It is important that people, including prisoners, not be given preferential treatment because they happen to adhere to a particular Christian view of the world. But, by the same token, it is important that people not be deprived of their right to worship as they believe because they are in prison. Americans United for Separation of Church and State:
"...lauded a federal judge's ruling that its lawsuit against a faith-based prison ministry program may proceed to trial.
In 2003, Americans United brought suit in a U.S. District Court in Iowa, arguing that the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) was violating the separation of church and state by promoting an evangelical Christian prison ministry program called InnerChange Freedom Initiative.
In its lawsuit, Americans United argued that the program, which receives state funds, indoctrinates participants in religion and that inmates choosing to enter the program receive benefits not provided to those who do not. InnerChange was created and is operated by Charles Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministries.
This is important because history tells us that more people (American Indians and Muslims) have been discriminated against in prison than white Christians have been favored by the prison administrators.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
Bush gives networks sweeps dilemma
According to the NYT Bush nearly wasn't covered live by networks:
"For all the networks, the very selection of last night by the White House, regardless of the time, posed a dilemma. It was first night of the so-called May sweeps period, one of three main times in the year in which network ratings are closely tracked, with an eye on setting advertising rates for the next year.
"It was that timing, as much as the White House suggestion that Mr. Bush had no major announcement to make, that gave the networks pause about going live, several executives said.
********************
"Nowhere was the choice more complicated than at NBC, [where Bush went up against Trump] which is fighting mightily to avoid ending the television season that began last fall ranked fourth, at least in terms of viewers ages 18 to 49."
"For all the networks, the very selection of last night by the White House, regardless of the time, posed a dilemma. It was first night of the so-called May sweeps period, one of three main times in the year in which network ratings are closely tracked, with an eye on setting advertising rates for the next year.
"It was that timing, as much as the White House suggestion that Mr. Bush had no major announcement to make, that gave the networks pause about going live, several executives said.
********************
"Nowhere was the choice more complicated than at NBC, [where Bush went up against Trump] which is fighting mightily to avoid ending the television season that began last fall ranked fourth, at least in terms of viewers ages 18 to 49."
Mainstream media covers for Bush
Media Matters for America blog offers a useful critique of the mainstream press coverage of Bush's press conference comments on social security:
"One day after President Bush's April 28 press conference, the 10 largest U.S. newspapers obscured the full impact of Bush's proposed cuts in Social Security benefits. While some articles failed to note that the proposal would drastically cut benefits for lower-middle-income workers and not just for the wealthy, others neglected to describe the changes as cuts at all, instead repeating the Republican talking point that they would merely slow the rate of growth in benefits. The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press even falsely reported that low-income workers would receive greater benefits under the Bush plan than under current law."
"One day after President Bush's April 28 press conference, the 10 largest U.S. newspapers obscured the full impact of Bush's proposed cuts in Social Security benefits. While some articles failed to note that the proposal would drastically cut benefits for lower-middle-income workers and not just for the wealthy, others neglected to describe the changes as cuts at all, instead repeating the Republican talking point that they would merely slow the rate of growth in benefits. The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press even falsely reported that low-income workers would receive greater benefits under the Bush plan than under current law."
Defeat right-wing judges
From MoveOn:
"Yesterday was an incredible day. Over 15,000 MoveOn members came together and spoke out at 192 'Rallies to Stop the Judicial Takeover' – all organized in less than a week by other MoveOn members in all 50 states. The Washington, D.C. event featured a stirring address by former Vice President Al Gore.
It was the culmination of 10 days of intense action to save our courts – and it was a huge success. Two weeks ago, it seemed virtually certain that we would wake up today to find Bill Frist and the radical Republicans pulling the trigger on their "nuclear" scheme to stack the courts. Instead, today Frist is scrambling for more time and grasping for more votes, while national polls show two thirds of the country solidly against him [1].
"While we celebrate our progress, we must remember the fight is far from over. The key to victory is to keep our momentum going and our visibility high – we've got to keep them on the run."
"Yesterday was an incredible day. Over 15,000 MoveOn members came together and spoke out at 192 'Rallies to Stop the Judicial Takeover' – all organized in less than a week by other MoveOn members in all 50 states. The Washington, D.C. event featured a stirring address by former Vice President Al Gore.
It was the culmination of 10 days of intense action to save our courts – and it was a huge success. Two weeks ago, it seemed virtually certain that we would wake up today to find Bill Frist and the radical Republicans pulling the trigger on their "nuclear" scheme to stack the courts. Instead, today Frist is scrambling for more time and grasping for more votes, while national polls show two thirds of the country solidly against him [1].
"While we celebrate our progress, we must remember the fight is far from over. The key to victory is to keep our momentum going and our visibility high – we've got to keep them on the run."
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Defeat the judicial takeover by the right-wing
More from MoveOn:
As soon as tomorrow, a few radical Republican leaders will move to break the rules of the Senate, seize absolute power over judicial appointments, and stack the courts with extreme judges.
Whether they succeed could depend on Senator Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania. If you know any Pennsylvania residents, can you ask them to call Senator Specter?
These judges would serve for life, threatening the protection of our environment, our right to privacy, and even basic workers' rights like minimum wage and the 40-hour work week. Senator Specter is under intense pressure from the Republican leadership and needs to hear from constituents right away.
Below is information to help Pennsylvania residents make these crucial calls:
Sen. Arlen Specter
DC Phone: 202-224-4254
You don't have to be an expert to call. Here's a simple script for Pennsylvania residents to follow:
Hello. I live in Pennsylvania, and I would like to urge Senator Specter to oppose the "nuclear option" to eliminate the right to filibuster judicial nominations. I believe in fair judges, and checks and balances. Thank you very much.
Then tell us you've called:
http://www.moveonpac.org/0408/?user_state=PA
As soon as tomorrow, a few radical Republican leaders will move to break the rules of the Senate, seize absolute power over judicial appointments, and stack the courts with extreme judges.
Whether they succeed could depend on Senator Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania. If you know any Pennsylvania residents, can you ask them to call Senator Specter?
These judges would serve for life, threatening the protection of our environment, our right to privacy, and even basic workers' rights like minimum wage and the 40-hour work week. Senator Specter is under intense pressure from the Republican leadership and needs to hear from constituents right away.
Below is information to help Pennsylvania residents make these crucial calls:
Sen. Arlen Specter
DC Phone: 202-224-4254
You don't have to be an expert to call. Here's a simple script for Pennsylvania residents to follow:
Hello. I live in Pennsylvania, and I would like to urge Senator Specter to oppose the "nuclear option" to eliminate the right to filibuster judicial nominations. I believe in fair judges, and checks and balances. Thank you very much.
Then tell us you've called:
http://www.moveonpac.org/0408/?user_state=PA
May 1st demo
12:00 noon - ABOLITION NOW!
Peace and disarmament protest
on the eve of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Conference at the United Nations.
Remarks by
Daniel Ellsberg and Helen Caldicott
musical performances by
Tim Reynolds, Antibalas and Emma’s Revolution.
Demonstration will commence at 50th Street and First Avenue with
a march to the UN, through midtown and entering
Central Park at Seventh Avenue.
The rally at the Hecksher Ballfields [between 59th and 65th Streets] in Central
Park will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Peace and disarmament protest
on the eve of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Conference at the United Nations.
Remarks by
Daniel Ellsberg and Helen Caldicott
musical performances by
Tim Reynolds, Antibalas and Emma’s Revolution.
Demonstration will commence at 50th Street and First Avenue with
a march to the UN, through midtown and entering
Central Park at Seventh Avenue.
The rally at the Hecksher Ballfields [between 59th and 65th Streets] in Central
Park will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Brecht Forum schedule:Sat. April 30
While preparing for the May 1st demo why not check out the Brecht Forum:
Saturday, April 30
8:30 pm
Neues Kabarett
Burton Greene / Roy Campbell Quartet & Tom Abbs Group
8:30 pm - Tom Abbs & Frequency Response
9:30 pm - Burton Greene / Roy Campbell Quartet record release celebration for “Isms Out”
In addition to celebrating The Brecht Forum's new space and the re-opening of this wonderful music series, Neues Kabarett is delighted to host the release of the Burton Greene / Roy Campbell Quartet’s new CD, “Isms Out” on CIMP Records. In addition to Greene and Campbell on piano and trumpet, the group features Lou Grassi on drums and Adam Lane on bass.
Tom Abbs & Frequency Response features Abbs on bass, tuba dijeridoo and violin, joined by Brian Settles (tenor sax), Jean Cook (violin), Okkyung Lee (cello) and Chad Taylor (drums and vibes).
Neues Kabarett’s 2005 season is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, through the Fund for Creative Communities of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
Admission: $10
451 West Street, New York, NY 10014 - mail@brechtforum
Saturday, April 30
8:30 pm
Neues Kabarett
Burton Greene / Roy Campbell Quartet & Tom Abbs Group
8:30 pm - Tom Abbs & Frequency Response
9:30 pm - Burton Greene / Roy Campbell Quartet record release celebration for “Isms Out”
In addition to celebrating The Brecht Forum's new space and the re-opening of this wonderful music series, Neues Kabarett is delighted to host the release of the Burton Greene / Roy Campbell Quartet’s new CD, “Isms Out” on CIMP Records. In addition to Greene and Campbell on piano and trumpet, the group features Lou Grassi on drums and Adam Lane on bass.
Tom Abbs & Frequency Response features Abbs on bass, tuba dijeridoo and violin, joined by Brian Settles (tenor sax), Jean Cook (violin), Okkyung Lee (cello) and Chad Taylor (drums and vibes).
Neues Kabarett’s 2005 season is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, through the Fund for Creative Communities of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
Admission: $10
451 West Street, New York, NY 10014 - mail@brechtforum
Rallies against the judicial takeover
MoveOn sent this latest note:
The rallies [against the judicial takeover by Republicans] are still going on in some places, but it's already clear they've been a major success. Thousands of MoveOn members have come together in (at last count) 192 rallies in all 50 states -- dramatically exceeding our expectations. In Washington, DC, Vice President Al Gore offered a stirring defense of American Democracy and bipartisanship to hundreds of MoveOn members, in a speech covered by most major networks and CSPAN (tomorrow, we'll tell you more about this). Great job!
The rallies [against the judicial takeover by Republicans] are still going on in some places, but it's already clear they've been a major success. Thousands of MoveOn members have come together in (at last count) 192 rallies in all 50 states -- dramatically exceeding our expectations. In Washington, DC, Vice President Al Gore offered a stirring defense of American Democracy and bipartisanship to hundreds of MoveOn members, in a speech covered by most major networks and CSPAN (tomorrow, we'll tell you more about this). Great job!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Bernie Sanders on "free trade"
Bernie Sanders is running for the Senate seat in Vermont being vacated by Jeffords. Here's some of what Sanders recently said about "free trade."
"Despite its name, Free Trade is anything but free. It is costing millions of American workers their jobs and lowering the wages and benefits for everyone else. In the past three years, the U.S. has lost 2.7 million manufacturing jobs - that 16% of the total. This brings the number of manufacturing jobs down to the level we had in 1958. At the same time, major U.S. corporations like IBM, General Motors, Honeywell and others are investing billions and billions in manufacturing facilities in China."
******************
"Even service jobs are being exported. Many call center jobs have been moved to India. And press reports indicate that the credit bureaus are subcontracting some of their operations to countries beyond the reach of U.S. laws that protect your privacy or your identity from identity theft. Some experts predict that over the next 15 years, 3.3 million U.S. service industry jobs will be sent overseas."
"Despite its name, Free Trade is anything but free. It is costing millions of American workers their jobs and lowering the wages and benefits for everyone else. In the past three years, the U.S. has lost 2.7 million manufacturing jobs - that 16% of the total. This brings the number of manufacturing jobs down to the level we had in 1958. At the same time, major U.S. corporations like IBM, General Motors, Honeywell and others are investing billions and billions in manufacturing facilities in China."
******************
"Even service jobs are being exported. Many call center jobs have been moved to India. And press reports indicate that the credit bureaus are subcontracting some of their operations to countries beyond the reach of U.S. laws that protect your privacy or your identity from identity theft. Some experts predict that over the next 15 years, 3.3 million U.S. service industry jobs will be sent overseas."
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Wages fell in '04
According to Greg Greene (Blog for America)
Even though the economy added 2.2 million jobs in 2004 and produced strong growth in corporate profits, wages for the average worker fell for the year, after adjusting for inflation — the first such drop in nearly a decade.
Even though the economy added 2.2 million jobs in 2004 and produced strong growth in corporate profits, wages for the average worker fell for the year, after adjusting for inflation — the first such drop in nearly a decade.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Rallys to stop right-wing Judicial Takeover
Rally to Stop the Judicial Takeover
COALITION FOR A FAIR AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
Any day now, radical Republicans are hoping to seize absolute power to appoint Supreme Court justices who favor right-wing, corporate interests over the rest of us. To do it, Vice President Cheney and Senate Republican leader Bill Frist are threatening to use what they call the "nuclear option"—a parliamentary maneuver to overturn the 200-year-old tradition that all judges have broad support in Congress.
MoveOn PAC and our partners in the Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary are organizing a massive national wave of protest to stop them,
culminating with emergency rallies across the country on Wednesday, April 27, at 5 PM (or earlier in a few cities).
Rally to Stop the Judicial Takeover
Abraham Ribicoff Federal Building
Hartford CT 06115
Asa Packer Park, center of Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe PA 18229
Rally at Packer Park across from the County Courthouse in the center of Jim Thorpe.
Bergen County - Stop the Judicial Takeover
Bergen County Justice Center - Courthouse Steps
Hackensack NJ 07601
April 27th Stop the Judicial Takeover Rally
Stamford, CT Superior Courthouse
Stamford CT 06905
27 Apr
12:00 Philadelphia Rally to Stop Judicial Takeover
Green Federal Courthouse, on 6th Street, between Market and Arch
Philadelphia PA 19106
Trenton District Court Rally
Trenton Distric Court
Trenton NJ 08608
NYC RALLY - PERMIT PENDING
Sign up and we'll send you location info
New York NY 10003
We're still nailing down the location in Manhattan but there will be a rally
sign up and well email you the info, or check back here on Monday.
COALITION FOR A FAIR AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
Any day now, radical Republicans are hoping to seize absolute power to appoint Supreme Court justices who favor right-wing, corporate interests over the rest of us. To do it, Vice President Cheney and Senate Republican leader Bill Frist are threatening to use what they call the "nuclear option"—a parliamentary maneuver to overturn the 200-year-old tradition that all judges have broad support in Congress.
MoveOn PAC and our partners in the Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary are organizing a massive national wave of protest to stop them,
culminating with emergency rallies across the country on Wednesday, April 27, at 5 PM (or earlier in a few cities).
Rally to Stop the Judicial Takeover
Abraham Ribicoff Federal Building
Hartford CT 06115
Asa Packer Park, center of Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe PA 18229
Rally at Packer Park across from the County Courthouse in the center of Jim Thorpe.
Bergen County - Stop the Judicial Takeover
Bergen County Justice Center - Courthouse Steps
Hackensack NJ 07601
April 27th Stop the Judicial Takeover Rally
Stamford, CT Superior Courthouse
Stamford CT 06905
27 Apr
12:00 Philadelphia Rally to Stop Judicial Takeover
Green Federal Courthouse, on 6th Street, between Market and Arch
Philadelphia PA 19106
Trenton District Court Rally
Trenton Distric Court
Trenton NJ 08608
NYC RALLY - PERMIT PENDING
Sign up and we'll send you location info
New York NY 10003
We're still nailing down the location in Manhattan but there will be a rally
sign up and well email you the info, or check back here on Monday.
Amy Goodman "Un-embed the Media" Tour
UN-EMBED THE MEDIA! TOUR
Amy goodman has started her 50-city tour, Un-Embed the Media!, in celebration of
Pacifica Radio, community media, and the paperback release of The
Exception to the Rulers.
More information for each event is below and at www.democracynow.org..
TONIGHT: Apr 22: Claremont, Glendale and Berkeley, CA
Apr 23: San Francisco, CA and Ashland, OR
Apr 24: Los Angeles, CA
Apr 26: St. Louis, MO
Apr 27: Montclair, NJ
Apr 28: New York, NY
Apr 29: Tucson, AZ
Apr 30: Scottsdale and Flagstaff, AZ
* Amy Goodman in New York, NY: Thur, Apr 28 *
TIME: 2-4 PM
Student Journalism in a Time of War
New School University
Tischman Auditorium
66 West 12th Street
Free and open to the public
For more information, email inprint@newschool.edu
Amy goodman has started her 50-city tour, Un-Embed the Media!, in celebration of
Pacifica Radio, community media, and the paperback release of The
Exception to the Rulers.
More information for each event is below and at www.democracynow.org..
TONIGHT: Apr 22: Claremont, Glendale and Berkeley, CA
Apr 23: San Francisco, CA and Ashland, OR
Apr 24: Los Angeles, CA
Apr 26: St. Louis, MO
Apr 27: Montclair, NJ
Apr 28: New York, NY
Apr 29: Tucson, AZ
Apr 30: Scottsdale and Flagstaff, AZ
* Amy Goodman in New York, NY: Thur, Apr 28 *
TIME: 2-4 PM
Student Journalism in a Time of War
New School University
Tischman Auditorium
66 West 12th Street
Free and open to the public
For more information, email inprint@newschool.edu
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Cindy Adams on U.S. foreign policy
On Tuesday gossip columnist Cindy Adams had this note in her NYP column:
A Kissingerism: "It's a foregone conclusion that we will also go to war in Iran."
We were just wondering if Henry calls her after talking with Karl Rove.
A Kissingerism: "It's a foregone conclusion that we will also go to war in Iran."
We were just wondering if Henry calls her after talking with Karl Rove.
Chelsea stands up against the war
Dear Chelsea Neighbor,
1. "Chelsea Stands Up Against The War" will take place each and every Tuesday evening from 6pm-7pm as long as the war continues beginning May 10th on the northwest corner of 8th avenue and 24th streets.
2. Tabling will begin this Saturday April 23rd from 12 noon to 2pm in front of the Gristedes Supermarket on the west side of 8th avenue between 21st and 22 streets. There will be one hours shifts, 12-1 and 1-2. We hope to have three people for each shift. If you would like to participate this weekend there is still an opening for one person for each shift. Please reply via email or call 212-726-1385 and leave a message.
For further information please contact:
Chelsea Neighbors United To End The War
P.O. Box 821
JAF Station
New York, NY 10116-0821
212-726-1385
1. "Chelsea Stands Up Against The War" will take place each and every Tuesday evening from 6pm-7pm as long as the war continues beginning May 10th on the northwest corner of 8th avenue and 24th streets.
2. Tabling will begin this Saturday April 23rd from 12 noon to 2pm in front of the Gristedes Supermarket on the west side of 8th avenue between 21st and 22 streets. There will be one hours shifts, 12-1 and 1-2. We hope to have three people for each shift. If you would like to participate this weekend there is still an opening for one person for each shift. Please reply via email or call 212-726-1385 and leave a message.
For further information please contact:
Chelsea Neighbors United To End The War
P.O. Box 821
JAF Station
New York, NY 10116-0821
212-726-1385
May 1 March & Rally
MOMENTUM BUILDING FOR SUNDAY, MAY 1: END THE WAR! ABOLISH NUKES!
March and Rally Against the Iraq War & for Nuclear Disarmament
Assemble 11AM, 1st Ave North of 50th Street, NYC
March by the United Nations
Rally 2PM at Heckscher Ballfields in Central Park
============================================
**Join us in New York City for a major peace demonstration on the day before the
U.N. reviews the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty -- a treaty the Bush
Administration is threatening to undermine, as part of its larger
empire-building agenda.**
Sunday, May 1, 2005
NO WAR, NO NUKES!
End the War in Iraq: Bring Our Troops Home Now
Fund Essential Programs at Home, Not War Abroad
Abolish All Nuclear Weapons Worldwide
============================================
Around the country and around the world, momentum for the mobilization on May 1
is building! In addition to delegations from peace and disarmament movements in
scores of countries, we have learned that at least 1,000 people from Japan will
be marching with us. Survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki 60 years ago will be part of this group. As the only people on earth to
have lived through the nightmare of nuclear explosions, these "hibakusha" are
actively leading the global struggle for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.
At the same time, the daily reality of death and destruction in Iraq continues,
sparked by the Bush administration's invasion and fueled by the ongoing U.S.
military occupation. A majority of people in this nation now oppose the war, but
the White House and most members of Congress are resisting the only solution to
the crisis: bring the troops home immediately. We need to be out in the streets
sending a loud and clear message to decision-makers and the public at large: End
the war in Iraq! Iraq veterans, veterans of other wars, and military families
will join us in New York City for the May 1 march and rally.
While the rally program is still being put together, we are pleased to announce
several confirmed speakers and musicians: the mayors of both Hiroshima and
Nagasaki, Daniel Ellsberg, Dr. Helen Caldicott, ex-CIA agent Roy McGovern and
ex-State Dept. official Ann Wright, representatives from the Marshall Islands
and impacted communities in this country, Tim Reynolds (guitarist from the Dave
Matthews Band), Antibalas, Japanese drummers, Emma's Revolution...and others.
Buses are coming from throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England areas, and
from as far away as Kansas City.
In the metropolitan NYC area groups are out
leafleting, postering, and helping to organize for what promises to be a
powerful day. For the first time, our movement is explicitly linking the demand
to end the war in Iraq with the call for complete nuclear disarmament!
Check the UFPJ web site for more details and for regular updates, leaflets you
can download and other organizing materials.
May 1 is just 11 days away, but in that time we can still reach many more
people! Help make the march and rally on Sunday, May 1 the strongest statement
possible.
March and Rally Against the Iraq War & for Nuclear Disarmament
Assemble 11AM, 1st Ave North of 50th Street, NYC
March by the United Nations
Rally 2PM at Heckscher Ballfields in Central Park
============================================
**Join us in New York City for a major peace demonstration on the day before the
U.N. reviews the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty -- a treaty the Bush
Administration is threatening to undermine, as part of its larger
empire-building agenda.**
Sunday, May 1, 2005
NO WAR, NO NUKES!
End the War in Iraq: Bring Our Troops Home Now
Fund Essential Programs at Home, Not War Abroad
Abolish All Nuclear Weapons Worldwide
============================================
Around the country and around the world, momentum for the mobilization on May 1
is building! In addition to delegations from peace and disarmament movements in
scores of countries, we have learned that at least 1,000 people from Japan will
be marching with us. Survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki 60 years ago will be part of this group. As the only people on earth to
have lived through the nightmare of nuclear explosions, these "hibakusha" are
actively leading the global struggle for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.
At the same time, the daily reality of death and destruction in Iraq continues,
sparked by the Bush administration's invasion and fueled by the ongoing U.S.
military occupation. A majority of people in this nation now oppose the war, but
the White House and most members of Congress are resisting the only solution to
the crisis: bring the troops home immediately. We need to be out in the streets
sending a loud and clear message to decision-makers and the public at large: End
the war in Iraq! Iraq veterans, veterans of other wars, and military families
will join us in New York City for the May 1 march and rally.
While the rally program is still being put together, we are pleased to announce
several confirmed speakers and musicians: the mayors of both Hiroshima and
Nagasaki, Daniel Ellsberg, Dr. Helen Caldicott, ex-CIA agent Roy McGovern and
ex-State Dept. official Ann Wright, representatives from the Marshall Islands
and impacted communities in this country, Tim Reynolds (guitarist from the Dave
Matthews Band), Antibalas, Japanese drummers, Emma's Revolution...and others.
Buses are coming from throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England areas, and
from as far away as Kansas City.
In the metropolitan NYC area groups are out
leafleting, postering, and helping to organize for what promises to be a
powerful day. For the first time, our movement is explicitly linking the demand
to end the war in Iraq with the call for complete nuclear disarmament!
Check the UFPJ web site for more details and for regular updates, leaflets you
can download and other organizing materials.
May 1 is just 11 days away, but in that time we can still reach many more
people! Help make the march and rally on Sunday, May 1 the strongest statement
possible.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Can he fill the "Shoes of the Fisherman?"
Well the Catholic Church has a new leader. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger is now Pope Benedict XVI. What does this mean?
"One of his first campaigns was against liberation theology, which had gained ground among priests in Latin America and elsewhere as a means of involving the Church in social activism and human rights issues.
He has described homosexuality as a 'tendency' towards an 'intrinsic moral evil'. During the US election campaign, he called for pro-choice politicians to be denied Communion. [But not those who went against church teachings against the Iraq war]
He has also argued that Turkey should not be admitted into the European Union." (BBC)
He will most likely continue to carry the water for the right-wing.
"Ratzinger, a staunch conservative dubbed 'God's Rottweiler,' has said he joined the Hitler Youth when membership became compulsory. He and his brother were later drafted but deserted. The cardinal claims he never fired a shot and that resistance would have meant death.
"Not so, Germans from his hometown of Traunstein told The Times of London.
"'It was possible to resist, and those people set an example for others,' recalled Elizabeth Lohner, 84. 'The Ratzingers were young — and they had made a different choice.'" (NYP)
Again not exactly the most principled choice.
Certainly Kos is right that calling him a Nazi today is counter-productive. But to ignore his history is also foolish. It doesn't bode well for the role of the Catholic Church in today's world.
Perhaps he can grow into the "shoes of the fisherman," but the past doesn't portend greatness.
"One of his first campaigns was against liberation theology, which had gained ground among priests in Latin America and elsewhere as a means of involving the Church in social activism and human rights issues.
He has described homosexuality as a 'tendency' towards an 'intrinsic moral evil'. During the US election campaign, he called for pro-choice politicians to be denied Communion. [But not those who went against church teachings against the Iraq war]
He has also argued that Turkey should not be admitted into the European Union." (BBC)
He will most likely continue to carry the water for the right-wing.
"Ratzinger, a staunch conservative dubbed 'God's Rottweiler,' has said he joined the Hitler Youth when membership became compulsory. He and his brother were later drafted but deserted. The cardinal claims he never fired a shot and that resistance would have meant death.
"Not so, Germans from his hometown of Traunstein told The Times of London.
"'It was possible to resist, and those people set an example for others,' recalled Elizabeth Lohner, 84. 'The Ratzingers were young — and they had made a different choice.'" (NYP)
Again not exactly the most principled choice.
Certainly Kos is right that calling him a Nazi today is counter-productive. But to ignore his history is also foolish. It doesn't bode well for the role of the Catholic Church in today's world.
Perhaps he can grow into the "shoes of the fisherman," but the past doesn't portend greatness.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Comment on Daily Kos: shut Dean up and let Terri Schiavo rest in peace
I would like to comment on a Daily Kos post. If,as the LAT reported:
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean [actually] said Friday that his party would wield the Terri Schiavo case against Republicans in the 2006 and 2008 elections, but for now needed to stay focused battling President Bush on Social Security.
"We're going to use Terri Schiavo later on," Dean said of the brain-damaged Floridian who died last month after her feeding tube was removed amid a swarm of political controversy."
Then I can only say that the Democrats (not entirely unexpectedly) are simply no better than the Republicans, like Tom DeLay, who tried to use Terri Schiavo. Schiavo was a tragic victim of circumstances and should be left to rest respectfully in peace.
By the same token, anyone like Terry Schmidt, spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, who says the Republicans (from Bush/Rove down to DeLay, etc.) didn't try to use Terri Schiavo politically ("Terri Schiavo was never about partisan politicking but instead about a woman's life.") is either overwhelmingly naive or a liar.
My suggestion: shut Dean up and let the Republicans twist in the wind over the Schiavo case. She deserves better than this from all of us.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean [actually] said Friday that his party would wield the Terri Schiavo case against Republicans in the 2006 and 2008 elections, but for now needed to stay focused battling President Bush on Social Security.
"We're going to use Terri Schiavo later on," Dean said of the brain-damaged Floridian who died last month after her feeding tube was removed amid a swarm of political controversy."
Then I can only say that the Democrats (not entirely unexpectedly) are simply no better than the Republicans, like Tom DeLay, who tried to use Terri Schiavo. Schiavo was a tragic victim of circumstances and should be left to rest respectfully in peace.
By the same token, anyone like Terry Schmidt, spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, who says the Republicans (from Bush/Rove down to DeLay, etc.) didn't try to use Terri Schiavo politically ("Terri Schiavo was never about partisan politicking but instead about a woman's life.") is either overwhelmingly naive or a liar.
My suggestion: shut Dean up and let the Republicans twist in the wind over the Schiavo case. She deserves better than this from all of us.
Every puff of smoke
The speculation all over the media and their rush to cover every puff of smoke from the Vatican chimney has given me an idea.
The whole election should be on TV. Each day the Cardinals would vote out several of their body and the rest would do the same at the next vote. When it gets down to five Cardinals the others would all come back and get the number of eligibles down to one and send up the white smoke.
I know this is disrespectful to a process that means a great deal to many people (and for that I apologize) but the media speculation and general treatment of this election is equally disrespectful.
If you don't believe me, check out two recent articles in the N.Y. Post: "Nazi past haunting cardinal" and especially "Powwow for a new Pontiff." [Both in the April 17, 2005 issue).
The whole election should be on TV. Each day the Cardinals would vote out several of their body and the rest would do the same at the next vote. When it gets down to five Cardinals the others would all come back and get the number of eligibles down to one and send up the white smoke.
I know this is disrespectful to a process that means a great deal to many people (and for that I apologize) but the media speculation and general treatment of this election is equally disrespectful.
If you don't believe me, check out two recent articles in the N.Y. Post: "Nazi past haunting cardinal" and especially "Powwow for a new Pontiff." [Both in the April 17, 2005 issue).
Merle Haggard rambles in a new direction
In the mid-'60s, Merle Haggard wrote:
If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song that I'm singin' be a warning
When you're running down our country, man,
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me
He recently told David Hinckley (NYDN)"...we aren't the same America we were 35 years ago." According to Hinckley, Haggard says we've become "a country that's
afraid. And we've got a government using that fear to make us give up the freedoms the country was founded on.
"I see alot more government now in places it's never been and doesn't belong. We're fighting a war to bring freedom to others when we don't have our own freedoms in a first-class manner anymore." .... "How can anyone in their right mind say we're going in the right direction today?"
It's possible to still wish he hadn't felt the need to write those words in the '60s and even to disagree with the reasons we're fighting this war (in Iraq), but it's still good to welcome a recruit to the fold. Sometimes it takes time to fully get it.
Anyway, Haggard is appearing with Bob Dylan and Amos Lee at The New Jersey Performing arts Center tomorrow (4/19) and at New York's Beacon Theater April 25-26 and 28-30.
If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song that I'm singin' be a warning
When you're running down our country, man,
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me
He recently told David Hinckley (NYDN)"...we aren't the same America we were 35 years ago." According to Hinckley, Haggard says we've become "a country that's
afraid. And we've got a government using that fear to make us give up the freedoms the country was founded on.
"I see alot more government now in places it's never been and doesn't belong. We're fighting a war to bring freedom to others when we don't have our own freedoms in a first-class manner anymore." .... "How can anyone in their right mind say we're going in the right direction today?"
It's possible to still wish he hadn't felt the need to write those words in the '60s and even to disagree with the reasons we're fighting this war (in Iraq), but it's still good to welcome a recruit to the fold. Sometimes it takes time to fully get it.
Anyway, Haggard is appearing with Bob Dylan and Amos Lee at The New Jersey Performing arts Center tomorrow (4/19) and at New York's Beacon Theater April 25-26 and 28-30.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
May 1 March & Rally
May 1, 2005:
No More Nuclear Excuses for War!
MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION – MARCH AND RALLY IN NYC
*ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS
*U.S. OUT OF IRAQ – BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW
*NO WARS ON IRAN AND NORTH KOREA
NO NUKES! NO WARS!
END THE WAR IN IRAQ! BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!
ABOLISH ALL NUCLEAR WEAPONS WORLDWIDE!
NO MORE NUCLEAR EXCUSES FOR WAR!
In May, world leaders,
mayors and citizens from around the
world will converge on the United Nations
to decide the fate of the endangered
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
MARCH BY THE UNITED NATIONS
RALLY IN CENTRAL PARK
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2005
No More Nuclear Excuses for War!
MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION – MARCH AND RALLY IN NYC
*ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS
*U.S. OUT OF IRAQ – BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW
*NO WARS ON IRAN AND NORTH KOREA
NO NUKES! NO WARS!
END THE WAR IN IRAQ! BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!
ABOLISH ALL NUCLEAR WEAPONS WORLDWIDE!
NO MORE NUCLEAR EXCUSES FOR WAR!
In May, world leaders,
mayors and citizens from around the
world will converge on the United Nations
to decide the fate of the endangered
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
MARCH BY THE UNITED NATIONS
RALLY IN CENTRAL PARK
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2005
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Reform Jewish leader goes mano-a-mano with Sen. Bill Frist
Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism issued the following statement challenging Sen. Bill Frist's stated intention to participate in "Justice Sunday:"
"The news that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist plans to join a telecast whose organizing theme is that those who oppose some of President Bush’s judicial nominees are engaged in an assault on 'people of faith' is more than troubling; it is disingenuous, dangerous, and demagogic. We call on him to reconsider his decision to appear on the telecast and to forcefully disassociate himself from this outrageous claim." (for the full statement)
(Eschaton and Kos have also reported on Rabbi Saperstein's statement)
"The news that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist plans to join a telecast whose organizing theme is that those who oppose some of President Bush’s judicial nominees are engaged in an assault on 'people of faith' is more than troubling; it is disingenuous, dangerous, and demagogic. We call on him to reconsider his decision to appear on the telecast and to forcefully disassociate himself from this outrageous claim." (for the full statement)
(Eschaton and Kos have also reported on Rabbi Saperstein's statement)
Is the Bush administration covering up news management?
Although on the surface it looks like the FCC is actually doing something useful for a change instead of worrying about nipples and "dirty words," the NYT raises some serious questions about the agency's latest foray into government control of broadcasting. The NYT reports that
"the agency is reminding broadcasters that viewers are entitled under existing F.C.C. rules to know who seeks to persuade them. In a public notice Wednesday night, the commission said that broadcasters 'generally must clearly disclose to members of their audiences the nature, source and sponsorship of the material that they are viewing.' This requirement is strongest, the notice stated, when 'programming involves political material or the discussion of a controversial issue.'
"Yet while the notice appears to urge more vigorous disclosure, it also states that no disclosure is necessary when news segments are furnished to stations 'without charge or at a nominal charge.'
"Video news releases are customarily provided to news stations without charge."
In the same article the NYT also reports that "A California Democrat accused the Bush administration on Thursday of failing to cooperate fully with the inspector general at the Education Department in an investigation of the government's hiring of Armstrong Williams, a prominent conservative commentator, to promote the president's signature education legislation."
As usual, what the Bush administration giveth with one hand It taketh away with the other. Can anyone here say cover up?
"the agency is reminding broadcasters that viewers are entitled under existing F.C.C. rules to know who seeks to persuade them. In a public notice Wednesday night, the commission said that broadcasters 'generally must clearly disclose to members of their audiences the nature, source and sponsorship of the material that they are viewing.' This requirement is strongest, the notice stated, when 'programming involves political material or the discussion of a controversial issue.'
"Yet while the notice appears to urge more vigorous disclosure, it also states that no disclosure is necessary when news segments are furnished to stations 'without charge or at a nominal charge.'
"Video news releases are customarily provided to news stations without charge."
In the same article the NYT also reports that "A California Democrat accused the Bush administration on Thursday of failing to cooperate fully with the inspector general at the Education Department in an investigation of the government's hiring of Armstrong Williams, a prominent conservative commentator, to promote the president's signature education legislation."
As usual, what the Bush administration giveth with one hand It taketh away with the other. Can anyone here say cover up?
Friday, April 15, 2005
Majority of federal judges are Republican appointees
It might help if Sen. Majority Leader Bill Frist and Rep. Tom DeLay actually had a clue as to what they were talking about when they pontificate about the current state of the U.S. judiciary. According to CSM "Republican appointees now constitute a majority of judges on 10 of the nation's 13 federal appeals courts."
So, Dr. Frist, who did you say was "against people of faith?"
(Thanks to Greg Beato and Wonkette for pointing us to this article)
So, Dr. Frist, who did you say was "against people of faith?"
(Thanks to Greg Beato and Wonkette for pointing us to this article)
Sen. Bill Frist caters to extreme right-wing agenda
According to the NYT, following the lead of "Some of the nation's most influential evangelical Protestants ... including Dr. James C. Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family; Chuck Colson, the born-again Watergate figure and founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries; and Dr. Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary" "As the Senate heads toward a showdown over the rules governing judicial confirmations, Senator Bill Frist, the majority leader, has agreed to join...in a telecast portraying Democrats as 'against people of faith' for blocking President Bush's nominees."
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Note on San Diego photos
That's a taste of the San Diego photos. Lots more to come. Particularly those taken at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. But that's enough for tonight. Unless otherwise noted (like "inside Petco Park"), all the photos were taken by me.
New Point Loma Light
New Point Loma Light. This one is functioning. The Old Lighthouse is out of service
Petco Park: Home of the San Diego Padres
It used to be called Jack Murphy Stadium (Ann took this shot inside. She was at a party there)
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Gone fishing! Off to San Diego
We are headed to San Diego this AM and will be back Tuesday late.
Ann has some work related meetings and I'm going to shoot a couple of lighthouses and generally hang out.
We've never been to San Diego, so it should be an adventure.
If I can hook up with a web connection, I'll post from there. If not, I'll tell you about it when we get back, with photos I hope.
Anyway have a good weekend. Peace.
Ann has some work related meetings and I'm going to shoot a couple of lighthouses and generally hang out.
We've never been to San Diego, so it should be an adventure.
If I can hook up with a web connection, I'll post from there. If not, I'll tell you about it when we get back, with photos I hope.
Anyway have a good weekend. Peace.
Martha stop whining
Have you felt, at all, like I do that it would be wonderful if Martha Stewart would stop whining?
Martha you did the crime, now do the time and Shut up.
Martha you did the crime, now do the time and Shut up.
Fire Tom DeLay without delay
John Stewart suggested tonight (4/6) that the reason we rarely see Tom Delay in the daylight is that he might burn up.
But on a perhaps more serious note MoveOn is calling for the "firing" of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay:
"Republicans in Congress should fire Tom DeLay as Majority Leader because of repeated and flagrant ethical misconduct."
But on a perhaps more serious note MoveOn is calling for the "firing" of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay:
"Republicans in Congress should fire Tom DeLay as Majority Leader because of repeated and flagrant ethical misconduct."
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Are right-wing pundits losing it?
Is Bill O'Reilly is losing it? He recently said:
"...the philosophy of the ACLU is fairly consistent: The gratification of the individual is paramount. If a person wants to die, fine. If a woman wants to abort a fetus even after viability, no problem." (4/1/05)
Is there anyone who has ever had an abortion or accompanied a woman getting an abortion, who can possibly imagine that she is gratified by it?
In that same column O'Reilly says, ""The United States has become the most powerful and wealthiest country on earth because it combined freedom, discipline and a clear sense of right and wrong based on Judeo-Christian philosophy."
I would never have attributed the theft of land and resources from the American Indians, the kidnapping of Africans from their homelands and their enslavement here, and the exploitation of immigrant labor to enrich a few to Judeo-Christian philosophy, but Bill, if you say so, who am I to argue.
Now regarding the Pope, he says: [according to Think Progress]
“I do know that I’ve studied this pope as well as I’ve studied anybody. And I can’t find anything, anything that this guy didn’t walk the walk. You know, right down the line. Nobody’s perfect, but this guy was close in his personal behavior and the way he conducted himself.” (3/31/05)
O’Reilly has obviously forgotten some earlier things he said:
“John Paul has sent his emissary, Cardinal Pio Laghi, to tell President Bush that attacking Iraq would be ‘unjust’ and ‘immoral.’ That’s like sending Sister Mary Theresa to tell Eminem to stop cursing…Humanistically, [the pope] is one of the many Saddam enablers.” (3/15/03)
“I believe also that John Paul is naive and detached from reality. If America does not lead an attack on Iraq, once again, Saddam remains in power and is free to use his anthrax and other terrible weapons as he chooses. … Summing up, Jacques Chirac is our enemy, and the pope, well, I don’t know what to think.” (3/12/03)
“John Paul II recently came out and said that any war against Iraq would be ‘immoral.’ Back in the ’30s, Pope Pius XII actually supported Hitler politically, at least in the beginning of his rise when Pius was stationed in Germany.” (3/8/03)
While on the subject of the Pope,
Nico on Think Progress says:
"Conservatives are attaching themselves like barnacles to the legacy of Pope John Paul II, portraying him as an ideological soulmate of President Bush. Of course, they haven’t always felt that way – especially when the Pope was opposing the President’s policies. Here’s Sean Hannity, from January 2003:
COLMES: …And before you respond, let me just put up what the pope says.
“No to war,” says Pope John Paul II. “during his annual address to scores of diplomatic emissaries to the Vatican… ‘War is not always inevitable,’ he said. ‘It is always a defeat for humanity.’”
Are these a bunch of wild-eyed liberal loonies?
HANNITY: Yes."
Right-wing consistency seems when necessary to have turned into opportunistic inconsistency.
"...the philosophy of the ACLU is fairly consistent: The gratification of the individual is paramount. If a person wants to die, fine. If a woman wants to abort a fetus even after viability, no problem." (4/1/05)
Is there anyone who has ever had an abortion or accompanied a woman getting an abortion, who can possibly imagine that she is gratified by it?
In that same column O'Reilly says, ""The United States has become the most powerful and wealthiest country on earth because it combined freedom, discipline and a clear sense of right and wrong based on Judeo-Christian philosophy."
I would never have attributed the theft of land and resources from the American Indians, the kidnapping of Africans from their homelands and their enslavement here, and the exploitation of immigrant labor to enrich a few to Judeo-Christian philosophy, but Bill, if you say so, who am I to argue.
Now regarding the Pope, he says: [according to Think Progress]
“I do know that I’ve studied this pope as well as I’ve studied anybody. And I can’t find anything, anything that this guy didn’t walk the walk. You know, right down the line. Nobody’s perfect, but this guy was close in his personal behavior and the way he conducted himself.” (3/31/05)
O’Reilly has obviously forgotten some earlier things he said:
“John Paul has sent his emissary, Cardinal Pio Laghi, to tell President Bush that attacking Iraq would be ‘unjust’ and ‘immoral.’ That’s like sending Sister Mary Theresa to tell Eminem to stop cursing…Humanistically, [the pope] is one of the many Saddam enablers.” (3/15/03)
“I believe also that John Paul is naive and detached from reality. If America does not lead an attack on Iraq, once again, Saddam remains in power and is free to use his anthrax and other terrible weapons as he chooses. … Summing up, Jacques Chirac is our enemy, and the pope, well, I don’t know what to think.” (3/12/03)
“John Paul II recently came out and said that any war against Iraq would be ‘immoral.’ Back in the ’30s, Pope Pius XII actually supported Hitler politically, at least in the beginning of his rise when Pius was stationed in Germany.” (3/8/03)
While on the subject of the Pope,
Nico on Think Progress says:
"Conservatives are attaching themselves like barnacles to the legacy of Pope John Paul II, portraying him as an ideological soulmate of President Bush. Of course, they haven’t always felt that way – especially when the Pope was opposing the President’s policies. Here’s Sean Hannity, from January 2003:
COLMES: …And before you respond, let me just put up what the pope says.
“No to war,” says Pope John Paul II. “during his annual address to scores of diplomatic emissaries to the Vatican… ‘War is not always inevitable,’ he said. ‘It is always a defeat for humanity.’”
Are these a bunch of wild-eyed liberal loonies?
HANNITY: Yes."
Right-wing consistency seems when necessary to have turned into opportunistic inconsistency.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Bushies upset by "West Wing"
According to USNews.com Washington Whispers, the Bush people are upset with "West Wing" because of "Last month's West Wing episode in which the Alan Alda character blasted pols who use religion for political advantage."
Oh guys, did it strike to close to home?
Thanks to Wonkette's Gossip Roundup for pointing us to this story.
Oh guys, did it strike to close to home?
Thanks to Wonkette's Gossip Roundup for pointing us to this story.
"The Boondocks"on TV
So, for a change, here's some good news.
Aaron McGruder's great comic strip "The Boondocks" is coming to the Cartoon Network this Fall as part of the Adult Swim block.
Aaron McGruder's great comic strip "The Boondocks" is coming to the Cartoon Network this Fall as part of the Adult Swim block.
"Mayor Mike" hangs up on NYC parents
If you think that the Westside stadium boondoggle is the only situation in which "Mayor Mike" (as he now wants to be called) has ignored the people's voices, check this out:
The NYDN reports that parents have expressed concern about not being able to reach their children in an emergency. Lo and behold an actual member of the Bloomberg administration listened to these people. Schools Chancellor Joel Klein "told parents he was reviewing the the long-standing ban on cell phones."
Hearing this "Mayor Mike" had to put an immediate stop to any stirrings of democracy in New York City. He said that "he had already made up his own mind. He called cell phones a 'distraction' and said he will express his feelings to Klein--who," the Daily News points out, "works for the Mayor." What is Bloomberg's solution to the concerns expressed by the parents? According to the NYDN, "Mayor Mike" said "if parents are worried about getting in touch with their children.... ...they should call the parent coordinators who work at each school."
Can you imagine in a situation akin to Sept. 11 all the parents trying to reach their kids through one parent coordinator.
Hey "Mayor Mike," can you say: "out of touch?"
The NYDN reports that parents have expressed concern about not being able to reach their children in an emergency. Lo and behold an actual member of the Bloomberg administration listened to these people. Schools Chancellor Joel Klein "told parents he was reviewing the the long-standing ban on cell phones."
Hearing this "Mayor Mike" had to put an immediate stop to any stirrings of democracy in New York City. He said that "he had already made up his own mind. He called cell phones a 'distraction' and said he will express his feelings to Klein--who," the Daily News points out, "works for the Mayor." What is Bloomberg's solution to the concerns expressed by the parents? According to the NYDN, "Mayor Mike" said "if parents are worried about getting in touch with their children.... ...they should call the parent coordinators who work at each school."
Can you imagine in a situation akin to Sept. 11 all the parents trying to reach their kids through one parent coordinator.
Hey "Mayor Mike," can you say: "out of touch?"
Montauk Point Light, L.I., N.Y.
Montauk Point Light, L.I., N.Y.
One of my enthusiasms is shooting light houses.
Here's my most recent one.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
What era does the death of the Pope end?
I don't get it.
I have been watching the TV coverage of the death of the Pope and I want to know what era has ended.
When FDR died, when Churchill died, de Gaulle, When Martin Luther King died, when Nelson Mandela dies I can understand what "the end of an era" means; but this was the Pope. In a few weeks there will be another one. What did he do? What can a Pope do?
I'm not a Catholic and I can understand what the Pope's death means to Catholics, but why is it "the end of an era?" Why should it mean something to me? Except for the fact that anyone's death diminishes me, why is this death more important than the passing of any religious leader?
Ah, well. Sorry. I'm just ranting.
I have been watching the TV coverage of the death of the Pope and I want to know what era has ended.
When FDR died, when Churchill died, de Gaulle, When Martin Luther King died, when Nelson Mandela dies I can understand what "the end of an era" means; but this was the Pope. In a few weeks there will be another one. What did he do? What can a Pope do?
I'm not a Catholic and I can understand what the Pope's death means to Catholics, but why is it "the end of an era?" Why should it mean something to me? Except for the fact that anyone's death diminishes me, why is this death more important than the passing of any religious leader?
Ah, well. Sorry. I'm just ranting.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Media covers up Bush cover-up
Rahul Mahajan says on his blog Empire Notes:
"The 'Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction' has done reasonably well what it was created to do. Unfortunately, it was created to provide political cover for the Bush administration in the middle of a scandal that dwarfs Watergate, Iran-contra, and even Lewinsky-gate, but that, in contrast to those events, has led to no in-depth investigation, minimal television coverage, and hardly any calls for the heads responsible to roll." (For rest of article)
"The 'Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction' has done reasonably well what it was created to do. Unfortunately, it was created to provide political cover for the Bush administration in the middle of a scandal that dwarfs Watergate, Iran-contra, and even Lewinsky-gate, but that, in contrast to those events, has led to no in-depth investigation, minimal television coverage, and hardly any calls for the heads responsible to roll." (For rest of article)
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