Thom Hartmann, in my estimation the dean of progressive talk radio, interviewed Chris Hedges regarding Death Of The Liberal Class on RT recently. Here's part 1 of the video:
Here's Part 2:
In case I haven't mentioned it clearly, READ THIS BOOK! It shows just how f***ed we are, and why it's so important to resist.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Death and Taxes...
I've mentioned earlier that I intended to dive into Chris Hedges' latest tome Death Of The Liberal Class. I find that the words within said book, already quite relevant, take on an additional immediacy and relevance with the Obama Tax Deal Bruhaha of the last week or so. The deal has some goodies for those of us below $250 grand, for sure, but while there's meat in that turkey, I've yet to find evidence of a vertebral column. Hedges' book perhaps offers the best explanation I've seen as to why.
In a short phrase, those in the labor/government/academic worlds who have made their careers spouting leftward-sounding rhetoric, have sold out. The very fact that many have made their careers saying one thing and doing/living another, the mark of hypocrisy, is called out numerous times and in numerous ways. The net effect of this grand sell-out is to reduce the liberal establishment in this country to nothing more than a singing, dancing marionette for the puppeteers who really run this country - the left has been reduced to legitimizing the right, and providing a veneer of "credibility" to our "democracy". Chris Hedges writes in an un-academic, easy to understand manner, and pulls no punches.
In short, a highly recommended read. It should be available at Powell's Books (go there first, please - support the smaller booksellers before heading to the West Bank of Amazon). If not at Powell's, then Amazon should have it.
In a short phrase, those in the labor/government/academic worlds who have made their careers spouting leftward-sounding rhetoric, have sold out. The very fact that many have made their careers saying one thing and doing/living another, the mark of hypocrisy, is called out numerous times and in numerous ways. The net effect of this grand sell-out is to reduce the liberal establishment in this country to nothing more than a singing, dancing marionette for the puppeteers who really run this country - the left has been reduced to legitimizing the right, and providing a veneer of "credibility" to our "democracy". Chris Hedges writes in an un-academic, easy to understand manner, and pulls no punches.
In short, a highly recommended read. It should be available at Powell's Books (go there first, please - support the smaller booksellers before heading to the West Bank of Amazon). If not at Powell's, then Amazon should have it.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
From Someone Who Knows...
I've mentioned Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine from time to time in earlier posts in this blog. A considerable number of pages of that book describe the Milton Friedman experiment in Chile, brought to you by Augusto Pinochet - the murders and disappearances, the mass privatizations, the touted "miracle" which only benefited the few, and the mass poverty that experiment left in its still-present wake.
The video below contains an interview Amy Goodman had with Manfred Max-Neef, a Chilean economist. I find it very difficult to find anybody else who could be more of an expert on what happened in his homeland and it's after-effects, then an economist who was there where Augusto and Milton did their dirty work. It occupies the first half of the videocast, so just push play, and enjoy - if your conscience allows you to.
The video below contains an interview Amy Goodman had with Manfred Max-Neef, a Chilean economist. I find it very difficult to find anybody else who could be more of an expert on what happened in his homeland and it's after-effects, then an economist who was there where Augusto and Milton did their dirty work. It occupies the first half of the videocast, so just push play, and enjoy - if your conscience allows you to.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Europeans Seem To Get It...
...about a great many things, but especially about the current state of our political system and it's inability to affect change in this country, as seen in this article on AlterNet.
I think that the problem is even deeper than the article states, and it hits the nail right on the proverbial forehead. I'm now of the belief that our "democracy", "republic", whatever sticker you want to slap onto it, is a complete farce - a predictable, poorly-written piece of theater acted out on TV screens, radios, and the state and federal capitals, not to mention the so-called "TEA Party", which is about as "grass-roots" as the playing surface of the Astrodome. We're a corporatist state, what Mussolini referred to as "fascist" before the revisionists got a hold of the history books, Merriam-Webster, and the Wikipedia pages related to Il Duce.
Christopher Hedges created quite the stir with the release of his recent book, which deals with the failure of the liberal institutions which provided the political and monetary foundation of the pre-1980 Democratic Party. I'll get into reading it within the next week or two. My pre-read impression of the situation is: if we want to bring progressivism and liberalism back as relevant forces, we'll need to rebuild those foundations, namely labor union membership, increased activism on the campuses and investment in education, and the further creation and building of a viable media alternative to Foxy Noise and the rest of the corporate-backed outlets. After reading it, I'll need to see if my opinion changes. The Europeans have strong liberal traditions and social democracies, in large part embodied in strong labor unions.
Perhaps it takes an objective third party to see the problem - foxes can't smell their own holes, after all.
I think that the problem is even deeper than the article states, and it hits the nail right on the proverbial forehead. I'm now of the belief that our "democracy", "republic", whatever sticker you want to slap onto it, is a complete farce - a predictable, poorly-written piece of theater acted out on TV screens, radios, and the state and federal capitals, not to mention the so-called "TEA Party", which is about as "grass-roots" as the playing surface of the Astrodome. We're a corporatist state, what Mussolini referred to as "fascist" before the revisionists got a hold of the history books, Merriam-Webster, and the Wikipedia pages related to Il Duce.
Christopher Hedges created quite the stir with the release of his recent book, which deals with the failure of the liberal institutions which provided the political and monetary foundation of the pre-1980 Democratic Party. I'll get into reading it within the next week or two. My pre-read impression of the situation is: if we want to bring progressivism and liberalism back as relevant forces, we'll need to rebuild those foundations, namely labor union membership, increased activism on the campuses and investment in education, and the further creation and building of a viable media alternative to Foxy Noise and the rest of the corporate-backed outlets. After reading it, I'll need to see if my opinion changes. The Europeans have strong liberal traditions and social democracies, in large part embodied in strong labor unions.
Perhaps it takes an objective third party to see the problem - foxes can't smell their own holes, after all.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
More Quibbles and Bits (Vol. 3)
More morsels that are either tasty or repulsive, depending on your persuasion:
>>I've read and seen Johnny Boner and his pea-cock strutting about how he and his merry band will dismantle the health care law. They might be able to dent it somewhat with the purse strings, but with a Dem-led Senate (thanks, teabaggers - couldn't have done it without you!) and a Dem in the White House - fuggetaboutit for at least the next two years. When more and more voters are affected by the benefits of the new law - closing of the Medicare prescription drug donut-hole, dependents on a subscriber's coverage until 26, no rescission - it's not going to happen.
>>The real reason for all of this attention given to the new health care law has little to do with the law itself, and much more to do with the person who signed the bill into law. This whole charade, in my opinion, is about CREDIT: much of what is in the health care law was originally proposed by Republicans, and the concept of the mandate for purchase was initiated in Massachusetts under Mitt Romney. The Repubs want health care reform to be THEIR issue, thus this push for "repeal and replace". Replace - with what? Probably the same basic scheme with fewer mandates. After all, if you lend credence to George Carlin's observations, who really owns and operates this joint anyway? It isn't we the people. It isn't the puppets we elect, either.
>>So the businesses who provide health care insurance don't like being told how to run their businesses? And horror of horrors, by those representing us PLEBS?
This is one of those areas where you can't serve two masters. Remember that Jewish rabbi who said you can't serve both God and Mammon? Health care coverage is a prime example - the profit motive, when taken to it's extreme in the cases of severe illnesses such as cancer which requires millions of dollars per patient to treat, is simply incompatible with providing primary care coverage to the millions who need it - especially for those whose jobs are being sent overseas at an ever-increasing rate. For this reason, many countries which allow private insurers to provide primary care coverage mandate that those insurers operate as non-profits.
So to the Anthems, UHCs, Humanas, and the rest of them, I only have two words: Tough Shit.
>>I've read and seen Johnny Boner and his pea-cock strutting about how he and his merry band will dismantle the health care law. They might be able to dent it somewhat with the purse strings, but with a Dem-led Senate (thanks, teabaggers - couldn't have done it without you!) and a Dem in the White House - fuggetaboutit for at least the next two years. When more and more voters are affected by the benefits of the new law - closing of the Medicare prescription drug donut-hole, dependents on a subscriber's coverage until 26, no rescission - it's not going to happen.
>>The real reason for all of this attention given to the new health care law has little to do with the law itself, and much more to do with the person who signed the bill into law. This whole charade, in my opinion, is about CREDIT: much of what is in the health care law was originally proposed by Republicans, and the concept of the mandate for purchase was initiated in Massachusetts under Mitt Romney. The Repubs want health care reform to be THEIR issue, thus this push for "repeal and replace". Replace - with what? Probably the same basic scheme with fewer mandates. After all, if you lend credence to George Carlin's observations, who really owns and operates this joint anyway? It isn't we the people. It isn't the puppets we elect, either.
>>So the businesses who provide health care insurance don't like being told how to run their businesses? And horror of horrors, by those representing us PLEBS?
This is one of those areas where you can't serve two masters. Remember that Jewish rabbi who said you can't serve both God and Mammon? Health care coverage is a prime example - the profit motive, when taken to it's extreme in the cases of severe illnesses such as cancer which requires millions of dollars per patient to treat, is simply incompatible with providing primary care coverage to the millions who need it - especially for those whose jobs are being sent overseas at an ever-increasing rate. For this reason, many countries which allow private insurers to provide primary care coverage mandate that those insurers operate as non-profits.
So to the Anthems, UHCs, Humanas, and the rest of them, I only have two words: Tough Shit.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Quibbles and Bits, Volume 2
Thoughts on the 2010 election results...
>>I'm not surprised, not in the slightest;
>>The record amounts spent by the Brothers Koch, Newt's organizations, et. al. are a pauper's pittance compared to what is going to be spent in 2012. My advice - find the remaining progressive legislators such as Bernie Sanders and Dennis Kucinich, and start donating to their reelection campaigns now. You better believe these guys are going to have HUGE targets on them for the next election cycle, and they need to marshall their resources for the upcoming cash tsunami;
>>To Russ Feingold and Alan Grayson: thank you for your service and for standing for progressive principles loudly, forcefully, and unashamedly - even in the face of defeat. I hope you guys stay active in politics, because I sense we will be needing your voices again very soon;
>>Obama's biggest problem: He's an enlightened man in an unenlightened time, and gives the citizens of this country more credit than they deserve;
>>That the country will undoubtedly veer further to the right is not a surprise to me at all - it's still a shock to many in this country, especially of the Caucasian persuasion, that a black man actually won the White House. You bet this election was in part an expression of that ugly thread in our nation's fabric;
>>Progressives are going to have to face something very uncomfortable: we are outnumbered, and that as much as I hate to admit it, the MSM is right about one thing - the USA is, and in fact always has been, a center-right country. The only time we have ventured into progressivism of any type was when we needed bailing out (see: New Deal), and then, only when there was a benefit to the elites - the preservation of the existing social and economic order.
>>If the Rand Pauls get their way and our economy needs to be "rebooted" with a dose of the "Shock Therapy" described by Naomi Klein's masterpiece - and expect to hear talk like that within the coming weeks - then the resultant economic hardship (ask the Chileans) might be the only thing that breaks us of our economic "Stockholm Syndrome" (as a recent Thom Hartmann caller described it);
>>Expecting a healthy dose of hippie-punching in this election's aftermath? How 'bout an MMA-style pummeling. And since so much of progressive media is on the Internet and not found on MSM, I can only wonder about how much push or care will be given to the issue of net neutrality by the remaining Dems in the House/Senate.
>>On the inevitable touchdown dances and crowing and all the rest of the on-and-on from Foxy Noise and the rest of 'em - my solution: I'll be taking a media "holiday" of at least one week, so I don't have to be subjected to it.
>>Last, but not least: I'm curious about what's going to happen in a couple of years,when Obamacare isn't repealed as promised (trust me: it won't be repealed), and when all of the investigations Issa and Bachmann promise turn up absolute squat. I'd love to see how Foxy News spins all this...
Hang on, Ladies and Gents. The ride is about to get very interesting.
>>I'm not surprised, not in the slightest;
>>The record amounts spent by the Brothers Koch, Newt's organizations, et. al. are a pauper's pittance compared to what is going to be spent in 2012. My advice - find the remaining progressive legislators such as Bernie Sanders and Dennis Kucinich, and start donating to their reelection campaigns now. You better believe these guys are going to have HUGE targets on them for the next election cycle, and they need to marshall their resources for the upcoming cash tsunami;
>>To Russ Feingold and Alan Grayson: thank you for your service and for standing for progressive principles loudly, forcefully, and unashamedly - even in the face of defeat. I hope you guys stay active in politics, because I sense we will be needing your voices again very soon;
>>Obama's biggest problem: He's an enlightened man in an unenlightened time, and gives the citizens of this country more credit than they deserve;
>>That the country will undoubtedly veer further to the right is not a surprise to me at all - it's still a shock to many in this country, especially of the Caucasian persuasion, that a black man actually won the White House. You bet this election was in part an expression of that ugly thread in our nation's fabric;
>>Progressives are going to have to face something very uncomfortable: we are outnumbered, and that as much as I hate to admit it, the MSM is right about one thing - the USA is, and in fact always has been, a center-right country. The only time we have ventured into progressivism of any type was when we needed bailing out (see: New Deal), and then, only when there was a benefit to the elites - the preservation of the existing social and economic order.
>>If the Rand Pauls get their way and our economy needs to be "rebooted" with a dose of the "Shock Therapy" described by Naomi Klein's masterpiece - and expect to hear talk like that within the coming weeks - then the resultant economic hardship (ask the Chileans) might be the only thing that breaks us of our economic "Stockholm Syndrome" (as a recent Thom Hartmann caller described it);
>>Expecting a healthy dose of hippie-punching in this election's aftermath? How 'bout an MMA-style pummeling. And since so much of progressive media is on the Internet and not found on MSM, I can only wonder about how much push or care will be given to the issue of net neutrality by the remaining Dems in the House/Senate.
>>On the inevitable touchdown dances and crowing and all the rest of the on-and-on from Foxy Noise and the rest of 'em - my solution: I'll be taking a media "holiday" of at least one week, so I don't have to be subjected to it.
>>Last, but not least: I'm curious about what's going to happen in a couple of years,when Obamacare isn't repealed as promised (trust me: it won't be repealed), and when all of the investigations Issa and Bachmann promise turn up absolute squat. I'd love to see how Foxy News spins all this...
Hang on, Ladies and Gents. The ride is about to get very interesting.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Ch-Ch-Changes...
...said the author of the previously blogged-about Jean Genie.
A couple of announcements for you. First, within the next couple of weeks, I'll have a couple of fresh, new posts in a new, travel-oriented blog, beyondhighway99. You'll see the link for the new blog in a couple of weeks - I've had a hankering to get out of Dodge/Chevy/Ford for quite a while, so I figure I'll have a few stories/recommendations to pass on.
Next, especially as it dovetails nicely into my previous announcement. Who/what exactly is this Bollzilla-character? Besides being my blog handle, it is also the name of my beloved motorcycle - a recent-model Japanese-built V-Twin. That's all I'll say about it for now, save that you'll be reading about it often in the beyond-99 blog, and occasionally, here.
I'll have more to say in the run-up to next Fateful Tuesday. Stay tuned.
A couple of announcements for you. First, within the next couple of weeks, I'll have a couple of fresh, new posts in a new, travel-oriented blog, beyondhighway99. You'll see the link for the new blog in a couple of weeks - I've had a hankering to get out of Dodge/Chevy/Ford for quite a while, so I figure I'll have a few stories/recommendations to pass on.
Next, especially as it dovetails nicely into my previous announcement. Who/what exactly is this Bollzilla-character? Besides being my blog handle, it is also the name of my beloved motorcycle - a recent-model Japanese-built V-Twin. That's all I'll say about it for now, save that you'll be reading about it often in the beyond-99 blog, and occasionally, here.
I'll have more to say in the run-up to next Fateful Tuesday. Stay tuned.
Monday, October 25, 2010
On Abortion...
Below is Part 1 of The Assassination of Dr. Tiller, on The Rachel Maddow Show.:
Here is the link to Rachel's site, for the remaining show segments.
I was raised a Roman Catholic, and my first exposure to the abortion issue came through homilies and activities conducted around the time of the Roe V. Wade decision. I remember the bumper stickers - “Adoption, Not Abortion”, and “Abortion is Killing”. My views were fairly “pro-life” through most of my earlier school years. The seeds of my “liberation” from Catholic dogma, and it’s uncompromising “pro-life” stance, were actually planted during my early high school years, but began to really blossom in college. That was when I began to see organized religion as a means of controlling people and populations, and not as much a vehicle of spirituality. Thus, I began to see the abortion issue differently - a woman’s sovereignty over her body and whether/when she decides to bring new life onto the planet.
This issue is like an octopus - a large central body, with many tentacles touching many other issues: economic, social, male-female societal roles, etc. Probably more than any other, it pointed to the inherent flaws of a male-dominant culture and society, especially one like ours which prides itself on “individual freedom” and “personal responsibility”. Individual freedom - except for the pregnant woman? Personal responsibility - save for the man who impregnated her? Whose freedom is it, anyway? And whose responsibility? Something is backwards in this equation.
As a man, I cannot fully understand what a woman goes through during pregnancy, childbirth, and even after or before. To put bluntly, I don’t have the “equipment”, so I don’t deal with all of the physical/emotional/mental changes that women go through, either pregnant or not, and I don‘t have to deal with the societal expectations put on women, especially when the culture is still as male-dominated as it is.
The best I can do is to listen, observe, and do my best to provide compassion and support when needed.
So here’s what I would tell the Operation Rescue-types: if you want to reduce the number of abortions...
Then MEN need to start having more responsibility over their own sexuality, and need to be encouraged to do so:
MEN need to be willing and able to say no to sex when the opportunity arises, and the men of our society need to stop thinking of their fellow men as less than men when they do say no;
MEN need to practice safe sex - condoms, etc., - if they do engage in sexual activity;
MEN need to be detached from the expectations set by our society and media, as seen in magazines such as Maxim, GQ, Playboy, and the rest;
MEN need to stop thinking of the sex act as a power play over another human being - this dynamic of sex-as-power is a toxic one, and volumes have been written and documented about it;
MEN need to set the example for our young, that men control their sexual desire and instincts - whereas the neighborhood dog is controlled by his.
Perhaps this list is too tall an order for our society right now. I know that in some circles, the above notions would seem like unintentionally high comedy. But imagine how fewer women would be confronted with what I can only imagine as an awful decision, if a few more men would reign in their instincts. If this mindset were more commonplace, then perhaps Dr. Tiller (and those assassinated prior to him) would still be alive today, practicing in other fields of medicine.
You say you believe in personal responsibility and individual freedom? Try keeping the zipper up a bit more. It will guarantee you and the one you say you love, both. You guys will thank yourselves later.
And she will, too.
Here is the link to Rachel's site, for the remaining show segments.
I was raised a Roman Catholic, and my first exposure to the abortion issue came through homilies and activities conducted around the time of the Roe V. Wade decision. I remember the bumper stickers - “Adoption, Not Abortion”, and “Abortion is Killing”. My views were fairly “pro-life” through most of my earlier school years. The seeds of my “liberation” from Catholic dogma, and it’s uncompromising “pro-life” stance, were actually planted during my early high school years, but began to really blossom in college. That was when I began to see organized religion as a means of controlling people and populations, and not as much a vehicle of spirituality. Thus, I began to see the abortion issue differently - a woman’s sovereignty over her body and whether/when she decides to bring new life onto the planet.
This issue is like an octopus - a large central body, with many tentacles touching many other issues: economic, social, male-female societal roles, etc. Probably more than any other, it pointed to the inherent flaws of a male-dominant culture and society, especially one like ours which prides itself on “individual freedom” and “personal responsibility”. Individual freedom - except for the pregnant woman? Personal responsibility - save for the man who impregnated her? Whose freedom is it, anyway? And whose responsibility? Something is backwards in this equation.
As a man, I cannot fully understand what a woman goes through during pregnancy, childbirth, and even after or before. To put bluntly, I don’t have the “equipment”, so I don’t deal with all of the physical/emotional/mental changes that women go through, either pregnant or not, and I don‘t have to deal with the societal expectations put on women, especially when the culture is still as male-dominated as it is.
The best I can do is to listen, observe, and do my best to provide compassion and support when needed.
So here’s what I would tell the Operation Rescue-types: if you want to reduce the number of abortions...
Then MEN need to start having more responsibility over their own sexuality, and need to be encouraged to do so:
MEN need to be willing and able to say no to sex when the opportunity arises, and the men of our society need to stop thinking of their fellow men as less than men when they do say no;
MEN need to practice safe sex - condoms, etc., - if they do engage in sexual activity;
MEN need to be detached from the expectations set by our society and media, as seen in magazines such as Maxim, GQ, Playboy, and the rest;
MEN need to stop thinking of the sex act as a power play over another human being - this dynamic of sex-as-power is a toxic one, and volumes have been written and documented about it;
MEN need to set the example for our young, that men control their sexual desire and instincts - whereas the neighborhood dog is controlled by his.
Perhaps this list is too tall an order for our society right now. I know that in some circles, the above notions would seem like unintentionally high comedy. But imagine how fewer women would be confronted with what I can only imagine as an awful decision, if a few more men would reign in their instincts. If this mindset were more commonplace, then perhaps Dr. Tiller (and those assassinated prior to him) would still be alive today, practicing in other fields of medicine.
You say you believe in personal responsibility and individual freedom? Try keeping the zipper up a bit more. It will guarantee you and the one you say you love, both. You guys will thank yourselves later.
And she will, too.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
More Powerful Nightmares...
In the spirit of All Hallows' Eve, here are the remaining two links for the BBC's The Power Of Nightmares:
Hour 2:
Hour 3:
For maximum effect, watch these just before bedtime.
Hour 2:
Hour 3:
For maximum effect, watch these just before bedtime.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wes Craven Couldn't Make This Stuff Up...
...because unfortunately, The Power Of Nightmares describes our reality now, and becoming increasingly calcified into our collective consciousness.
The neoconservative BS this film refers to has been brewing for over 60 years - going back to Leo Strauss at the University of Chicago and even beforehand. "Noble Lies", indeed.
There are three parts to this film, all one hour each and no commercials to get in the way - after all, this is the BBC. If you have the time, check each one out.
The neoconservative BS this film refers to has been brewing for over 60 years - going back to Leo Strauss at the University of Chicago and even beforehand. "Noble Lies", indeed.
There are three parts to this film, all one hour each and no commercials to get in the way - after all, this is the BBC. If you have the time, check each one out.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
When a Blowhole Immolates...
In case you missed this gem from last night's Maddow, here is the challenger to Peter DiFazio in Oregon, Art Robinson, trying to run against...Rachel Maddow.
All he had to do was answer just one of her questions. Instead, he filibusters, treating the show like his own, free TV ad. He also lies, unashamedly, about quotes from his own newsletter which Rachel points out to him during the interview. At times like this, I sometimes wonder why Rachel even bothers with these people, knowing that this is the treatment she and her viewers are going to get.
This type of behavior seems to be increasingly common among those on the right, especially the tea partiers. Assume that the press is your enemy and treat them as such, unless they lob you softball questions and "be the candidate's friend", much as Sharron Angle would like the press to be. They just can't handle it when anyone in the media doesn't act like their lapdog - another example being the recent Lawrence O'Donnell interview with Michael Steele.
I can only hope that there are enough Dems and moderate, non-teabagging Repubs who watched this debacle and are motivated enough to keep this blowhole out of DiFazio's seat.
All he had to do was answer just one of her questions. Instead, he filibusters, treating the show like his own, free TV ad. He also lies, unashamedly, about quotes from his own newsletter which Rachel points out to him during the interview. At times like this, I sometimes wonder why Rachel even bothers with these people, knowing that this is the treatment she and her viewers are going to get.
This type of behavior seems to be increasingly common among those on the right, especially the tea partiers. Assume that the press is your enemy and treat them as such, unless they lob you softball questions and "be the candidate's friend", much as Sharron Angle would like the press to be. They just can't handle it when anyone in the media doesn't act like their lapdog - another example being the recent Lawrence O'Donnell interview with Michael Steele.
I can only hope that there are enough Dems and moderate, non-teabagging Repubs who watched this debacle and are motivated enough to keep this blowhole out of DiFazio's seat.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
On the recent Minnesota raids...
Here is the link to the video containing the reaction to this bit of Gestapo-US-Style activity brought to us by our Hope and Change administration's FBI. Here is some additional information on what went down over the last 48 hours. The press conference is here:
The scary part of all this, besides what is described by the participants, is the reference to the alleged ties to "terrorist" organizations. "Terrorist" - by whose definition? And what criteria is being used to define a "terrorist" organization?
This reeks of pure, simple intimidation. Those that really run this country are trying to nip any type of perceived unrest in the bud, especially in light of the increasingly unpopular Afghanistan war.
I'll look into this further and see if there are any links to their respective organizations, or to any legal defense fund. This whole situation carries that characteristic scent of FBI-deposited bullshit.
UPDATE: Paul Craig Roberts had this to say about these incidents and their larger implications. Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the Police State Of America.
UPDATE: The RNC 8 Defense Committee accepts donations for a legal defense fund for those involved in the raids and other police "actions" related to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Here is the link.
The scary part of all this, besides what is described by the participants, is the reference to the alleged ties to "terrorist" organizations. "Terrorist" - by whose definition? And what criteria is being used to define a "terrorist" organization?
This reeks of pure, simple intimidation. Those that really run this country are trying to nip any type of perceived unrest in the bud, especially in light of the increasingly unpopular Afghanistan war.
I'll look into this further and see if there are any links to their respective organizations, or to any legal defense fund. This whole situation carries that characteristic scent of FBI-deposited bullshit.
UPDATE: Paul Craig Roberts had this to say about these incidents and their larger implications. Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the Police State Of America.
UPDATE: The RNC 8 Defense Committee accepts donations for a legal defense fund for those involved in the raids and other police "actions" related to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Here is the link.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Quibbles and Bits, Volume 1
Some bite-sized morsels, juicy and/or crunchy depending on your disposition and mood:
>Thom Hartmann, heard on over 100 terrestrial stations and on three TV networks, is moving his show to our nation’s Capitol, effective 10/1. He joins Randi Rhodes and Bill Press in taking up residence in the Belly of the Beasts, with all of the media advantages such as increased access to the news and the power players that entails. Portland’s loss is Washington’s gain - all the best of luck to Thom and Louise, and I intend to keep listening;
>The White House is starting to roll out some ads and doing some campaigning, finally, on the benefits of the admittedly flawed health care bill. To think that there are some so-called Dems who are actually running against this bill - perhaps it’s because of the backwardness of their constituents, perhaps because of their own backwardness, whatever it is - how do you run against banning these profit-off-your-pain corporopaths from imposing lifetime limits, from rescission, from many of the other goodies that just took effect today? At least the president did something about it, he and those with the modicum of political courage it took to pass it;
>The White House has given far too much credit to the American People at large, for not seeing through the Fox News BS and the ultimate effect it will have on the upcoming election. There are a lot of good people in very tight races, and now down to the wire. All this, and the monetary nuclear blasts from the corporate donors haven’t even started yet. An interesting time, the upcoming five weeks.
Wake up, people.
>Thom Hartmann, heard on over 100 terrestrial stations and on three TV networks, is moving his show to our nation’s Capitol, effective 10/1. He joins Randi Rhodes and Bill Press in taking up residence in the Belly of the Beasts, with all of the media advantages such as increased access to the news and the power players that entails. Portland’s loss is Washington’s gain - all the best of luck to Thom and Louise, and I intend to keep listening;
>The White House is starting to roll out some ads and doing some campaigning, finally, on the benefits of the admittedly flawed health care bill. To think that there are some so-called Dems who are actually running against this bill - perhaps it’s because of the backwardness of their constituents, perhaps because of their own backwardness, whatever it is - how do you run against banning these profit-off-your-pain corporopaths from imposing lifetime limits, from rescission, from many of the other goodies that just took effect today? At least the president did something about it, he and those with the modicum of political courage it took to pass it;
>The White House has given far too much credit to the American People at large, for not seeing through the Fox News BS and the ultimate effect it will have on the upcoming election. There are a lot of good people in very tight races, and now down to the wire. All this, and the monetary nuclear blasts from the corporate donors haven’t even started yet. An interesting time, the upcoming five weeks.
Wake up, people.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Leggo the Bego
Cenk Uygur, of the Young Turks, had this debate with conservative columnist David Bego regarding Obama's recent recess appointment to the NLRB.
Let's just say, I'm glad it's Cenk doing these debates and not me. I've seen Cenk go off on some of his guests when he recently did some fill-in work at MSNBC, and I'm surprised and somewhat impressed that he kept his cool in this one. Mr. Bego is one of the smoothest-talking, most condescending neo-con BSers I've heard in recent months, and how he can slowly, calmly, evenly shovel the condescension and crap Cenk's (and our) way is something to behold.
You can see the devices Mr. Bego uses - the use of anecdotal evidence is one of them, as he uses his own stories as a business owner and the expectation that those stories are a microcosm of what is happening around the country. He also talks to Cenk almost as a father would talk to an unruly child with ADHD, completely disrespecting the intelligence of Cenk and his viewers in such a calm, even tone. I guess that to neocons of Bego's ilk, it's how it's said that carries more weight than what is said. And it's his seeming expectation that Cenk (and the listeners/viewers) should take what Bego says as gospel that really irritated me. I wanted to throw my computer out of my window after listening to Bego.
As I said, I'm glad it's Cenk, not me.
Let's just say, I'm glad it's Cenk doing these debates and not me. I've seen Cenk go off on some of his guests when he recently did some fill-in work at MSNBC, and I'm surprised and somewhat impressed that he kept his cool in this one. Mr. Bego is one of the smoothest-talking, most condescending neo-con BSers I've heard in recent months, and how he can slowly, calmly, evenly shovel the condescension and crap Cenk's (and our) way is something to behold.
You can see the devices Mr. Bego uses - the use of anecdotal evidence is one of them, as he uses his own stories as a business owner and the expectation that those stories are a microcosm of what is happening around the country. He also talks to Cenk almost as a father would talk to an unruly child with ADHD, completely disrespecting the intelligence of Cenk and his viewers in such a calm, even tone. I guess that to neocons of Bego's ilk, it's how it's said that carries more weight than what is said. And it's his seeming expectation that Cenk (and the listeners/viewers) should take what Bego says as gospel that really irritated me. I wanted to throw my computer out of my window after listening to Bego.
As I said, I'm glad it's Cenk, not me.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Carlin's Stuff
I've been on a George Carlin kick lately. His routines and social commentary are just as funny and relevant today as they were when they were first performed, some of them over forty years ago. You can view his HBO specials (for free, no less), here.
I mention this in order to draw attention to his 1999 special, You Are All Diseased. In the second half of the show, he goes into advertising (the infamous Advertising Lullabye), then expands into what America does best - and what best describes my general attitude towards the mass media and advertising in general. I'll leave it to you to figure out what that is - just click the link above.
As far as I'm concerned, George Carlin is still THE MAN.
May he rest in peace.
I mention this in order to draw attention to his 1999 special, You Are All Diseased. In the second half of the show, he goes into advertising (the infamous Advertising Lullabye), then expands into what America does best - and what best describes my general attitude towards the mass media and advertising in general. I'll leave it to you to figure out what that is - just click the link above.
As far as I'm concerned, George Carlin is still THE MAN.
May he rest in peace.
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Password Is..."Certainty"
I used to be a game show fiend, back in the early 70s and not long out of diapers. Concentration, Split-Second, Jeopardy (with Art Fleming), the Pyramid incarnations, The Price is Right ("Barker's Beauties" and all), and Password were among the many offerings in which I indulged my developing brain. Over the last several days, in fact months, I've been reminded of Alan Ludden's show as one particular word keeps getting repeated over the commercial airwaves and cable bandwidth on the news shows, whenever a Repub or a business suit is on the air - imagine the whispering voice:
"The Password Is...Certainty".
I most recently heard this word from the frontal orifice of John McCain (R-Sellout), on one of the Sunday bobble-head bonanzas. He was repeating the mantra that businesses are looking for certainty from the government, especially as it related to regulations.
Here, I imagine Mr. Ludden having the celebrities switch sides on the TV set (which was the custom on the show), and introducing a new password...(here comes the whisper):
"The Password Is...Certainty".
I most recently heard this word from the frontal orifice of John McCain (R-Sellout), on one of the Sunday bobble-head bonanzas. He was repeating the mantra that businesses are looking for certainty from the government, especially as it related to regulations.
Here, I imagine Mr. Ludden having the celebrities switch sides on the TV set (which was the custom on the show), and introducing a new password...(here comes the whisper):
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Rede von Peak Oil
The German military, according to Raw Story, is now apparently hip to the peak oil dilemma.
They apparently acknowledge the far-reaching consequences of this realization - increasing fuel prices making transportation of goods and people ever more expensive, creating extensive economic disruption.
Free markets and globalization - brought to you by Milton Friedman and Petroleum.
When the oil gets more expensive and harder to draw from the ground (or the Alberta Tar Sands), the already deadly scramble for the scraps will become ever more bloody - which might lead populations to question the validity of the entire market-based economic philosophy championed by or influenced by Friedman and his disciples in high places. This questioning may lead to a return to trade barriers and tariffs -a Friedmanist nightmare, but if you are in a desert searching for the nearest water source, would you spend time pondering and experimenting with the theory that if you get a shovel and dig far enough, that water will magically sprout from the dead earth under you? I'll take my chances with the search (and perhaps, the nearest cactus).
From a trade and economic standpoint, the biggest lesson here is: "Free Trade" is an oxymoron. Someone or something is going to pay, and in the corporatocracy's insatiable desire to externalize expenses for the sake of "fiduciary responsibility", we know who and what that is going to be. Look no further than the recent BP gulf disaster.
They apparently acknowledge the far-reaching consequences of this realization - increasing fuel prices making transportation of goods and people ever more expensive, creating extensive economic disruption.
Free markets and globalization - brought to you by Milton Friedman and Petroleum.
When the oil gets more expensive and harder to draw from the ground (or the Alberta Tar Sands), the already deadly scramble for the scraps will become ever more bloody - which might lead populations to question the validity of the entire market-based economic philosophy championed by or influenced by Friedman and his disciples in high places. This questioning may lead to a return to trade barriers and tariffs -a Friedmanist nightmare, but if you are in a desert searching for the nearest water source, would you spend time pondering and experimenting with the theory that if you get a shovel and dig far enough, that water will magically sprout from the dead earth under you? I'll take my chances with the search (and perhaps, the nearest cactus).
From a trade and economic standpoint, the biggest lesson here is: "Free Trade" is an oxymoron. Someone or something is going to pay, and in the corporatocracy's insatiable desire to externalize expenses for the sake of "fiduciary responsibility", we know who and what that is going to be. Look no further than the recent BP gulf disaster.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Keeping It Lit
I won’t go into too much detail about the likelihood that the Dems will lose at least the House in this election cycle. Knowing how much money that Newt, Karl and their cronies are planning to drop on media advertising between today and Election Day, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit. And we can grouse about how un-progressive many of the Dem lawmakers are until we’re blue in the face - it’s their lack of progressiveness that will be their likely undoing, though I wouldn’t expect them to gather that as the lesson here, knowing how money flows in DC.
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Glen Beckie
I admit to being a fan of Cinematic Titanic and Rifftrax, the two projects spawned by the former members and brain trust of MST3K. With that in mind, next time you're bored and need a twisted laugh, try this:
If you have a recording of David Bowie's The Jean Genie, try playing it while you watch any number of the youtube videos of the Glen Beckie's oh-so-awe-inspiring speech this last Saturday.
Or for that matter, have it on in the background whenever the Glen Beckie, he of the golden shit shovel, appears on the tube or the speakers in any capacity.
I won't link any of the videos for either, the reasons being - in the case of Mr. Bowie's song, respect for the copyrights of his song - and in the case of the Glen Beckie...respect? Are you kidding me?
If you have a recording of David Bowie's The Jean Genie, try playing it while you watch any number of the youtube videos of the Glen Beckie's oh-so-awe-inspiring speech this last Saturday.
Or for that matter, have it on in the background whenever the Glen Beckie, he of the golden shit shovel, appears on the tube or the speakers in any capacity.
I won't link any of the videos for either, the reasons being - in the case of Mr. Bowie's song, respect for the copyrights of his song - and in the case of the Glen Beckie...respect? Are you kidding me?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Whose expense is it, anyway?
Yes, yes, I know. I'm on a business trip out of state. But I just couldn't resist after seeing this Dean Baker article in the Huffington Post. You can thank Paul Rosenberg at Open Left for turning me on to it here.
The livelihoods of, essentially, all of us who aren't in the upper 2% of income earners are but mere expenses to those above that threshold, and must therefore be cut/reduced/"externalized". One can never accuse our elites of farsighted thinking - for them to project their collective thought process beyond the next quarterly earnings statement, or their own noses for that matter, would be a victory unto itself.
Here is an argument where the tables can, and should, be turned - loudly and forcefully. Their "upper 2%" lifestyles and incomes are expenses to those of us below that threshold - insurance company executives with billion-dollar golden parachutes, the bonuses for the bankers whose decisions played a significant role in the economic crisis were in now, and on, and on, and on. This goes to the messaging issue that the Left (and those that put on the costume of the Left around election time) has had for decades - whether we like it or not, we're going to have to learn some of the same messaging techniques that the Right has used to get and maintain power. The right can do the bumper-sticker sloganeering like nobody's business - and we're going to have to get a lot better at it. Thom Hartmann is one of the few media personalities on the Left that consistently address this issue - I'd like to see more doing the same.
And don't expect those we elect to pay much heed to the issue or to us save for lip service - they don't work for us, so why should they?
The livelihoods of, essentially, all of us who aren't in the upper 2% of income earners are but mere expenses to those above that threshold, and must therefore be cut/reduced/"externalized". One can never accuse our elites of farsighted thinking - for them to project their collective thought process beyond the next quarterly earnings statement, or their own noses for that matter, would be a victory unto itself.
Here is an argument where the tables can, and should, be turned - loudly and forcefully. Their "upper 2%" lifestyles and incomes are expenses to those of us below that threshold - insurance company executives with billion-dollar golden parachutes, the bonuses for the bankers whose decisions played a significant role in the economic crisis were in now, and on, and on, and on. This goes to the messaging issue that the Left (and those that put on the costume of the Left around election time) has had for decades - whether we like it or not, we're going to have to learn some of the same messaging techniques that the Right has used to get and maintain power. The right can do the bumper-sticker sloganeering like nobody's business - and we're going to have to get a lot better at it. Thom Hartmann is one of the few media personalities on the Left that consistently address this issue - I'd like to see more doing the same.
And don't expect those we elect to pay much heed to the issue or to us save for lip service - they don't work for us, so why should they?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Out
This blog's name beast has flown out for the week in business-related travel, to return next Monday.
See you then.
See you then.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Changing Of The Brand...
It's common practice among businesses that every so often, their logo/trademark/slogan get's a bold, fresh update. Pepsi is a recent example, with it's logo redesign (an ooooo-glay looking one, in my opinion). I won't bore you with the others - we see 'em all around us all the time.
What does this have to do with our combat troops saying Sayonara to Iraq?
That's what this is, and that's all this is. A Changing Of The Brand.
We still have 50,000 soldiers there doing "advisory" work for the Iraq defense forces (read: maintaining our hold over the oil fields and an embassy bigger than the Vatican). We aren't ever getting out of Iraq - the location is too strategic, say the neocons - we can project power in the area and further protect Israel.
How much longer can we afford it? The neocons are the first to bitch about the national debt and unfunded mandates. Our military adventures, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, are the biggest unfunded mandates in history, since so much of the funding is off-budget.
Stay tuned.
What does this have to do with our combat troops saying Sayonara to Iraq?
That's what this is, and that's all this is. A Changing Of The Brand.
We still have 50,000 soldiers there doing "advisory" work for the Iraq defense forces (read: maintaining our hold over the oil fields and an embassy bigger than the Vatican). We aren't ever getting out of Iraq - the location is too strategic, say the neocons - we can project power in the area and further protect Israel.
How much longer can we afford it? The neocons are the first to bitch about the national debt and unfunded mandates. Our military adventures, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, are the biggest unfunded mandates in history, since so much of the funding is off-budget.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Weekend Zeitgeist
I spent the majority of this last weekend viewing the films Zeitgeist and Zeitgeist:Addendum. (You can check out the full-length features here, and for free, no less).
My Impression? They certainly provoke thought, and the first installment is probably best viewed with lights on and awareness of who/what is in your house, as it gets disturbing at times. Director Peter Joseph, who narrated as well as wrote the film and the music score, displays a very keen sense of the emotional impact of images, sounds, and the impact they have in the right places at the right times.
My Impression? They certainly provoke thought, and the first installment is probably best viewed with lights on and awareness of who/what is in your house, as it gets disturbing at times. Director Peter Joseph, who narrated as well as wrote the film and the music score, displays a very keen sense of the emotional impact of images, sounds, and the impact they have in the right places at the right times.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Jobs, Jobs, JOBS
Bob Burnett's missive in the Huffington Post neatly sums up what is up with the economy, from a 50,000 foot level, and how to address it.
The roots can be traced back to Ronnie-Baby and his Milton Friedman-influenced "The Government that Governs Best Governs Least" bullcrap. Burnett is right-on when he mentions that the market follows the path of least resistance - which leave greed as the sole governor of the flow of dollars in an unregulated environment.
And "Trickle Down"? When companies are hoarding cash the way they are, due to "instability in the market" (read: Obama in the White House, Democrats in charge of both chambers, greater regulation), I sure don't see much trickling down. An ever-increasing number of "plebs" are holding out their cups and have our umbrellas ready for the trickling-down - but not a cloud of green in the sky.
Obama talked about change coming from the bottom-up. I wonder if he means this in an economic sense - because he's got a whole lot of Friedmanists within his inner circle.
The roots can be traced back to Ronnie-Baby and his Milton Friedman-influenced "The Government that Governs Best Governs Least" bullcrap. Burnett is right-on when he mentions that the market follows the path of least resistance - which leave greed as the sole governor of the flow of dollars in an unregulated environment.
And "Trickle Down"? When companies are hoarding cash the way they are, due to "instability in the market" (read: Obama in the White House, Democrats in charge of both chambers, greater regulation), I sure don't see much trickling down. An ever-increasing number of "plebs" are holding out their cups and have our umbrellas ready for the trickling-down - but not a cloud of green in the sky.
Obama talked about change coming from the bottom-up. I wonder if he means this in an economic sense - because he's got a whole lot of Friedmanists within his inner circle.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Net Neutrality...
You don't need me to tell you what an equalizer the internet is. It's the only way that everyday people can get their message out to the masses without needing to spend the volumes of cash available to the "real owners" of this country, as George Carlin described them.
This tiered-service-arrangment proposal by Google and Verizon fits the classic definition of pure, unadulterated BS.
Check out http://www.savetheinternet.com/.
This tiered-service-arrangment proposal by Google and Verizon fits the classic definition of pure, unadulterated BS.
Check out http://www.savetheinternet.com/.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Mid-Week Mayhem
Rachel Maddow dedicated the lion's share of her show tonight to the long-overdue repeal of DADT. Here is the end-cap commentary:
The people being kicked out are exactly the types of people that we, as voters, taxpayers, and citizens, should want in leadership positions in our armed forces. They've proven they can shoot straight, and then some. So why should we GIVE A RAT'S PATOOTY re: whether or not they ARE straight?
On another note, in the same video appears Gibby, seeming to reiterate his position about how unappreciated his adminstration is among those of us on the left. He admitted since that he watches too much cable.
You should get out more, Gibby.
This taking of the left for granted among this adminstration is yet another arguement against the two-party system. We're stuck, for the time, with centrists who pay lip service, good and bad, to the left - because these centrists know just how awful the alternative is.
Gibb's squalking could be seen as an indicator of one good thing - it shows they're feeling the pressure. It shows they aren't too comfortable - they shouldn't be.
The people being kicked out are exactly the types of people that we, as voters, taxpayers, and citizens, should want in leadership positions in our armed forces. They've proven they can shoot straight, and then some. So why should we GIVE A RAT'S PATOOTY re: whether or not they ARE straight?
On another note, in the same video appears Gibby, seeming to reiterate his position about how unappreciated his adminstration is among those of us on the left. He admitted since that he watches too much cable.
You should get out more, Gibby.
This taking of the left for granted among this adminstration is yet another arguement against the two-party system. We're stuck, for the time, with centrists who pay lip service, good and bad, to the left - because these centrists know just how awful the alternative is.
Gibb's squalking could be seen as an indicator of one good thing - it shows they're feeling the pressure. It shows they aren't too comfortable - they shouldn't be.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Gravel and Grovel
Paul Krugman, in the NYT, had this to say about the deteriorating infrastructure in this country.
This is what happens after having Ronniebaby's infamous tagline, "Government isn't the solution to our problems. Government is the problem", drummed into our collective consciousness for thirty years. That, and having the word "TAX" turned into a reflexive dog-whistle word for about the same time period.
I think it's generally accepted that none of this was an accident - the right wing knows their propaganda and the techniques needed to catapult it, and they've had the machine to do it for a looooong time. I'm not just talking about TV/Radio/Internet - remember William Randolph Hearst - "Remember The Maine!"?
The use of the media for propaganda purposes, especially as it's practice by Foxy Noise, is but a means to an end. We know the means all too well, but what's the endgame, especially as it relates to regraveling roads, turning off street lights, selling off police helicopters, etc.?
Here's where Naomi Klein's classic The Shock Doctrine comes in. (You will be seeing me referring to this book often in the coming weeks and months. I highly recommend that you read it, and then read it again, even with it's 600 page length.) What she describes in that book, is being played out right now in the scenarios Krugman describes: Let the present, government-built-and-supported infrastructure crumble so it can be sold off into private hands at fire-sale prices. Shrink the government to bathtub-size, and the vacuum left over will be magically filled by opportunity-seeking entrepreneurs. Imagine - private police force, private fire, private street cleaners and park workers, private...everything. And private enterprise will always do a better job than government in administering the commons - or so say the Friedmanists.
This "private is better than government" philosophy would make sense if you believe everybody is motivated by the same thing - "enlightened self-interest", or as I would call it, greed. And this is one area where Friedmanism falls apart, in my opinion. The idea of people being motivated by a sense of public service, of something other than the self-centered pursuit of wealth, does not compute with the economic models created by Milton and the Boys at the University of Chicago all those many years ago, and that the Repubs and "centrist" Dems (BTW, I think Obama has been imbibing this spiked Kool-Aid lately) are trying to impose on the country now.
What does it say about our society that we would allow our roads, bridges, and such to fall into such disrepair, all because we were unwilling to put up the cash necessary to pay for them? That we were so mesmerized by the big, stinking pile of "rugged individualist" guano that we failed to see that we are also parts of a larger whole, and need to contribute to that whole if we are to survive individually?
What gets me, though, is that this was not mere negligence. This was intentional. And we need to wake up to that fact - these are our roads, our bridges, our waterways, etc. WE THE PEOPLE own them - and WE should own them, not the profiteers.
I've got more on this, to be posted later.
This is what happens after having Ronniebaby's infamous tagline, "Government isn't the solution to our problems. Government is the problem", drummed into our collective consciousness for thirty years. That, and having the word "TAX" turned into a reflexive dog-whistle word for about the same time period.
I think it's generally accepted that none of this was an accident - the right wing knows their propaganda and the techniques needed to catapult it, and they've had the machine to do it for a looooong time. I'm not just talking about TV/Radio/Internet - remember William Randolph Hearst - "Remember The Maine!"?
The use of the media for propaganda purposes, especially as it's practice by Foxy Noise, is but a means to an end. We know the means all too well, but what's the endgame, especially as it relates to regraveling roads, turning off street lights, selling off police helicopters, etc.?
Here's where Naomi Klein's classic The Shock Doctrine comes in. (You will be seeing me referring to this book often in the coming weeks and months. I highly recommend that you read it, and then read it again, even with it's 600 page length.) What she describes in that book, is being played out right now in the scenarios Krugman describes: Let the present, government-built-and-supported infrastructure crumble so it can be sold off into private hands at fire-sale prices. Shrink the government to bathtub-size, and the vacuum left over will be magically filled by opportunity-seeking entrepreneurs. Imagine - private police force, private fire, private street cleaners and park workers, private...everything. And private enterprise will always do a better job than government in administering the commons - or so say the Friedmanists.
This "private is better than government" philosophy would make sense if you believe everybody is motivated by the same thing - "enlightened self-interest", or as I would call it, greed. And this is one area where Friedmanism falls apart, in my opinion. The idea of people being motivated by a sense of public service, of something other than the self-centered pursuit of wealth, does not compute with the economic models created by Milton and the Boys at the University of Chicago all those many years ago, and that the Repubs and "centrist" Dems (BTW, I think Obama has been imbibing this spiked Kool-Aid lately) are trying to impose on the country now.
What does it say about our society that we would allow our roads, bridges, and such to fall into such disrepair, all because we were unwilling to put up the cash necessary to pay for them? That we were so mesmerized by the big, stinking pile of "rugged individualist" guano that we failed to see that we are also parts of a larger whole, and need to contribute to that whole if we are to survive individually?
What gets me, though, is that this was not mere negligence. This was intentional. And we need to wake up to that fact - these are our roads, our bridges, our waterways, etc. WE THE PEOPLE own them - and WE should own them, not the profiteers.
I've got more on this, to be posted later.
...getting richer, Mr. Gibbs...
Here's a riddle - what could the realpolitik possibly be regarding Mr. Gibb’s idiotic comments earlier today (see previous post)? Perhaps the White House is trying to appear moderate to conservatives and independents by throwing those damned liberal progressives (of which I’m one) under the proverbial bus. Perhaps they’re trying to “reign in” the “extreme elements” of the left lest we get the idea of taking over the Democratic Party, much as the Tea Party has taken over the Repubs.
Geez, this is just the thing to do to rally a dispirited left wing - alienate them even more.
John Amato at Crook and Liars has more on this idiot, and the honorable way for him to handle the aftermath.
Geez, this is just the thing to do to rally a dispirited left wing - alienate them even more.
John Amato at Crook and Liars has more on this idiot, and the honorable way for him to handle the aftermath.
This is rich...
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/113431-white-house-unloads-on-professional-left
Don't they remember who put them in office in the first place? A lot of hard work, money, and time put in by those on the so-called "professional left".
And Obama is baffled? Does he think that the Bill Clinton model still works with the shitstorm we're in now?
Message to Obama - we already had a Clinton. NAFTA, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and other pro-corporate legislation were all courtesy of Bubba.
We Don't Need Another Clinton. We Need an FDR.
Don't they remember who put them in office in the first place? A lot of hard work, money, and time put in by those on the so-called "professional left".
And Obama is baffled? Does he think that the Bill Clinton model still works with the shitstorm we're in now?
Message to Obama - we already had a Clinton. NAFTA, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and other pro-corporate legislation were all courtesy of Bubba.
We Don't Need Another Clinton. We Need an FDR.
The First Of....???
Ahhhh, the big mystery.
And I'm probably the last person in the world to know how long this here "blogging" thing will last with me, or you the reader. So I'll keep this post short and to the point.
This is the first post of the new Bollzilla blog. I, your not-always-humble and not-always-obedient servant, will publish as the need or desire arises, at least initially. The blog will take shape "on the fly", with me flinging topics at the screen to see what sticks.
So stay tuned.
And I'm probably the last person in the world to know how long this here "blogging" thing will last with me, or you the reader. So I'll keep this post short and to the point.
This is the first post of the new Bollzilla blog. I, your not-always-humble and not-always-obedient servant, will publish as the need or desire arises, at least initially. The blog will take shape "on the fly", with me flinging topics at the screen to see what sticks.
So stay tuned.
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