whether or not it is civilian or military. That why we have a society the whole world envies but every one know that there are problems. By pretending ugliness do not exits does nothing to stop it. Courage is the man that steps forward, not the coward that goes along with the crowd when he knows their actions are wrong. Least we ever forget, the Nazis were only obeying orders. No one implied or should have implied that every one is perfect and the imperfection of the few does not tarnish the whole, nor does the majority absolve the wrong by inaction. If there were only one serial killer and you didn't stop him, his victims would be on your conscience. If you do not stop and render aid to an accident victim, you commit a crime against the suffering. To a religious man, war itself may be an atrocity. The Sword versus The ShieldThis is a discussion of Bad America versus Good America. The Sword is the current bad destructive support for dictators and torture, and the readiness for War. But most of the world wants to remember us as the Shield. The Shield is a beacon of hope, freedom, and liberty of our ideals. An America as under decent and forward looking American Presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Franklin D Roosevelt.
I think we swallowed the Red Scare of McCarthyism after WWII and this was deliberate. Look at the movies of the late forties and you see an idealism not seen since in American films. We chose this path (The Sword) in Vietnam. I think Lyndon Johnson thought he was doing the right thing there, but he was wrong. From the point when we stopped the national election that was scheduled for 1956 in Vietnam, we were on the wrong side to the world there. Ho Chi Minh wrote the Declaration of Independence for Vietnam and the only changes were substitutions in country names (The Shield). We backed up the French there in trying to get back their vestige of colonialism and justified it as battles against communism (The Sword). Conveniently these menaces to America always involve using the Military-Industrial Complex (The Sword) to combat the enemy and every single time we empower Fascism to new heights. Even George Washington (THE SHIELD) warned us about this dangerous problem, but Americans always have to learn the lesson the hard way in proceeding generations. Once we condemned War as an instrument of national policy, the Kellogg Briand Pact after WWI. This was a mistake that the Military-Industrial Complex always likes to point out. America retreated from The League of Nations and was not prepared for WWII. We endured a Great Depression and all sorts of ills but this was of Republican making. It was Republicans that established a policy of liaise faire and could not slow or stop the Great Depression. It was a Democratic President, Franklin D Roosevelt, who reconstructed America and prepared America to take on the challenges of Fascism and win a world war that saved the world from slavery and certain oppression. Unfortunately we also empowered the Military-Industrial Complex in the process and now, with peace at hand, the idealism of America was returning. America was getting ready to turn weapons into instruments of peace (The Shield) and The Sword had to prevent that . America created a quasi Sword and Shield in the policy of containment against communism with the concept of using The Sword when necessary, but using The Shield to rebuild Italy, Germany, and Japan. Indeed Lyndon Johnson envisioned a Marshal Plan for Vietnam after America won the war against communism there. America, as the world's only superpower, has terrific responsibilities to the world and its citizens. We must never betray our founding principles (The Shield) and allow War (The Sword) to pollute us. All great nations eventually fall in the greater scheme of history and we will not be an exception to this rule. How would Americans rather our country be remembered as The Sword or The Shield?
The Meaning of The Tree
I have been asked why the image of a green tree on the letterhead. It symbolizes the environment and the quality of life. It also symbolizes the family of man and the family of God. The three branches of the Children of Abraham are Judaism, Islam, and Christianity that I believe derive from a single root. Its fruit is the diversity of all religions from other roots, Buddhism and Hinduism to Zoroastrianism and all others that flourish among the branches of equality, tolerance, compassion, and love.
Social Security Personalized
Betty’s Story
It was 1955, and I was five years old. Betty had worked for our family since she was 13 years old and helped raise both my father and I. One day her husband Roscoe was crossing the street and was run down by a drunken son of a prominent attorney. No one would charge him despite the fact that he had run a red light and killed a man. In fact, they never even considered it. My father tried to get the NAACP to help her, but they declined. The town was famous for an unwritten rule. A local attorney would always win a court fight unless the outcome was so one sided, that there was no choice and this was far from that rule. This was small town in East Texas. But my father continued to employer her, even when money was sometimestight and paid her Social Security taxes so that one day in 1968, Betty could retire having and raised 6 children 2 grand children and live in her own house. She kept her dignity and self-respect. She even named one of her children after my father and his brother. Without Social Security, she would not have had that independence.
Republican’s Secret Agenda?
I’m a little confused, the Republicans are running ads against gay marriage, but so many of their children and gurus seem to be homosexual. Dick Cheney has an openly lesbian daughter, Mary. Alan Keyes has an openly lesbian daughter, Maya Marcel-Keyes. The major economic guru of laissez-faire economics was also a bisexual, John Maynard Keynes. He and his wife were in a homosexual and multi-partner sexual group, Bloomsbury. The infamous fake White House reporter, James D. Guckert AKA Jeff Gannon had ties to a gay pornography Internet ring. Can there be a hidden message in their propaganda ads? Are the Republicans like the much-fabled woman who says no but means yes? Are all their ads simply to trick the Religious Right into funding a secret Republican Life Style that goes all the way back to the Log Cabin Republicans? They seem to be the only ones so pre occupied with Gay Marriage. Certainly after they started their publicity, gay marriages sprouted up from California to Massachusetts. Can this be the Real Republican Agenda?
Like the saying, you protest too much, further analysis shows the so-called Blue States had lower divorce rates and higher successful marriages than the Red States. Maybe there is a reason Republicans always seem to see issues relating to gay marriage and can’t wait to start running ads showing same sex kissing and marriage? Like the recent attack ads on AARP, Republicans seem to protest too much.
Churn, Churn, Churn: The Social Security Privatization Stockbrokers SongTo every thing, churn, churn, churn,There is a reason, churn, churn, churn,And a line to every purchase under indexingA time to compile, a time to hideA time to plant, a time to reapA time to convert, a time to healA time to laugh, a time to stealTo every thing, churn, churn, churn,There is a reason, churn, churn, churn,
And a time to every purchase under indexingA time to build up, a time to break downA time for a chance, a time for a loanA time to cast away stocksA time to gather stocks togetherTo every thing, churn, churn, churn,There is a reason, churn, churn, churn,And a time to every purchase under indexingA time to levy, a time to rateA time for more, a time for a pieceA time you may eraseA time to refrain from tradingTo every thing, churn, churn, churn,There is a reason, churn, churn, churn,
And a time to every purchase under indexingA time to gain, a time to loseA time to lend, a time to sewA time to levy, a time to rateA time for a piece, I swear it's not too lateMy deepest apologies to Pete Seger
Remember Dec 7, 1941 and the Lessons of WWII
We hope you have already seen and discussed an article about the lessons from history when war mongering Fascists take over and initiate preemptive strikes against nations that can be enlisted as friends or even changed within without the terrible tragedy of war. Even highly advanced and civilized nations can be tricked into control by those that care only about money and power and leave their fellow countrymen and women and victims in their wake. American and Japan had a history of friendship before and after Pearl Harbor.
One day in 1853, Japan faced a crossroads with a direct confrontation with the West. Japan decided to educate their Navy in the United States but their Army in Germany. In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt won a Nobel Prize for helping settle the Russia-Japan battle that briefly flared. Japan was our ally when the Navy controlled the country during WWI.
However, following the Great Depression, control of Japan was under the Army, and confrontation between our nations seemed inescapable to those without the insight and ability to do otherwise.
We must remember the past, but think for the future and never allow The Quality of Life to diminish. We should bear witness that both a Pearl Harbor and a Hiroshima are the terrible aftermath.
Don't Let Your Social Security Check Be A Mushroom CloudDateline Crawford on The BrazosThe Republican scientists at the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Republicanus Institute here at Crawford on the Brazos made a fascinating discovery it was announced today. The Discovery of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Social Security Administration. Based on secret surveillance by 146,000 undercover agents they learned that the Social Security Administration was buying large purchases of radioactive bull manure. The same scientists recently concluded their valuable research in Iraq and were passing by here on the way to Washington, DC when the threat was discovered. After an in depth analysis of observing bulls, it was noted that when a bull lifts his head, you get a different result than when he lifts his tail the report sited. This accuracy was battle tested in Iraq where despite the lack of finding of weapons of mass destruction, there were many bull dropping in evidence. The suspected suppliers are under watch in Uzbekistan, Uganda or some other country starting with U. Stay tuned for further toxicology reports.
Update Alert, the toxicology report is just in, “If it sounds like bull manure, if it looks like bull manure, and it smells like bull manure, you don’t need to eat it, it’s bull manure!”
Uncle Dick Cheney’s Patent Medicine* Show Featuring Donny Rumsfeld and Condi Rice
It’s that time again, the bears are hibernating for the winter and we’ve had a mock election in Iraq. So it must be time to hit the road with a traveling patent medicine show. Uncle Dick’s star salesmen Donny and Condi are at it again. They’re ready to serve up Iran next in the Toppling Domino Theory, like Iraq previously in the grand scheme of Three Card Monte. We have all heard that the Middle East is just totally ready for the Bush Brand of Diplomacy. First we give them Shock and Awe then we just walk in and they throw roses or some other bouquet at us and all are happy. Let me ask one question, why exactly should one suppose they will buy a used HUMVEE from us? Iran seems to indicate that they are not in that market. Maybe George just needs to handle their retirement funds and they will probably be too broke to resist.
I for one am certainly glad we know how to import democracy to the Middle East. Why our good friends in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan must be sleeping sound in their beds knowing that their countries are safely on the side of Bush Democracy. Maybe it’s time to give Iraq a real test of voting power. Say Uncle Dick and George how about a Constitution Amendment in Iraq on America stays there till 2010 or leaves now? I bet even the Insurgents would vote in that one. We might get a 100% turnout. Say maybe you can send Donny and Condi out and sell that one?
* Warning contents are toxic
Another Fine Mess
As I was reading the definitive article on the British Social Security privatization under Margaret Thatcher, ”A Bloody Mess”, I kept remembering what Oliver Hardy always said to Stan Laurel, “Another fine mess you have gotten us into.” George Bush having bungled understanding the report “Osama Bin Laden Determined to Attack the US” and letting 3000 people die on 9/11/2001 now wants to apply his intellect to Social Security. To merely underestimate the resiliency of opposition in Iraq and failing to find weapons on mass destruction that allegedly threatened our very existence, when there were none is apparently not enough.
As was with Britain in the early 80’s, US retires enjoy the benefit of a far reaching plan enacted 70 years ago in the midst of the worst financial crisis the United States faced in the 20th Century. A guaranteed retirement, an old age survivors and disability plan we call Social Security has enabled retirees, widows, and dependent children to avoid poor houses and earn college degrees and give back to our country far more that was given to them.
But “Ollie” Bush has a new plan, a plan that looks and smells suspiciously like Thatcher’s plan before it. As Norma Cohen pointed out since enactment of the British Privatization program, Britain’s retirements have shrunken dramatically and now are the worst in the G8.
It is a system so badly designed that retires are opting out by the thousands each year and it turned a surplus into a multibillion dollar deficit. So go start up the car Stan. America seems ready for another fine mess.
Have Some Kool-Aid, America!As I watch the mounting Republican propaganda machine attack SocialSecurity, I am reminded of the Guyana Tragedy. As Jim Jones wasloosing his grip on his unholy alliance, he spiked Kool-Aid withcyanide and told his followers to drink it. We now have reports ofthe Social Security workers them selves being forced to peddle thisfalse reform ticket, like the previously mentioned Aid package in Guyana.Drink deep America, George won't really cut your benefits, Bill Frist is lying when he said "Americans might need to "take somemedicine" to fix Social security, and said he would consider aplan being floated by the White House that would reduce scheduledbenefits."Scrooge said it best in the Dickens novel, that's why there are poorhouses and debtors prisons. So drink deep American, the Republicans are not
out to poison Social Security, only to give you some medicine. It's really for your own good. Have some Kool-Aid, America!
The Quality of Life
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” -The Declaration of Independence-July 4, 1776.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” -The Preamble of The Constitution of the United States of America.
Much has been made of a slogan the Republicans are fond of using, The Right to Life. Yet, the Republicans seem to believe that they have the right to also decide when it can end. The Death Penalty under their criteria can be instituted to those that somehow lose their Right. It is also acceptable to launch preemptive strikes against other countries that do not pose a real threat against the sovereignty of The United States, if one imagines a threat such as that in Iraq.
We hold the mere existence of Life without Quality of Living is an empty shell. We hold that the Quality of Life is an unalienable Right that must and should include Liberty and its Blessings as defined in our Constitution, adequate minimum wages, affordable healthcare, guarantees of due process of law, the separation of Church and State to better enable Freedom of Religion, access to quality education, guarantees that if we fight a war our troops will have adequate armor and our veterans will get the respect and benefits that they deserve, respect and healthcare for our injured and aged in Social Security, the guarantees of rights and responsibilities to all our citizens. We further believe that the Death Penalty is something that should be decided by the legal process and a judge and jury in court and based on special circumstances not a political slogan or exercise.
We hold as inviolate the relationship between a patient and their doctor, not between an insurance company and a drug manufacturer. As we hold as inviolate the relationship between the clergy and their ministry, and between an attorney and their client. They are all an essential part of the free and just exercises of Life, Liberty, and True happiness in The Quality of Life.
We realize this is asking for some strong opinions, but we personally feel that the merging of diverse cultures has been the inspiration and strength that has kept America strong and vibrant. Our diversity has made the whole far greater and richer than its individual parts. That is why our Statue of Liberty has the following inscription: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuses of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempt-toast to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
Bet Your Life Friends, I have got to tell you about the most amazing insurance plan ever from Old Republican NeoCom Life: Introducing Never Say Die Insurance.* Available now in Florida on a test basis this remarkable product will keep you from decomposing for years after your brain is dead. Simply consult one of our special peddlers today or call toll free 1-666-play-GOD. Until now you may have wondered about your future, but fear no more; we have eliminated death here at ORNCL.* Just imagine no more death except for undesirables. Imagine the freedom of being kept alive for almost forever by feeding tubes, wires, and respirators. Imagine eliminating death for all good people and the Good News is once we hook you up, you are virtually isolated form all the world problems. Think of the freedom from negative thoughts, or uncomfortable news!
Friends, think of the possibilities of warehouses after warehouses being constructed right here in your hometown; and rows after rows of totally brain dead people all hooked up with out anyone ever dying. Plan your next vacation with a respirator or a ventilator in mind and save money on costly repair bills for cars, homes, hotels, and boats. Never worry about the price of gasoline or the dreaded overweight problem again. So call today again for The Never Say Die Insurance Plan from Old Republican NeoCom Life at 1-666-play-GOD. Or spend a special E-Mail picture to Bill Frist, Tom Delay, or Jeb Bush of your brain dead loved one and we will be Right out to hook every thing up.
* Licensed only in the State of the Imagination and subject to certain penalties for non compliance. No minorities need apply and valid only with massive campaign contributions. Good only if invoked by special legislation during investigations by Grand Juries. Valid only if you are a Bush Family friend or have the Right Life Style, thoughts, opinions, and are available for video taping. If murderous criminal or undesirable may be subject to execution first; then life support available on proof you are brain dead. If questionable circumstances arise, send a video to Bill Frist for picture analysis. Be sure to bring cash for the premium, preferably in large mail sacks of small bills and ideally be pre-measured for orifice incision.
Who Is in Your Wallet?
Remember the ads the Republicans ran once about the Democratic Fat Cats in Washington, DC. They were talking about members of Congress who were in office and all they wanted to do was tax and spend while the rest of the country had to pick up the bills. Well where are those ads now that the largest budget surplus in American history under the Democrats has turned into the largest deficits by the Republicans in the history of mankind? Now, this was before all the good pastors on the Religious Right made the Republicans officially good people, so it does not really matter that your grandchildren are going to be paying $500 billion on the War in Iraq.
Have you paid the Alternative Minimum Tax yet, so a few ultra millionaires can go on a vacation with your IRS money? Have you signed on for Social Security cuts of up to 30% for a family making $35,000 a year so Republicans can raid the Social Security Trust Fund and avoid paying it back? Now granted this might make your retirement years one long struggle to survive, but you can comfort yourself with the knowledge that some ultra millionaire is doing great on their private accounts they funded with your money.
Have you gone golfing in London, South East Asia, Hawaii or anywhere paid by a lobbyist then ruled in their favor to give tax breaks to American companies with a foreign mailing address and sent American jobs overseas paid for by tax deductions from your pay check? Have you looked in on the ethics of these people or are they good people anyway and don’t need censure? Have you ever heard of a con man that anyone didn’t think was a good guy until they lost all their money? Have you tried to compete with the lowest-paying jobs in the world? Have you seen your own income shrink so these same companies can pay for the takeover costs of former good-paying employers that they bought out, but did not really have the funds to pay for the buyout? Have you seen taxes on the local level rise, fees, and costs of petroleum rise, but your own income decrease? Have you seen healthcare costs increase dramatically, the insurance premiums cost more, and medicine cost more, but wages pay less?
Have you ever considered free trade and enterprise was what a pirate called stealing your money? Don’t you think that Black Beard, Morgan the pirate, and the Vandals that pillaged the countryside were against limited restrictions on their wealth too? Don’t you think it’s finally time to ask, “Who Is in Your Wallet? “
Thus concludes my journal of covering this Yellow Dog Democrat’s fight.
May your path always be downhill and with the wind at your back.
-Tom
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