A World of Progress

A Tale Of Two Blogs

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:07:00 +0000

I leave you with this challenge. Watch this video. Yeah...the whole video.
Then perhaps, like me and a lot of other folks, you will think it is important to find out what the Bush Administration had to do with this.

The new AWOP Teamzine is in full swing and I sure thank all of you that have stopped over and visited.

Managing the new site is proving to be quiet time consuming as evidenced by the sudden lack of daily posts here at the old AWOP blog.

I have decided to transition over to the new site completely and I will be leaving this post up through February so that my beloved subscribers can easily subscribe to the new site from right here.

I will be moving this blog to the Progressive Living page. All that you have come to expect from me on this blog will be located there for your amusement.

The team I have assembled at the new Zine is far more knowledgeable than I on a number of topics that include Politics, Environment and the historical context of current events. We will be covering GLBT issues and we even have a resident "Rightie". She is not a social conservative so we can get along.

So, there is something for everyone and I hope you will consider using the links below to hook up with us at the new Zine today.

The new site has several sections that you can subscribe to and mix and match to your preference.

Subscribe to the A World Of Progress TeamZine pages of your choice :

By leaving this blog behind I will be able to focus all my attention on making the new one fabulous. I sure do thank all of you who have supported the blog over the past year and I hope you will move with me into this brand new adventure in blogging.

If you like A World Of Progress and would like to help us reach a wider audience at the new site, please consider grabbing our Headlines News Box from the right sidebar of this blog. We appreciate your support and will be happy to link back to sites that carry our headlines feed on our new Friends Of Progress page. Submit your site there and tell us where you are featuring our Headlines News Box so we can be sure and include you in a post with a link back to your blog letting everyone know how awesome you are and how much we appreciate your support.

See you at the Zine.

Peace Y'all

Illegal Wiretapping Gone Wild

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:57:00 +0000

This is unacceptable in a free country.

Abandoning our values to protect our values is an exercise in ignorance, Mr. O'Reilly. Extreme ignorance.

Below is one of the screen shots I could find from February 2007. My then, relatively obscure blog, The Peace Tree, was visited on several occasions by various Government entities. The particular one you see here was CENTCOM.

The blog was also visited by the Pentagon, CIA and the NSA. They didn't hide their identity. I think they wanted to scare me and they did. And for what? Exercising my right to disagree with a Constitutional criminal? I am pretty sure they know I am not a terrorist so that leaves me with only the suppression of free speech when it happens to be a dissenting voice as the likely objective here. What did I do about it? I Blogged about it and posted the screen shots.

Part One.

Part Two.

Peace Y'all

Have You Migrated Yet?

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:15:00 +0000

Migration....

In this crazy, ever changing world of blogging it is never long before you realize you are always at the mercy of someone else for something important. Oh sure, it would be nice if I had the mental capacity to do all that is necessary to blog all by my lonesome, but that is wholly unrealistic.

uh oh, all my feeds via FeedBurner have to be migrated to FeedBurner/Google?

I caught wind of this via Dead Rooster's post on his experience.
Of course I rushed right over to FeedBurner and sure enough...there it was...
the "Was I ready to pull the trigger" notice.

NOOOOOOOO.

Something told me that was not going to go just right. My 59 subscribers at this blog changed to 39 in a mere matter of seconds...guess we shall see if that number changes tomorrow.

I have no idea if this affects any of my subscribers on their end. Hope not. I love my subscribers.

The truth is people who are way smarter than me thought this whole feed thing up and they don't charge me a thing for it.

I think I will just be grateful for that and my 39 subscribers.

Peace Y'all

An American Abroad

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Lori Hahn, my good friend and esteemed colleague at the new "Zine" sent me this commentary by Scott Ames, a retired Public Relations Officer (and Naval reserve guy) who recently began a journey around the world. He has a passion for the Philippines, and plans to move there in the future. This is an interesting editorial on his take on our new President.
---------------------------

Hello everyone,

With our new President in the White House I thought I should tell you what I have been seeing here and in Japan concerning the American Elections. For and example of the interest here, see the picture of front pages of the local newspapers.

I started my trip on October 30th with the presidential elections just around the corner and the campaigning in full swing. Since Snohomish County used “vote by mail”, I voted before leaving home. In Japan, the American elections were big news on the front page of the newspapers and on the television evening news. Where I was staying on Awaji Island they didn’t have any English language newspapers and no English TV stations so I wasn’t able to learn much other than see Barack Obama's and John McCain's picture all over the news.

November 4th, the day before I left Japan, I was able to get an English newspaper, The Japan Times. Half the paper was dedicated to the presidential election including the editorial pages. Just like the rest of the world, the Japanese have a great personal interest in US elections. US economic and military powers, along with the thirst for American culture, make the events in the United States local news items for the entire world.

I flew from Japan to the Philippines on November 5th but because of the International Date Line, it was the 4th in the United States, Election Day. As I sat in the airport the last of the campaigning was on waiting room televisions tuned to CNN International. In the Philippines later that night, the results were just coming in and a winner had not been decided by the time I went to bed. The next morning all of the English and Tagalog newspapers were filled with stories about Obama’s victory and editorials praising the historic nature of his win. Every body I spoke with asked who I had voted for and what did I think about Barack Obama's victory.

Barack Obama is seen in this part of the world as a bright light of hope not just for the United States but for the world as a whole. His childhood in Indonesia is mentioned constantly as an indication he will be sensitive to the needs and interests of Asia, and in particularly the Philippines. It was about two weeks after the election before I stopped seeing editorials containing at least some reference to Barack Obama.

While waiting to see a Doctor friend of mine later that day, I sat next to an older Filipino gentleman who quickly asked where I was from and we spoke for quite awhile about what the election would mean to the United State and the World. He was particularly well informed and articulate in English so it was a very interesting and relevant conversation. He expressed great hope for the future with Barack Obama as the President and told me how the United States could now reclaim its place as the leader of the world.

Last night I stayed up late, like many here in the Philippines, to watch the inauguration. It was carried live on all the international news channels; CNN International, BBC World and FOX as well as some local stations. Being nearly half way around the world, it was 1 AM here when he took the oath of office at 12 noon in Washington D.C.

I particularly liked watching the BBC coverage of the event with British reporters in the crowds on the National Mall giving their perspectives on what they were seeing and hearing. All of the news organizations were talking with anyone and everyone in the crowd. They had people from all over the world as well as across the United States who were interviewed. The international perspective I saw there and see everyday here in the Philippines just reinforces the impressions I had after Barack Obama’s election. I have not met one person who is sad to see President Bush leave office or wanted John McCain to win the election. For them Barrack Obama was the only possible choice we could make. At the same time, they still ask if I think he can do what he promised and if real change will occur. I can only say I hope so but any real change will be slow, and they understand that.

All in all, from all the coverage in local papers and on television, it is very clear that the election of Barack Obama and now his taking office has been not only historic because he happens to be an African American, but the man himself and his charisma are known and appreciated the world over. His election has done more to restore American prestige around the world than anything I have ever seen. The reaction to the huge crowds that watched the swearing in ceremonies live was equally impressive and only adds to the high expectations everyone has of his presidency.

Whether it is the fact that Americans elected a black man or that he is against the war in Iraq or any of many other reasons, the whole world has taken a new look at the US and much of the faith and trust that we have lost in the last 6 years has been restored. Now it is up to Mr. Obama and the American people to do the right thing with that renewed prestige.

While at home it is possible to watch the local and national news shows or read the newspapers and not know other countries even exist, here and around the world the people in nearly every country feel they have a personal stake in the American elections. There are even those who honestly feel that because of the pervasiveness of everything American, the entire world should have an opportunity to vote in the American Elections. I don’t believe many take that idea seriously, and I am sure those who do would not like the idea if Americans voting in their elections. But the fact that idea is even voiced speaks volumes about America’s place in the world. I can only hope we don’t squander this opportunity to keep and improve our image abroad and full fill the promise for a better future for ourselves and the rest of the world.

Sorry for the long winded editorial but I felt I should pass on what I have seen concerning the elections. I also want to add that the news coverage of the inauguration spoke long and in detail about the American tradition of peaceful transitions from one administration to another. What better advertisement for American democracy than hundreds of millions of people around the world watching George Bush greet Barack Obama on the steps of the White House then the inauguration in the open air with 2 million spectators. In many countries peaceful transitions of power are unknown or seldom seen.

Enjoy the Journey

Scott C. Ames
--------------------------------
Thanks, Scott...

And Peace Y'all

The Event ~ Photos From Washington

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:32:00 +0000

I am watching the millions of people gathered on the Mall.
Progressive America making a real and powerful statement.

That is a beautiful thing.

Enjoy.
Courtesy of the Huffington Post.

Peace Y'all

Sunday Poetry Series

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 06:20:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Welcome to the Sunday Poetry Series.

I have selected a favorite, Rudyard Kipling's "If", in honor of the upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama. May he embody the leadership our nation so desperately needs.

If
Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master;
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run--
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Peace Y'all

And We have Lift-off

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Greetings All,

The Awop TeamZine is online.

Folks have asked me if I intend to keep this blog and the answer is yes. I don't have any immediate plans to completely move over to the new digs...but...I have learned to never say never.

Unless it's becoming a social conservative...that I can tell you is never going to happen.

I hope y'all will come by and check out the new place.

Peace Y'all

All Systems Go

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Greetings All,

I think it is official.

I am addicted to blogging. I suppose there are worse things I could be...and well...have been addicted to.

A couple of months ago I had the most unoriginal thought to create a team blog with my favorite bloggers.

Yeah, you got your Huffington Post, your Raw Story...you know...the big Kahunas of progressive blogging, but as good as those blogs are, there are a number of damn good bloggers that post in relative anonymity. My main objective in starting this new team blog was to help some of my favorite bloggers, hopefully, to achieve a well deserved wider audience for their efforts.

I have lost a couple of folks that were originally scheduled to participate to other paths and I wish them well. Everything usually works out for the best and we will be replacing the Economics page with an Environmental section.

Putting the magazine together has been a labor of love.
For the love of blogging, the medium that gives a global voice to the common folk.
But mostly, I spent these hours on the new site because nothing makes me happier than to see people speaking out and standing up for a better world, for everyone. These guys are world class in my book.

I won't be posting tomorrow as I will be busy getting the site ready for our launch on Friday and the link will be posted here for y'all.

All of us at the new A World Of Progress TeamZine look forward to seeing you there : )

Peace y'all

The Last Bush Brain Spew

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:33:00 +0000

The conscious person's review of the final and certainly the most wacky and even whiny George W. Bush press conference.

The final "press conference" that is.

Apparently, we still have the farewell address to come this Thursday.
Poor guy...even I am starting to feel bad for his hapless attempt to salvage his "Legacy".
But not that bad.
ok....
I am going with Olbermann instead of Maddow because he rips him a bigger one. While it appears that Bush and his co-criminals are going to get a free pass and just walk away from their crimes while the 20% of Americans who still think they are honorable men appear to have no limit to what they will defend on their behalf, history will not forget.

Olbermann on the final Bush brain-spew.

Peace Y'all

Stunningly Moronic

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Greetings All,

I watched the Dumb Ass in Chief's farewell press conference and I am just speechless.

yep.

Speechless.

ok...maybe just one thing...
Yeah, it is a damn shame, George, that you didn't think to hit that Air Force one landing in Baton Rouge photo op hard right out of the box.

I am going to have to leave this to the professionals to breakdown and I will have that for you tomorrow.

Keith...
Rachel...

maybe both.

OMG...when is this moron going to shut up and go away.

I swear this guy has to be a result of some first generation government experiment in mind control gone terribly awry. He does not even make a mildly convincing puppet.

Peace Y'all

Sunday Poetry Series

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Welcome to the Sunday Poetry Series.
This week we have a piece about war from a woman who met it face to face.

Wislawa Szymborska was born in Bnin (now a part of Kórnik) in Western Poland in 1923. She won the Nobel Prize in Lterature in 1996.

Some People
by Wislawa Szymborska
Translated by Joanna Trzeciak

Some people fleeing some other people.
In some country under the sun
and some clouds.

They leave behind some of their everything,
sown fields, some chickens, dogs,
mirrors in which fire now sees itself reflected.

On their backs are pitchers and bundles,
the emptier, the heavier from one day to the next.

Taking place stealthily is somebody's stopping,
and in the commotion, somebody's bread somebody's snatching
and a dead child somebody's shaking.

In front of them some still not the right way,
nor the bridge that should be
over a river strangely rosy.
Around them, some gunfire, at times closer, at times farther off,
and, above, a plane circling somewhat.

Some invisibility would come in handy,
some grayish stoniness,
or even better, non-being
for a little or a long while.

Something else is yet to happen, only where and what?
Someone will head toward them, only when and who,
in how many shapes and with what intentions?
Given a choice,
maybe he will choose not to be the enemy and
leave them with some kind of life.
------------------------------------------

Peace Y'all

The Bush Legacy: Talkin' TVA Coal Ash Spill Emory River Blues

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Y'all might have heard about the big, big problem that developed in our part of the country a couple of weeks ago from all that "clean coal" technology.

Steve O. has a report for us on what is going on with this horrible disaster.

The Bush Legacy: Talkin' TVA Coal Ash Spill Emory River Blues
Steve O.

On December 22nd, the TVA Kingston Fossil Coal Plant belched billions of gallons of toxic coal ash into neighboring communities- including the Emory River. The 300 acres of contaminated land and 5.4 million cubic yards of toxic fly ash make this incident larger than the '89 Exxon Valdez spill. As of today's posting, only minimal efforts by the TVA have been made to clean up the spill, and only after a congressional hearing and several damning articles/reports.

A group of researchers and environmentalists, working in tandem with Sandra Diaz (National Field Coordinator for Appalachian Voices) and students and faculty from Appalachian State University took to the Emory in dry suits and kayaks collecting water samples. While navigating the "ash bergs" and dead fish, the group was able to determine that the water contained over 300x the allowable amount of arsenic, as well as dozens of toxic metals. John Wathen, Hurricane Creekkeeper and credited photographer for this article, said of the spill,

“This is the largest loss of material into a river I have ever seen,” said Wathen. “It could rank as one of America’s worst environmental disasters in recent history if not the worst. This tops the Susquehanna cave in, the Exxon Valdez, or the Martin County KY Tug River slurry spill.”

Arsenic and other toxins weren't the only hostile elements the team met while on the Emory.

Wathen said the groups have been denied access to public roads and escorted out of a waterway by private TVA security police who claimed they were given federal authority through the Patriot act. These are, Watham said, “Gestapo tactics intended to scare people away from the truth.”

Along with Donna Lisenby and Sandra Diaz, Watham skirted police lines and took samples. “Cops (were) yelling from both sides,” he said. “The cops in cars could not get to us for the water. The cops in the boat could not reach us for the mud and debris in the river, and the helicopter couldn’t land in the muck to pick us up either.”

That's right, friends and neighbors, the Patriot act somehow gives private security police the right to escort researchers off of public land, which they gained access to by public roads. And who knows? It just might, but I can't find anyone who's read the fuckin' thing...

In 2002, George W. Bush cancelled a health regulation that would have returned the "allowable amount" of arsenic (really? arsenic?) in drinking water to 10ppb. Instead, we have an EPA that, while recognizing the hazards of both arsenic and coal plant waste in print, has no authority to scale back the amount of fucking poison in our drinking water or treat coal ash as a hazard. Under W., the EPA has been turned into a "name only" organization, and it is my sincere hope that the incoming administration will view this agency in a com-fucking-pletely different light.

Yesterday, a second spill occurred at the Widows Creek Coal Plant in Stevenson, Alabama. The TVA initially denied the existence of any toxins in the creek, but 24 hours can make on hell of a difference.

A silvery gray sludge coated the shore in the photos taken at Bellefonte Landing, near a site for which TVA is seeking a permit to build a nuclear power plant.

"This is the same stuff on the shoreline up there at Kingston," said Morgan, who speculated that it came from Widows Creek.

TVA spokesman John Moulton said he didn't believe that whatever Morgan had pictured in photographs was ash or gypsum from either the Kingston or Widows Creek spills.

Ya got that folks? Moulton doesn't think the pictures are from Widows Creek.

He probably thinks that Dick Cheney is a swell fella, too.

'Til Next Time,
Steve O.
The Relevant Rhino

GOPAC For The Left : Part I - Being A Patriot

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:01:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Update on Tim (aka) Bidder 70....

Thanks to everyone who donated! Tim has reached and surpassed his goal of 45,000 dollars. Now that is some progressive thought in action! But that is not the end of it. That was just a down payment. Please continue to help spread the word and enlist all the help you can so Tim can continue to fight this battle on behalf of all Americans who are tired of having our natural resources and public lands given over to those with only an interest in making a profit off of them.

Today we have the first post in a series on how progressives can more effectively influence the course our country is taking from A World Of Progress TeamZine Contributing Editor, Steve O.

Steve will be posting on the Politics page at our new online magazine launching January 16.

We hope you will stop by this blog on January 16 for your invitation link to the brand new A World Of Progress TeamZine!

GOPAC for the Left : Part I - Being A Patriot
Steve O.
The Relevant Rhino

The concept of what makes one patriotic has been kidnapped, brutalized, and given a gnarly case of Stockholm Syndrome by the GOP. People who understood what it meant to be a patriot- Thom Paine, Fredrick Douglass, Bill Maher- have been left behind like an under-performing school district. To the Republican Party, patriotism is sticking your head in the sand and never criticizing your government(unless you can manufacture a way to blame a liberal). Patriotism is a three word slogan you can place next to your American flag/God Bless Our Troops bumper stickers on your massive (compensatory) SUV.

Having spent several years in the service of my country at national and state levels, as well as not being some kind of mindless drone that takes my cues from the likes of Limbaugh, I can offer some of what I’ve learned to Democrats wishing to crush an opponent in our next election cycle.

1) As the party that so successfully eats its own, rarely unifies, and historically reacts rather than leads, it’s imperative that the qualities we dislike in other Democrats become inherent in our actual political opposites. In other words, save some of that mojo for the general election. And by “mojo”, I mean “mudslinging”.

2) Dissent is patriotic. This is one thing the GOP will never understand. At least, the GOP of the last 30 years. To the modern incarnation of the Republican Party, the Flag (oh yes, it gets a capital letter) is a security blanket. And if they wrap themselves tight enough in the Flag, no harm will come to them. Republicans, and many Congressional Dems, spent the better part of the last eight years wrapped so snugly in the flag that the circulation was completely cut off to their brains(I’m looking at you, Feinstien, Reid, Pelosi, Rockefeller, Conyers, and Rangel). By reclaiming the patriotism card, and going back to the original intent that loving your country includes recognizing its flaws and wanting to correct them, we can move forward and actually fucking do something about the messes of the last decade.

3) Patriotism shouldn’t be limited to stump speeches. For exemplary examples on how one serves as a patriot- see the voting records of Russ Feingold and Dennis Kucinich.

4) Never, for a second, allow the right to revise history. The fact that our taxpayer money is being spent on the “Bush Legacy Tour”(revisionist history at its “finest”) should not only piss you off, it should scare the shit outta you. Revisionists have already deified Reagan (something around 75% of Americans should have a problem with, but for some reason, don’t), vilified the successes of the Clinton Era (or claimed them for themselves), swept every misstep, blunder, and gargantuan fucking failure of the Bush Administration under the rug, and are hard at work sabotaging an Administration that hasn’t even taken place yet. This shit has got to stop. You, yes you, the astute, good looking, charming, and capable progressive reading this (and you too, birdie) have the power to do just that.
-----------------------------------------
Peace Y'all

Israel And Gaza

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Update on the previous post.
Tim is as just over 41,000 dollars!
Please give if you can!
Bidder 70.org

Today we have a post from, Michael Hinckley, Contributing Editor at the new A World Of Progress TeamZine. We have set our official launch date for January 16 and I will posting a link here to the new site that morning. For now, please enjoy Michael's piece on Israel and Gaza.

Israel And Gaza
Michael Hinckley

I am not amazed, nor even surprised, that Israel had launched a raid into Gaza. Nor am I stunned that such a raid has turned into a week (and more) of bombings and death. What I am curious about is the timing and objectives of Israel.

In an Egyptian-brokered cease fire established in June of 2008, HAMAS and Israel agreed to cease hostilities for a six month period to allow aid into Gaza. That agreement lapsed in December, around the 16th, during which time, HAMAS has fired what are essentially symbolic missiles into the south of “Israel” (since HAMAS was technically firing into what was, prior to the 1967 war and 1948 war, Palestinian territory now held by Israel in violation of armistices and UN resolutions, but I digress). So for nearly a month, Israel has been dealing with the headache (or slightly less dangerous than a headache) of HAMAS missiles launched into its territories but chose last week to do something about it.

Why did they wait so long? Why did they not wait longer? A plausible answer might be the Israeli fears that Obama, with his already high rating among Arabs, might be a little less lenient than the Bush administration on Israeli aggression and military actions. In fact, many Israeli opinion editors (and, I think, politicians in the Likud party) see Obama’s inexperience not as a “fresh start” but more along the lines of having to reinvent the wheel to bring him into the pro-Zionist fold.

Another puzzler for me was the objective of Israel’s offensive into Gaza. According to official statements, it was to “kill the leadership of HAMAS” and render it ineffective, but Israel has already been doing just that; assassinating HAMAS leaders, such as the killing of quadriplegic HAMAS leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in 2004 by firing a laser-guided missile at his car. Since around 2000, Israeli commandos have hunted down and assassinated Hamas leaders, but Hamas - which is a very ideologically-driven organization - seems to have become only stronger, particularly as Iranian money supports many of their actions and efforts. Additionally, by attacking with F-16s, M-1 Abrams tanks, artillery and now ground troops, the Israelis have upped the resistance of the Palestinians to Israeli objectives, as happened in the Intifada of the 1980’s and in Lebanon in 2006. To the Palestinians, who lack such armament despite the “rockets” they have (which are woefully ineffective and inaccurate), it is yet another example of Israel’s overbearing demeanor; Gaza is a mere 124 square miles yet thousands of Israeli armed troops, hundreds of armored vehicles and airships, and literally thousands of tons of ordinance have been dropped on a people who lack basic infrastructure such as running water, electricity or sewers. The result - I predict - will be a cease fire, several dead HAMAS leaders, dozens of dead Israeli soldiers, and hundreds (if not thousands) of dead Palestinians who are too poor to evacuate (and even if they could, where could they go? The border with Egypt is tightly controlled and the border with Israel has troops on it - shall they swim to Crete?). After the cease fire, HAMAS will return, fairly quickly I believe, and become even MORE anti-Israel than before only this time fuelled by increased Gazan hatred and frustration. Rocket attacks will begin again and suicide bombers targeting civilians will increase within a year.

Some might argue that this is actually HAMAS’ fault, and I would be disinclined to disagree with them; this is most definitely HAMAS’ fault. But it is also Israel’s fault; their superior position militarily and their belligerent politics toward the Palestinians have made them choose hostility and land over peace and security. To Israeli hawks, the only good Palestinian is a dead Palestinian. Likewise, HAMAS has actively fought against normalization of relationships, productive talks between the Palestinian authority (let alone Israel) and itself, and become increasingly belligerent. To HAMAS, and organizations like it such as hezb Allah (Hezbullah), a dead Palestinian is a useful Palestinian - as a recruiting and propaganda tool.

So what should Israel do? Well, in the short term, cease fire and withdraw from Gaza; it’s a no-win situation anyway, HAMAS will live on and will claim victory no matter what, so what use is national pride? Immediately after the withdrawal, Israel should begin dismantling the barricade walls surrounding Palestinian cities and villages and remove settlements in the Jordan valley and the “occupied terrirories” (as Israelis call them) of Palestine. By treating the West Bank portion of Palestine as a separate entity worthy of respect, the more amenable Palestinian Authority will accrue prestige and validity, which may serve it well in future elections against HAMAS - bloodshed and loss of land vs. peace and increased autonomy. Additionally, allowing only medical and food aid into Gaza (to avoid a humanitarian crisis) while actively investing in the infrastructure and businesses of the West Bank will further reward the “good” Palestinian government and punish the “bad” Palestinian government. Finally, Israel needs to give up the illusion that it will ever have East Jerusalem; Muslims all over the world are adamant about that and Israeli resistance not only fuels terrorists like HAMAS and hezb Allah, but also put the back of the PA up, since East Jerusalem and an autonomous Palestinian state’s capital are stated goals of the Palestinian Authority. Since Mahmoud Abbas has already stated that the PA recognizes Israel’s right to exist and the PA holds no love for HAMAS “thugs” (as they call them), there is little risk that such generosity will signal to West Bank Palestinians that Israel is weak or soft. Eventually, HAMAS will become discredited IF and only if Israel works to make the PA more legitimate by actually abiding by treaties and agreements instead of unilaterally revoking them or failing to live up to their end of the bargain. Only a peaceful course of “soft power” will destroy HAMAS; arms and violence will only increase resistance.

I would not be surprised to see the West Bank and Gaza become two distinct and separate states, similar to Bangladesh and Pakistan, in the following years if Israel really is serious about peace and security. It may take some serious negotiating, and some severe concessions on the part of both parties, but it is do-able if Israel wants it to be.

—————–Resources————-

Justin Eliott “Obama’s Israel Shuffle ” in Mother Jones 1 Feb 2008

Ed Lasky “Barack Obama’s Middle East Expert ” on American Thinker 23 Jan 2008

Al Ahram (Egypt) “Obituary: Sheikh Ahmed Yassin: 1938-2004 ” 31 Mar2004

Aron Heller “Israel Eyes 2002 Saudi Proposal for Peace ” in The San Diego Union-Tribune 20 Oct 2008

“Text of the Saudi Peace Proposal, 2002 ” from al Bab

____________________________

Peace Y'all

Bidder 70 Is One Of Us

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Greetings All,

I would like to introduce you to yet another of our fine contributors at the new A World Of Progress TeamZine, Lisa of Politics Over 50. She rocks the blog, y'all. I am sooooo excited she will be joining the rest of the outstanding bloggers coming together for this new online progressive magazine!

She (and I) would like to make you aware of a way you can give a farewell finger to the BushCo and BLM at the same time.

This Delights Me: Bidder 70
Politics After 50

Remember how we all said the Iraq war was not about Democracy, not about freedom, but all about oil, and we were laughed at? Remember that glorious day when Alan Greenspan (he who protecteth us not from financial ruin) said the Iraq war was all about oil and the White House about shit itself? Ahh. Good times, good times.

Wellll, waaaay before all that, I knew the war was about oil, 'cause I'd stumbled upon the ol' PNAC website and read the whole neocon plan for "controlling our interests" (our?) in the Middle East. So, dirty hippie that I yam, I found the RSS feeds for as many "It's about the oil, stupid" websites I could find, and Oil Change International was one of them.

I just got an email from them entitled, Who Is Bidder 70? You're going to just LOVE this.

While the Bizzy Bushies are working day and night like Santa's elves to destroy our country (and the world as we know it) before January 20th, there are certain regular schmoes who are trying to stop them, since Nan-cee Pelosi and the rest of our useless elected politicians have their backs purposely turned, because, well, you know, boys will be boys!

So, a certain Tim DeChristopher of Salt Lake City, Utah, went to the auction of BLM public land, and bought the shit right out from under the Evil Bush Boys:

In a brave act of civil disobedience, Tim DeChristopher disrupted the auctioning off of public land, effectively giving it away for a fraction of its true cost to taxpayers and its true value as a natural resource.

This auction was another of The Bush Administration's parting shots at the American people and another blow to the already under-funded and over-worked career professionals at the BLM.

You see, he outbid them. But he doesn't have any money. Buhahahahahahaha! Man, I love this SO much.

OK...So...here's the deal. We have to help Tim pay for the land before he gets sent to jail for fraud and/or before he's murdered by the Gestapo, whichever comes first. Oh, and before JANUARY 9TH, which is THIS FRIDAY. As of this moment, he's got $28,110, so he doesn't have very far to go. Please donate what you can, and pass this on like wildfire!

Here's Tim DeChristopher's website. Make it so.

UPDATE: To be clear, $45,000 will take care of the land down payment only. Tim also has legal fees to pay, and once he makes the land down payment, he'll need much more money to keep the land out of BushCo's greedy, greasy grasp. So...if you get to his website and see he's close to his $45K goal, don't stop yourself from donating.
________________________

Peace Y'all

I'ts Almost Over

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:54:00 +0000

And I still find it hard to believe our nation let this man and his handlers plunder our nation of far more than just our money, they have robbed us of so, so much more than that and they have absolutely no remorse. In fact, I think they really feel like they still know best, even amidst the wreckage their ideology has brought the nation and the world.

Greetings All,

Sometimes a cartoon is the best thing to describe a cartoon character like George W. Bush.

I snagged this sadly accurate statement on the utter embarrassment of a United States President that was George W. Bush from Nicole over at Inspire Political Discourse.

Peace Y'all

Sunday Poetry Series

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Welcome to the first edition of the Sunday Poetry series for 2009.

I was thinking about the evolution of Humanity and wondering why it is that we have yet to collectively agree that peace is possible. Are humans really just incapable of living in harmony with the planet and each other?

Religionist's point to centuries of failure where that is concerned as proof of their point that man is inherently tainted and in need of salvation in order to enter the perfect Kingdom of "their" God.

I realize what I am about to say, some might find highly offensive and sacrilegious even, but it is my humble belief that the human condition would change immediately and drastically for the better if the majority of people stopped using the very convenient myth of inherent unworthiness as an excuse to behave in that way.

I am not an Atheist, I believe in a Higher Consciousness. Call it whatever you happen to like. I don't believe this Source Consciousness is into such petty things as what name you choose to use for it.

Petty people are though.

As a part of that Source consciousness we too have the ability to choose to be free from that kind of pettiness (or any other) that spreads and escalates into all manner of ugliness and pain. So, just who is it that benefits in our remaining ignorant of this, our not believing that we have the power to choose and pursue a higher road for ourselves and our world?

We should be working collectively to expose the sources of this lie and working together to end it because the ones who are benefiting from it do not represent the majority of us Humans.

A poem for the New year

The Human Seasons
John Keats

Four Seasons fill the measure of the year;
There are four seasons in the mind of man:

He has his lusty Spring, when fancy clear
Takes in all beauty with an easy span:

He has his Summer, when luxuriously
Spring's honeyed cud of youthful thought he loves
To ruminate, and by such dreaming high
Is nearest unto Heaven: quiet coves

His soul has in its Autumn, when his wings
He furleth close; contented so to look
On mists in idleness—to let fair things
Pass by unheeded as a threshold brook:—

He has his Winter too of pale misfeature,
Or else he would forego his mortal nature.

Peace Y'all

Thank You, Lola

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Greetings All,

My friend, Lola, of Lola's Diner fame has bestowed a lovely award on the AWOP blog.

Thanks so much for thinking of me and taking the time to include me in your list of recipients.
As per the official award rules:

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

And so...for the 8 blogs I am selecting for the forwarding of said award and why I selected them:

Kids Of Queers
For helping to educate a fearful world to the fact that GLBT people are no less deserving of the same rights, protections and respect under the law as any other American.

Inspire Political Discourse
Excellent Progressive News Summary blog with insightful commentary. One of my daily reads.

Fearless History
Definitely a thinking persons blog. I learn something new about the world with every one of this guys posts. Michael will be joining us at the new AWOP TeamZine and I hope you will check out his page there starting January 16.

Endangered Spaces
Great posts about who and what is endangering our environment. Good links to add your voice of dissent on the endangerment and destruction of our home, the earth. This blog is definitely a friend of the planet.

Recovery Rocks
Roxie is recovering. She is also blogging about it and seeking to help others while she is at it. Good reads here.

Thoughts From A Lezzy Mom
I have just recently become familiar with this blog and I dig it. Lot's of good GLBT links. Another voice for equality.

Ocean Of Perspectives
Lot's of great posts on all things "Higher Consciousness" which is good because we need more of that.

Compassion * Kindness Bloggers Who Care
I joined up with this blogs attempt to promote more compassion. Sometimes when I am writing, I think about Maitri's list I added my blog to. That thought has on more than one occasion caused me to re-think the perspective I was taking. Thanks Maitri. I know Lola passed this onto you already, but hey, I think you deserve it too.

Thanks again, Lola, for the kind thought.

Peace Y'all

Bill O'Reilly Bold And Fresh?

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Bill O'Reilly has new book out in which he refers to himself as "bold" and "fresh".
"A Bold Fresh Piece Of Humanity", now that is some title. I would have gone with something more like "A Big Fat Piece Of Ego" besides, I really have my doubts that Bill O'Reilly knows all that much about the higher aspects of humanity (at least I have never seen any indication that he does).

While his exuberant followers may find him stimulating, honestly, I don't pay much attention to Bill, mainly because I find him to be more angry and stale than bold or fresh.

Personally, while it is dangerous to a free society, I don't find the right wing extremist psyche to be terribly complicated or particularly interesting.
Totally Fear based sums it up pretty well for me, but I came across this review of his latest book and it has some interesting things to say about the guy and his life and times.

A Review of "A Bold Fresh Piece Of Humanity"
In this slight, self-indulgent memoir, Bill O'Reilly tells us how he got so "bold" and "fresh." A humble man, he attributes his success to his own innate greatness, with honorable mention going to his solidly rock-headed upbringing in Levittown, N.Y. For all his generous praise of Levittown, O'Reilly is very clear that most of the credit should go to himself: "Looking back, the reason I have succeeded in life is that I relied on myself."
This typical piece of self-congratulation comes in a bizarre 10-page digression about Hurricane Katrina, in which O'Reilly contrasts his bold, fresh childhood in Levittown 50 years ago with the disastrous government-dependency of those New Orleans residents who spoiled Bush's presidency by getting themselves drowned: "If I had lived in New Orleans, I would have gotten in my car and driven the hell out of there as soon as the national weather service gave warning." In case the reader missed the point, Bill says that the dead in New Orleans were "either too dumb, too lazy, too mentally challenged, or too unlucky to have provided themselves with basic protections."
Stupid and callous as that may sound, it's the sort of proclamation that helped O'Reilly "succeed in life." In fact, this sort of non sequitur is the most powerful rhetorical device in O'Reilly's part of the ideological spectrum. O'Reilly's real function is to say out loud, on television, this sort of thing -- and get away with it. His fans don't argue; they hate argument or discussion on principle. They simply glory in the fact that O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh have found a way to blurt out their long-nursed spite on national TV and get away with it -- in fact, "succeed in life" by doing it. So, the raw boasting that characterizes this book is something that O'Reilly's nameless fans can share, knowing that O'Reilly's success, such as it is, represents the fact that their long-choked spite has at last found its voice.
O'Reilly's notorious catchphrase, "Shut up!" isn't by any means a mere eruption of bad temper; it's his ideology. His version of conservatism, which he calls "traditionalism," emphasizes silent obedience. He proudly recalls learning the habit of not discussing important matters as a child: "My folks knew what was happening in the world, but did not feel compelled to comment." read the rest

Silent obedience? Are you kidding me?

Nope, I cant' do that, Bill.

That would be downright un-American.

Peace Y'all

It's A Wrap

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:51:00 +0000

Greetings All,

Post 160 is the last post of 2008.

Happy New Year, one and all.

It has been a pretty good year of blogging here at AWOP, I'd say.

This one year old blog is dangerously close to having 50 subscribers and I have to tell you, that is amazing to me. While subscribers do not necessarily mean readers in all cases, I keep a pretty close watch on my stats and most of these folks click through their bookmarks just about every day. While there are a great number of blogs that have a whole heap more subscribers than 50, I think for my little piece of the blogging pie, that is really just something else. Thanks so very much for the continued support of AWOP.

So, let's see here, seems that I have been "tagged" by The Wandering Elf and I suppose the last post of 2008 is just going to have to be all about ME.

Can I possibly find 6 things about me you guys don't already know? Hmmmmmm. Ok, here goes.

6 things about me.

1. I caught Joan Jett's cold after she played a show in Deep Ellum (that's a part of downtown Dallas for y'all non-Texans). Poor thing, she had a terrible cold and after the show I shook her hand, gave her a hug and viola. I woke up the next morning with Joan Jett's cold...not Joan...just her cold. Best cold I ever had.

2. I earned the expert marksmanship medal with an M-16 machine gun while in basic training for the Air Force.

3. The strangest job I have had was working for Life Gift surgically harvesting body parts from cadavers, usually in the middle of the night.

4. It took me about forty years to learn to trust my instincts above all else.

5. I walked away from corporate America and "The Good Life" complete with all the trappings of success to find my Soul on the top of a mountain in Appalachia.

6. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and it taught me that to forgive those who trespass against us is the only way to peace. That includes, perhaps even more importantly, forgiving yourself your own trespasses against others.

So, in keeping with the "Tag Rules" I am tapping the following folks for six things about you as well.

Hahn at Home

Fearless History

Blanca Debree Blog

Politics After 50

The Relevant Rhino

Me And The Blue Skies

Tag Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they were tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Happy New Year, Y'all

Saltsman An Ethnocentric Comedian? Not.

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:02:00 +0000

Greetings All,

I am sort of back from vacation but not completely. Let's call it semi-vacated : )

So, while I was in total vacation mode Chip Saltsman does something so upper class white Republican that I had to come out and blog about it because, frankly, I hate that elitist shit and I was not going to let that one go, vacation or not.
I didn't need to think twice to decide what I was hearing and seeing was racist.

However.....

At times I will get a comment questioning my response to something and because it seems like an earnest inquiry (as opposed to one all slathered in hate) I am ever so much more likely to actually give it some consideration.

Here is the comment courtesy of Da Old Man of Crotchety Old Man Yells At Cars:

My problem with both things is that they are not funny. Racist? I don't know. It's such a fine line. I wanted to know how you define racism.
Is it racist to make fun of how white people dance or talk or eat as many black comedians do? It just appears to be a one way street.
How do you define it?

So, here is my well considered response to this very polite inquiry:

First of all, there are as many forms of racism as there racists to pursue it. Some do walk more of a fine line than others, but how do we know when that line has been crossed?

The ingenuity of those who hate and seek to inflict damage upon certain groups of people because they are different in the way they act, look, or because of the color or culture they are members of is literally infinite.

I like a good comedy routine as much as anyone. Even when it pokes fun in an ethnocentric kind of way. There is no denying that our different races have some pretty funny stuff to parody. I don't know why but when you mentioned white people dancing "white boy overbite" came to mind. I had a girlfriend once who used to always point that out whenever she saw it. That can be very funny and in the end it is really the spirit or the intention that makes all the difference between racism and ethnocentric comedy.

Chip Saltsman is not a comedian. He is a politician. While I am sure he was trying to be funny the circumstances surrounding his comedic endeavor leaves me more than a bit suspicious of the spirit in which he was doing it. What he has done feels decidedly divisive to me.

I get the distinct feeling that Chip Saltsman does not like liberals.
Let me rephrase that.
I think Chip Saltsman really, really dislikes liberals.
I think he was making fun of our first black president in a similar, very disliking, kind of way.
Were either of the two Black men in the altercation scene Barack "The Magic Negro" Obama?
No.
So, someone tell me.
What did that have to do with Obama other than a guilt by association racist statement about blacks in general?

But how do I know it was really racist?

Frankly, it is a feeling more than anything else.
It makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
It makes me feel ill in the pit of my stomach.
His words ring hollow that he did not mean it as hateful or racist.

I trust these things to tell me his intent more than his words.

My gut tells me he is not a comedian helping us to look at ourselves and our funny, quirky, ethnic ways.

My gut tells me he is a white Republican racist in the finest neo-con tradition.

oh...and if Rush Limbaugh thinks it's good...that alone ought to tell you something.

Thanks for reading and for your comment and I hope this answers your questions.

Peace Y'all

Chip Saltsman You Are Not Funny But You Are A Racist

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Apparently the racist candidate for RNC Chairman and Mike Huckabee campaign manager, Chip Saltsman thinks his little CD about how liberals hate America and especially the tune about Barack The Magic Negro is funny. Just political satire. Not racist. No way. No how.

Is it funny like this Diane Fedele of the California Chaffey Community Republican Women's joke that was in her club's newsletter she never thought was going viral?

She didn't think this was racist either.

Chip Saltsman you are a coward.
Why can't you just admit it and stand by your racist views instead of trying to pretend that CD does not represent what it clearly represents.

Racist Putz.

The only people who can't see you are a racist are other racists. The rest of us are crystal clear on what you are saying with your "political satire".

Keep it up Republicans and you won't have any base left that are not complete Nazis who just wave a different flag than the ones who went before them.

This country is sick of you and your ways.

Now, back to my vacation.

Peace Y'all

A Brief Hiatus

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:11:00 +0000

Greetings All,

I hope you enjoyed being introduced to a couple of the folks that will be contributing over at AWOP Mag.

We are going to be travelling about for a few days but upon my return I hope to have a few more previews for you as I finish up the new site.

Thanks again for subscribing, reading and commenting!

See you in a few days : )

Peace Y'all

Another Tasty Sample

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:37:00 +0000

Greetings All,

I thought I was going to make it through this "Holiday Season" without getting guff and grief from someone for trying to acknowledge everyone by using that inclusive term. I almost made it... until today. And to be honest, only once was better than last year.

C'mon, why can't it be OK for me to include other people who celebrate other religious traditions in my holiday greetings? I realize the idea of "inclusion" is a bit foreign to some but you seriously need to get over that. Frankly, it is selfish and spiritually immature.

I am perfectly happy to wish you a merry Christmas if I happen to know you are a Christian.

Geeeez.

And sorry, but if the public commons can't accommodate everyone's religion we should just leave it alone or at least make it something that is "inclusive" and representative of all Americans. I think simple reason dictates it would be far easier to just display your personal religious preference in your own space. If you find that logic offensive then your logic eludes me.

So having said that.
Happy Holidays, Y'all.

And now....we continue with our titillating taste of things to come in our new online magazine for progressive people. The thing I love the most about how this thing is shaping up is the synchronicity. Yeah, synchronicity. For instance, I was thinking of writing a post about the War On Christmas and a blogger I just happen to have invited to join us at AWOP Mag writes a superlative post on that very subject and hits every important point squarely on the head.

Y'all welcome Sidhe the Wandering Elf.

He Who Smelt It Dealt It!

This morning while I was at the gas station, gleefully filling my gas guzzling SUV (that I would love to get rid of in favor of, let's say, a hybrid vehicle, given my environmental leanings), I happened to overhear the clerks discussing how to wish customers a Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays or whatever. The derision in their voices did not escape me as they commented to each other about how not to offend Buddhists and I was once again reminded of the so-called War on Christmas. It occurred to me, at that very moment, that this War on Christmas was a lot like the Fart Game.

I've had to hear Bill O'Reilly yak on nightly about the liberal agenda that is intent on eliminating Merry Christmas from the American vocabulary so they can get on with the real work, you know, like abortion and (gasp!) gay marriage. Yes, that's right, it's a deep seated plot. These liberal masterminds want to force their agenda on the God Fearing Christians. Oh, the horror! It could not possibly be about recognizing that we live in a country that allows us the luxury of worshiping whichever god we choose in any way that does not harm the life or liberty of any other citizen. Saying Happy Holidays recognizes the differences in our fellow citizens. Most of us liberals seem to be pretty laid back people when there's no one trampling on our civil liberties. If someone says "Merry Christmas" we don't get up in arms and say "How dare you, I am a _________." But if you say "Happy Holidays" you run the risk of upsetting the most Christian among us, how dare you, don't you know the "reason for the season." Why yes I do and I can tell you that Jesus does not have a monopoly on December.

So, just like the Fart Game, it seems that the War on Christmas is not a liberal plot but a stink raised by the religious right to further demean and disparage fellow citizens. Bill O'Reilly, I just have to remind you of one of the quintessential rules of the Fart Game, he who smelt it dealt it!

P.S. Forgive me, I realize that I commented upon the Fart Game, I mean the War on Christmas, quite recently but...'tis the season!

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Blessed Yule! Happy Hanukkah! Joyous Kwanzaa! And at least one million other greetings to express my delight that the world I live in and the people I meet every day are wonderfully diverse and eternally interesting.

_____________________________________

Tasty, no?

Peace Y'all

A Little Preview Of Things To Come

kim@aworldofprogress.com (A Progressive Girl) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:40:00 +0000

Greetings All,

As you may remember from a few posts back, I told y'all about the new AWOP Teamzine project that will be launching (hopefully within the next two weeks) that will feature some of my very favorite bloggers and, I hope, soon to be your favorites too.

The online magazine will be comprised of several sections and today I would like to give y'all a little taste of the kind of smart, sharp and on the money posts you will getting in our new Economics section.

Y'all welcome Mary Kitt-Neel of Let's not, and say we did.
Mary has graciously agreed to be our Economics editor and I am sure you are going to love her work. Please click through and check out her other great posts! Click on some internet ads while you are there, that really makes her day, and after all, such a great free read deserves a little ad clicking love, don't you think? I do.
I click on them every time I visit, it's my way of saying "Thanks" for a great read : )

I will be unveiling the new site soon so stay tuned!

Liars loans and dead souls: plus ca change ...

Mary Kitt-Neel

(For those of you reading from France or Canada, or those of you who just give a damn, I apologize for the lack of a cedilla in the title. I can't get the special secret code to work on this keyboard. Sorry. Oh, and thanks for reading. You rock. Seriously, you do.)

We've been listening to Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol, and if you aren't familiar with Gogol's work, perhaps you should get familiar. His medium is hilarious and cutting social satire. The Inspector General, for example, is a very funny play. I don't know if anyone ever tries to stage it anymore, but even just reading it is entertaining.

Dead Souls is a sort of fable about a 19th century Russian version of the so-called "liar's loans" that had such a profound and devastating effect on the American housing market in 2007 and 2008.

The set-up is this: back then, the census was only taken at large intervals of time. People with land could own their own serfs back then, and they had to pay tax on every single one of those serfs. They had to pay the taxes on the serfs who died since the last census was taken, because in the official census, they still existed, and would still exist until the next census could take their death into account.

These serfs were like any other property in that they contributed to a person's net worth, and could be borrowed against as if they were home equity.

The protagonist, Chichikov, is a schemer with a plan to get rich on all the "dead souls" - the serfs who had died since the last census, but who, according to the census, still existed. Chichikov would show up in a town, and spend money he really couldn't spare to impress the town folks and get everyone to think he was a rich, successful investor.

Then Chichikov would visit individual land owners and offer to buy up his or her dead souls to relieve the land owner from having to pay the taxes on them. Most of the people are skeptical at first, but eventually "sell" Chichikov their dead souls for a few cents each, along with the paperwork showing the change in ownership.

What Chichikov would have done, had he not been found out, was to take the papers "proving" that he owned all these serfs (whose status as "dead" wasn't known to the census takers yet), and make himself seem far wealthier than he actually was. He'd take out a mortgage on them, since they were, after all, like real estate, and retire to the country on his ill-gotten riches.

Sound familiar?

The housing/credit bubble of the past couple of years is a modern day twist on Gogol's scheme. People pretended to be wealthier than they were, and a winkingly complicit mortgage industry went along with the ruse, knowing they could sell the mortgage down the line and not be left holding the bag, so to speak, if the borrower defaulted.

I suppose that any time there's the possibility of easy credit, someone is going to think of a way to take advantage of it. That tendency obviously goes back at least a century and a half, and probably appears throughout recorded history.

On a completely different subject, there's a link to my other blog at the top of the left-hand column. That blog is about fashion and style, and has nothing to do with this one, except for being a personal interest of the same blogger. So far, it seems to have more exciting ads, too.

Good stuff, huh?

Peace Y'all