Liberal Candy

Quick Synopsis on How the Federal Reserve and Bankers are Scamming Us All

noreply@blogger.com (DJN) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:06:00 +0000

Here's a quick, well done, 2 minute synopsis of the Federal Reserve and how it's a scam :)

Below, you can watch Rep. Brad Sherman (D - CA) tell you how Congress was threatened with Martial Law if bailout bill was not passed...

"...and a few members were even told that there would be martial law in America if we voted no..."

Visit Campaign for Liberty

Rape Victim Ordered to Pay Her Rapist's Legal Fees

noreply@blogger.com (Kellie) — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:56:00 +0000

It's the most tragic injustice you've never heard about.

Melanie Ross, a rape victim in Georgia, was ordered to pay her rapist's legal fees after Judge Phillip Brown dismissed her claim as frivolous. His reasoning? The victim was not a virgin. Her rapist was her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Day. Her lacerations and bruises could have been caused by "bumping into furniture." And since Day used a date rape drug, Ross could not be considered a reliable witness.

It is important to realize that Day has not claimed that he did not give Melanie Ross a rape drug, or that he did not rape her while she was under the influence of said drug. His entire defense is that he didn't need to drug her to get her to have sex with him, because they had had a sexual relationship previously. His entire defense is: A man can't rape a woman who has previously consented to have sex with him - or with anyone. And a Georgia Judge agreed with him.

You can read more about this case at Feministing or at SAFER.

Ret. Gen. Thomas McInerney Calls For Terrorist Attacks on Iran

noreply@blogger.com (DJN) — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:42:00 +0000

Ret. Gen. Thomas McInerney is a huge supporter of state sponsored terrorism apparently, with his recent remarks to commit covert EFP attacks inside Iran. This guy has investment in many companies with military defense contracts, of course he likes this idea, because he will make mad cash!

"McInerney is on the Board of Directors for several companies with defense-related contracts that would seem to benefit from his pro-war propaganda. For example, Alloy Surfaces Company (ASC), whose contracts for “ammunition and explosives” with the Department of Defense appear to have grown from $15 million in 2002 to more than $169 million in 2006. A conflict of interest, perhaps?"

McInerney: Here’s what I would suggest to you. Number one, we take the National Council for Resistance to Iran off the terrorist list that the Clinton Administration put them on as well as the Mujahedin-e Khalq at the Camp Ashraf in Iraq. Then I would start a tit-for-tat strategy which I wrote up in the Wall Street Journal a year ago: For every EFP that goes off and kills Americans, two go off in Iran. No questions asked. People don’t have to know how it was done. It’s a covert action. They become the most unlucky country in the world. …

"No questions asked. People don’t have to know how it was done. It’s a covert action." What! people dont have to know, are you kidding me? This guy is dangerous to the world and should be locked up.

Even after the NY Times lengthy article on the Pentagon's "propaganda machine" - people will still soak up every word this retired general says.

More coverage: InfoWars and Crooks and Liars

Church Propaganda 0WND. Blog Explores "Crummy Church Signs"

noreply@blogger.com (DJN) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:44:00 +0000

Maybe this could make some people see the light of Church Propaganda. And how they prey on people who might be facing rough times in the current events happening around us...If you have photos or videos of ridiculous church propaganda, you can contribute them at Crummy Church Signs

Mind Control Through The Promise of Goodies - "Join Military Now - Drink When You Are 18!"

noreply@blogger.com (DJN) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:41:00 +0000

And now They Now Want to Control You by Giving You "Special Rights" if You Joint The MIlitary - Including Drinking at 18...

"Kentucky state Rep. David Floyd, R-Bardstown, who said he thinks the legal drinking age should be 18, told ABC News that military personnel exhibit their ability to handle alcohol-drinking responsibilities while serving their country."

Anyone who thinks this is acceptable in any way shape or form is obviously a complete slave to militarism, imperialism.

WHAT THE FUCK makes anyone think members of the military are any more responsible in the way the consume alcohol? Or more important than anyone else for that matter?

Kentucky state Rep. David Floyd, R-Bardstown is saying that if you serve the United States military then you can enjoy alcoholic beverages at a younger age - A BRIBE and this is seriously dangerous propaganda that everyone should think about. What now they want to control the people by letting you have "goodies" if you fight for the cause? What's next - tobacco, marijuana? Completely fucking disgusting. Military special rights are WRONG. PERIOD.

Military recruiters will be saying shit like this...
"Hey man, what ya doin' after high school? join the Air Force man. We got all kinds of stuff for you to do. Start a career with us and you'll be set for life. PLUS you get to drink when you're 18!"

out of control.

"Missouri, South Dakota, Vermont and Minnesota are debating laws that would allow all residents to take advantage of the lower required age."

this is how it should be. ALL RESIDENTS.

Article: Seven states consider lower drinking ages

If one more person calls McCain a "moderate" I will scream

noreply@blogger.com (Kellie) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:48:00 +0000

It is irresponsible and unethical for John McCain to promote himself as a moderate when he is in fact, one of the most anti-choice politicians in America. He wants to continue funding abstinence-only "education" and lying to teenagers about birth control. He wants to limit access to contraception, which would prevent unplanned pregnancy. He wants to appoint Supreme Court Justices that would reverse Roe vs. Wade. This isn't a liberal conspiracy - he has said these things himself. He has said them proudly!

John McCain is an irresponsible, reactionary corrupt Republican. McCain is a pro-war Bush clone. McCain represents the interests of the radical religious right.

The mainstream media has been giving McCain a free ride, and it's time to stand up and say: If John McCain is a moderate, I'm a fairy princess.

Meet the Real McCain today.

Nukes 4 sale in Pakistan or Hire

noreply@blogger.com (MrKnightdark) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:27:00 +0000

Well the time has come for the Mr. Bush to bring us into a full scale world war in the middle east. How is he going to do that you ask? The federal funding to Pakistan will be cut out because of the recent ugly political upheaval, let me set this up for ya , we are currently paying Pakistan 80 million dollars a month to use their infrastructure to bring in troops and supplies to our collision forces. (that's alot of money for nothing) also this region produces most 90% of the worlds opium and heroin hmmm we will just ignore that because we don't have a war on drugs that's costing us untold BILLIONS already...! now lets look at Turkey for a moment they would like very much for our help too shut down the black market and rebels working on there borders in the mountains above the current cluster fuck we have going in Iraq well this is going to happen and give us our front door into Iran at a time that the Pakistan and Afghanistan governments will be at each others neck worse that ever in history! Along with the the India government not wanting the current Pakistan leaders to lose control of there NUKES. when this happens and it will the current Russian leaders are waiting to interfere with forces against Iran and who knows whom else maybe North Korea or China! THIS IS FUCKED UP! We are in big damn trouble when this unfolds In the next six months to a year. The cost of goods and oil will triple from the current market prices and the international business market will fall to the need of yet one more time in history the United States will be in a full war time production to save the economy over here and we will be stuck in a land war over oil and a market for more plastic goods for the masses. Maybe I'm wrong however, the indicators are not good however I'm 38 years old and I lived my youth through the cold war under the threat of nukes and world war with Ronald Regan This shit is not a cold war, it is a real bloody mess that has all ready cost me friends, money, and future peace! What about the people over there that want nothing to do with this war in there yard? TOO BAD is the answer! When will our debt and unemployment and interest rates take a hold of our crime and hunger problems? not as long as we are fighting for the interests of big business and bullies! To top it off the presidential ballet looks a bit empty if your looking to vote for someone that can take care of the problems that the current administration has made and will be leaving in our next Presidents lap like a dead stinky lap dog that died 8 years ago in the oval office.

Pain Killers: Have You Gotten Your Dose Today?

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:40:00 +0000

Prescriptions painkillers are on the rise: killing pain through out the country. One painkiller to kill the pain; another to kill the pain of the side affects; another pill for something else, and now you can't sleep at night, so you are up way late and have the luxury of watching advertisements for Lunesta. Well, that will solve all your problems!

The amount of five major painkillers sold at retail establishments rose 90 percent between 1997 and 2005, according to an Associated Press analysis of statistics from the Drug Enforcement Administration. More than 200,000 pounds of codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and meperidine were purchased at retail stores during 2005. This is about enough to give every person in this country some pain killers. Approximately 300 milligrams of tasty pain killing sweetness.
Much of this increase can be blamed on the pharmaceutical companies' major increase inadvertising and marketing.
"Spending on drug marketing has gone from $11 billion in 1997 to nearly $30 billion in 2005, congressional investigators found. Profit margins among the leading companies routinely have been three and four times higher than in other Fortune 500 industries." -AP. With the prices of these prescriptions, everyone involved must be making some money off of them. The pharmaceutical companies profit from making them, and the pay representatives to market them to their doctors, who give out free samples, or prescribe them, and the patient is happy. Who wouldn't be happy with a daily dose of 'hillbilly heroin'?
Along with the increase in drug use, drug abuse increases right along side. According to the government, emergency room visits due to drug overdose has increased over 160% since 1995. People are addicted, but people are in pain also.
There is a pain killer, however, that is not addictive, and should be free, and available, and will cure many other ailments, along with providing nutrients and renewable resources. This, my friends, is marijuana. Marijuana helps with chronic pain, insomnia, some eating disorders or lack of appetite, and the seeds provide more protein than soybeans. So why can't we just have the plant, instead of wasting resources and pouring them into making countless poisons to 'zombify' the masses (although this would be called 'curing' the sick), and make billions of dollars doing it?
Because- BUSH wouldn't be where he is today, if not for the monetary backing of the pharmaceutical company's-that's why!

Press Release.

The 9/11 Strike is Finally Here

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:11:00 +0000

Before the Government takes away our rights and many uses of the Inter net, an unconfirmed source has set forth a viral effort through the many pathways of the Internet to spread the word about a General Strike scheduled for September 11, 2007, the sixth anniversary of the 9/11/2001 attacks on New York City and Arlington, Virginia.

Wikipedia defines viral efforts on the Internet as:

An object (or an idea) is viral when it has the ability to spread copies of itself or change other similar objects to become more like (it) when those objects are simply exposed to the viral object.
General strikes, more common in Europe, are events that shut down the normal operations of a city, state, or nation for a period of time.

This is a general strike, and not for any one, or even three specific issues, but for all the issues which broke ground that disastrous day September 11, 2001. These issues include, but are not limited to: the 9/11 cover-up, surveillance, torture, environmental issues (asbestos in the Towers' debris?), and c orporate media.

This strike is neither a protest, such as anti-war, fraud, or civil rights protest. This is simply a general strike.
A National Call to Action: Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
No school. No work. Buy nothing. Hit the streets
On June 27, 2007, the United States Social Forum, a convention of various social justice groups, passed a resolution that called for both the reopening of the 911 investigation and the impeachment of Bush and Cheney.
On July 4, 2007, the Philadelphia Emergency Anti War Convention convened in Pennsylvania.
Cindy Sheehan pointed out that her audiences have been filled with 911 Truth members who deserved answers to their questions. The convention produced a strong set of demands known as The Act Independent United Front Program. The program calls for impeachment of Bush, Cheney and associates; an end to all wars; restoration of Constitutional Rights; an end to “Bush police-state dictatorship;” a government by and for the people; and 9/11 truth – reopening the investigation and full release of all 9/11 documentation.
Only Four Weeks Left Until Sept. 11, 2007

Make your own fliers, or print fliers like the one above by clicking on the image! If you don't have time or resources to strike, make time! No Work, No School, Buy Nothing. NOTHING! This is what will work. Everyone who has any concern involving the administration's manipulating of the Constitution, the Crimes, the Fraud, the War, Homeland Security, The War on Drugs, or other crimes against the United People of America, UNITE! And show them we ARE the PEOPLE! And WE can make a difference, and restore this country to the beliefs of our forefathers: LET FREEDOM RING!

Source: Michael Collins: Originally Published in “Scoop” Independent Media

Today is THE DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 13:58:00 +0000

Today, August 18, 2007, there has been a potentially record-breaking commitment to right the wrongs we have endured throughout the Bush administration's law-breaking and invasions of our human rights. There are videos and other media which explain the impeachable actions of President George W. Bush, and you, as a citizen of the United States of America, have the power to voice your opinions, and come together and join the movement. Write your congressmen TODAY and tell them you want George and Dick removed from office!

There are pre-written letters, if you would like to join this movement but have no idea what to really say, unless you are like me-you know what to say, but it isn't really appropriate, and you can't actually string together an appropriate message in regards to good ol' George W.

"Keep in mind that impeachment does not refer to the punishment, impeachment refers to the trial and investigation in order to determine if a crime was committed and there is absolutely nothing wrong with an investigation regardless of which side of the political opinion you currently reside."

This is a wonderful opportunity to make your voice heard! We can not lose any more lives in Iraq because Bush wants to push HIS views onto them. There are other options! Read more in earlier posts, such as They Want Us Out. You can read about resources we are wasting, resources which are working towards sending apocalyptic messages (and video games!) to our troops in Iraq- shoving even more propaganda their way, combining Church and State with the Defense Department's attempt to convert everyone to Christianity. It is time to show the government that they are For the People, BY the People, and not ABOVE the People. Take a stand,;take 10 minutes out of your day to show future administrations that they can NOT break laws, or the People will take action. Show them that their offices can NOT hide them from their responsibilities to the Constitution on which this great nation was founded. Change the course of history, and write your government officials TODAY!

Freedom Train....? Ticket Pleas...

noreply@blogger.com (MrKnightdark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:01:00 +0000

Well this my friends is a 1975 commemorative of the Freedom Train in the red, white, and blue glass ashtray style, because nothing says freedom better than a tray of butts or pull beer tabs! If you folks don't know about the train here is where you go learn your propaganda history folks. freedomtrain.org ( this link is a must read in greeting card USA history)this is a taste,, Mmmmm freedom taste great donut it!

WHY A FREEDOM TRAIN ? (yeah why not a big pink freedom rocket or sky blue freedom jet blimp)
-"The 1947 - 1949 Freedom Train was conceived as an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of American citizenship at a time when the nation was finding a new and central role in world affairs. Americans had experienced a decade of pre-war economic Depression. They made sacrifices in foreign lands throughout World War II. They were entering an age of post-war prosperity with opportunities unknown in all of human history. And they were unsure of the reassurances at the sudden dawn of the nuclear age and Soviet expansion into countries just liberated from fascist oppression in Europe and Asia."
-"With President Harry Truman in the lead, some in the national government believed Americans should pause and reflect, to experience a "rededication" to the principles that founded their country.
-"President Truman loved trains, and his use of the "whistle stop" campaign train still epitomizes this icon of the electoral process. Attorney General Tom Clark and his staff proposed a train that would travel to communities in every state of the nation, taking with it dozens of "documents of liberty." "
-"The result, they hoped, would enable Americans to rediscover for themselves just how hard-won their freedoms were. Clearly, they hoped to enable personal reconciliations with the still-fresh sacrifices and human costs of war, and to impart a sense of meaning and worth to those sacrifices. "
Text by Mr. Larry Wines.

Hmmm Wait it had a second tour of duty there is WAY MORE this is the little engine that could and did! Please tell us more Mr. Wines.....

-"In the early 1970s, Ross Rowland Jr., a New York commodities broker and occasional steam locomotive engineer, had the idea to celebrate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution with a raveling exhibition of unique and representative artifacts from the 200 year history of the nation. "
-"It had been the most remarkable two centuries in human history. "

-"Even as the ancient ways of Native inhabitants were lost - often savagely, and in contradiction with the American creed of individual rights and self-determination, America was building a beacon of hope for the tired, the poor, the huddled masses upon other shores who were yearning to breathe free. An industrial capacity would grow from American dreams and determination to create the capacity that would win two World Wars,
Text by Mr. Larry Wines.

OK well we all know what Truman had his eye on he loved trains and bombs! I think this guy was part gypsy ,carny, drunk, I don't know but can get a train with a bomb on it and a wet bar ?I'm Harry Truman Dammit I said build it then blow it up!

How did this guy sleep at night?,oh yea passed out most likely. Ross Rowland Jr. must of liked trains a bit himself to get involved in the 1970's his daddy was a mason. What masons like trains right? Who knows ,but politicians right now are planning a new freedom train and it includes things like GPS, hot and cold running sunshine and skittles latte for the sugar-ffene fix you just can't get anywheres else in all your basic interactive, retro, trianee goodness that your going to just expect from the freedom train of the future! I-stuff jacks? Well maybe if your good it will even have health care FREE on board for all who ride it!!!! or maybe Food with food in it and not just fast edible food flavored things! I know that this train sounds pricey doesn't it? O'well I guess we can afford it we have to keep up the effort too " halt conquerors bent on global domination, and spread the dream of freedom to the world. " won't a "freedom train" have room for all? not the conquerors bent on domination...no not even a couple? Damn how many people can get on this freedom train then? Well what do you mean I have got to have my shots, and I have to shovel the coal to power it ,and dig the coal out of the hills, causing even more global warming? WOW this freedom train sounds like a lot of work!

History is just a gaggle of words scribbled down by a drunk pirate or town jester or last American Indian to breath air. We humans love to glorify the evil we do with awarding it with ribbons and trains. I just wish people would read both sides of the lies before you "get your facts straight then distort them any way you like" just like Mark Twain said! I can't wait to see the awards the Republicans come up with for this war,or the next election, or any private space left in the corner of my soul.

MrKnightdark

yes the new freedom train will have unisex bath rooms because we all stink in the end.

NYPD says cafes, bookstores breed terrorists

noreply@blogger.com (DJN) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:45:00 +0000

A 90-page report, titled 'Radicalization in the West and the Homegrown Threat', by the NYPD intelligence division "identifies mosques, bookstores, cafes, prisons and flop houses as what it calls "radicalization incubators" that provide 'extremist fodder or fuel for radicalization.' " according to ABC. And what would they classify as radicalization? Reading a book or report that challenges U.S. foreign policy? This is a blatant and outright gross stereotyping of people who go to these places to learn and converse with each other.

Additionally, "The New Jersey Intelligence Assessment identified prisons, the Internet, universities and religious/cultural institutions as the places where "radicalization in New Jersey appears to occur." Bush must be ecstatic. The NYPD's full report

They Want Us Out

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:14:00 +0000

In an article from Think Progress, Satyam writes an overview of the the British Parliamant’s Select Committee on Foreign Affairs report of 36 recommendations for changes that must be made in the Middle East. They urge the British government to consider the political implications of joining forces with the US and their 'surge' in Iraq.

Many worry that the war has only magnified judgments, international racsism, and hatred. In the same affect, British citizens are led by the propaganda surrounding the 'war on terror' and the 'oversimplifications' of the terms used to describe the war and the people.

"216. We conclude that the use by Ministers of phrases such as 'war on terror' and 'arc of extremism' is unhelpful and that such oversimplifications may lead to dangerous policy implications. We agree with the Minister for the Middle East that these phrases cause unnecessary resentment. We recommend that the Government should not use this or similar language in future. "

"We are concerned that the damage done to the Government's reputation in the Arab and Islamic world may affect its ability to influence the political situation in the Middle East. We recommend that, in its response to this Report, the Government set out what action it is taking to improve its influence and reputation in the Arab and Islamic world. "

Hopefully, the British government will begin to make changes and withdrawal from Iraq and show effort for 'political reconciliations'. This just might jump start US withdrawal. If the Brits get out of there, I doubt there will be any Bush supporters left. The British can admit that the 'war on terror' is failing miserably, why can't Bush?

The policies adopted by Tony Blair have proved to be more detrimental to the UK than before. Bush is not winning his propoganda war, and we have little homeland security. Approval rates are low, and people are getting anxious, for something to change because the current path is crumbling fast along with America's infrastructure.

The Hidden, Hired Villians

noreply@blogger.com (mikeboyd) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 23:29:00 +0000

Most Americans know that there are over 150,000 military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan at the moment. What most don't know is that there are tens of thousands of mercenaries there bought and paid for by the United States Government. Our own politicians allot hundreds of millions of dollars yearly to pay companies like Blackwater ( www.blackwaterusa.com ) to send mercenaries to war zones. Those hired soldiers make far more money than true military soldiers. They have equal if not better equipment. And, by far the most absurd and frightening part of the situation, they only answer to the corporation.

So far around sixty U.S. soldiers have been court martialed for violent action against Iraqis. However, due to an act by the United States Government and the temporary Iraqi government set up during the first year of the occupation, those mercenaries can't be tried for crimes by the new Iraqi regime. There are documented cases of these hired security forces firing on civilians, and even American troops, that come too close to the convoys they guard and nothing is done to them. They can't even be touched by the military rules of conduct.

I've ranted many times about the use of mercenaries by the government. Most of the time, however, I've ranted about the fact that death tolls don't take them into account. Who can really say how many of these hired guns have died in Iraq and Afghanistan; especially since the U.S. military doesn't even have control over where these soldiers are positioned, only the company does. But, when hired thugs are allowed to run rampant in a war zone I feel I need to stop ranting for those that have died on their side of the guns and start advocating some damn law and order applied to civilians that are compensated for killing.

Source: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CONTRACTOR_SHOOT
INGS?SITE=NCKIN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Subpoenas for Medical Records

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 23:21:00 +0000

In Portland, Oregon Chief U.S. District Judge Robert H. Whaley is working on a ruling of whether or not to throw out the DEA requests for medical records of 17 medical marijuana patients. According to OregonLive's News Flash,the subpoenas were served on the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, which issues permits to patients and their authorized growers.
They also sent a subpoena to The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation, a Portland clinic where doctors determine whether a patient's condition would be eased by marijuana.

There are 11 other states that currently allow marijuana for medical use, although they also have lists of conditions for which the medical marijuana is appropriate. Section 3, (a) through Section 3 (c) of the 1998 Oregon Medical Marijuana Act describes the approved conditions as:

(a) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or treatment for these conditions;
(b) A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces, for a specific patient, one or more of the following:
(i) Cachexia;
(ii) Severe pain;
(iii) Severe nausea;
(iv) Seizures, including but not limited to seizures caused by epilepsy; or
(v) Persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to spasms caused by multiple sclerosis; or
(c) Any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition adopted by the division by rule or approved by the division pursuant to a petition submitted pursuant to section 14 of this Act.

However, these 11 states, as well as the two other states considering making medical marijuana legal, are going through some rough legal battles between the feds and those involved with the medical marijuana use and dispensing. The federal government only recognizes marijuana as a schedule 1 drug that should be outlawed, has no medical uses, and anyone involved in medicinal marijuana use, cultivation, or prescribing is giving money to terrorists; according to current drug czar, John P. Walters - read his 'description' on this link to the White House Office of National Drug Control policy. You should notice how is details none of the current threats to landlords in California who rent to Medical Marijuana dispensaries. Nor does it explain how the Drug Czar sees fit to abandon the constitution side by side with good ol' George W. and pry into citizens' personal medical histories.

Other drugs labeled schedule 1 include heroin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, peyote, and Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Many of California's medical marijuana users and growers are being sent to jail, prosecuted and fined for providing or receiving LIFE SAVING treatments.

Kris Hermes, a spokesman for the advocacy group Americans for Safe Access, said the subpoenas suggest the DEA is looking beyond prosecuting dealers.
"It sends a message to the other states and their programs that they're vulnerable to federal interference," he said. "It doesn't take a brick to hit you over the head to know that the federal government is trying to undermine California's medical marijuana law, given all the raids and threats to landlords.
"This is one step further that shows the federal government is very serious about going after patients."

I can not see how any citizen of this country, founded on freedom, is ok willing to let patients suffer because the federal government believes they have the right to bring extinction upon a plant that has survived on this earth longer than us. A plant that has helped the human race for hundreds of generations. Who has the right to allow consumption of poisons which only, deteriorate the human body, and criminalize the consumption of a plant that helps to cure ailments, and create shelter for the human race. And, I'm not only talking about the over 400,000 different 'scripts out there. I am talking about the MSG and other poisons in foods sold nationally, globally, the lead, the asbestos cover-ups, 'black lung' and many, many more.

We must remember, too, that the federal government DOES in fact grow marijuana. They issue the federally grown marijuana to 13 lucky medical marijuana patients. This marijuana helps these people cope with the specific conditions and help to allow them to live productive, 'normal' lives which they would otherwise be incapable of doing.

It is time, America, to take a stand and not let the government bully these people around anymore. We have rights, we have privacy rights, and, unless each government official will let us in on their medical histories, background checks, and wiretapping, then I suggest to them they 'BACK OFF!'

No Rest for the Wicked

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 12:27:00 +0000

A non-denominational church, High Point Church in Arlington, Texas, was scheduled to host a memorial service for a Navy war veteran. However, the veteran, Cecil Howard Sinclair, was discovered to be gay by the church. This discovery was made by members of the church who were putting together his tribute video, which revealed pictures of men “engaging in clear affection, kissing and embracing”; according to an MSNBC report this morning.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Gary Simons said that the church believes homosexuality is a sin, and it would have appeared to endorse that lifestyle if the service had been held there. I say, isn't everyone a sinner? Or does this church only hold funeral or memorial services for Jesus Christ? Yes. I do believe that in the Christian faith, everyone is a sinner, which is why Jesus was sent here in the first place. Now sins are being labeled that are not recognized by the Ten Commandments, but are worse.

Being gay is not mentioned in any one of the commandments, but love thy neighbor as thyself is. I hope Rev. Simons doesn't know about the gay Lutheran pastors. In a related MSNBC article, it has been reported that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is now allowing gay relationship to continue with their clergymen without punishment. If the High Point Church in Arlington can't hold a memorial service for a veteran, who will the hold memorial services for? It would most likely be easy to find such things out, and to write about what kind of sinners they have helped remember in the past, or what lifestyles they have condoned, or what kind of lifestyles some of their members live, but I believe that would be wrong!

It does not matter what 'lifestyle' this person led, because no one else could be much better, although being gay is not even a sin. The Lutherans don't believe so, isn't that enough? I believe the church officials who made this decision are the 'sinners', would it be fair for me to decline them their rights to a peaceful memorial service in honor and memory of their lives, contributions to society, and for their families? I believe not.

What Do You Think About When You Pay Taxes?

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 16:53:00 +0000

In a recently published commentary, a patriotic citizen discusses his logic in What Do Citizens Owe the Government? In this commentary, he explains why our taxes should be evaluated, and we should be receiving receipts from the governments. (Well, he doesn't actually talk about receipts, but that what it made me think of.)

James Bovard, a policy advisor to The Future of Freedom Foundation, published this commentary this morning. It was an inspiration to read. He goes over topics like public schools, public roads, speed limits, police protection and military, and how our taxes compare to the cost of these so-called services, and what is actually provided.

It is a very interesting commentary, and brings up interesting issues. One excerpt: "Nor can people owe obedience to government for any activity that the people could have done better themselves."

Beautiful. When I read that, so many things came to mind. Medicine. That really came first. There are so many harmful drugs that only deteriorate our bodies and poison us so that we need even more pharmaceuticals to counter those affects. Instead of these, there are many natural cures, or at least treatments to counter those affects-such as medical marijuana. Chemotherapy- not pretty. Cancer patients undergoing this treatment can suffer many side-affects, including nausea, loss of appetite and others. But, the use of medical marijuana has been proven to counter those affects, but it is illegal. People who pay taxes shouldn't be paying them if those taxes will buy the criminalization of medicine that heals many ailments.
And when he began about public roads, and the fact that most speed limits posted are actually 15 mph under the. James Board reports that Federal Highway Administration traffic-safety engineers Samuel Tignor and Davey Warren concluded in a 1990 study that most speed zones were “posted 15 m.p.h. below the maximum safe speed; that, on average, speed limits are set too low to be accepted as reasonable by most drivers, and that the posted speeds make violators out of motorists who drive reasonably and safely.”

Now I understand why I feel the need to speed so much. Not terribly much past the speed limit, I usually maintain a speed between 65-70 mph, because that is where I feel comfortable. And, from what I've noticed, the people who seem to feel most comfortable going 52 mph on the highway, they usually drive as if the should never have passed their driver's test, or at least need to take a new one!

An intriguing piece of artwork posted on Deviant.com , entitled Death and Taxes diagrams the Federal Discretionary Budget of 2004. Take a look yourself at the Federal Office of Budget and Management's website. It details US budget information including requests, and distributions for 2006 and 2007.

I think that taxes should be a lot more localized than they are currently to allow for more efficient spending. I should also have the right to refuse to pay taxes if I don't believe they are being spent on, well for starters, on things I know about! We should all be informed about why are money is going towards certain things, and the exact expenses incurred from these happenings. I mean, if we were given the right to not pay taxes, I understand a lot of people would not pay taxes without having just cause. Perhaps the legal system can be put into use for citizens. To help the general population be a bigger part of the checks and balance system that is only in place within the 3 main branches of the government. Perhaps, We should be considered the 4th branch?

California's Deadliest Earthquake

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 15:12:00 +0000

According to a story from The Raw Story, an apocalyptic earthquake is long overdue for the great state of California. A government scientist states that earthquakes of this magnitude usually hit California every 150 years, however it has been 300 years since the last one, making it long overdue. Its waiting, and building up. Several thousand are expected to die, and billions of dollars worth of damage is expected to be incurred by the monstrous quake.
They believe it will be a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that will shake through the San Andreas Fault. Torrance and Palm Springs have been deemed as the two 'case study cities' because they carry the weight of being the most potentially harmed during a quake of such magnitude.

The researchers would like to also study more in cities without the landscape destruction and more the economical and political chaos such an earthquake would cause. Aside from property damages, lives lost and other environmental changes, the economical influence could be devastating as well, especially in cities where the earthquake did not reach.

Nick Juliano, of The Raw Story, reports; "Scientists consider a quake along the San Andreas Fault in the Coachella Valley "a near inevitability," the Palm Springs Desert Sun reports, noting that such a quake could be the "most destructive natural disaster in U.S. history."

The Nation: Personal stories of Iraq war combat veterans

noreply@blogger.com (DJN) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 01:13:00 +0000

Recently published in The Nation is an exhaustive and extensive journey into the soldiers minds who witnessed the immoralities being carried out in Iraq. Beginning in July 2006, The Nation interviewed forty soldiers, eight marines and two sailors for seven months. - the resulting piece is entitled The Other War: Iraq Vets Bear Witness.

From The Nation: "American troops in Iraq lacked the training and support to communicate with or even understand Iraqi civilians, according to nineteen interviewees. Few spoke or read Arabic. They were offered little or no cultural or historical education about the country they controlled. Translators were either in short supply or unqualified. Any stereotypes about Islam and Arabs that soldiers and marines arrived with tended to solidify rapidly in the close confines of the military and the risky streets of Iraqi cities into a crude racism."

Above: Michael Harmon (Army Medic) recalls U.S. troops "using derogatory terms for Iraqis."

Broken Promises and the Military Industrial Complex

noreply@blogger.com (Kellie) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:52:00 +0000

A commentary by Clarence Page ran in my local paper today. The piece begins with the story of a marine who returned from Iraq in 2004 and committed suicide a few months later. His family is suing the Department of Veterans Affairs for denying him medical treatment:

The parents, who joined the antiwar group Military Families Speak Out after their son's death, do not seek money damages. They only hope their lawsuit will force the Bush administration to take swift action to overhaul the VA, they say."

The case of Marine Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Lucey is tragic, but hardly surprising. The same conservatives who call liberals "unpatriotic" for questioning the invasion of Iraq, and accuse us of "not supporting the troops," and claim that Democrats have "invested in failure" have been consistently underfunding the troops to a degree that can only be described as criminal. According to a related broadcast of Democracy Now:

"[In July] two major lawsuits were filed that could put the [Bush] administration's treatment of veterans on trial. A class-action suit on behalf of hundreds of thousands of soldiers accuses the Department of Veterans Affairs of ignoring veterans' mental health care needs and overzealously denying medical care and benefits. The plaintiffs are two veterans groups. Veterans for Common Sense and Veterans United for Truth say returning soldiers are denied care through outright rejection or the long waiting process in a backlog of some 600,000 pending claims."

It's an injustice in the military-industrial complex that isn't discussed very often: The million-dollar ad campaigns that encourage young people to enlist in the military with promises of money for college, career training, and a way out of poverty. Taxpayer money is being thrown at advertising agencies and media markets - not to mention defense contractors - but when veterans need medical treatment there's no money to be found.

Up to 800,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are said to suffer or risk developing post-traumatic stress disorder - and the administration that promised them better lives and to make them "Army Strong" has nothing to offer them but empty words and yellow ribbon stickers.

Defense Department and the Evangelical Crusades

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:14:00 +0000

The OSU (Operation Straight Up) is an evangelical entertainment group whose goal is to entertain active duty soldiers with their beliefs. They are planning, according to AlterNet, "to mail copies of the controversial apocalyptic video game, Left Behind: Eternal Forces to soldiers serving in Iraq. OSU is also scheduled to embark on a Military Crusade in Iraq in the near future."

"We feel the forces of heaven have encouraged us to perform multiple crusades that will sweep through this war torn region," OSU declares on its website about its planned trip to Iraq. "We'll hold the only religious crusade of its size in the dangerous land of Iraq."

Now, OSU is an official affiliate of Defense Department's 'America Supports You' program. I, as many others, ask what kind of separation of church and state is this? To send apocalyptic messages to the brave U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Isn't Iraq in such a state because of people's beliefs being forced on others? "The constitution has been assaulted and brutalized," Mikey Weinstein, former Reagan Administration White House counsel, ex-Air Force judge advocate (JAG), and founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, told me, [Max Blumenthal, TheNation.com]. "Thanks to the influence of extreme Christian fundamentalism, the wall separating church and state is nothing but smoke and debris. And OSU is the IED that exploded the wall separating church and state in the Pentagon and throughout our military." Weinstein continued: "The fact that they would even consider taking their crusade to a Muslim country shows the threat to our national security and to the constitution and everyone that loves it."

A good thing coming from the OSU is the fact that the are sending Freedom Packages to the soldiers in Iraq. In these packages there are socks, and baby wipes, and Left Behind: Eternal Forces the video game! WOW! According to Max Blumenthal of The Nation, "The game is inspired by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins' bestselling pulp fiction series about a blood-soaked Battle of Armageddon pitting born-again Christians against anybody who does not adhere to their particular theology. In LaHaye's and Jenkins' books, the non-believers are ultimately condemned to "everlasting punishment" while the evangelicals are "raptured" up to heaven."

I would assume that the soldiers in Iraq would love to play a video game that requires them to kill people of unlike faith, kind of a reflection of the Iraqi's, is it not?

Monkey Smuggles

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:39:00 +0000

We've been led to believe that there is a thing called homeland security. Well, apparently there is. With security measures that include harassing senior citizens and the shoe elves the average business traveler carries with them (in their shoes, naturally), but monkeys can now get onto planes, wearing nothing but a hat!

MSNBC reports that on Tuesday, a monkey had traveled from Lima, Peru all the way to LaGuardia NY airport. According to Spirit Airlines spokeswoman Alison Russell, passengers on the flight had noticed the little monkey emerging from the man's hat and asked him if he knew he had a monkey on him. "The monkey spent the remainder of the flight in the man’s seat and behaved well, said Russell, who didn’t know how it skirted customs and security."

Naturally, police were waiting for them man when he arrived in LaGuardia, confiscated the little marmoset and took it for questioning. The monkey rather. No-the monkeys didn't take the police for questioning, the police took the man for questioning, and threw the little monkey in quarantine. Charges have yet to be filed.

U.S. troops in Iraq reach record high, still having a hell of a time

noreply@blogger.com (DJN) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 16:23:00 +0000

With around 162,000 U.S. troops in Iraq now, this is the most ever since the beginning of the war. Will even the most troops we ever had there, partly due to the 30,000 surge, have any impact. The answer is no. It wouldn't even matter if there were double that. It's just going to be more American soldiers who die from a disgusting guerrilla war and the incompetence of out leaders who have destroyed and let Iraq go to shit.

And even with this new record high, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said, "There is no change to the level of effort and the combat power that we are projecting into Iraq." So what now there are people just sitting around doing nothing? Reuters

Schwarzenegger Offered One Billion Dollars

noreply@blogger.com (mindy) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:04:00 +0000

Currently, the state of California has a budget crisis. To try and balance the budget out, legislators are bickering over which social services should be cut. This isn't fair. It isn't even right. People need those social services. There is a hero in this story, however. Well, heroes is more like it. Many, many heroes! They call themselves Let Us Pay Taxes.

The Let Us Pay Taxes group has offered Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger one billion dollars to be put toward the budget crisis. The thing is; this money will be coming from a coalition of California marijuana growers and dealers. Whats the Terminator to do? Terminate the crisis with taxes that taxpayers would actually be willing to pay!

David Guard of StopTheDrugWar.org writes that regulation and taxation of marijuana could produce up to six billion dollars in additional tax revenue, according to economic studies linked from their web site LetUsPayTaxes.com. In addition, it could save up to ten billion dollars in enforcement costs. “That is a conservative estimate,” said Schaffer, spokesman for Let Us Pay Taxes. “By other estimates, the revenues could be five times that. The economists are with us all the way on this one. Marijuana prohibition is an economic disaster.”

So, what's the problem? The problem began with Reefer Madness and marijuana tax stamps in the earlier part of last century. The Drug Czar John Walters continually states that money from marijuana transaction goes into the hands of terrorists and criminals. Is this guy for real? Of course it is! I mean, in terms of anyone who touches marijuana is a criminal! (ok, that may have been a small exaggeration). But, the prohibition Walters is supporting creates the monetary flow from good, hard working citizens who just want to relax, or escape disease-related pain to black market criminals who, in a lot of cases, will do anything to make a buck.

I believe this is where the belief that marijuana is a gateway drug comes from. I mean, where marijuana is outlawed, good people must look toward the streets for relief, because they know that marijuana is not bad. But, a lot of these street dealers are only capitalizing on these people, and introducing them to their other 'wares', so they make more money!

I truly think that if people were able to grow their own cannabis, or buy it from regulated dealers, they would be extremely happy! And, the possibility of the marijuana being 'laced' with other potentially hazardous substances, such as cocaine, would be slim to none. AND the country would have much more coming in from taxes to be applied to other things. Well, maybe we should wait until after Bush is out of office, then it would go toward causes for the people, of the people, and by the people.

Let Us Pay Taxes calls upon all US citizens to sign their petition at their web site LetUsPayTaxes.com and press the issue with their lawmakers. “Take the money, please,” said Schaffer. “These people want to contribute. Now it is up to our politicians to tell us why they want to send those billions to foreign criminal gangs rather than to their own voters." Press Release

Presidential Candidates and LGBT Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Kellie) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:53:00 +0000

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has released a comprehensive analysis (pdf) of the top 19 candidates for the 2008 presidency and their positions on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues.

The good news is, all the prominent Democratic candidates are supportive of the majority of LGBT issues analyzed. All of them are in support of some kind of partnership recognition rights (such as civil unions) - though only two Democratic candidates support completely equal marriage rights (Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich). Kucinich is the only 2008 presidential candidate who has publicly supported all eight LGBT issues. All of the other candidates, including my favorites, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, are 7/8 - except Gravel, whose positions on three issues, including LGBT adoption, are unknown.

The Executive Director of the Task Force, Matt Foreman had this to say:

"The differences between the Democratic and Republican fields of candidates on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues are shockingly stark and profoundly depressing. Over time, the majority of Americans have moved to support basic fairness for LGBT Americans, including nondiscrimination and hate crimes laws, repeal of 'Don't Ask Don't' Tell,' and protections for our families. Sadly, the Republican field has gone in the opposite direction, still clearly pandering to the venom of the so-called 'religious right...' The public statements and voting records of the Democratic candidates show that they are clearly light years ahead of the Republicans on almost every issue important to the LGBT community. Nevertheless, the lack of courage on marriage equality is disturbing on both political and moral grounds..."

Ah, yes, I'd almost forgotten about the Republicans...

"Across the board, Republican candidates were in opposition to the majority of LGBT issues, with most publicly opposing lifting the military's ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. Ten of 11 Republican candidates also oppose any partnership recognition for same-sex couples, whether it be marriage equality, civil unions or domestic partnerships..."

If you were curious, there was one candidate who has publicly opposed all eight LGBT issues: Mitt Romney, who receives my award for Right-Wing Ass-Hat of the Week. Congratulations, douchebag.