A Transparent Curtain Viewed Through Blinders

So, the Republicans think we should amp up our defense budget while cutting back on safety net services for the poor, children, disabled and elderly. While watching Politics Nation with Rev. Al Sharpton Congressman Barney Frank pointed out something that never really crossed my mind. He pointed out how much money we spend on defense in Europe and that while here, 'they' want to raise the retirement age to seventy, France is planning to drop it to 60. He aptly pointed out that this possible because they have had not had to pay for their own defense again the USSR since post WWII and the Cold War. Is this nuts or what and it begs the question why? Well maybe the power brokers, spurred onward by Cheney--whose company Halliburton raked in record profits as a result of our last Iraq war--a war hawk Republicans are now pandering yet another fear. But what crossed my mind is simply this: Cheney and ilk all have defense company pals who would continue to cash in on our defense machine. Screaming patriotism they would laugh all the way to bank! What has been increasing lacking is transparency but then again there is no need when there are Batman Conspiracy spokesmen like Rush Limbaugh screaming "PLOT!", "PLOT!" as he accuses Hollywood of naming the arch villain (written in the comic in 1992) Bane to influence movie goers into relating evil with Bain and Seamus' Abuser. Of course, he too is laughing all the bank to the bank as well as he feeds the xenophobia of a witless mass of the Republican base. It's all transparent for those that choose to see...

Mitt In A Nutshell

Hmmm. I take a look at "him" and I see someone that will never get my vote. Here's why. He has a nose that grows larger than Pinocchio's for never telling the truth on anything, acts as if the outcry for him to disclose tax returns and banking habits is just being picky, misrepresents his connection with Bain and its labor practices across the board, a history of abusing animals- first Seamus and then the family's horse by over drugging the poor thing (No wonder there is now disdain for the Affordable Care Act), playing to the fringe voter by manipulating his talk with the NAACP into coded messages, by sneakily aligning himself with the BS of the Limbaughs in this country and finally for taking the money he is given in order to buy an election. Is there a question? Anyone?

Simon Says Simon Again

Here he went again--Simon-saying the usual catch points yet again only this time before the NAACP. Spewing forth the rhetoric of saying nothing other than what he has been saying, like a broken record, Seamus's Abuser is probably being lauded right now for speaking to a group of voters not likely to vote for him and saying he would repeal OBAMACARE. Brave? Bold? I don't think so for what happened here was a sound bit that would resonate with the radical right wing of the GOP. this is free press ride his wealthy supporters don't to foot the bill for at all. That's right FREE. All the news stations will be playing these moments over and over again for weeks. Liberal news stations and conservative ones will be chewing on the fodder that would give my horses colic! The liberals will say he played to the radical base. The conservatives will say "look", see? He's a man who doesn't change his agenda depending on who he speaks to!" Well, that a bone for me to pick on but I won't as his flip flopping even on his own policies of the past is a matter of public record. What still remains to be said is exactly how he will create jobs and this is just one example. Perhaps he is just waiting for the other Simons to tell him what to say....

Over the Cap

I have gotten a lot of strong disagreement concerning my support of Obamcare. To those who are misled by the rhetoric of the GOP pundits making it seem as though taxpayers are paying for a whole country of n'er do wells This is my response: What many do not know but I do because I worked in social services for developmentally disabled people is that MOST people do not qualify for Medicaid or social services. Case in point: Many are unaware that if a household bring in just $1.00 over the cap of income they are denied. There are so many in poverty who cannot get Medicaid because of $1.00! Even $250 dollars over the poverty cap isn't enough to get medical insurance. One person making $8,000 per year is ineligible. For many, paying for insurance is out of reach anyway so it's actually cheaper to pay the fine because coverage is out of reach anyway. I do disagree with many who have expressed similar outrage but having seen suffering first hand and having worked in a field that taught the reality of the system as well as having been "there" myself in the past I know of which I speak.

When Either Or Becomes Well, Maybe...

Wow! Word is in. The Supreme Court ruled in Favor of Obama's healthcare plan...Well maybe. Before anyone gets their knickers in a knot with excitement let's look at what this really means. The Supreme Court's sole responsibility is to determine whether or not something is constitutional. Period. Either Or. Now what's happened here is that they said, in a 4-5 decision, that the Healthcare Act signed by President Obama is constitutional however, and it's a BIG HOWEVER AND ULTIMATELY A COUP for conservatives, states can opt out. Opt out? REALLY? How come? It's a state's right issue. AGAIN! States can choose not to participate. You see as a federal law ALL states would be obligated to cover everyone in their states but this way, they don't have to. The result? All those red states balking at the VOTER'S RIGHTS ACT will simply not participate. The outcome? You see this plan is predicated on having "x" number of participants in order to make it fiscally viable. With a lot of states opting out the result will be the collapse of this program fiscally. End game? Well, another retro-Republican outcry of how Obama is running the country into the ground. Gee. Compromise much to underhandedly serving the interests of the GOP? Well, YEAH! Givith with one hand and taketh with the other. What was gained here? Nothing but another loophole for State's Rights!

Muddle Minded Mitt

What have I been saying all along? Haven't I been commenting on what appears to be the racist appeal of the modern GOP from angry rich white men to misogynists to voter suppression that would impact mostly on minority Democrats, the closing of polls hence making it harder to vote in rural areas, the eliminator of souls to the polls Sundays to the stereotyping recipients of public assistant as lazy Black people....Haven't I been pointing this out? What, you ask? What is she pointing out? This article says it better than I: http://www.freewoodpost.com/2012/05/22/romney-of-course-ill-win-im-the-white-guy/ Seamus' abuser is so muddle-minded he forgot when spoke here that the press was there. So, in order to prove he's "one of the people" he says this. Yeah, we know who he's appealing to for sure....

Get Out, You Tired and Poor!

I fume when I hear the sad stories of families being torn apart as a family member was deported. Children at risk of being sent back because of choices for a better life their parents made is very upsetting to me. This children and young adults grew up AMERICAN. Period. Paragraph. Aside from the obvious in that it would be extremely to go to a country where you do not know the language or culture what about those whose parents escape war torn countries or war lords. Are we to condemn children a young adults to terror? Let's look at a little history here. There have always immigration stats. In other words there were set numbers for how many Europeans could come here, how many Hispanics etc. What many do not know is that lowest number allowed into this country were people of color: Africans were lowest o this "list of allowable immigrants." That's right. the policy was to maintain a White majority in this country when it came to immigration. Fast forward to today. the focus has been on Hispanics but there are other groups of people that have lived in fear of deportation as well. So were the effort to deport really an effort to bring up the numbers of White people? There. I said it. I asked the relevant question of today concerning this issue. Given the fact that this country thrived on the immigration of many people from many countries isn't ironic that now our kind-hearted kindred (GOP)are in a rant about President Obama's Executive Order that address this issue. His Order is compassionate, reasonable and logical the GOP rants are not. The people this Executive Order helps will no longer be exploited and underpaid. those who have degrees can fairly compete in the job market (as limited as it is) and will have the privilege of being taxed as well hence adding to our national coffers. These taxes can add up to a good percentage over time. I can't help but wonder how adamant these people are about European people who have been here illegally. One never hears about that. But I think it's time for Lady Liberty's invitation to be sandblasted away as many, filled resentment, who have simply kicked these people out. Let's put on a new inscription: (As the late Donna Summers sang) "Walk out the door, you're not welcome anymore!"

In All Fairness

A reader contacted me concerning the high number of executive orders that President did sign. The list is disturbing in terms of how much control the government could possibly exert. As far an the order making people work on certain projects might make Work Fair more productive for recipients of Public Assistance. However I stand corrected on the issue of President Obama's number of executive orders. In conclusion I feel that are many things that could be accomplished for "the common good." Politically there is no way I could vote Republican but am grateful for corrections... Please read this and make your own determination. http://www.westernjournalism.com/a-comprehensive-list-of-obamas-worst-executive-orders/ You will have to copy and paste.

So Much To Choke On...

The last week has been wrought with unbelievable events. Sandusky's interview in which he practically admits being drawn to sexual encounters with young boys will probably be introduced in court. I honestly cannot see how he could ever be acquitted. I wonder though when will this can of snakes be opened so the head people at Penn State that seemed to have dragged their feet on investigating allegation can be pinched to the point of public squirming. Let us hope justice prevails. I have to admit though if were selected for that jury I would already have made up my mind and also wonder how many jurors are of the same mindset. Of course it would not be justice according to some but it would deliver just deserts. So is this case a matter of justice or just deserts for someone the whole country hates? Then there's THAT REPORTER that disrespected President Obama during his press conference. There's a lot of that going around too. Disrespect for the President and his attorney general, Mr. Holder. Supposed hearings are blatant attempts to promote the right wing agenda. It might be because there is the feeling within the right general wing contingent that a majority of people are on their side. These are the people that comprised "The silent Majority" many years back and now they have become vocal. I am reduced to yelling at Seamus's Abuser every time I see a clip of him talking to people. You see he spouts platitudes but never a real plan and the people cheer him on choosing to be ignorant- choosing to not see that he WILL NOT REPRESENT THEIR INTERESTS!!!! Yet people will go to listen to him deliver speeches that in my college public speaking classes would have yielded an "F" so I wonder what is wrong with people that cannot see he will never be their savior? The answer may be simply that these people have thrown away their possible intelligence in favor of giving in to their darker, baser emotions-racism. Few were the commentators that took Bush's policies by the horns and told it like it. But try this on for size: Bush (The Shrub as I have always called him) holds the record for middle of the night executive orders and although the right would eat President alive I believe this is the tool he needs to use to push through those issues that have been stalled in Congress. Do President Obama. PLEASE DO IT! Lt the right choke on Executive Orders? ...And please...because I am tired of screaming at the TV...can someone just SHUT ROMNEY UP!

The Finer Point On Odd Bills

Okay. Here's where a lot of people seem to be at: "What? Money to create jobs? What? Mandates to HAVE to have to have health insurance? We can't afford that!" Really? but we can afford for the richest to continue to get tax cuts? We can afford for millions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidized from OUR taxes to be gift wrapped for oil companies? Let's see...take way millions per day in subsidies...cut out tax loops...outlaw Citizen's United (to shut up big money)...hmmmm... but, we can't have this! Nor can we have the government stimulate the economy for the purposes of infrastructure repairs and other projects people are skilled, able and willing to do because you see then there would money for people to SPEND and TAXES TO COLLECT (on all but the rich, of course!) Mandate for health services? Why? So that with a wider pool insurance companies (yes, those awful people with the black hats) could actually cover more people as well as preexisting conditions. I know, I know helping that section of the health industry that condemns so many and arbitrarily find ways to, well, hurt people and not help them? Be we must also be pragmatists and economic is economics. So for the many who think all this stuff is "socialization" guess what? If it's PAID FOR, IT IS NOT! How about THEM apples? Now we only to decide what tree these apples fall from...the good tree or the bad one...

Walker Cakewalks

Despite the amazing on the ground mobilization of labor supporters, Walker won in Wisconsin! Although I will add my voice to the many who say 'money talks" for what greater example can there be, the sad truth is ignorance speaks louder than knowledge. If we view Wisconsin as a microcosm, I have to admit I am extremely fearful of the Presidential election where monied hands will grease the palms of the GOP machine in order to get a "Yes Man" in the oval office. What is most frightening is that all of this is a matter of public record and yet there are so many that simply do not choose, yes CHOOSE, to simply see. Whereas I know some truths are exceedingly different to accept to the point of denial I truly (and perhaps deluded) myself into having faith in the street smarts of the American people. What became clear is that the brass tacks of common sense may not exist anymore. Street smarts is street sense AKA common sense which I fear is rampantly lacking. That Walker might as well be Seamus's abuser is apparent. What is also apparent is that hungry horses will come to the trough to eat and drink. What was offered was the cake of politics iced with money hoping the votes would keep Walker at the top of the game. What can be expected now is a state by state voting scam into which money will flow from who knows who and who knows where and a very high percentage of voters willing to be misled. Wisconsin may very well be the model for what is to come: misinformation fed by money resulting in cake that the ignorant will feast on ... at least until their favorite benefits are lost. Back in the day they guillotined Marie Antoinette for saying the poor should eat cake. This GOP is, in essence, offering up the same thing but this time the American people will be guillotined and perhaps it will be just deserts.

Who Let Romney Out?

Really? The main thing Romney had to say in a Black community was :WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?" as a bridge point? Really? He calling them dogs or what? He is clueless about anything but his own 1% ilk of a nation that stands behind him. Making it clear he would, on the first day in office be the puppet for the extremely wealthy he also made it clear that puppets are mindless,ignorance and uncomfortable outside of their mansion zones! Of course the more he talks that happier I get as his true concepts come to the foreground more and more and come election time, especially with voter suppression running amok "left" and "right" (that's right even Republicans are being told they are not citizens in Florida now!) the GOP powers that be need to figure WHY letting him run wildly on the lawns of the public. I am surprised no one put a lease on him yet...better yet...why no one strapped him to the roof a car where he could "bark" sound "bites" (sorry, can't help but be "punny"") through a megaphone...

A Mind Shift

Even a snark such as myself reaches a point where a change of pace is needed. Herein lies a mind shift for today: a book review! This is a review of a translation of a response written by little know German Philosopher and fist lieutenant of the Bavarian Illuminati organization, Adolph von Knigge. As a person who is bilingual I cannot help but be amazed at the task writer and translator Jeva Singh-Amand undertook in his translation of PHILO'S REPLY QUESTIONS CONCERNING HIS ASSOCIATION WITH THE ILLUMINATI. The Illuminati has been presumed to exist for a very long time and has been subjected to mystery by many and presumed occult in nature as well. Mr. Singh-Anand brings to light the history of the Illuminati and the lesser baron that would become it's architect, and an even lesser known philosopher and administrator of what was a fledgling attempt to organize enlightenment and bring it to Germanic states. "Philo" was a secret name. It was customary for all those affiliated with the Bavarian Illuminati to take on pseudonyms to work unhindered. Philo was really Baron Adolph von Knigge, raised in a family that nurtured curiosity in all things, including the occult. His father, interested in alchemy was never able to covert anything into gold but that did not dissuade the young baron from pursing his own interest in things mysterious. A little known fact is that Baron von Knegge became most prominent in the area of etiquette upon which he wrote extensively. Yet his own curious and determined nature sought something that could encapsulate the best of mankind for the betterment of mankind. As a result he became introduced to and worked with founder Adam Weishaupt. As he discussed his objective of finding a way to promote enlightenment Weishaupt informed him that such an organization already existed. He was quickly asked to perform the gargantuan task of fostering the development of the Illuminati in five areas. Beginning second in command to none von Knigge took on this responsibility willingly and enthusiastically. What becomes clear in this wonderful translation that read as if written in English is von Knigge's labors, efforts and ultimate disagreement with Weishaupt which led to his leaving the movement. but what truly shines through is the brilliance of the mind that was von Krigge. What is truly applicable to today's times is the wisdom he exhibited in the face of criticism and misrepresentation of the Bavarian Illuminati. Reading this learned philosopher's point of view which reflects the optimism that truth and it's light will always show itself regardless of slander and ignorance lends a truly new awareness to the childhood adages such as "sticks and stones" and "water off a duck's back". Von Knigge was a man who knew when silence was the strongest tool and only provided this treatise when his anonymity was revealed by another within the Illuminati. Mr. Singh-Anand's translation brings forward a little known philosopher's wisdom in a manner that is both engaging while still capturing the history of this organization. As a result he accomplishes removing the veil of mystique surrounding the Illuminati, revealing what it truly was which was an organization that originally was similar to the philosophy of what we Americans call Libertarianism although one can also see how its tenets were threatening and in its time seemed to promote anarchy. Established for the betterment of mankind and for it's membership, Weishaupt promised "Heaven on earth" for the brotherhood but it was really von Knigge that laid down the foundation and degrees of what would constitute Freemasonry. In comprehending the principles of this organization one can easily see how "brotherhoods" of the wealthiest in modern times are also targets of curiosity, criticism and mystery. The most interesting facet of von Knigge's personality, to me, lies in his recounting Westhaupt admission early on in von Knigge's administration and development of the "order" in which he admitted that the Illuminati as von Knegge described it did not exist as was expressed. All it has been was a young, was a loosely connected movement of scattered intelligentsia not yet organized to have any impact on the promises of Westhaupt at least not until von Knigge entered the picture. Already having established in his own mind what an ideal society could be like and the worthiness of working toward that goal von Knigge chose to continue working diligently to create what he believed in which was a living, breathing viable network of capable people who were willing to be entrusted with the common good of mankind and of course, as security, themselves. I wish to thank Mr. Singh-Anand for this work and his labors in bringing to the foreground this little known philosopher who, in his own way, offers much in the way of basic standards for conducting oneself under pressure by refusing to accept the pressure and by truly reaching that point in which explanations are owed to no one but the self. I highly recommend this book for its merit, it's offering of little known history and its clarification of what to many is a mystery. Mr. Singh-Anand has dutifully presented von Knigee as a philosopher for not just his time but ours as well in a translation that flows in English allowing one to simply forget it was originally written in German. I look forward to more of Mr. Singh-Anand's scholarly translations of other authors known perhaps only to German academia. This book is available through lulu.com and amazon.com

My deepest apologies to my colleague, Barbara Cavallo! I erroneously made a mistake on my reference to her wonderful blog. Her blog can be found here: thevoiceofthecrone.blogspot.com

SOLDIERS NOT HEROS? SINCE WHEN?

You know until this week I had given a lot respect to Chris Hayes because of what appeared to be his high intelligence and ability to communicate and connect the dots about the repressive politics that is running rampant supposedly in the name of eliminating voter fraud and other issues of the day but to align our soldiers with the politics of the economic war machines that send them in harm's way was frankly ignorant and judgmental! This is a horrible mistake. Our returning veterans are having a hard enough time getting the care and help they need. A lot of them return to lost homes, suffering injuries we cannot begin to imagine of mind, body and spirit and now some young upstart via the power of the eloquent word now robs them of dignity? This is black eye to the news station I have respected for a very long time and it is abhorrent to me that this type of rhetoric is not denounced by the news station by making it clear MSNBC does not stand behind this opinion. I am old enough to have friends that were in Viet Nam. Old enough to remember the horrible treatment and attitudes towards those unfortunate to have served there because of the acts of some but mainly the politics of the rich. Although it will be denied I am old enough to remember studying ecology and, at one point, projected oil resources where outline. Guess where a major one was supposed to be? You guessed it. Off the coast of Viet Nam. Any questions? Modern warfare is different today. Years back we went to war to fight oppressive and murderous regiemes. Not that there aren't some causes worthy of our help but think about it...there is money to be made in war today and for a long time. The Haliburtons of our military contract system simply LOVE war. All we need to do is just think about WHO is who within the major corporations that have these contracts. There are people whose calling is to serve. Mine was to serve the needy in social services. Am I to blame because of the systems that poorly served the neediest? I help people through these systems. A soldier has a call to service and duty as well. There have always been and will be those whose service is in the line of action. Are they to be blamed for the politics of the powers that be that comfortably golf in their country clubs and miserly count their profits from the wars they encourage and propagate? No matter the how or the reason why we might be in a war, being in a war of ANY KIND puts us all at high risk. Soldiers are our guardians. To YOU, Chris Hayes, I say a pox on your words!

Memory Lane

With the GOP's in-your-face-blatent-vote-for-us-we-are-rich-and-understand-your-poorly-educated-fears tactics I am reminded of the 60's when, despite it's attempts at revisionist history, the Reppublican Party WAS the stalwart of protector of “States's Rights!” Back in that day this meant segregation, the burning of Black churches and police assault on protesters marching for the right of Black people to have the right to vote. Some people may be saying I am “spinning” this but you know what? Quid pro quo! The Republicans are now claiming THEY were the party of the Civil Rights Movements? Really? Then how come they have been sneakily going about securing voter suppression legislation in certain key states? Back then college students saw what was happening and protested everything from the right to vote for everyone to against the Viet Nam War which no sense to anyone with an ounce of common sense and yet so many our young soldiers died. Back then I really thought a difference was being made, that people were moved by these tragedies to fight what had caused them but, it was the body politic, after all, wasn't it? As for the "people"...the hippies...most of them went Wall Street. Turn coats like Abbie Hoffman! forgetting what was once valued in favor of the buck! then came the 'me' then "x" (as in unknown factor in algebra) and truthfully what could they know? What I and my colleagues, such as Barbara Cavallo (please read her blog on voiceofthecrone.blogspot.com)have forgotten, Gen Me and Gen X will never know... But ignorance is no excuse. If are too young to know what I am talking about, READ YOUR HISTORY, DAMMIT!

Oh, Yeah?

So now we hear the medical report on Simmerman was actually done by his physician stating all the injuries he sustained including black eyes. Now pictures of him are suddenly circulating. Interesting. What about the fact that he appeared in tact on the police station camcorder when he arrived? How about the fact that there were no blood stains to be found on him anywhere or an EMT report of treatment (that I know of?) Even if (and i say IF) THIS IS ALL TRUE (my jury is really waaaay out there)wouldn't it stand to reason that if he felt physically threatened Trayvon might have had a tussle? In my opinion this is moot question so I ask you...who is the person that died?

Religions Vs. Rights

I applaud ministers who can see the difference between religion and rights. In deferring to the bible, as with Mormons, there would be polygamy, no? Prostitution was also a stoneable abomination however, Jesus befriended Mary Magdalene (won't go into "codes" here which I ascribe to personally, just The Word) there are many takes on the bible who is right and what interpretative tools were used to conclude what these takes have been. Some are literal but then as I said if that were true there would polygamy which is in the Bible but illegal (religion vs. rights again) some align the scriptures with historic events. I say "physician heal thyself" and let others make their own peace with their Creator as they need in this area of discussion.

'THEY"

People would get angry when David Dukes (former KKK Grand Dragon) was on talk shows but I said let him talk and be seen. I want people like this SEEN because there are many who delude themselves into thinking we are ok. We are not. Look at the GOP. If they weren't flapping their mouths we would all think people aren't as racist as they really are. All this has come out in my opinion because our President is Black. No more, no less. Once he was elected all the hidden hatred came out. We needed to see this. We need to know the enemy. "They" are out to get us. As I always quote, "Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get me!" Now I know who "they" are! "they" are the racist/homophobic/Evangelical/White Supremicists/misogenistic haters like Rat Limbaugh. But, you know? Let them keep talking. this way we know who the enemy is.

QUANTUM SPIRITUALITY THE SCIENCE OF CHANGE 05/10 by catecavanagh | Blog Talk Radio

QUANTUM SPIRITUALITY THE SCIENCE OF CHANGE 05/10 by catecavanagh | Blog Talk Radio

The Power Of The People!

I had the occasion to be in New York City assisting an elderly aunt this week. The weather there was wonderful! Some days had the feel of the malingering of crispness of winter while other days were wonderfully warm. The sun shone brilliantly and it simply felt good having it's long overdue rays wash over me. You see where I live in upstate New York it has been mostly overcast. We've had a few days that were really warm as well but there is always a ten degree difference between where I am upstate and New York City proper as I live in a rural area. After a day of assisting my aunt with the tasks at hand we I began to notice something very unique. Now don't get me wrong. People have always worn hoodies. They wear them under their jackets usually in the winter time or on those "iffy" weather days in case they need to pull up the hood to feel a little warmer or in case of rain or snow. But this week I saw almost everyone wearing hoodies! All races of people were wearing hoodies, even on the warmest day. Children were wearing hoodies--most of them brand new! Teens wore them, the elderly wore them and there was no question in my mind that what I was witnessing was a silent coalition of people making their statements about young Trayvon Martin and their support of his family. The details of the legal process now begun is all over the news and finally the process is in motion. But this post is not about that. It's about something more. Something began to happen when the 99% began to unite. Now something else is happening. Something some power players should fear: THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE!

Thank The Gods! Ann Romney Knows About Being A Stay At Home Mom.

So what Seamus's abuser knows about women's issues comes from his stay-at-home-wife/mom. I find that very comforting!

Of course their sons went to private school and of course she had the arduous task of supervising tutoring when needed.

She had to drive two Cadillac's! Of course this meant she to make sure someone else kept them running properly. Changing a flat tire was hard too...waiting for someone to come get her while someone else changed the flat and got the car home for her.

I am sure it took a lot of imagination and planning and effort to shop for groceries and cook dinners and make lunches too! I am tired already!

In between waiting for her sons to get home/finish with their tutors etc. I can only imagine how hard it was to schedule hair dresser appointments, full body wraps, manicures and do the hard work of sitting in a spa to relieve all the stress.

Working mothers do not get the credit they deserve. I know. I was a single mom and also caregiver for my disabled mom at the same time I was raising my daughter. I was also going to night college to finish my degree. I had numerous emergency room runs in the middle of the night monthly because of my mom's fragile health and my daughter's chronic ear infections.

I am so relieved that Mrs. Dog Abuser understands what it was all like. After all dialing for a private physician to make a house call and waiting for him is nerve wrecking to be sure.

I am truly at ease knowing how well Seamus's abusers know the plight of women, even stay at home moms who often do the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal planning, help with homework personally and fret waiting for triple A to come if the car breaks down.

Yep. The dog abusers understand and know all there is to know about being a woman. What will the rest of us do without them?

Mrs. Animal Abuser Knows About Being A Stay At Home Mom

So what Seamus's abuser knows about women's issues comes from his stay-at-home-wife/mom. I find that very comforting!

Of course their sons went to private school and of course she had the arduous task of supervising tutoring when needed.

She had to drive two Cadillac's! Of course this meant she to make sure someone else kept them running properly. Changing a flat tire was hard too...waiting for someone to come get her while someone else changed the flat and got the car home for her.

I am sure it took a lot of imagination and planning and effort to shop for groceries and cook dinners and make lunches too! I am tired already!

In between waiting for her sons to get home/finish with their tutors etc. I can only imagine how hard it was to schedule hair dresser appointments, full body wraps, manicures and do the hard work of sitting in a spa to relieve all the stress.

Working mothers do not get the credit they deserve. I know. I was a single mom and also caregiver for my disabled mom at the same time I was raising my daughter. I was also going night college to finish my degree. I had numerous emergency room runs in the middle of the night monthly because of my mom's fragile health and my daughter's chronic ear infections.

I am so relieved that Mrs. Dog Abuser understands what it was all like. After all dialing for a private physician to make a house call and waiting for him is nerve wrecking to be sure.

I am truly at ease knowing how well Seamus's abusers know the plight of women, even stay at home moms who often do the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal planning, help with homework personally and fret waiting for triple A to come if the car breaks down.

Yep. The dog abusers understand and know all there is to know about being a woman. What will the rest of us do without them?

AD NAUSEUM

Someone posted a picture of a policeman macing a young child at a protest which completely stunned my Middle Eastern friend and pen pal from Egypt. Egypt has seen it's fair share of protest so I tried to explain to him what has been going on. In so doing I had to back peddle for his benefit and wrote back:

This has become common here at protests of late. In the sixties cops used to beat people with their nightsticks and clubs, use fire hoses on Black protesters (and their supporters) on Freedom (to vote) Marches. There were many Black deaths, most of which were ignored by the cops in the south. What gets those of us who are championing for the poor here and those whose benefits are threatened is that these protests are for the police too who would stand to lose everything if the wrong person gets elected president. Now there is a law making it illegal to protest which is guaranteed in our Constitution. Ironically two opposing factions the 'left" comprised of unions and the "right" meaning Tea Party people are joining forces to fight this law! I can only pray this is the beginning of getting the USA back on track. Under the Patriot Act ANYONE could accuse anyone of subversive activities which would get that person arrested and held without charge with no information as to the whereabouts of this person to even family. A person could be held indefinitely just as it has been happening in the Middle East and elsewhere. Us diehards however continue to protest and petition for human rights EVERYWHERE. But the US is no longer the beacon of freedom dear friend. The fascist elements in this country have taken over! My family and friends have expressed concerns about my writings and that I would be gathered up never to be seen or heard from again. The government monitors everyday on the internet. I know I have a huge file on me and I don't care! I KNOW the keywords I use put up more red flags but I DON'T CARE! I am inspired by the Bahraini poet who has suffered so much for expressing herself in the name of love of country and freedom. Many people here are hateful, ignorant or just plain stupid to be blunt and do not see or cannot believe or do not want to see what has been going here. The boy murdered in Florida (Trayvon Martin) is a symbol of all that is wrong. The whole so called investigation was a farce slanted to protect the killer. We have stupid laws in many states that have extended STAND YOUR GROUND laws from shooting to kill in your home to the streets at large. One state passed a law that even the cops could be shot if someone felt "threatened". Now why would a cop respond to a neighbor calling for help for say someone being beaten or raped in the home? Now this killer, Zimmerman (my jury is in--I believe him guilty of a hate murder) is claiming Trayvon attacked him and gave him a bloody nose and bashed his head on concrete. There are videos taken within a half hour of this shooting in which Zimmerman does not even have blood on his shirt! Reports say he was treated in the back of the squad car. This is the first time I have ever heard of someone injured not being escorted to the hospital and treated under police watch! Now there is a witness that says he and Trayvon were on the lawn. Frankly, if a big guy stalks me and knocks me down I would put up one hell of a fight. If there was such an altercation why wouldn't Trayvon have the right to do so? He stalked Trayvon despite instructions from police not to do so.

There are many that say people are race baiting this tragedy but from the beginning the parents have only called for due process...an investigation (a proper one) in which an alleged perpetrator is arrested while the investigation takes place. How this was handled flies in the face of how true investigation and forensics are to be applied...or used to be.

I agree with the many opinions that express the belief that even under this insane law Trayvon had the right to stand his ground. Apparently he got killed because he did.

JUSICE FOR TRAYVON!

The Mew of Women

As a woman I am beyond outraged at the Right Wing War on women! State by state, sneaking under the auspices of STATES RIGHTS conservative leaning states have been stripping the power of women.

Panels of WHITE MEN gathered to present their conclusions on the situation of women of all races and economic status. I want to scream, "HOW DARE YOU?" But to be honest if I scream anything it must be "How dare US?"

Who is "US?" The us I refer to women! You see for whatever the reason state legislatures in which this abomination is running rampart are predominantly conservative men. And, for all the numbers saying how many women are voters, blah, blah BLAH it begs the question: where were the women in these states?

In Texas the women are screaming "DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS WOMEN" but, apparently lacking foresight and conventional wisdom these Texas women allowed the extreme right to control their state's congress!

Now women are waking up but true power will not be ours until we admit that instead of ROARING, women have been mewing instead!

One Short Observant Snark!

You know how all the pundits are wondering why the GOP is not criticizing Rat Limbaugh? I think I figured out why! First Bush carried his luggage in the White House! Younger Shrub sang happy birthday to him and carried his cake. Don't you think they all huddled and made their "comments and remarks?" NOW they are afraid if they rebuff him he will spill the beans about those fireside chats!

I'm Sorry, What Did You Say?

Between "Blunt", bastardy and blunders yesterday's gamut of GOOPHER (GOP) rhetorical display of yet another "ism" exemplified by laughable if not so dangerous "Rat" Limbaugh's attack on a student as being a "femnazi" the day was wrought with attacks or defenses of the wall of racism, Nazism, misogynism being erected higher and higher against THE MAJORITY by a monied few. it would seem there is something we, THE MAJORITY, aren't noticing. It seems to me EVERYONE is bucking for a fiefdom in their anticipated NEW REGIME of American society in which WE THE PEOPLE become WE THE SERVANTS.

Can you imagine Seamus's Abusive Owner saying, " What? You said DON'T push the button? I'm sorry. I misunderstood." How about Pope Sanctimonious condemning women to the death penalty for a medically required abortion? The Blunt amendment would have, by it's generalization, left women prey to arbitrarily determined health care coverage on a case by case basis. I am sure if Rat Limbaugh was told viagra was not covered, he would have a fit (one I would like to see on video BTW if for no other reason than to see him furious if a man is infringed upon.)

What we have seen, only since yesterday, is the face of a dangerously connected power play to rich, powerful WHITE, ANGRY men who have decided the lower echelons have no right to rights.

Talk about white-washing!

STATES' RIGHTS...A BLIGHT ON OUR COUNTRY!

The Radical has been working overtime pitting citizens against each other. Citizens that have more in common with each other than they do with any of the "GOOPHER" candidates running under the disgraceful tent of the GOP. Seamus' abusive owner would those of us to are informed to believe he is the man of the people. If he abused Seamus to the point of running away up in Canada what can he possibility understand of the lower income people whose votes he hopes to wrest away from...well...ANYBODY!Claiming a victory in Michigan he plays down that were only a few districts that carried him: the richest districts. Santorum, vying for the new movie remake of THE OMEN carried the lower and middle class districts in Michigan. Using a Rev. Al story it appears Santorum got the gigantic pieces of pie! Delegates were split equally between Mitt the Magician who magically outsourced jobs at much cheaper rates, broke unions and whose wizardry to have Detroit go bankrupt went Ppfft in the face of the so called novice magic maker, Barack Obama. He who shall never again by named by me is this political cycle's Voldemort all appearing preened for success until the nonsense spills out of his mouth, of course ruining his magic moment. While at Daytona our villain admitted not being as great a fan as many and garbled his spell by adding his friends own the teams. A BP-esque way of calling everyone else "Little People". But as I wax the pen of whimsy there truly something serious going on here. In many states, legislatures have already passed state voting laws making state issued IDs the only pass into the voting booth. In Texas, to be fair, a gun permit is also acceptable.

States Rights. If this state by state movement weren't so threatening I would laugh at the desperate measures the GOOPHERS are utilizing because they must really know it is not likely a Republican will win a Presidential election. But goes even further than this. Republican legislatures have now closed hundreds of polling places in their states citing this will not prove inconvenient as it will only require another five minute walk and a little longer wait on line. They do not seem to care that it is highly noticeable and suspicious that these closings are taking place in minority districts that tend to vote democratic. They are giving us transparency alright. Loud and clear.

States Rights. This is a phrase that sends shudders down my spine! As a student of history I know that after the Civil War, President Johnson a rebel sympathizer turned away giving implied consent to what would become an indentured servitude class, despite being outlawed, called peonage. this made it possible for a white man to walk up to any Black man or woman and say "You owe me money". Well justice being as it was back then and, if the Goophers have their way we will all be reduced to this in time. But what happened is state by state these laws were passed making it possible for a Black person to be imprisoned under conditions that in many cases were worse than slavery because as the prisoners were leased out for hard labor, there was no need to even feed them!

Of course there was a conspiracy among the rich White ANGRY men, such as we are witnessing today to ensure prisons terms were far longer than the alleged debt.
Am I nuts to believe I am seeing history being repeated here? Am I nuts that the more States' Rights legislation is being bargained for, bought and instilled the rights of Americans are being trampled down to the days when the Good Ol' (WHITE AND ANGRY OF COURSE) boys club ruled over everything like a fifedom?

If there is war fare going on here it is NOT to the wealthy but to the poor, minorities, liberal voters consisting of rabble rousing vitriol designed to reach the least open minded and educated of us all. Yet, like in Civil War Times Santorium sneers at college education in a disparaging way. I guess it's the modern times' version of it being against the law for slaves to read. He would have it be a disgrace to be a person who THINKS!

To my dismay my doomsday conspiricist nature was right when long, long ago I saw a plot. A plot to destroy a rising class of educated thinkers from the ranks of our society in favor of fans who will cheer the loss of even their rights so long as no one else has them and jeer those among us who see the imminent danger being posed to us. Under the guise of so called success, under the shroud of coming from a poor family, under the guise of the bully pulpit These are the true Barbarians only they have been inside our gates for a very, very long time.

This Post Modern Reconstruction Era

If you have not seen it you MUST watch the PBS special, SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME. As I watched this incredibly informative program about life after the Emancipation Proclamation I saw saw frightening similarities between then and now.

To briefly recap, after Lincoln's assassination the new President (Johnson) was allied with southern interests. Being an economy based on free labor run by a small number of aristocrats (sound familiar?) and with a majority of poor whites who were also uneducated and poverty stricken, free Black people were feared as competitors for work aka survival.

In 1864 slavery was outlawed by The 13th Amendment was issued as a temporary act which read, "Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

In 1868 to further ensure equality the 14th Amendment was passed stating (Section 1)
that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

In 1870 the 15th Amendment was passed stating the prime objective in Section 1 as being, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

Basically what happened thereafter was a backlash in the south that resulted in the placement of congressional leaders that passed laws EMPOWERING INDIVIDUAL STATES to govern according to their own laws (Sound familiar?) The result, as brilliantly illustrated in this documentary, was laws that made (for example) loitering being defined as being unemployed with loitering being a crime punishable by imprisonment. Of course there were other laws such as the Pig Laws that made stealing a pig punishable by eight years in prison! the south then found a way to get back cheap labor by sentencing man, many more Black men than white men so they could be hired out to hard labor for the newly growing Industrial Economy.

With the push for States' Rights being bandied about in a frighteningly serious manner and with ignorance not only being catered to but lauded as a virtue can we not see where this is going?

Fast forward to our present. The elite one per cent is doing the very same thing to circumvent rights such as federal laws to which states must comply. States' Rights, if put in place could over ride federal law and cancel the Civil rights Acts, Women's Voting rights and even freedom of religion! this sounds far fetched some may say but, is it really?

With misinformation being bandied about that many people are not minimally educated enough to know States' Rights might appeal to a particular religious or philosophical point of view.

Now consider this: Have the ninety-nine per cent, over time, becomes slaves by another name?

When Hell Freisses Over!

So some people think Santorum supporter Freiss's aspirin remark was just a joke?

There is something rotten here and those that toss misogyny around as if it will change anything within the mind of majority Americans (including a majority of Republicans)in actuality know better. These ANGRY WHITE KNOW! Why else is money being tossed in the ring to the extent that it will continue to be? Super Pacs I don't believe really care what the morality issue is here. They only care about who will pander to their interests. So these morality plays are just to get the unwitting/racist/misogynistic/narrow minded and poorly informed people on board. Cloaked under the cape of religion, Witch Hunts are afoot. Again. And, again against women!

But this really behooves the compounding issues. From personhood laws, to voter ID laws geared to eliminating millions of democratic leaning voters to Seamus's abusive owner saying there are safety nets and charitable organizations--blah, blah, BLAH the underlying issue is all about rights. It's about the right of women to make decisions about her body. It's about the have nots having the power to vote for THEIR INTERESTS. It's about putting state mandates about Gay Marriage in the manure pile where it belongs because Gay Marriage is a CIVIL RIGHT. End of story. In fact all these issues are about CIVIL RIGHTS. States' Rights means a state can have laws contrary to Federal law! It means some states could make it illegal for Black, women and Gays to even have the vote! It's about freedom. Freedom for women to make decisions about their bodies, the freedom to not have one's rights to vote undermined and the freedom to be an equal member of this country whether you are a minority, a woman or Gay!

Sadly, there are some that are falling for the smoke and mirrors ploy but polls are very encouraging in that most Americans simply do not agree. As the GOP keeps talking the President Obama and democrats are gaining ground. It should be a major sweep except for the fact that the GOP is gaining points as it gets, state by state voter ID laws that just might PREVENT a majority of these Americans, state by state, to even have the opportunity to vote. I hear RIGGED offstage....

Right versus THE RIGHT

Despite my having issues with late term"ish" abortions it is a slippery slope to curb abortion rights in any way. All women will lose and with this "personhood" campaign going around we can now see how it inevitably even looped full circle to making President's Obama's new birth control policy a hot button religious liberty issue.

Aside from the benefits to women's health this policy presents it is mind boggling how little (it seems) the right wing subscribers know about American history. I am speaking about the general extreme right population that seems to accept that somehow the founding Fathers wanted to protect religious over liberty of the individual. It is perhaps a sad statement on education standards that I remember separation of Church and State being designed to prevent the discriminatory practices against Protestantism in Europe as well as the these practices being adopted by the very group that was discriminated against (Puritans.)

Perhaps I don't get it. As a lapsed “Cafeteria Catholic” most of my peers and family members gave no credence to Pontifical decrees. I believe in religious freedom. Staunchly as I myself belong to a “non-traditional” belief system but I cannot fathom why Catholic founded institutions, hospitals and agencies cannot simply allow for individual choice. I find it interesting though that Viagra is covered but oral contraceptives that serve a multitude of purposes one of which might be contraception should not.

In the attempt to rewind the clock to back alley abortions and when women were kept in their places the face of the angry WHITE man is showing itself.

Why I Am A Liberal

Like Lawrence O'Donnell I too wear my Liberal label with pride. I am constantly confused about what makes a Tea Partier, far Right Winger and judgmental Evangelicals.

I mean there are a lot of non-sequiters here. For One, Tea Party people say they don't want big government but I am sure that many of them receive Social Security, Social Security Disability and/or Workmens Compensation. I am sure they have been through the mill with health insurance companies either for themselves or a family member. Yet they seem oblivious to the fact that those they endorse are endangering these very benefits they need as much as any struggling LIBERAL. Like Tea Partiers Right Wingers also decry big government and its involvement in our lives. Yet it was the paranoia of the extreme Right that brought about the Patriot Act, wiretapping of citizens and the potential for citizens to be arrested and detained indefinitely without the rights we all took for granted. As for Evangelicals well they certainly do not seem to live the love their own holy book preaches and, it seems if there is nothing hateful to promote they have little to say. So to say I am confused about what makes people like this be the people they are is an understatement. They will rush to the camps of Gingrich and Seamus's abusive owner (I said I would not dignify him by calling him by name, didn't I?) One camp espouses hatred and stereotypes and the other will say just about anything to make the one per cent and corporate greed acceptable. I just don't get it.

But, truth be told they probably don't get me either. They don't get why I just get riled when someone like Ron Paul says the Civil rights Act interfered with Property Rights. PROPERTY RIGHTS? How insensitive can anyone be? You mean to tell me that putting a stop to racist segregation and the disenfranchisement of the Black vote is about property rights? I shudder just thinking about this one. Supposedly because businesses could no longer tell Black people they couldn't come in for a cup of coffee interfered with their property rights! ...And people wonder why I am a Liberal!

I witnessed the violence against protesting students first hand and I remember the PENN STATE MASSACRE. It was MY college opposite of City Hall in NYC that suffered property damage in the millions because police endorsed violence by "Hard Hats" (a euphemism for the right wing back then) lurked in waiting with two by fours to attack students conducting a nonviolent anti war march down Wall Street as well as police violence against students and even people having lunch in City Hall Park. Police barged into the new building of Pace University and terrorized students to the point that male students ran downstairs to the girls' dorm to get them up and away from the police that were viciously attacking anyone in sight.

Although I did not participate in FREEDOM RIDES because I just too young I had teachers in junior high school that did and most of them had stitches as a result of being beaten down South marching with Dr. King.

I am a Liberal because my mom suffered a debilitating stroke when I was nine years old and, since she was speech impaired, as a result I had to become her advocate against adults who would make fun of her because of her speech. I had to argue with bus drivers who thought it was okay to close the bus doors on a disabled woman because somehow this wold make her move more quickly. As her caregiver, this led to my becoming a advocate and social service coordinator for the disabled helping disabled people, children and their families navigate a brutal system for the assistance they were entitled to. This is why I am a Liberal.

There's another reason. I am the product of an Irish/English American father and a dark skinned Puerto Rican mother. But for where I was born WE would have experienced the hatred Black people did. There are those saying that the Civil Rights Act was forced on a people that would have eventually changed their attitude.
Oh really?...And the South would have eventually freed the slaves many historians say. Why would the South have given up on its economic advantage: below par living conditions, horrible nutrition, women for the taking to say nothing of living a life of despair without the hope of ever living a different life. Now imagine knowing your children would endure the same horrors! ...And people should wait.

Although I choose to believe there is a lot of good about humanity I am not naive. I have come to see that if someone can get over by stepping on someone else he or she will do it in the name of religion or business or winning the vote. The campaigns GOP candidates are running give testament to this and THE major election will be a referendum on whether or not American people will vote for humanity or for bias.

THIS IS WHY I AM A LIBERAL!

Where's The Love, Guys?

I guess I am following the advice that Polonious him Hamlet gave but never folllowed himself: "Brevity is the soul of wit."

As the countdown as to who the GOP nominee will be winds down I find myself having less and to say. Perhaps it is because of all the screaming at the news coverage of these candidates. Or, more to the point, I am so very weary of all the misrepresentation!

Those of us in the "know" versus those in power are going insane with the apparent appeal to the emotions approach to campaigning. In public speaking and debate this was the type of speech to avoid as it sacrificed quality and fact. In short, effective speaking was not appealing to the emotions. Yet, here we see hooligans standing up and giving standing ovations for hateful rhetoric, booing a gay serviceman and cheering capital punishment in Texas.

Right now the field has narrowed down to Gingrich, Santorum, Paul and Seamus the dog's abuser. Yep. Now I won't even mention his name at all.

But all the posturing about about how wrong social programs are and how people are bilking it I have this to say. Firstly most of the senior citizens I have known in my life barely received $800 per month in Social Security. Secondly the Federal guidelines that determine whether or not people will receive public Assistance are as follows: 1 person household, $10,890 annual income ($908 per month),
2 person household, $14,710 annual income ($1,226 per month) and for every additional person $3,820 is allowed for each additional person in a household.

Who are these people kidding? While Seamus's abusive owner claimed making $365,000 giving speeches "wasn't much" begs the question...Does HE (or any other GOP candidate) have any idea at all about these income eligibility requirements or that if a person/family makes ONE DOLLAR more a month they WILL NOT QUALIFY? As if making one dollar over this requirement is living the lavish life! It makes me think no poor Republicans attend the debates.

Nor, I imagine, do they know the humiliation one endures during the application process. If they did they might possibly understand the suffering and despair that leads to (although inexcusable) shootings at public assistance offices.

Lady Liberty invites the tired and poor to come into this nation. But the tired and poor are already here.

Show Us The MONEY (Trail)!!!!

Dear Romney:

As I mentioned in my recent blog about THE DOG DAYS OF SEAMUS, I no longer feel obligated to grace you with the prefix "Mr."

However that does not mean I will not give you another generous portion of my mind!

Succinctly put: SHOW US YOUR MONEY TRAIL for Pete's Sake! Everyone screamed and screamed for proof of President Obama's citizenship and yet you are balking at showing how much in taxes YOU habitually pay?

Oh, wait. That's right you are going to release your April filing. Hum. Not previous years. Hum. ...And this is why? Perhaps it's because you have already told your tax person to claim a higher tax rate?

As for creating jobs here why are you employing bankers on the Cayman Islands? Triple hum. Foot tapping now. Eyes rolling now. Flip flopping and tax readjusting is there ANY truth forthcoming in the foreseeable future?

Looks like you are keeping your tax history tightly under warps...with more protective covering than you gave Seamus!

The Dog Days of Seamus

By now we all know about Romney's love of dogs! As an animal lover I am appalled! His claims about how Seamus loved this is nothing more than personification with little knowledge or love for dogs at all.

Firstly, it is common instinct for dogs to love their "dens" and dens are very helpful for dogs that suffer separation anxiety. You see it nurtures the primordial nature of canines to back when they were wild and, as a training/comfort zone, there is nothing wrong with employing it for emotional security of the dog.

Now this is what happened. They all embarked on a twelve hour road trip with Seamus in his kennel strapped to the top of the station wagon because there was no room for him inside. Wait. I guess this is where Romney style economics comes in. With all his money was he just tooo cheap to rent a larger vehicle so that the dog could be with the rest of the family?

It is also unhealthy for a dog's eyes to be exposed to constant wind which is why it is recommended that windows be opened a little at the top when traveling with dogs. In addition the speed with which the car was going what was the wind chill factor? What about rest stops? Apparently this was not "productive" to efficiency because Seamus had gotten diarrhea which dripped onto the window. Romney (no more "Mr." for you, you beast!)pulled into a gas station and hosed the window and the dog down and then put the dog back into the kennel to be riding, dripping wet, at highway speeds.

No wonder you can't tell a corporation from a person when you treat your supposedly beloved pet in such a barbaric manner! I guess these are the values you taught your children too...that animals are commodities and when inconvenient it is okay to put them in the dead letter bin. HUMPH!

No matter what you say you are an awful human being. I thought so before but am convinced of it now and don't think animal lovers don't vote! We are part of the "fringe" you need to fear: animal loving, fair minded citizens! Now. Where is your tax return? The dead letter bin?

Thanks For The Memories!

With the help of the Republican candidates no one has to wait for the President or other democrats to begin their campaigns!

Bain is a thorn in Romney's side and there is no getting away from his overt support of real estate speculation when he stated foreclosures should run their course allowing "investors" (AKA speculators)to buy properties at a fraction of the cost so they can resell at a profit. This profit will be huge! For example if a $200,000 home is foreclosed or "quick saled" that home might, for example be sold for $75,000 and then resold for $125,000. Years ago real estate ethics warned against speculators. Speculators were then white washed as this type of practice became "gentrification" which resulted in massive homelessness. As a New Yorker I witnessed this first hand. Neighborhoods that were communities became too expensive for people to stay and then became trendy with the ME GENERATION as their denizens.

Why were people in such shock about Wall Street and the loss of pensions etc.? We did after all have Bernie Madoff in our midst and this following the ENRON catastrophe during the Bush years. Excuse me but what were the penalties for those at fault? This story quickly slipped away even with leftist news channels as the noose was tightened around their throats! ENRON was an omen of what was to come and no one bothered to begin the checks and balances then. It was swept away under the rug of capitalist acceptable losses. Yes. Acceptable losses...as in war...as in class war.

Now Romney is calling the suffering many "envious." With voter suppression and immigration laws targeting certain ethnic groups the Republicans are campaigning for the Democrats. As they rally for pre-Civil War states rights under the guise of Lincoln and the Republican party of the time being abolitionists they cloak the real meaning of states' rights as it pertains to today: let's go back to back street abortions, decide who votes and who doesn't and who, based on how someone looks, is an illegal alien.

Keep talking because by the time you are finished the Democrats and President Obama will have nothing much left so say.

And W're Walking....Backwards

As GOP “conservatives” battle for what I believe will be a very small number of extremist votes in the general election I want to scream! Now Ron Paul somehow equates The Civil Rights Act as an assault on property?

As a descendent of an African woman kidnapped to be a Spaniard's slave in Puerto Rico I have thought of what my ancestor endured as a slave. I always imagine the worse so, to some degree I really relate to the outrage African Americans feel when discussion inevitably comes around to repealing The Civil Rights Act in favor of states' rights. Let's not forget if “certain people” were not allowed to vote, eat where they wanted and sit at the front of the bus there would never had been the need for The Civil Rights Act to begin.

What is Mr. Paul talking about when he equate civil rights with property rights? Is he saying that somehow people are property after all? That people can once again “know their place?” Even the people of Texas were progressive enough to realize the Confederate flag on every license plate issued was a slap in the face to the Black experience here in the United States. With more wisdom than I sadly gave them credit for they knew a Confederate flag on all license plates would in essence provide cover for real racists. Rightfully what Texans really said was “You want it? Pay for a vanity plate!” Just as Texans have reached an epiphany I can only hope other states will follow.

The personhood issue will become a major subject in the months to come. When exactly is a person a person? I have my own views on at what point an abortion should be conducted but that is not the point. The issue is a woman's right to choose what is best for herself and her family. Three doctors have been arrested for performing late term abortions as of this writing. I do not support late term abortions personally but what were the circumstances? I do not know. Was it a matter of endangering the mother?
What if the personhood is determined to be the time of fertilization? What if the pill, IUD, condoms or any other practice to utilize birth control become illegal because it interferes with “Divine Will?” Despite my own personal views I am not going to pass judgment on another woman who chooses abortion at any point during the pregnancy. Unfortunately those who want to impose the definition of personhood on the rest of us will use any modification of the law as it stands to become more and more restrictive until there will no longer be a right to abortion.

To be brutally frank, and I would never wish this on anyone, I also believe should any of the candidates' daughter fall prey to a rapist, especially a minority perpetrator they would see to it that an abortion was done. We would never know about it of course but that is what money buys: privacy.

There's a reason some laws have become federal. No state nor can anyone in a particular state break a federal law. With obvious ploys to prevent democrats from voting such as outlawing SOULS TO THE POLLS, ridiculous voter registration policies which make it humanly impossible to process voter registration applications within forty-eight hours and the nit-picking of what photo is okay or not
One thing is clear. The GOP is afraid. VERY AFRAID.

Waiting To Run Backwards...

As GOP “conservatives” battle for what I believe will be a very small number of extremist votes in the general election I want to scream! Now Ron Paul somehow equates The Civil Rights Act as an assault on property?

As a descendent of an African woman kidnapped to be a Spaniard's slave in Puerto Rico I have thought of what my ancestor endured as a slave. I always imagine the worse so, to some degree I really relate to the outrage African Americans feel when discussion inevitably comes around to repealing The Civil Rights Act in favor of states' rights. Let's not forget if “certain people” were not allowed to vote, eat where they wanted and sit at the front of the bus there would never had been the need for The Civil Rights Act to begin.

What is Mr. Paul talking about when he equate civil rights with property rights? Is he saying that somehow people are property after all? That people can once again “know their place?” Even the people of Texas were progressive enough to realize the Confederate flag on every license plate issued was a slap in the face to the Black experience here in the United States. With more wisdom than I sadly gave them credit for they knew a Confederate flag on all license plates would in essence provide cover for real racists. Rightfully what Texans really said was “You want it? Pay for a vanity plate!” Just as Texans have reached an epiphany I can only hope other states will follow.

The personhood issue will become a major subject in the months to come. When exactly is a person a person? I have my own views on at what point an abortion should be conducted but that is not the point. The issue is a woman's right to choose what is best for herself and her family. Three doctors have been arrested for performing late term abortions as of this writing. I do not support late term abortions personally but what were the circumstances? I do not know. Was it a matter of endangering the mother?
What if the personhood is determined to be the time of fertilization? What if the pill, IUD, condoms or any other practice to utilize birth control become illegal because it interferes with “Divine Will?” Despite my own personal views I am not going to pass judgment on another woman who chooses abortion at any point during the pregnancy. Unfortunately those who want to impose the definition of personhood on the rest of us will use any modification of the law as it stands to become more and more restrictive until there will no longer be a right to abortion.

To be brutally frank, and I would never wish this on anyone, I also believe should any of the candidates' daughter fall prey to a rapist, especially a minority perpetrator they would see to it that an abortion was done. We would never know about it of course but that is what money buys: privacy.

There's a reason some laws have become federal. No state nor can anyone in a particular state break a federal law. With obvious ploys to prevent democrats from voting such as outlawing SOULS TO THE POLLS, ridiculous voter registration policies which make it humanly impossible to process voter registration applications within forty-eight hours and the nit-picking of what photo is okay or not
One thing is clear. The GOP is afraid. VERY AFRAID.