African American Women Win Nothing With Obama
Father Michael Pfleger is just the newest example of how Obama judgment should be called into question. His sexist and racist comments were not taken out of context. There is no reasonable context that would justify them; the comments were hate filled not only of women but also indiscriminately of all white people. There are good and bad--wise and ignorant people in all religions, genders, and ethic backgrounds. To paint with broad strokes only reflects badly back on the speaker and has nothing to do with the subject of the discourse. Everyone sees the world through their own personal experience; our past colors the way we see the present and the future, leaving us all to see the world subjectively and in many cases unrealistically.
When I first saw Obama at the Democratic convention, I thought he was amazing. His speech showed a wise soul who wanted to be a positive force in the world. That person started the campaign; however, it has been a long time, since I saw him. He quickly changed into just another member of the good old boys club. The day after the West Virginia elections only confirmed how much he has changed. Showing up in Michigan with John Edwards was not a coincidence. It was a planned event to upstage Clinton's big win. It was their way of putting that uppity woman back in her place. Immediately, the media and the DNC jumped on Obama's bandwagon discounting both West Virginia and Kentucky’s over whelming support for Clinton and once again demanding that she concede the nomination. They continue to claim that Obama is the nominee without considering that the voters refuse to follow their lead.
While in previous elections DNC focused on the popular vote instead of the delegates, during the nomination process they have done just the opposite. The numbers have been manipulated on both sides, but none as great as those involving the popular vote. Michigan and Florida votes have been cast aside solely because of who would benefit from them. If Obama had been the beneficiary, there simply would never have been a question of those votes being included. Nor would the DNC or the media have started calling for the Obama to step aside when there was only a 26 delegate difference as the did to Clinton. Their gender bias has revealed how little respect there is for women. If the situation had been reverse, there would have been riots in the streets with claims of racial bigotry. Yet when it comes to gender, women are expected to shut up and do what they are told. How shocked they must have been when Clinton said no and to continued to fight. How dare that uppity woman!
What confuses me even more are the African American women who are Obama’s staunch supporters as if they will actually win something if he becomes President. No matter what color skin or ethic background, all women are seen the same. In 1870 15th Amendment to the Constitution granted voting rights to African American males only. African American women like all the other women didn’t get the right to make a difference until August 26, 1920 with the 19th Amendment. It took another fifty years for woman to achieve full citizenship under the constitution. So why are African American women celebrating Obama? They will gain nothing by his winning. However, since women’s glass ceiling is lower, Clinton’s winning will smash both and African American women will win twice.
Guilt by associate is not valid measuring stick in a single case. Everyone makes mistakes in their associations. It is not the individuals that need to be focused on, but the growing list of long term close associations that promote hatred, bigotry and fear among people. Pfleger is just the newest and clearest example of Obama mindset. His mocking of Clinton exposed is racism and gender hatred. It was more than a personal attack on Clinton, but an attack on women. He degraded all women without exception. Yet you see women in the congregation cheering him on. There is no all of anything when it comes to people. Whites are no more all bigots any more than African Americans are all the negative stereotypes. Any student of history will tell you that white women were just as much property of their husbands as the slave field hands. With very few exceptions, they had not rights, no voice and whatever property they did hold going into the marriage immediately became their husbands. Just because the bird lives in a pretty cage doesn’t mean it has any freedom.
Pfleger claimed that Clinton felt entitled to the nomination because she was white and President Clinton’s wife. He totally discounted her decades of service, her education and experience. She never claimed she entitled or guaranteed anything. It was the media who claimed that she was going to be the sure winner. Never once did she try to pervert the process by declaring herself the winner--unlike Obama has already done. She has worked hard both on the campaign and with her Senatorial duties. While Obama is to busy campaigning to grace the Senate with his presence, Clinton has found a way to do both. But then again most women learned how to multi-task before there was such a word.
As an individual, I will not vote for Obama. The great man I saw and would have voted for a few years ago, no longer exists. Nor will I vote for McCain. He is equally bigoted against women. I will either write in Clinton or not vote for a President.
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Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Glass Ceilings and Forward Momentum: It's Time for the Old Goats to Find an Iceburg
Just looking at the line of candidate proves that one or more of the glass ceilings is going to be shattered by the end of 2008. The Republican candidates are dried up, old white men who are propagating the same old ideas, while the Democratic team is fresh, young and inventive; Clinton and Obama represent gender and ethic advancements that will revolutionize and reenergize the country for decades, while Edwards support of the middle and low class will change the focus will lead to economic and social change.
With the exception of Ron Paul, the Republican candidates are touting their version of Reagan economics. The famous trickle down theory give tax breaks and financial support to the upper 5-10%, in hope that the money would trickle down the lower end of the financial spectrum. In reality, the theory should be called the pissed on theory. The upper 5-10% eat caviar and drink champaign, while the rest of the country is expected to consume their waste. By working from the top down with tax cuts and economic support, jobs and financial stability is not created for the whole of the country. It just creates extra wealth for the few. Working from the bottom up, by provide economic stimulus in the form of tax cuts, education, job training and benefit support, people will have the money to pay for services and goods, which in turn will create jobs. The top three of the Democratic candidates support programs that work from the least of us upward. They don’t base their economic growth programs on the generosity of the few. Instead, their goal is to create the opportunities to give a hand up, instead of handout.
Social issues also radically separate the two parties. While the Republicans are emphasizing their religious affiliation, along with the social and moral restrictions of their beliefs, the Democrats are socially, morally and ethically aware of the individual. Once again, the Republicans are courting the religious right as way to regain the White House. The Right wingers are looking for a candidate who will continue to spread their bigotry and religious view point; most continue to seek to change this country from a democracy to a theocracy. They seek to limit the individual’s right to medical, religious, and life style freedoms by forcing others to conform to their religious values. The Democrats on the other hand are seeking to stay out of the individual’s private life by focusing on creating jobs, protecting the environment, and creating homeland security by regaining the country’s honor and the respect of other nations. With the democrats, civil liberties would be respected, as will the right to privacy. They have better things to do than to spy on the citizens of this country; in short, they don’t care who others have sex with or in what position. They have more important issues on their plate.
The same elected officials, who screeched war was the answer, are the same ones who are under-funding the physical, emotional and spiritual support the returning veterans. The extended tours, the quick rotation back to the sandbox and the lack of proper protective gear, have done more damage to the troops than the enemy could have imagined in their wildest dreams. PTS, lost of limbs, and closed head injures have affected an overwhelming number of the veterans. They are no longer to are capable of providing for themselves, yet the government has refused to step up to the plate and provide the needed care. According the VA statistics, 200,000 vets are currently homeless. The universal health care programs that are proposed by the Democrats would not only help every American, but would give the vets the care they need. But in order to for the vets to reclaim their lives, they will need not only medical support but economic during their healing process. They supported their country; it is time for the country to return the favor.
The Republicans have not devised a comprehensive plan to withdraw troops. Instead, they repeat the battle cry and send more troops into harms way. They point fingers and label those who seek political alternatives as unpatriotic. They claim that that the only way to keep the country safe is to win the war. That is a medieval concept. No one wins war, there are only varying degrees of loosing. In addition, their concept of winning is unreasonable. It is impossible to force another country to become democratic. The definition of democratic is a government that is has free and equal participation by the people. It is for the natives to chose their form of government, not an occupying force. All of the Democratic candidates had exit strategies that involve diplomatic resolutions instead of brut force. It is childish to think that bullying others will lead to long term change. It only create new enemies.
The question every voter must ask her or himself is what kind of future do you want for yourself and future generations. Republican candidates represent status quo and stagnation. The are for the corporate conglomerates, which have All three front running contenders for the Democratic party represent positive change for all Americans not just the limited few. They represent diversity and equality. The difference between the candidates is forward momentum and the lack there of.
With the exception of Ron Paul, the Republican candidates are touting their version of Reagan economics. The famous trickle down theory give tax breaks and financial support to the upper 5-10%, in hope that the money would trickle down the lower end of the financial spectrum. In reality, the theory should be called the pissed on theory. The upper 5-10% eat caviar and drink champaign, while the rest of the country is expected to consume their waste. By working from the top down with tax cuts and economic support, jobs and financial stability is not created for the whole of the country. It just creates extra wealth for the few. Working from the bottom up, by provide economic stimulus in the form of tax cuts, education, job training and benefit support, people will have the money to pay for services and goods, which in turn will create jobs. The top three of the Democratic candidates support programs that work from the least of us upward. They don’t base their economic growth programs on the generosity of the few. Instead, their goal is to create the opportunities to give a hand up, instead of handout.
Social issues also radically separate the two parties. While the Republicans are emphasizing their religious affiliation, along with the social and moral restrictions of their beliefs, the Democrats are socially, morally and ethically aware of the individual. Once again, the Republicans are courting the religious right as way to regain the White House. The Right wingers are looking for a candidate who will continue to spread their bigotry and religious view point; most continue to seek to change this country from a democracy to a theocracy. They seek to limit the individual’s right to medical, religious, and life style freedoms by forcing others to conform to their religious values. The Democrats on the other hand are seeking to stay out of the individual’s private life by focusing on creating jobs, protecting the environment, and creating homeland security by regaining the country’s honor and the respect of other nations. With the democrats, civil liberties would be respected, as will the right to privacy. They have better things to do than to spy on the citizens of this country; in short, they don’t care who others have sex with or in what position. They have more important issues on their plate.
The same elected officials, who screeched war was the answer, are the same ones who are under-funding the physical, emotional and spiritual support the returning veterans. The extended tours, the quick rotation back to the sandbox and the lack of proper protective gear, have done more damage to the troops than the enemy could have imagined in their wildest dreams. PTS, lost of limbs, and closed head injures have affected an overwhelming number of the veterans. They are no longer to are capable of providing for themselves, yet the government has refused to step up to the plate and provide the needed care. According the VA statistics, 200,000 vets are currently homeless. The universal health care programs that are proposed by the Democrats would not only help every American, but would give the vets the care they need. But in order to for the vets to reclaim their lives, they will need not only medical support but economic during their healing process. They supported their country; it is time for the country to return the favor.
The Republicans have not devised a comprehensive plan to withdraw troops. Instead, they repeat the battle cry and send more troops into harms way. They point fingers and label those who seek political alternatives as unpatriotic. They claim that that the only way to keep the country safe is to win the war. That is a medieval concept. No one wins war, there are only varying degrees of loosing. In addition, their concept of winning is unreasonable. It is impossible to force another country to become democratic. The definition of democratic is a government that is has free and equal participation by the people. It is for the natives to chose their form of government, not an occupying force. All of the Democratic candidates had exit strategies that involve diplomatic resolutions instead of brut force. It is childish to think that bullying others will lead to long term change. It only create new enemies.
The question every voter must ask her or himself is what kind of future do you want for yourself and future generations. Republican candidates represent status quo and stagnation. The are for the corporate conglomerates, which have All three front running contenders for the Democratic party represent positive change for all Americans not just the limited few. They represent diversity and equality. The difference between the candidates is forward momentum and the lack there of.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Virtual Book Tour: Politics, Spiritual Healing, fantasy and Romance
Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in January will be giving away FREE incentives if you buy their books by any online book store, including publisher's websites. Click here for more information!
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
Anita Hackley-Lambert, author of the biography, F.H.M. MURRAY: FIRST BIOGRAPHY OF A FORGOTTEN PIONEER FOR CIVIL JUSTICE (BookSurge Publishing, Aug. รข€˜07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Thomas D. Kuiper, author of the current events book, I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A YANKEES FAN: HILLARY CLINTON IN HER OWN WORDS (World Ahead Media, April 06) will be stopping off at AgainstHillary. com!
Judi Moreo, author of YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH ACHIEVEMENT JOURNAL (Stephens Press, Dec. 07) will be stopping off at It's Only Ink!
Carole Whang Schutter, author of the historical romance novel, SEPTEMBER DAWN (Author House, June 07) will be stopping off at Inspired Author!
Hazel Statham, author of the historical romance novel, MY DEAREST FRIEND (Wings ePress, Jan. 08) will be stopping off at Storycrafters!
Amanda Young, author of the personal memoir, SILENT PRISONER (BookSurge, Nov. 07), will be stopping off at The Book Connection!
Kathleen Willey, author of the nonfiction title, TARGET: CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON (World Ahead Media, Nov. 07) will be stopping off at WorldNetDaily!
All authors will be giving away free personalized bookmarks or other freebies during their tour. Don't miss out on this opportunity to win free incentives when purchasing their books! Click here for more information.
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book
PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
Anita Hackley-Lambert, author of the biography, F.H.M. MURRAY: FIRST BIOGRAPHY OF A FORGOTTEN PIONEER FOR CIVIL JUSTICE (BookSurge Publishing, Aug. รข€˜07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Thomas D. Kuiper, author of the current events book, I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A YANKEES FAN: HILLARY CLINTON IN HER OWN WORDS (World Ahead Media, April 06) will be stopping off at AgainstHillary. com!
Judi Moreo, author of YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH ACHIEVEMENT JOURNAL (Stephens Press, Dec. 07) will be stopping off at It's Only Ink!
Carole Whang Schutter, author of the historical romance novel, SEPTEMBER DAWN (Author House, June 07) will be stopping off at Inspired Author!
Hazel Statham, author of the historical romance novel, MY DEAREST FRIEND (Wings ePress, Jan. 08) will be stopping off at Storycrafters!
Amanda Young, author of the personal memoir, SILENT PRISONER (BookSurge, Nov. 07), will be stopping off at The Book Connection!
Kathleen Willey, author of the nonfiction title, TARGET: CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON (World Ahead Media, Nov. 07) will be stopping off at WorldNetDaily!
All authors will be giving away free personalized bookmarks or other freebies during their tour. Don't miss out on this opportunity to win free incentives when purchasing their books! Click here for more information.
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book
PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com
Friday, January 04, 2008
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Free ebook--Sisters Mother Daughter
Sisters Mother Daughters-
The Complicated Relationships Between Women
A free ebook
By
Theresa Chaze
Valkyrie Publishing announces the release of the free ebook by Theresa Chaze, Sisters, Mothers, Daughters. Using the fantasy genre, the short stories explore the complicated and ever changing relationships between women. Other worlds, differing religions, and political view points come together as women explore themselves and their life’s path. Sometimes controversial, sometimes frightening this collection of short stories reveals the multi-dimensional spirit of the every changing woman.
Seize of honor is an other worldly tale of how Kelly O’Dell accidentally killed the children of the natives she is attempting to communicate with them to save her people. It was an accident. She never intended to harm anyone, but natives knew she was responsible. They laid the body of one of the children on her door step and pointed their finger at her. Her comrades didn’t understand why. Kelly knew but she lied. Even after the natives attacked, killing most of their party, she kept silent. She couldn’t tell them the truth. At best they would abandon her to the natives’ justice; at worse they would notify command when the rescue team arrived. Either way, she would be as dead; the only question would be is how long and how painful the end would be. To save herself and her people, she must find a way to restore her honor by making the natives understand it was only an accident.
Resa has died, yet her spirit did not move on. Knowing her birth family would attempt to steal her property from those she had gifted it to and inflict their beliefs on her, she refused to cross over. They had tried every legal means available, but this time, she was ready for them. The everything was iron clad. Her wishes would be obeyed; her sisters of spirit would insure her final desires would be followed down to the last detail. In It’s my Funeral, I’ll Disco If I Want, Resa has prearranged her own funeral according to her Wiccan beliefs. Caroline, her spirit guide to the Summerland and long time friend, arrives to escort her to the other side, only find that Resa refuses to leave until after her funeral. Instead she wants to watch as her frustrated birth family is forced to accept in death what they couldn’t accept about her in life.
Politically relevant and controversial, And Freedom For All, projects into the future what life will be like once the religious right has gained power over the United States. Laws are in acted and interpreted according to their Christian doctrine, leading to the over turn of Roe vs. Wade and to a great division between the states. Pregnant by a man who sees her more as possession than a partner, Daphne asks childhood friend, Melanie to help her to escape to a free state. To retain control over her own body, Daphne leaves nearly everything behind and flees for her freedom. Together they must avoid the Pre-born Police, who arrest women they believe are pregnant to prevent them from leaving the Christian controlled states. Three borders and hundreds of miles to cross stretch between them and freedom as they do their best to avoid detection and capture. As they escape, Melanie and Daphne become part of a movement that will once again divide the country.
These are only examples of the tales told in Sisters Mothers Daughters as women strive to understand themselves and each other. Each of these women must look to their own hearts and ask themselves--am I strong enough?
Sisters Mothers Daughters is available at www.theresachaze.com. In addition, there are excerpts of Theresa Chaze’s novels, Awakening the Dragon and Dragon Domain, and other short works. Valkyrie Publishing distributes a monthly spiritual ezine, Messages From the Universe and the ebook versions of both Ms Chaze’s novels.
Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.
The Complicated Relationships Between Women
A free ebook
By
Theresa Chaze
Valkyrie Publishing announces the release of the free ebook by Theresa Chaze, Sisters, Mothers, Daughters. Using the fantasy genre, the short stories explore the complicated and ever changing relationships between women. Other worlds, differing religions, and political view points come together as women explore themselves and their life’s path. Sometimes controversial, sometimes frightening this collection of short stories reveals the multi-dimensional spirit of the every changing woman.
Seize of honor is an other worldly tale of how Kelly O’Dell accidentally killed the children of the natives she is attempting to communicate with them to save her people. It was an accident. She never intended to harm anyone, but natives knew she was responsible. They laid the body of one of the children on her door step and pointed their finger at her. Her comrades didn’t understand why. Kelly knew but she lied. Even after the natives attacked, killing most of their party, she kept silent. She couldn’t tell them the truth. At best they would abandon her to the natives’ justice; at worse they would notify command when the rescue team arrived. Either way, she would be as dead; the only question would be is how long and how painful the end would be. To save herself and her people, she must find a way to restore her honor by making the natives understand it was only an accident.
Resa has died, yet her spirit did not move on. Knowing her birth family would attempt to steal her property from those she had gifted it to and inflict their beliefs on her, she refused to cross over. They had tried every legal means available, but this time, she was ready for them. The everything was iron clad. Her wishes would be obeyed; her sisters of spirit would insure her final desires would be followed down to the last detail. In It’s my Funeral, I’ll Disco If I Want, Resa has prearranged her own funeral according to her Wiccan beliefs. Caroline, her spirit guide to the Summerland and long time friend, arrives to escort her to the other side, only find that Resa refuses to leave until after her funeral. Instead she wants to watch as her frustrated birth family is forced to accept in death what they couldn’t accept about her in life.
Politically relevant and controversial, And Freedom For All, projects into the future what life will be like once the religious right has gained power over the United States. Laws are in acted and interpreted according to their Christian doctrine, leading to the over turn of Roe vs. Wade and to a great division between the states. Pregnant by a man who sees her more as possession than a partner, Daphne asks childhood friend, Melanie to help her to escape to a free state. To retain control over her own body, Daphne leaves nearly everything behind and flees for her freedom. Together they must avoid the Pre-born Police, who arrest women they believe are pregnant to prevent them from leaving the Christian controlled states. Three borders and hundreds of miles to cross stretch between them and freedom as they do their best to avoid detection and capture. As they escape, Melanie and Daphne become part of a movement that will once again divide the country.
These are only examples of the tales told in Sisters Mothers Daughters as women strive to understand themselves and each other. Each of these women must look to their own hearts and ask themselves--am I strong enough?
Sisters Mothers Daughters is available at www.theresachaze.com. In addition, there are excerpts of Theresa Chaze’s novels, Awakening the Dragon and Dragon Domain, and other short works. Valkyrie Publishing distributes a monthly spiritual ezine, Messages From the Universe and the ebook versions of both Ms Chaze’s novels.
Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
We the People--As Powerful As We Chose To Be
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.....
Declaration of Independence
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Preamble to the United States Constitution
So many people have forgotten that "we the people" are the ultimate source of power in the government. From the President to the local city board members, they are all elected by the people. Yet they have forgotten the definition of public servant and have set themselves up as masters of society. Instead, of serving they use the privileges and power temporarily granted to them to further their own greed, bigotries and lust for power. Yet on their own without the machinations of the government, many of them are nothing.
Above excerpts are part of the Unites States History and government, but they are no longer a reality. The Civil Rights original afforded and those, which have been hard fought for, have been eroded by petty individuals, large corporations, and public servants who see themselves as above the law. Phone calls and bank accounts are monitored without obtaining search warrants. Individual are no longer safe from unreasonable searches in their homes, cars or on the street. Religious, medical and sexual decisions have been usurped by bigots in their attempt to force their religious and moral values on others.
The Scales of Justice System are no longer balanced as individuals from the Justice department to the local deputy sheriff have their fingers on their end. Based more on financial and personal ambition, the justice no longer is fair or balanced. Mike NiFong is only an example of the increasing problems in the judicial system. His personal ambitions were more important to him than the representing the truth. The college boys and the local woman are all equal victims of his lust for power. Yet he is only one of many prosecutor who are more concerned about building a reputations and racking up convictions than protecting the public or being representatives of justice. Law enforcement is worse. No longer serving and protecting, they use their power to intimidate, harass and humiliate those members of society they see as weak. Incidences law enforcement abusing individuals on the bases of racial, religious or lifestyle have been rapidly increasing. For most of them, promotions and job security is based on arrest track record. Yet there are those who see the badge as a source of personal power over others. It is all about have control over others. However, even with undisputable documentation, these officers are rarely held accountable for the harm they do. The blue wall protects its own even to the point of lying, altering records and intimidating. Enforcement of the laws are on longer based on laws, civil rights or common sense, but who can afford the best legal council.
The greed of big business has polluted the environment, manipulated the political system, and eroded the middle class. Companies who deliberately damage the environment receive only minor retribution in comparison to the damage they do. Whether it be contamination of ground water or release of toxic waste through improperly filtered smoke stacks, the companies pay small fines, while the public moneys clean up the hazardous situations. Oil, insurance and drug companies have manipulated prices and available of necessary product and services to insure they maintain a monopoly and thereby maximize their profits. Although alterative fuels like bio-diesel, solar, and wind are viable options, their availability has been limited by legislation and lack of governmental support. Drug companies’ sole goal is to maximize their profit margin. It is why they attack alternative healing methods and solutions, such as herbs, so aggressively. If they can’t sell it for a large profit, then it must be debunked or made illegal. It is the same tack they use to prevent individuals from buying the same drugs across both borders for sometimes less than half the cost. While medical insurance used to be an automatic benefit of having a full time job, many companies are no longer covering the costs of the premiums or not offering the benefit at all. With the reduction of coverage, the addition of co-pays and the increase in price, few individuals are able to avoid medical insurance on their own. Yet at the same time, insurance company’s profits are sky rocketing. The economic structure of the country is top heavy. CEO make obscene salaries, while the workers, who actually produce the services and products, are forced to struggle as wages and benefits are rapidly reduced. No longer can a single income support a family; at the same time, CEOs are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars as retirement bonuses or part of separation packages after being fired. Both the Japan and Germany have thriving economies, yet the difference in the salaries between the CEO and the person who cleans the bathroom is approximately 20%.
Whether financial, political or legal, intimidation only works if people back down. When we the people remember that we have the power to create change than change will happen. However, we all have to have the courage to say no more. 2008 is the next Presidential election. It is time to stop voting against an individual and start voting for the person who will represent the best interest of all the people of this country, not just special interests or big business. On a local level, we the people can hold law enforcement responsible by reporting abuses and speaking publicly. By being frightened into silence or by defending the abusers, the violence will only escalate. Bullies are bullies with or without a badge or a title. The only way to stop this is to stand up to them. We the people have the power. We the people can make changes. If we the people chose to have courage.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.....
Declaration of Independence
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Preamble to the United States Constitution
So many people have forgotten that "we the people" are the ultimate source of power in the government. From the President to the local city board members, they are all elected by the people. Yet they have forgotten the definition of public servant and have set themselves up as masters of society. Instead, of serving they use the privileges and power temporarily granted to them to further their own greed, bigotries and lust for power. Yet on their own without the machinations of the government, many of them are nothing.
Above excerpts are part of the Unites States History and government, but they are no longer a reality. The Civil Rights original afforded and those, which have been hard fought for, have been eroded by petty individuals, large corporations, and public servants who see themselves as above the law. Phone calls and bank accounts are monitored without obtaining search warrants. Individual are no longer safe from unreasonable searches in their homes, cars or on the street. Religious, medical and sexual decisions have been usurped by bigots in their attempt to force their religious and moral values on others.
The Scales of Justice System are no longer balanced as individuals from the Justice department to the local deputy sheriff have their fingers on their end. Based more on financial and personal ambition, the justice no longer is fair or balanced. Mike NiFong is only an example of the increasing problems in the judicial system. His personal ambitions were more important to him than the representing the truth. The college boys and the local woman are all equal victims of his lust for power. Yet he is only one of many prosecutor who are more concerned about building a reputations and racking up convictions than protecting the public or being representatives of justice. Law enforcement is worse. No longer serving and protecting, they use their power to intimidate, harass and humiliate those members of society they see as weak. Incidences law enforcement abusing individuals on the bases of racial, religious or lifestyle have been rapidly increasing. For most of them, promotions and job security is based on arrest track record. Yet there are those who see the badge as a source of personal power over others. It is all about have control over others. However, even with undisputable documentation, these officers are rarely held accountable for the harm they do. The blue wall protects its own even to the point of lying, altering records and intimidating. Enforcement of the laws are on longer based on laws, civil rights or common sense, but who can afford the best legal council.
The greed of big business has polluted the environment, manipulated the political system, and eroded the middle class. Companies who deliberately damage the environment receive only minor retribution in comparison to the damage they do. Whether it be contamination of ground water or release of toxic waste through improperly filtered smoke stacks, the companies pay small fines, while the public moneys clean up the hazardous situations. Oil, insurance and drug companies have manipulated prices and available of necessary product and services to insure they maintain a monopoly and thereby maximize their profits. Although alterative fuels like bio-diesel, solar, and wind are viable options, their availability has been limited by legislation and lack of governmental support. Drug companies’ sole goal is to maximize their profit margin. It is why they attack alternative healing methods and solutions, such as herbs, so aggressively. If they can’t sell it for a large profit, then it must be debunked or made illegal. It is the same tack they use to prevent individuals from buying the same drugs across both borders for sometimes less than half the cost. While medical insurance used to be an automatic benefit of having a full time job, many companies are no longer covering the costs of the premiums or not offering the benefit at all. With the reduction of coverage, the addition of co-pays and the increase in price, few individuals are able to avoid medical insurance on their own. Yet at the same time, insurance company’s profits are sky rocketing. The economic structure of the country is top heavy. CEO make obscene salaries, while the workers, who actually produce the services and products, are forced to struggle as wages and benefits are rapidly reduced. No longer can a single income support a family; at the same time, CEOs are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars as retirement bonuses or part of separation packages after being fired. Both the Japan and Germany have thriving economies, yet the difference in the salaries between the CEO and the person who cleans the bathroom is approximately 20%.
Whether financial, political or legal, intimidation only works if people back down. When we the people remember that we have the power to create change than change will happen. However, we all have to have the courage to say no more. 2008 is the next Presidential election. It is time to stop voting against an individual and start voting for the person who will represent the best interest of all the people of this country, not just special interests or big business. On a local level, we the people can hold law enforcement responsible by reporting abuses and speaking publicly. By being frightened into silence or by defending the abusers, the violence will only escalate. Bullies are bullies with or without a badge or a title. The only way to stop this is to stand up to them. We the people have the power. We the people can make changes. If we the people chose to have courage.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Research for article on Spirituality--Wiccan, Pagan, Earth based religions
I am doing research for an article on life as a Wiccan or Pagan. If you have the time or a story to tell, please fill out the following questions and email them back to me at Tirgana@yahoo.com
Thanks
Theresa
How would you describe your spiritual path?
Are you in or out of the broom closet? Why/when did you make your decision to come out?
How has your spirituality affected your life? Work? Relationships? In society as a whole?
What have been your positive experiences?
What have been your negative experiences?
How do you feel about the availability of information available to you? From the first time you started on your spiritual path to now, how as the quality and quantity of information available to changed?
Are you involved in the political process?
How does your spirituality influence how you see the candidates?
If you could get a message to the political leaders both in and out of office, what would it be?
Do you feel the legal system afford you the same protections as other religions? Why or why not?
What would you like to see changed in Society?
What changes would you like to see in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth based religions as a whole?
What are you willing to do in your own life and your community to bring about positive changes in society?
I am doing research for an article on life as a Wiccan or Pagan. If you have the time or a story to tell, please fill out the following questions and email them back to me at Tirgana@yahoo.com
Thanks
Theresa
How would you describe your spiritual path?
Are you in or out of the broom closet? Why/when did you make your decision to come out?
How has your spirituality affected your life? Work? Relationships? In society as a whole?
What have been your positive experiences?
What have been your negative experiences?
How do you feel about the availability of information available to you? From the first time you started on your spiritual path to now, how as the quality and quantity of information available to changed?
Are you involved in the political process?
How does your spirituality influence how you see the candidates?
If you could get a message to the political leaders both in and out of office, what would it be?
Do you feel the legal system afford you the same protections as other religions? Why or why not?
What would you like to see changed in Society?
What changes would you like to see in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth based religions as a whole?
What are you willing to do in your own life and your community to bring about positive changes in society?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Democratic You Tube Debate--A successful experiment.
The Democratic You Tube Debate not only informed the public what the candidates stood for, but also revealed who they are as people. It showed who had the courage to answer the uncomfortable questions and who chose to dodge with clever dialogue or stubborn antagonism. Most of the candidates came off as wise, clever professionals who had the country’s best interests at heart. Clinton, Edwards and Obama benefited the most. All three were well informed and approached the questions with courage and directness. The three of them clearly had an energy and mutual respect connection. However, Senator Mike Gravel came off as angry and bitter; his focusing on the money came off more as sour grapes than any real concern for political change. The rest of the candidates made themselves and their issues more real to the public by not only showing their knowledge about the challenges the country faces, but also their human side and their passion for change.
Senator Hillary Clinton came off as very practical, informed and human. Those who have called her cold and distant in the past will have difficulty finding traction in the future. Senator Clinton was quick and direct with her answers. She clearly was attempting to be not only the leader of the pack but the unify factor between them. The only time this became a negative was at the end when she refused to directly say anything about Senator Obama. Her body language while he spoke and the issues they agree upon revealed the great respect she has for him. However, her refusal to directly address him was more of a political ploy than a personal snub. It was quite evident she likes him as a person and as a public servant, yet he is the one nipping at her heels. The quips with Senator Edwards about her jacket also showed their underlying respect for each other. It seemed to be a private joke between them. Senator Clinton’s laughter was not only genuine, but gave the public a peek into her as person. It was an unguarded moment, which showed the person behind the politician. Her willingness to address the environment issues directly were to her credit, as were her realistic expectations about the withdraw from Iraq. She took the time to investigate the practical limitations and challenges of moving not only personal, but also the equipment and civilian staff.
Senator John Edwards was also very informed, direct and sensible. His focus on poverty, the environment, and health care spoke directly to the needs of majority of the country. His video revealed not only his wit, but also the silliness of his critics. However, he did fall a little short on the foreign issues. It was not so much of what he said, but his lack of participation that caught my attention. He was never really engaged on the topic; however, he was very passionate on health care, the environment, alternative energy and education. It was very evident that his knowledge and passion lies with domestic issues. The changes Senator Edwards proposes in alternative energy are quite doable with the current technology. In addition, his comments on his religious beliefs showed his respect for civil rights and the need of a president to represent the whole country not just special interest groups. He is very passionate about helping lift up the disadvantaged of the country, not as a political agenda, but to fulfill a promise he made to himself and his God. He sees this country’s strength coming from its diversity, its civil rights, and its heart. His shining moments can when he answered the difficult questions, not by dodging them but by defining them on a more specific level that addressed the underlying issue.
Senator Barack Obama has a fresh perspective on the political arena. He sees the web of corruption behind the political scene and how the conglomerates have corrupted the country for their own greedy ends. Repeatedly he pointed out how the oil, drug, and insurance companies have been given special political privileges, which have hurt the individual as well as the pubic in general. However, instead of allowing his frustration and anger to dominate, he has channeled his energy into alternative solutions. His approach to the questions presented to him and his stance the issues is very reminiscent to that of Bobby Kennedy. Like Senator Edwards, his is focused on the health care, education, and the environment, but he was more outspoken on internationals issues. This could have simply been the result of the questions asked him. Although, he was questioned more on foreign policy, his answers revealed his inexperience as well as his passion to restore the country’s image worldwide.
Senator Joe Biden could be best described as practical. His solutions to both the country’s and the world issues are realistic. Although he is very passionate about resolving the conflict in Iraq, he understands the challenges involved in bringing personal and equipment home. He also was the most military supportive of the candidates; by asking that the military have the most effective technology and equipment, he’s focus is on getting the job done, while keeping personal safe. Unlike the current administration, he doesn’t see military personal as expendable. On occasion, his frustration with several other candidates seeped through the political facade on this topic. The conflict in Darfur changed his perspective of the world and made him question his own values. It was a turning point in his life that changed his personal and professional ambitions. With his experience and knowledge, he would be an excellent organizer of the withdrawal from Iraq as well as determining which world issues the country should become involved in.
Governor Bill Richardson was also greatly influenced by Darfur. The cease fire between al-Bashir and leaders of several rebel factions was only one of his diplomatic successes. As with Senator Biden, his trips to Darfur have changed him. But instead of becoming angry, he uses the energy to create alternative solutions. His passion for change and for peace made some of his solutions unrealistic, especially when it comes to troop withdrawal. He was knowledgeable about country’s issues. As Governor of New Mexico, he has already created changes in the educational system, energy resources and civil rights. Although he supported the marriage act, he fully supports civil unions. He is very protective of civil liberties; medical, religious, lifestyle, and legal rights are not optional nor is it the governments business to made personal decisions for the individual.
Senator Christopher Dodd is politically aware and sees the broad picture in foreign affairs, yet his solutions aren’t sensible or feasible. His long political service gives him the inside practical knowledge of how the system works and helps him navigate the turbulent waters of personal egos and special interests. When he was the new kid on the block, he had the spunk to fight windmills, yet that passion has mellowed into practical solutions and the ability to compromise. He believes that a nationwide public service program will redirect the growing lethargy of the American public and reigniting their patriotism as well as reawakening the nation’s adventurer spirit. Although he originally supported the war, he changed his position when the truth came out. He as since become an outspoken advocate of holding President Bush fully responsible for eroding the nation’s reputation and for the increase terrorist threat around the world.
Former Senator Mike Gravel focus on following the money, initially came off as sour grapes as he financially failed to gain traction. He came off angry and frustrated, yet it was only by listening to him and doing research that I found that wasn’t the source of his anger. He has spent decades fighting political corruption only to find the same issues reappearing. He has fought for truth in government and personally helped end the draft. He fought for alternative energy while it was unpopular to do so. He took on the White House and forced them make the Pentagon Papers public. His long service has been exceptional; yet he no matter how much work he has done, nothing seems to change except the faces of the politicians. Many of the same issues he fought for and against at the beginning of his career have again resurfaced as if nothing had been achieve. It would make anyone angry to look back at their career with all the personal and professional sacrifices only to find that so little has changed.
Representative Dennis Kucinich is a one issue candidate. Every issue relate back to the war. His is the only candidate who has consistently voted against the war, but that is all he could really talk about. Every topic was quickly diverted back to Iraq and how he was right. Although he was very passionate, he offered no realistic solutions to domestic or foreign issues. He is strong advocate of civil freedoms, alternative energy sources, and the environment; however, his stances on these issues get lost in the passion to end the war.
The experiment was an over all success. Candidates were able to speak out on the issues and the public was able to get to know them without the preparedness of the traditional debates. Generally the candidates knew what the topics would be, the questions were not screened and their responses for the most part were spontaneous. Although there was some disagreement on the details, all the candidates supported the withdrawal from Iraq, alternative energy, restructuring the educational system and civil rights. Their combined message was that of hope through positive change. For the most part, all the candidates benefited as did the public.
The Democratic You Tube Debate not only informed the public what the candidates stood for, but also revealed who they are as people. It showed who had the courage to answer the uncomfortable questions and who chose to dodge with clever dialogue or stubborn antagonism. Most of the candidates came off as wise, clever professionals who had the country’s best interests at heart. Clinton, Edwards and Obama benefited the most. All three were well informed and approached the questions with courage and directness. The three of them clearly had an energy and mutual respect connection. However, Senator Mike Gravel came off as angry and bitter; his focusing on the money came off more as sour grapes than any real concern for political change. The rest of the candidates made themselves and their issues more real to the public by not only showing their knowledge about the challenges the country faces, but also their human side and their passion for change.
Senator Hillary Clinton came off as very practical, informed and human. Those who have called her cold and distant in the past will have difficulty finding traction in the future. Senator Clinton was quick and direct with her answers. She clearly was attempting to be not only the leader of the pack but the unify factor between them. The only time this became a negative was at the end when she refused to directly say anything about Senator Obama. Her body language while he spoke and the issues they agree upon revealed the great respect she has for him. However, her refusal to directly address him was more of a political ploy than a personal snub. It was quite evident she likes him as a person and as a public servant, yet he is the one nipping at her heels. The quips with Senator Edwards about her jacket also showed their underlying respect for each other. It seemed to be a private joke between them. Senator Clinton’s laughter was not only genuine, but gave the public a peek into her as person. It was an unguarded moment, which showed the person behind the politician. Her willingness to address the environment issues directly were to her credit, as were her realistic expectations about the withdraw from Iraq. She took the time to investigate the practical limitations and challenges of moving not only personal, but also the equipment and civilian staff.
Senator John Edwards was also very informed, direct and sensible. His focus on poverty, the environment, and health care spoke directly to the needs of majority of the country. His video revealed not only his wit, but also the silliness of his critics. However, he did fall a little short on the foreign issues. It was not so much of what he said, but his lack of participation that caught my attention. He was never really engaged on the topic; however, he was very passionate on health care, the environment, alternative energy and education. It was very evident that his knowledge and passion lies with domestic issues. The changes Senator Edwards proposes in alternative energy are quite doable with the current technology. In addition, his comments on his religious beliefs showed his respect for civil rights and the need of a president to represent the whole country not just special interest groups. He is very passionate about helping lift up the disadvantaged of the country, not as a political agenda, but to fulfill a promise he made to himself and his God. He sees this country’s strength coming from its diversity, its civil rights, and its heart. His shining moments can when he answered the difficult questions, not by dodging them but by defining them on a more specific level that addressed the underlying issue.
Senator Barack Obama has a fresh perspective on the political arena. He sees the web of corruption behind the political scene and how the conglomerates have corrupted the country for their own greedy ends. Repeatedly he pointed out how the oil, drug, and insurance companies have been given special political privileges, which have hurt the individual as well as the pubic in general. However, instead of allowing his frustration and anger to dominate, he has channeled his energy into alternative solutions. His approach to the questions presented to him and his stance the issues is very reminiscent to that of Bobby Kennedy. Like Senator Edwards, his is focused on the health care, education, and the environment, but he was more outspoken on internationals issues. This could have simply been the result of the questions asked him. Although, he was questioned more on foreign policy, his answers revealed his inexperience as well as his passion to restore the country’s image worldwide.
Senator Joe Biden could be best described as practical. His solutions to both the country’s and the world issues are realistic. Although he is very passionate about resolving the conflict in Iraq, he understands the challenges involved in bringing personal and equipment home. He also was the most military supportive of the candidates; by asking that the military have the most effective technology and equipment, he’s focus is on getting the job done, while keeping personal safe. Unlike the current administration, he doesn’t see military personal as expendable. On occasion, his frustration with several other candidates seeped through the political facade on this topic. The conflict in Darfur changed his perspective of the world and made him question his own values. It was a turning point in his life that changed his personal and professional ambitions. With his experience and knowledge, he would be an excellent organizer of the withdrawal from Iraq as well as determining which world issues the country should become involved in.
Governor Bill Richardson was also greatly influenced by Darfur. The cease fire between al-Bashir and leaders of several rebel factions was only one of his diplomatic successes. As with Senator Biden, his trips to Darfur have changed him. But instead of becoming angry, he uses the energy to create alternative solutions. His passion for change and for peace made some of his solutions unrealistic, especially when it comes to troop withdrawal. He was knowledgeable about country’s issues. As Governor of New Mexico, he has already created changes in the educational system, energy resources and civil rights. Although he supported the marriage act, he fully supports civil unions. He is very protective of civil liberties; medical, religious, lifestyle, and legal rights are not optional nor is it the governments business to made personal decisions for the individual.
Senator Christopher Dodd is politically aware and sees the broad picture in foreign affairs, yet his solutions aren’t sensible or feasible. His long political service gives him the inside practical knowledge of how the system works and helps him navigate the turbulent waters of personal egos and special interests. When he was the new kid on the block, he had the spunk to fight windmills, yet that passion has mellowed into practical solutions and the ability to compromise. He believes that a nationwide public service program will redirect the growing lethargy of the American public and reigniting their patriotism as well as reawakening the nation’s adventurer spirit. Although he originally supported the war, he changed his position when the truth came out. He as since become an outspoken advocate of holding President Bush fully responsible for eroding the nation’s reputation and for the increase terrorist threat around the world.
Former Senator Mike Gravel focus on following the money, initially came off as sour grapes as he financially failed to gain traction. He came off angry and frustrated, yet it was only by listening to him and doing research that I found that wasn’t the source of his anger. He has spent decades fighting political corruption only to find the same issues reappearing. He has fought for truth in government and personally helped end the draft. He fought for alternative energy while it was unpopular to do so. He took on the White House and forced them make the Pentagon Papers public. His long service has been exceptional; yet he no matter how much work he has done, nothing seems to change except the faces of the politicians. Many of the same issues he fought for and against at the beginning of his career have again resurfaced as if nothing had been achieve. It would make anyone angry to look back at their career with all the personal and professional sacrifices only to find that so little has changed.
Representative Dennis Kucinich is a one issue candidate. Every issue relate back to the war. His is the only candidate who has consistently voted against the war, but that is all he could really talk about. Every topic was quickly diverted back to Iraq and how he was right. Although he was very passionate, he offered no realistic solutions to domestic or foreign issues. He is strong advocate of civil freedoms, alternative energy sources, and the environment; however, his stances on these issues get lost in the passion to end the war.
The experiment was an over all success. Candidates were able to speak out on the issues and the public was able to get to know them without the preparedness of the traditional debates. Generally the candidates knew what the topics would be, the questions were not screened and their responses for the most part were spontaneous. Although there was some disagreement on the details, all the candidates supported the withdrawal from Iraq, alternative energy, restructuring the educational system and civil rights. Their combined message was that of hope through positive change. For the most part, all the candidates benefited as did the public.
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