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